Hinduism in Oman

Hinduism is a minority faith in Oman practised by 5.5% of its population.[1] Oman is the only country in the Middle East with an indigenous Hindu minority.[2][3] Hindus in Oman are represented by the religious organization Hindu Mahajan Temple.[3]

Shiva temple in Oman is one of the oldest Hindu temple in Middle East

History

Hinduism first came to Oman in 1507 when Kutchi speaking Hindus arrived in Muscat from Kutch region in India. There were at least 4,000 Hindus in Oman in the early 19th century. In 1895, the Hindu colony in Muscat came under attack by the Ibadhis and by 1900, the number of Hindus decreased to 300. During the independence of Oman, only a few dozen Hindus remained in Oman. The historical Hindu Quarters of al-Waljat and al-Banyan where Hindus lived are no longer occupied by Hindus.[4]

Demographics

Oman is the only country in the Middle East with an indigenous Hindu population. There are at least 1000 Indians (mostly Hindus) in Oman with Omani citizenship.[2][3] According to the CIA, there are 259,780 Hindus constituting 5.5% of population, mainly migrants.[1]

Temples
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi performed Abhishekam at the historic Lord Shiva temple in Muscat, Oman on 2018

There are two officially recognized Hindu temples in Oman.[3]

Famous Hindus in Oman

Kanaksi Khimji - only Hindu Sheikh in the world[7]

See also

Reference
  1. "Middle East OMAN". CIA The World Factbook.
  2. "UNIVERSAL PERIODIC REVIEW 2010" (PDF). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  3. "International Religious Freedom Report Oman for 2011" (PDF). Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  4. J.E. Peterson,Oman's diverse society: Northern Oman, Middle East Journal, Vol. 58, Nr. 1, Winter 2004
  5. Report, Staff (19 December 2020). "Modi visits 125-year-old Shiva temple". GulfNews. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  6. "PM Modi to visit 200-year old Shiva temple in Muscat". dnaindia. 12 February 2018. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
  7. Runa Mukherjee Parikh (11 May 2013). "World's only Hindu Sheikh traces his roots to Gujarat". The Times of India. Retrieved 19 December 2020.
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