Encyclopedia/3. History, Societies & Civilizations/09. Modern Nations/01. Africa • Curated by Admin Timeline.sg
History of Mauritius (AI-generated, sourced to Wikipedia).
Chronological Storyline (36 Milestones)
1507 CE
Portuguese discover Mauritius
Portuguese sailors first recorded the previously uninhabited island, naming it Ilha do Cirne. No permanent settlement was established. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1598 CE
Dutch rename the island
A Dutch squadron under Admiral Wybrand van Warwyck named the island Mauritius after Prince Maurice of Nassau, though settlement did not immediately follow. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1638 CE
First Dutch settlement established
The Dutch East India Company established a settlement at Grand Port, introducing sugarcane, deer, and slaves from Madagascar to the island. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of the Dutch East India Company By Himasaram - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2397508
1681 CE
Dodo goes extinct
The flightless dodo bird, endemic to Mauritius, was driven to extinction within decades of human settlement due to hunting and introduced species. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Skeleton cast and model of dodo at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, made in 1998 based on modern research.[1][2] By BazzaDaRambler - Oxford University Museum of Natural History ... dodo - dead apparently. Uploaded by FunkMonk, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20054563
1710 CE
Dutch abandon Mauritius
The Dutch permanently abandoned the island due to cyclones, droughts, and poor conditions, leaving behind introduced sugarcane and deer populations. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of the Dutch East India Company By Himasaram - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=2397508
1715 CE
French take possession
French captain Guillaume Dufresne d'Arsel claimed Mauritius for France, renaming it Île de France, and it became a French colony under the French East India Company. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Royal Standard, raised in the presence of the King of France (used as a state flag by the Kingdom of France under the absolute monarchy). Used from around 1638 to 1790 By Sodacan - Own work based on: “ Pavillon royal de France. il est blanc semé de fleurs de lis d’or, chargé des armes de France, entouré des colliers des ordres de S. Michel & du S. Esprit, & deux anges pour support. ” —Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers (1751). “ Pavillon Roïal de France. il est blanc, semé de fleurs de lis d'or, & chargé d'un Écusson des armes de France, entouré des Colliers des ordres de St Michel & du St Esprit. ” —La connoissance des pavillons ou bannieres que la plûpart des nations arborent en mer (1737). A depiction of 'Pavillon Royal De France' is shown in the same book. the standard flying from a first rate Admiral's flagship (painted 1693) The standard flying from the Soleil-Royal at the Battle of Barleur (painted 1693 by Ludolf Bakhuizen) 'Pavillons de France' from 'Le Neptune françois, ou Atlas nouveau des cartes marines' (P. Mortier, 1700). Image of the 'Pavillon royal de France' from the 'Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences' (1751). White flag of France with the fleur-de-lis of the Bourbon kings, flanked by two angels. (Flags through the ages and cross the world 1975 by Whitney Smith.), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32173493
1735 CE
Mahé de Labourdonnais appointed governor
Bertrand-François Mahé de Labourdonnais became governor, transforming Port Louis into a thriving naval base and developing infrastructure, agriculture, and shipbuilding. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1767 CE
French Crown takes control
The French Crown assumed direct administration of Île de France from the French East India Company, strengthening the colony's strategic role in the Indian Ocean. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Royal Standard, raised in the presence of the King of France (used as a state flag by the Kingdom of France under the absolute monarchy). Used from around 1638 to 1790 By Sodacan - Own work based on: “ Pavillon royal de France. il est blanc semé de fleurs de lis d’or, chargé des armes de France, entouré des colliers des ordres de S. Michel & du S. Esprit, & deux anges pour support. ” —Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences, des arts et des métiers (1751). “ Pavillon Roïal de France. il est blanc, semé de fleurs de lis d'or, & chargé d'un Écusson des armes de France, entouré des Colliers des ordres de St Michel & du St Esprit. ” —La connoissance des pavillons ou bannieres que la plûpart des nations arborent en mer (1737). A depiction of 'Pavillon Royal De France' is shown in the same book. the standard flying from a first rate Admiral's flagship (painted 1693) The standard flying from the Soleil-Royal at the Battle of Barleur (painted 1693 by Ludolf Bakhuizen) 'Pavillons de France' from 'Le Neptune françois, ou Atlas nouveau des cartes marines' (P. Mortier, 1700). Image of the 'Pavillon royal de France' from the 'Encyclopédie, ou Dictionnaire raisonné des sciences' (1751). White flag of France with the fleur-de-lis of the Bourbon kings, flanked by two angels. (Flags through the ages and cross the world 1975 by Whitney Smith.), CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=32173493
