A Significant Presence: Hindus In Bahrain

Bahrain is a small island country with a population of around 1.4 million people. It is a popular destination for expatriates, with non-nationals making up more than half of the population. Of these, the vast majority come from South and Southeast Asia, with approximately 350,000 Indians, 150,000 Bangladeshis, 110,000 Pakistanis, 40,000 Filipinos, and 8,000 Indonesians. Indians are the largest expatriate group, constituting 30% of the total population. This historical connection between India and Bahrain dates back to the time of the Dilmun civilisation in 3000 BCE, when there was trade between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilisation. Today, there is a substantial Indian community in Bahrain, with a significant number of Hindu temples, and they enjoy a great deal of freedom for social and religious activities.

There are around 350,000 Indian nationals in Bahrain

The small island country of Bahrain has long been a popular destination for Indian expatriates, with the history of Indians in the country dating back to the time of the Dilmun civilisation in 3000 BCE. This civilisation served as a trade link between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilisation. The modern story of Indian immigration to Bahrain, however, began in the late 19th century, with merchants arriving from British India. Today, there are around 350,000 Indian nationals in Bahrain, making them the largest expatriate group in the country, constituting 30% of the total population.

Indian merchants in Bahrain initially traded dates, but most later entered the pearling business, exporting pearls to the world market. These merchant families originated from the Sindh province and the Kathiawad region of Gujarat. By 1925, there were an estimated 2,500 Indian families settled in the country, most of whom worked in retail. The discovery of oil in Bahrain between 1932 and 1945 created a demand for manpower in the oil sector, leading to a further influx of Indian workers. Following World War II and the expansion of Bahrain's economy due to the oil boom, even more Indians emigrated to the country to start businesses and fill various manpower demands.

The Indian community in Bahrain has a significant impact on the country's social fabric and constitutes an important link between India and Bahrain. Indians are well-integrated into Bahrain's society and economy, with many working in blue-collar jobs such as construction, contracting, and maintenance. There is also a significant number of Indian professionals in fields like medicine, engineering, finance, and education. The Indian presence in Bahrain is a testament to the goodwill and friendly relations between the two countries.

The Kingdom of Bahrain is known for its religious tolerance and pluralism, allowing the Indian community freedom to practice their social and religious activities. There are multiple non-Muslim places of worship in the country, including a 200-year-old Hindu temple, five churches, and several Gurudwaras. The Bahraini government has also provided a cremation facility for Hindus, demonstrating their respect for different religious traditions. The Indian community in Bahrain actively promotes Indian culture and traditions through various socio-cultural organisations and clubs, as well as by celebrating major Indian festivals that are often joined by locals and members of the royal family.

Indians are the largest expatriate group in the country

Indians are the largest expatriate group in Bahrain, with around 350,000 Indian nationals living in the country, making up 30% of the total population. This long-standing connection between the two countries dates back to the Dilmun civilisation in 3000 BCE, which served as a trade link between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley Civilisation. The history of Indians in Bahrain can be traced back to the time of the British Raj in the late 19th century when Banyan merchants from British India first started immigrating to the country. Over time, Indian merchants in Bahrain began trading dates and pearls, and by 1925, there were an estimated 2,500 Indian families settled in the country, primarily working in the retail sector.

The discovery of oil in Bahrain between 1932 and 1945 further fuelled Indian immigration, as the country's expanding economy demanded more manpower. Following World War II, a growing number of Indians emigrated to Bahrain to start businesses or take up jobs in various sectors. This trend continued, and by the 1950s, the Bahrain Petroleum Company, the country's sole oil company at the time, employed more than 600 Indians.

Today, Indians in Bahrain hold a diverse range of occupations. While many work in blue-collar jobs, such as construction, contracting, and maintenance, there is also a significant number of white-collar Indian professionals, including doctors, engineers, chartered accountants, bankers, and managers, who contribute significantly to Bahrain's economic development. The presence of a large Indian community has fostered strong socio-cultural ties between the two countries, with Indian expatriates actively promoting Indian art, culture, and education in Bahrain.

The Kingdom of Bahrain has been exceptionally friendly to Indians, offering them a high degree of religious tolerance and freedom to practice their social and cultural activities. This is evident in the existence of several worship places for different religions, including a 200-year-old Hindu temple, churches, and gurudwaras. The Bahraini government has also provided cremation facilities for the Hindu community and recognised the importance of Indian festivals, with members of the royal family participating in these celebrations alongside Indians and Bahrainis.

