The riots started out as a political disturbance in the town of Curepipe on Curepipe Road which resulted in a clash between Creole followers of Eugène Laurent (Action Libérale) against white Franco Mauritian supporters of Armand Esnouf (Parti de l'Ordre or Oligarchy).
This came at a time when Eugène Laurent had celebrated his victory over his rival William Newton (Mauritius) at the 1911 elections held on 18 January 1911.
[3] The regiment, consisting predominantly of Sikh soldiers,[4] formed part of the Hong Kong Singapore Battalion, Royal Garrison Artillery[5] There had been a build-up of political tension leading to the 1911 Riots.
During the years prior to the 1911 riots the need for representation and better working and living conditions were being advocated by the likes of Adolphe de Plevitz and Manilal Doctor.
There had been various such hearings in prior years but the riots exposed the need for legislative changes to meet the requirements of the complex society.