1810 CE
British capture Mauritius
British forces invaded and captured Île de France during the Napoleonic Wars, securing control of the strategically vital Indian Ocean island. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1814 CE
Treaty of Paris cedes island
The Treaty of Paris formally ceded Mauritius and its dependencies, including Rodrigues and the Seychelles, to Britain, reverting its name to Mauritius. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1834 CE
First indentured labourers arrive
The first Indian indentured labourers arrived in Mauritius under the 'Great Experiment,' beginning a massive influx that would reshape the island's demographics. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1835 CE
Abolition of slavery
Slavery was abolished throughout the British Empire, profoundly changing Mauritius's demographic and economic landscape as indentured labourers replaced enslaved workers. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom from 1816 to 1837 used by King George III, George IV and William IV “ Quarterly, First and Fourth Gules three lions passant guardant in pale Or armed and langued Azure (for England), Second quarter Or a lion rampant within a double tressure flory counter-flory Gules (for Scotland), Third quarter Azure a harp Or stringed Argent (for Ireland), over all an inescutcheon, ensigned by an arched royal crown, Tierced per pale and per chevron, First Gules two lions passant guardant Or (for Brunswick), Second Or semée of hearts Gules a lion rampant Azure (For Luneburg), Third Gules a horse courant Argent (For Hanover), an inescutcheon over all three, Gules the Crown of Charlemagne Proper (As Archtreasurer of the Holy Roman Empire), the whole surrounded by the Garter; for a Crest, upon the Royal helm the imperial crown Proper, thereon a lion statant guardant Or imperially crowned Proper; Mantling Or and ermine; for Supporters, dexter a lion rampant guardant Or crowned as the Crest, sinister a unicorn Argent armed, crined and unguled Proper, gorged with a coronet Or composed of crosses patée and fleurs de lys a chain affixed thereto passing between the forelegs and reflexed over the back also Or; Motto 'Dieu et mon Droit' in the compartment below the shield, with the Union rose, shamrock and thistle engrafted on the same stem. ” PINCHES, J.H & R.V., The Royal Heraldry of England, 1974, Heraldry Today. By Sodacan - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=10952335
1865 CE
Mauritius first railway opens
The first railway line in Mauritius opened between Port Louis and Curepipe, facilitating transport of sugarcane and passengers across the island. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1869 CE
Suez Canal opens
The opening of the Suez Canal reduced Mauritius's importance as a stopover on the India trade route, impacting the island's economy and strategic significance. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1901 CE
Mahatma Gandhi visits Mauritius
Mahatma Gandhi stopped in Mauritius on his way from South Africa to India, addressing the Indian community and advocating for their rights and education. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Studio photograph of Mahatma Gandhi ji, London, 1931. By Elliott & Fry - philogalichet.fr (context), Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=76882768
1936 CE
Mauritius Labour Party founded
The Mauritius Labour Party was founded by Dr. Maurice Curé, becoming the first major political party and championing workers' rights and self-government. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1947 CE
Women granted right to vote
Women in Mauritius gained the right to vote, marking a significant step in the island's democratic development. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1948 CE
First general elections held
The first general elections under a newly expanded franchise were held, with the Mauritius Labour Party winning a majority of elected seats. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
The armorial ensigns and supporters of Mauritius are described as: (a) for arms- Quarterly azure and or. In the first quarter a lymphad or. In the second, 3 palm trees vert. In the third, a key in pale the wards downwards gules. In the issuant, from the base a pile, and in chief a mullet argent. (b) for the supporters- On the dexter side, a dodo per bend sinister embattled gules and argent, and On the sinister side, a sambur deer per bend embattled argent and gules, each supporting a sugar cane erect proper, (c) with the motto "Stella Clavisque Maris Indici” (Latin: Star and Key of the Indian Ocean) By Yashveer Poonit - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31763039
1958 CE
Constitutional review begins
