Afro-Asians in South Asia

A minority of the escaped slaves adopted Hinduism due to the predominant Hindu population[4] The Nizam of Hyderabad also employed African-origin guards and soldiers.

[7] Although slavery in India was oppressive and brutal, with slaves often subjected to flogging and forced labor under harsh conditions with minimal food, some individuals managed to attain wealth and influence, especially during the Muslim era.

[10] The economic situation of the people determined the demand for slaves and was the underlying factor in the nature of slavery that developed in the Indian Subcontinent.

During the era of British and other European imperialism and colonialism, the Afro-Asians became further marginalised as the imperialists brought in attitudes about race into a complicated social and class system.

In recent years, after the World Conference Against Racism in Durban South Africa, many have tried to organise politically so that they can improve their poor economic conditions.

The Siddis constitute the largest settlement of slave descendants in India, with many having established communities along the western coast and hinterland in cities such as Janjira, Gujarat, and Goa.

The Makrani (Urdu/Persian: مکرانی) are the inhabitants of Makran coast of Balochistan in Pakistan and in Sindh the African descent people are called "Sheedi" and "Dada" the later is used as an respective term for them.

Some glimpses of the rituals at Sheedi Festival 2010 include visit to sacred alligators at Mangho pir, playing music and dance.

Following the successful repulsion of the Dutch by the Sinhalese in 1796, the Kaffirs faced further marginalization due to an influx of Indian laborers brought in by the British, who predominantly took up roles on tea and rubber estates.

The descendants of the original Africans, known as Kaffirs, continue to exist in isolated communities along the coastal regions of Trincomalee, Batticaloa, and Negombo on the island.

A significant portion of Sri Lankans of African descent are believed to trace their roots back to the region that is now the Republic of Mozambique.