The use of ganja/marijuana for spiritual and medicinal purposes has influenced not just members of Rastafari but Jamaicans in the countryside who resided alongside Indians. Though it is true Africans utilized marijuana for the same purpose, Indians are responsible for its arrival in Jamaica. Ironically, the British were the main suppliers of marijuana to Indians in Jamaica before it was criminalized in 1938. Jamaicans of African descent observed Indians’ ceremonial use of the ‘herb’ and adopted the practices. Practitioners of Kumina, a West African tradition, also utilized marijuana to communicate with their ancestors.
Joseph Hibbert, another founding father of Rastafari, acknowledged the Hindu influence on Leonard Howell in an interview with Leonard Howell’s biographer Helene Lee. “After learning about the Hindu God incarnates Rama, Krishna and Buddha, Howell was convinced that every nation had their own God.” Leonard found his African god in the crowning of Emperor Selassie of Ethiopia.
Robert Nesta Marley, the face of reggae and Rastafari, held the nickname ‘Tuff Gong,’ which derived from Leonard Howell who was called ‘Gong.’ In Professor Robert A Hill’s book, “Dread History” he claims, ‘Gangunguru ” in Hindi means “ Great King” or “Kings of Kings.” The term “Gong’ is actually an abbreviation of the Hindi word. He was known to use a signature of G.G Maragh, an Indian name, as he did in his first published book circulated amongst the early members of Rastafari.
Jamaica still has a significant Indian population though it is more segregated now then upon their arrival. The majority of Indians in Jamaica are merchants, looking down upon the Jamaicans of African descent. Despite their current bigotry, they must be recognized for the contributions they have made to the Jamaican culture and the inception of Rastafari.
Article Appeared @http://thyblackman.com/2016/01/11/indian-influence-on-jamaican-culture-and-growth-of-rastafari/