begun to be imported from India to Natal as indentured laborers in the
1860s.
In fact, biological and cultural differences among the Coloured People
were immense. Those, who lived in Cape Town had a long tradition of
urban life. Most were of slave origin, and they included a cohesive Muslim
community. As we have seen, the Cape Town slaves had been able to
acquire skills as artisans (builders, carpenters, smiths, tailors, and cob-
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