Long Lost Cousins.

From a young age, I have been fascinated by the striking similarities between Native Fijian culture and Hindu culture. Initially, I had little knowledge of Fijian traditions, but as I learned more, I discovered many intriguing connections. The Fijians, much like the South Indians, especially the people of Kerala, were skilled seafarers and warriors. Their food habits and clothing are quite similar to those of the South Indian coastal communities.

It is well-documented that Micronesian sailors traveled long distances across the vast Pacific Ocean in their rigged sailing canoes. Similarly, Tamil explorers are believed to have sailed as far as New Zealand, navigating the Pacific with remarkable precision. A fascinating piece of evidence supporting this theory is a bell found in New Zealand's Te Papa Museum, which bears an inscription in Tamil. The words "Mohoyideen Buk’s ship’s bell" are etched on it, and it was used as a cooking vessel by the Maori people. You can click here to view this image.

In his book Proof of Vedic Culture's Global Existence, Stephen Knapp remarks, "Vedic culture had access to all lands around the globe. This is proved by several finds, such as the navel bell with Tamil inscription..." This statement highlights the far-reaching influence of ancient cultures like the Tamil people and Vedic tradition. The discovery of such artifacts strengthens the idea of a shared cultural heritage and suggests a deep connection between distant lands long before the modern age.

Some other striking similarities I've noticed are in the practice of fire walking. The Fijians from the Island of Beqa are renowned for their fire-walking ceremonies, which bear a strong resemblance to the Theemithi ritual from South India. The preparations for these rituals are deeply traditional, and although the practice has become a popular tourist attraction, it's disheartening to see that the cultural essence behind it is slowly being lost. This loss of tradition is a reminder of how important it is to preserve the deeper meanings and histories that give these practices their true significance.

Picture source http://www.fijiguide.com/Facts/culture.

Photo source http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2005/09/0901_050901_firewalking_2.html

The misconception that Fijians were a "jungle race" who wore only leaves is far from the truth. In reality, they were skilled artisans, known for their fine craftsmanship in making loincloths, much like the "dhoti" worn by Gandhi. These loincloths were made from the bark of the mulberry tree, demonstrating the resourcefulness and ingenuity of the Fijian people in utilizing natural materials for their clothing. This intricate craft not only highlights their connection to the environment but also their rich cultural heritage in textile production.

Photo Source Fiji web hosting.com/bulaman/fidschi/oldpics/fijianwarrior1834.jpg

The traditional weapons used by Fijians, particularly their clubs, are strikingly similar to the weapons depicted in ancient Indian texts, such as the *Mahabharata*. The Fijian clubs, known for their intricate designs and sturdy construction, bear a remarkable resemblance to the clubs used in ancient Indian warfare. These weapons were used in hand-to-hand combat, and their design suggests a shared cultural understanding of weaponry and defense.

Upon comparing images of these Fijian clubs with the depictions of weapons used in the *Mahabharata*, one can see distinct similarities in shape and function. The traditional Indian mace, often referred to as a "gada," is a club-like weapon that has been immortalized in Indian epics, particularly in the *Mahabharata*, where characters like Bhima are known for wielding it in battle.

This resemblance could suggest a deeper connection between the cultures, possibly through ancient seafaring trade routes or shared traditions. It's fascinating to note how both Fijian and Indian cultures developed similar forms of weaponry, and it provides an intriguing glimpse into the potential historical exchanges that may have occurred long before modern global communication.

Photo Source:http://www.janeresture.com/oceania_ethnology/fiji.htm

A collection of War Clubs from the Mahabharata Era (Picture from a Indian Musuem)

Spirituality played a significant role in the traditional Fijian way of life, with a rich belief system centered around many deities under the supremacy of Degei, the Serpent God. Degei was revered as a powerful and all-encompassing figure, much like the supreme deities in other ancient cultures. An interesting link exists between Fijian spirituality and ancient Hindu texts, particularly the *Bhagavad Gita*. Many Fiji Indians believe that "Ramnik Dweep," which translates to "Beautiful Island," mentioned in the *Bhagavad Gita*, refers to Fiji. According to this belief, Garuda, the sacred bird of Lord Vishnu, brought Kalia Naag from the holy River Yamuna and dropped him on the islands of Fiji, making it a significant spiritual place.

