Fiji History
Fiji is an island located in the central Pacific Ocean and for years now it has been an important tourist destination as well as a center point for international trade. People from around the world have been flocking to Fiji since years to enjoy its pleasant climate and its beaches and attractions. With the advancement of tourism, several resorts and hotels have been built up over the years and offer Fiji all inclusive holidays to tourists.
Despite its popularity as a holiday destination, not many people are aware of its history and background. Fiji was first inhabited by the tribe led by the great chief Lutunasobasoba who came on the island from South East Asia in the 1500s. This tribe had made the island their home for centuries until it was discovered by the Europeans.
In 1643 the island was first discovered by a Dutch explorer and then later by an English explorer in the 18th century, including Captain James Cook. In 1789, Captain William Bligh was given the credit for discovering the island and recording it after he traveled through Fiji after the mutiny of Bounty. The first people to stay and settle on the island were a few convicts and victims of shipwrecks from the Australian settlements, who came to Fiji and made it their home.
In the mid 19th century several other missionaries and traders from other European countries came to the island and settled down here. Fiji was known to have practiced cannibalism for centuries, however, when the missionaries came to the island and gained some influence of people it was soon eradicated. Ratu Seru Cakobau, the leader of the island, accepted Christianity in 1854 and the rest of the people soon followed in his footsteps. With this major development, the wars and the clashes among the local tribes here soon ended.
In 1874, Fiji became a part of the British colony after Cakobau sent an official to the British Government to take over having been riddled of debt. The island was soon taken over by the British and it remained under their rule for years.
Till 1916 various Indians came to the island as slaves to work on the plantations on the island. When slavery was abolished several Indians returned back and many more still stayed back and started working independently. Today almost half the population of Fiji comprises of these native Indians.
The first Chief Minister was appointed in Fiji in the year 1967, Ratu Kamisese Mara and the responsible government was appointed. It was only in October 1970 that Fiji gained its independence after 99 years under the British rule. Since then, the island has been prospering in trade and tourism and its culture has heavy influences of all the tribes and people that had once stayed here in the past.
Knowing about the history of a place before visiting it helps you to get better understanding of its culture and its people. Before going for any Fiji all inclusive package it is essential to learn a little about the location and its people.