Indian expatriates are preferred over other nationalities due to their work ethic and apolitical approach

Bahrain is a multicultural country with a large Indian population. Indians in Bahrain can trace their history back to the Dilmun civilisation in 3000 BCE, which served as a trade link between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley civilisation. The proper immigration of Indians to Bahrain started in the late quarter of the 19th century, with merchants from the British Raj under the jurisdiction of the British Empire. Today, there are about 350,000 Indian nationals in Bahrain, making them the largest expatriate group in the country.

Indians in Bahrain work in a variety of sectors, with 70% employed in the construction sector, and others working as barbers, carpenters, and domestic workers. A large number of Indians in Bahrain also work in white-collar jobs, such as physicians, pharmacists, and accountants.

The preference for Indian expatriates over other nationalities in Bahrain can be attributed to their strong work ethic and apolitical approach. Indian expatriates are known for their hard work, dedication, and focus on their jobs. They are often willing to take on additional responsibilities and go above and beyond what is expected of them. This strong work ethic is valued by employers and contributes to their preference over other nationalities.

Additionally, Indian expatriates in Bahrain tend to adopt an apolitical approach and do not get involved in local political issues. This stance may be influenced by their cultural background, as India has a long history of political stability and a strong democratic system. By remaining apolitical, Indian expatriates avoid any potential conflicts or issues that could arise from involvement in local politics. This apolitical stance is also valued by employers, as it helps maintain a peaceful and stable work environment.

Moreover, Indian expatriates in Bahrain have a reputation for being adaptable and flexible. They are often willing to take on new challenges and learn new skills, which makes them valuable assets to their employers. Indian expatriates also tend to have strong communication skills and can effectively interact with people from different cultural backgrounds. This adaptability and communication skill further contribute to their preference over other nationalities.

In conclusion, Indian expatriates are preferred over other nationalities in Bahrain due to a combination of factors, including their strong work ethic, apolitical approach, adaptability, and communication skills. These factors make them valuable employees and contribute to their preference in the Bahraini job market.

There is a 200-year-old Hindu temple in Manama, Bahrain

The Shreenathji temple is a heritage site, and shops outside sell incense, religious items, and images of Hindu deities. In 2019, the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, visited the temple and launched a $4.2 million renovation plan. The newly built three-storied structure is being constructed on 45,000 sq feet of land and will have 80% more capacity to host devotees. The temple will also have a facility to host Hindu weddings, a knowledge centre, and a museum.

Bahrain has a large Indian diaspora, with around 350,000 Indian nationals in the country, making them the largest expatriate group. The history of Indians in Bahrain dates back to the time of the Dilmun civilisation in 3000 BCE, when the civilisation served as a trade link between Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley. The proper immigration of Indians to Bahrain started in the late quarter of the 19th century, with Banyan merchants arriving from British India.

The Bahraini government has allowed Hindus to practise their religion freely

Bahrain is a multicultural country with a long history of trade and immigration. The country is home to a large Indian diaspora, with approximately 350,000 Indian nationals currently residing in the country, making them the largest expatriate group. Indians are believed to comprise one-quarter of Bahrain's population, with most working in blue-collar jobs such as construction, barbering, carpentry, and domestic work.

Among the Indian community in Bahrain are many Hindus, who are free to practise their religion. The Bahraini government has allowed Hindus to practise their religion freely, and the country is home to several Hindu temples, including the 200-year-old Shrinathji/Shri Krishna temple in Manama, which is the oldest in the country. The Bahraini government has also authorised the renovation and expansion of this temple.

In addition to the Shrinathji temple, there are several other Hindu temples in Bahrain, including Ayyappa temples catering to the Keralite population. The country also houses multiple non-Muslim religious places of worship, including churches and gurudwaras.

Bahrain's constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of places of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites. While Islam is the official religion, the constitution guarantees equal rights for all citizens, regardless of religion. The labour law also prohibits discrimination in the public and private sectors on the grounds of religion or faith.

The Bahraini government has demonstrated its commitment to religious freedom and coexistence by hosting roundtables bringing together diverse religious groups and engaging with international organisations and governments on these issues. The country's pluralistic outlook has fostered peaceful coexistence between different cultures and faiths, with the monarch, High Highness Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, playing a key role in promoting tolerance.

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