Indian history documented in new Indian museum in Durban

A unique museum celebrating Indian history in South Africa has been opened in Durban.

The “Hotel Savera 1860 Museum”, located in Kharwastan, Chatsworth comprises six viewing sections featuring various stages of Indian history from 10 000BC to  the present time.

The museum features strong messaging around Indian anti-apartheid involvement.

In its India Room, “Pillars of Memory” feature several struggle stalwarts including Ahmed Kathrada, Sam Ramsamy, Lenny Naidu, Kesaval Moonsamy, Dr Goonam Naidoo and Dr Yusuf Dadoo.

The Lotus Room highlights the period of India indenturship from 1860 to 1911 and incorporates several images and anecdotes from the period.

The museum also features several sporting collages, particularly from the Federation Professional League, regarded as the “heydays” of non-racial sport. Photography features great teams like Berea, Manning Rangers, Tongaat Crusaders, Cape Town Spurs and Bluebells.

Hotel Savera chairman, Dhilosen Pillay said the museum was privately-funded and intended to attract students and adults  – to present them with a clearer understanding of Indian involvement in South African history.

“Unfortunately historians only seem to focus on the period of indenture in SA. Existing museums don’t really emphasize what Indians did in the liberation movement or in education or commerce.

“This is inaccurate, for instance, considering that a significant percentage of those incarcerated on Robben Island, were Indian. We tell these stories vividly in the museum,” he said.

The museum forms part of the existing hotel and will be open to visitors daily by appointment.

For information regarding visits contact Ms Farzanah Mohamed on 031- 4016111 or email reception@savera.co.za.

Museum details:

The 1860 Museum comprises six key viewing experiences. Each experience is communicated through vivid photography and words and was created by a dedicated group of local journalists, academics and designers.

•  The Indus Room traces Indian civilisation. It describes key periods of history dating back to 9000BC and includes sections on key figures in Indian history like Mahatma Gandhi and Chandra Bose.
•  The Lotus Room portrays the period of the arrival of Indian indentured workers in South Africa – 1860 to 1911. Using powerful imagery, the room outlines hardships experienced during these trying times and highlights key moments.
•  The India Room covers the period post indenture to the present time. It incorporates “Pillars of Memory”, dedicated to several South African Indian legends, telling stories of struggle, hardship and achievement. The walls in this room also cover stories of Indian achievement in South Africa and include information on business, education and politics.
•  SS Truro Room is dedicated to the various ships that brought Indians to SA. It incorporates a feature wall, outlining details of each arrival.
•  Neos is a part of the venue that covers sporting achievements of Indian community. Photography includes images from the heydays of the Federation Professional League. Several individuals are highlighted including the famous Govender families of Stanger and Chatsworth, who collectively produced seven Natal cricketers.
•  Rooms at Hotel Savera are dedicated to all towns where Indian settled in SA.