Before converting to Christianity, the ancient Fijians worshiped various deities, including Kalia, whose name in Fijian culture is remarkably similar to "Kalou," meaning "God." This connection suggests that the spiritual practices of the Fijians may have had roots in Hindu traditions, which is further reflected in their reverence for certain deities. The continuity of such beliefs points to a fascinating fusion of spiritual practices over time.

During a visit to the Tavuni Hill Fort archaeological site, I experienced a moment that left me in awe. As the guide showed us around, she pointed to an old Fijian temple site and explained that it was once a place of worship. My brother and I were astounded when we noticed a round stone inside the temple area, resembling a Shiva Lingam—an iconic stone representing Lord Shiva in Hinduism. This was an incredible discovery, as it added another layer of evidence to the growing similarities between Fijian spirituality and Indian traditions. I’ll try to get a picture of this fascinating find soon to share with you.

Moreover, the traditional Fijians built temples for worship, and the design of these structures was surprisingly similar to that of ancient Indian temples. Though the materials used were different, the layout and architecture of these Fijian temples bore a remarkable resemblance to those in India, possibly hinting at an ancient cultural connection. It's intriguing to consider that the Fijians may have retained memories or echoes of their ancient traditions, passed down over generations, that shaped their religious practices..

Compare these 2 pictures I got from the internet, above is a old Fijian temple and below a similier design South Indian temple.

Genetic studies on the origins of Polynesians and Melanesians are still ongoing, but early findings suggest a link to the Asian subcontinent, specifically to the tribal peoples of South India. The hypothesis is that these groups, particularly the real tribal communities of South India, maintained a closed lineage, marrying within their own circles over generations. This isolation likely preserved certain genetic traits and physical features, which can be compared to those seen in the indigenous populations of the Pacific Islands, especially in Polynesia and Melanesia.

While the genetic studies are not yet as comprehensive as we would like, the physical similarities between these groups are striking. Some experts argue that the distinct features shared by South Indian tribes and the islanders of the Pacific provide fascinating insights into ancient migration patterns and human history. The comparison of their physical traits—such as skin color, facial structure, and hair texture—suggests that the ancestors of these island communities might have originated from the South Indian subcontinent, and over millennia, settled across vast distances.

Further research could shed more light on the extent of these connections, but for now, the similarities observed provide a compelling case for a shared heritage between the indigenous peoples of the Pacific Islands and the tribal populations of South India. The study of these groups, their genetic lineage, and the preservation of their traditional ways of life could offer key insights into human migration and the spread of cultures across the world.

Fijian Women and South Indian Tribal women (below)

Photo Source:http://www.fijiguide.com/Gallery/oldtimefijigallery.html

Photo sources above and below://www.cwo.com/~lucumi/india.html

Photo Source above two:http://www.fijiguide.com/Gallery/oldtimefijigallery.html

I've also come across some intriguing language similarities between Fijian and several Indian languages, which certainly warrant deeper investigation into their origins. For example:

- The Fijian word *Nana* means "Mother," which bears a striking resemblance to the Hindi word *Nana* meaning "Grandfather," and the Telugu word for "Father."

- The Fijian word *Tata* means "Father," which also corresponds to the Tamil *Tata*, meaning either "Father" or "Grandfather."

- The Fijian word *Kana* means "Food," which closely mirrors the Hindi word *Khana* for food.

- The Fijian word *Momo* means "Mother's Brother," which aligns with the Indian term *Mama* used in Hindi and other Indian languages to refer to the mother's brother.

Fijian word: "Ratu"

South Indian equivalent: "Rattu" (Tamil)

Ratu in Fijian can mean a leader or someone important. In Tamil, Rattu refers to a leader or someone in a higher position, particularly used in community settings.

Fijian word: "Vaka"
South Indian equivalent: "Vaka" (Tamil)
In Fijian, Vaka refers to a boat or canoe, while in Tamil, Vaka can refer to a cart or vehicle, both representing means of transport.

These linguistic parallels suggest a potential connection between the languages, and further research into their origins could help clarify how these terms came to be shared across such distant cultures. The similarities may hint at ancient trade routes, migrations, or cultural exchanges that have left a lasting impact on language and culture, and they serve as a fascinating subject for further study.

Thanks to the people in Fiji who have contributed to this exploration of language. More information and research are needed to continue progressing this study and uncovering the historical ties between these cultures.