AFRICANWARSAND WHITEINVADERS
ported to Natal, it was inevitable that a permanent Indian population in
the colony would emerge.
Between 1860 and 1866, six thousand Indians arrived in Natal from
Madras and Calcutta. In terms of caste, language, and religion they were
heterogeneous; although most were low-caste Hindus, some were Hindus
of higher castes, 12 percent were Muslims, and 5 percent were Christians.
As they completed their five years' indentured service, some remained on
the coastal estates as laborers; others became semiskilled workers-ar-
tisans, cooks, house servants, tailors, or washermen; still others acquired
small landholdings
and grew fruit and vegetables for sale in Durban or
Pietermaritzburg;
some became shopkeepers;
and a few moved to other
parts of Southern Africa. In 1870, when the first Indians became entitled to
a return passage to India, nearly all eleeted to stay-an
example most of
their successors would follow. A third major community had been estab-
lished in the colony. The system continued until 191 I and resulted in the
creation of a sizeable Indian population,
one that would eventually out-
number the Whites in Natal."?
By 1870, there were three distinct communities in Natal, distinguished by