Constitutional talks in London began paving the way for greater self-governance, with the Banwell Report recommending universal adult suffrage. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1959 CE
First universal suffrage election
The first elections under universal adult suffrage were held, with the Mauritius Labour Party led by Seewoosagur Ramgoolam winning a decisive victory. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
The armorial ensigns and supporters of Mauritius are described as: (a) for arms- Quarterly azure and or. In the first quarter a lymphad or. In the second, 3 palm trees vert. In the third, a key in pale the wards downwards gules. In the issuant, from the base a pile, and in chief a mullet argent. (b) for the supporters- On the dexter side, a dodo per bend sinister embattled gules and argent, and On the sinister side, a sambur deer per bend embattled argent and gules, each supporting a sugar cane erect proper, (c) with the motto "Stella Clavisque Maris Indici” (Latin: Star and Key of the Indian Ocean) By Yashveer Poonit - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31763039
1965 CE
Lancaster House Constitutional Conference
A constitutional conference in London set the path to independence, with discussions on electoral systems and the status of the Chagos Archipelago. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1965 CE
Chagos Archipelago separated
Britain detached the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius to form the British Indian Ocean Territory, displacing the Chagossian people and leasing Diego Garcia to the United States. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of the British Indian Ocean Territory By Unknown author - Flying Flags in the United Kingdom: A Guide to Britain's Flag Protocol 9. Flag Institute (2010). Retrieved on 6 October 2024. British Indian Ocean Territory website (2026-04-14). Retrieved on 2026-04-14., Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=189173508
1967 CE
Self-government achieved
Mauritius achieved internal self-government following the August 1967 elections, with Seewoosagur Ramgoolam becoming Chief Minister. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Results by constituency of the 1967 Mauritian general election. The colour shade shows the percentage of the elected candidate with the highest number of votes. By FelipeRev - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=155447551
Mar 12, 1968 CE
Mauritius joins United Nations
Shortly after independence, Mauritius was admitted to the United Nations, joining the international community as a sovereign nation. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
UN member states, their territories, and other states: 193 UN Member States 2 UN Observer States (Palestine, Vatican) 2 eligible Non-Member States (Niue, Cook Islands) 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories Antarctica (international territory) By Newfraferz87 - This vector image was created with a text editor. Own work, based on the configurable world map template the UN list of member states the UN list of observer states the UN list of non-self-governing territories the official UN blue colour (#009edb), CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=120092361
Mar 12, 1968 CE
Mauritius gains independence
Mauritius became an independent sovereign state within the Commonwealth, with Seewoosagur Ramgoolam as its first Prime Minister. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1971 CE
MMM general strike
The Mouvement Militant Mauricien led a major general strike demanding higher wages and better conditions, resulting in a state of emergency and arrests. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mouvement Militant Mauricien By Envahisseur - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=17519036
1982 CE
MMM-PSM wins elections
The MMM-PSM coalition led by Anerood Jugnauth won a landslide victory, ending the Labour Party's long dominance and beginning a new political era. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Results by constituency of the 1982 Mauritian general election. The colour shade shows the percentage of the elected candidate with the highest number of votes. By FelipeRev - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=155458447
Mar 12, 1992 CE
Mauritius becomes a republic
Mauritius became a republic within the Commonwealth, replacing the British monarch with a President as head of state, while retaining Commonwealth membership. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
1995 CE
Economic diversification accelerates
Mauritius diversified its economy beyond sugarcane, developing textile manufacturing, tourism, and financial services, becoming one of Africa's most prosperous nations. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Port Louis, Mauritius By Arne Müseler - own work http://www.arne-mueseler.com, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=149462166
2002 CE
Free education up to tertiary level
Mauritius implemented free education through the tertiary level, reinforcing its commitment to human capital development and social equity. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
