The History of Mauritius

You’ve seen the beaches, you’ve heard about the food—but have you ever wondered how Mauritius became the island it is today?

Before you explore the island itself, let’s rewind a bit. Trust us, the past is just as fascinating as the view!

So… Who Discovered Mauritius First?

Due to limited historical records from the island’s earliest encounters, the exact timeline of Mauritius’s discovery remains uncertain. What is known is that Arab sailors reached the island around the 10th century, referring to it as Dina Arobi, or “Desert Island.” They were later followed by Malay navigators, though details from that period are minimal and largely undocumented.

Portuguese Period

The Portuguese sailor Domingo Fernandez Pereira is believed to have been the first European to set foot on Mauritius, around 1511. The island appeared on early Portuguese maps under the name "Cirne", likely inspired by the Dodo, a flightless bird that was then abundant on the island. Another Portuguese explorer, Don Pedro Mascarenhas, later gave his name to the Mascarene Islands, a group comprising Mauritius, Rodrigues, and Réunion. However, the Portuguese made no attempt to settle on these islands, as they held little strategic or economic interest for them at the time.

The Dutch Settlements (1598 - 1710)

The Dutch were the first Europeans to establish a lasting presence on Mauritius. In 1598, Admiral Wybrand Van Warwyck led an expedition to the island, naming it Mauritius after Prince Maurice of Nassau. However, their settlement efforts didn’t last long.

• 1638: The Dutch established the first settlement on the island, with explorer Abel Tasman departing from here to chart parts of Australia.
• 1638-1658: Harsh conditions, natural disasters, and limited profitability led to the collapse of their colony after about 20 years.
• Post-1658-1710: Attempts to re-establish Dutch control failed, and by 1710, the Dutch abandoned Mauritius.

Dutch Contributions

Despite their short-lived presence, the Dutch left behind important contributions: sugarcane, domestic animals, and deer - each of which played a lasting role in shaping the island’s agriculture and ecology.

The French Period (1715 - 1810)

The French arrived in 1715, and the island soon became a colonial power under their rule. Mauritius was renamed Isle de France, and under French governance, the island saw significant development.

• 1721: Permanent French settlement began, and the island's infrastructure grew, with Port Louis becoming a bustling port city.
• 1735-1746: Governor Mahé de Labourdonnais oversaw major projects, including the construction of important buildings like Government House and Château de Mon Plaisir.
• 1790s-1810: During the Napoleonic Wars, Mauritius became a base for French corsairs who targeted British merchant ships.
• 1810: The British forces invaded and defeated the French at the Battle of Grand Port, leading to the French surrender of Mauritius.

The British Takeover (1810 - 1968)

In 1814, Mauritius was formally ceded to Britain under the Treaty of Paris. The British introduced significant changes that would shape the island’s future.

• 1835: Slavery was abolished, leading to the importation of indentured laborers from India to work in the sugar fields, transforming the island’s demographic and cultural landscape.
• 1850s-1900s: The British expanded the sugar industry and invested in infrastructure, including roads, railways, and telecommunication.

Cultural Transformation

The island’s society grew more diverse, with Indian indentured laborers, Hindu and Muslim, making up a significant part of the population, alongside a small Chinese community. The blending of these cultures can still be seen in Mauritius today.

Mauritius Independence

Mauritius’s journey to full self-governance was shaped by key political milestones:

• 1955 - 1957: Constitutional reforms in London led to the introduction of a ministerial system, allowing more locally-elected representatives to have authority.
• 1959: The island held its first general elections, with all adults eligible to vote, marking a significant step towards independence.
• 1961 - 1965: Further constitutional changes set the stage for Mauritius to gain full sovereignty.

Independence Achieved

• 1967: General elections were held, with the Independence Party securing a victory.
• 12 March 1968: Mauritius officially became an independent nation within the Commonwealth, with Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam as its first Prime Minister.

Becoming a Republic

• 12 March 1992: Mauritius transitioned from a constitutional monarchy to a republic, replacing the British monarch with a local President as the ceremonial head of state, while remaining part of the Commonwealth.