Chances are that most of us may have never heard of the Sidis. They are a community in India whose roots lie in Africa. They were brought to India beginning in the 12th Century as slaves. See Sidis and Scholars: Essays on African Indians by Amy Catlin-Jairazbhoy.
Not all Sidi ancestors were slaves. Some were sailors, servants, and merchants who came as the result of the "sea trade through East Africa and the Gulf." See The Lost Africans of India. Much of the history of the Sidis is lost to them, however, a study of their music and dance bares resemblance to Africa. Also, their hair and complexions and features are distinctly African.
At least two communities of Sidi people can be found in Gujarat and Karnataka. Thousands live in poverty along the West coast of India. See African Tribe Lost in India.
See The Story of Africa, and for more on African slaves in India, see
Gazetteer, Volume 11
By Bombay (India : State) below:
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