The armorial ensigns and supporters of Mauritius are described as: (a) for arms- Quarterly azure and or. In the first quarter a lymphad or. In the second, 3 palm trees vert. In the third, a key in pale the wards downwards gules. In the issuant, from the base a pile, and in chief a mullet argent. (b) for the supporters- On the dexter side, a dodo per bend sinister embattled gules and argent, and On the sinister side, a sambur deer per bend embattled argent and gules, each supporting a sugar cane erect proper, (c) with the motto "Stella Clavisque Maris Indici” (Latin: Star and Key of the Indian Ocean) By Yashveer Poonit - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31763039
2006 CE
Anerood Jugnauth returns as PM
Anerood Jugnauth returned as Prime Minister leading the Alliance Sociale, continuing the country's economic liberalization and development agenda. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Sir Anerood Jugnauth in 1980. By Francois Lim - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100069382743928, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=164733229
2008 CE
Mauritius claims extended continental shelf
Mauritius submitted a claim to the UN Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf for an extended seabed, asserting maritime rights in the Indian Ocean. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Flag of Mauritius By Zscout370 - Own work, Public domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=343660
Jan 21, 2017 CE
Pravind Jugnauth becomes PM
Pravind Kumar Jugnauth became Prime Minister following his father Anerood's resignation, continuing the MSM party's leadership of the government. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
23/07/2024. London, United Kingdom. Foreign Secretary David Lammy meets Mauritian Prime Minister Pravind Jugnauth for a bilateral meeting at the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office. Picture by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street By Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office - Foreign Secretary David Lammy meets Mauritian Prime Minister, OGL 3, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=172987059
2019 CE
ICJ rules on Chagos sovereignty
The International Court of Justice issued an advisory opinion that the UK's separation of the Chagos Archipelago from Mauritius was unlawful and called for decolonization. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Islands of the Republic of Mauritius labelled in black. Mauritius claim Tromelin Island claim from France and the Chagos Archipelago from the United Kingdom. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea both stated that the UK had an obligation to return the islands to Mauritius. In May 2025 an agreement was signed to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.Yellow dotted line: Approximate boundaries of the claimed archipelagic waters By Yashveer Poonit, WikiForMen adding switches and translations - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29741455
2021 CE
UN adopts Chagos resolution
The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution calling on the UK to end its administration of the Chagos Archipelago, supporting Mauritius's sovereignty claim. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Islands of the Republic of Mauritius labelled in black. Mauritius claim Tromelin Island claim from France and the Chagos Archipelago from the United Kingdom. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea both stated that the UK had an obligation to return the islands to Mauritius. In May 2025 an agreement was signed to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.Yellow dotted line: Approximate boundaries of the claimed archipelagic waters By Yashveer Poonit, WikiForMen adding switches and translations - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29741455
Oct 3, 2024 CE
UK agrees to cede Chagos
The United Kingdom announced it would transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius, while retaining the Diego Garcia military base under a long-term lease. Source — Wikipedia, "Mauritius":
Islands of the Republic of Mauritius labelled in black. Mauritius claim Tromelin Island claim from France and the Chagos Archipelago from the United Kingdom. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea both stated that the UK had an obligation to return the islands to Mauritius. In May 2025 an agreement was signed to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius.Yellow dotted line: Approximate boundaries of the claimed archipelagic waters By Yashveer Poonit, WikiForMen adding switches and translations - This vector image includes elements that have been taken or adapted from this file:, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=29741455
![Skeleton cast and model of dodo at the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, made in 1998 based on modern research.[1][2]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/50/Oxford_Dodo_display.jpg/500px-Oxford_Dodo_display.jpg)
