The Murti: How Hindu Merchants Shaped Oman

In this episode of The Story of Oman, we explore the pivotal role of the Murti—Hindu merchants from Kutch and Sindh—in shaping Oman's economy and politics from the 18th to the 20th century. Lucas and Luna discuss how families like the Ratansi Purshottam and Topan operated between Muscat, Sur, and Zanzibar, financing sultans and managing customs. They delve into the legal status of Hindus under Ibadism, the construction of the first Hindu temples in Muscat, and the Murti's decline after Sultan Qaboos's reforms. The episode also touches on the legacy of the Murti in Oman's multicultural identity, including the influence on architecture, trade networks, and the Omani rupee. A specific focus is on the collaborative yet contentious relationship between the Busaidi sultans and these merchant families, revealing a side of Omani history often overshadowed by maritime and tribal narratives. #Murti #HinduMerchants #OmanHistory #Busaidi #RatansiPurshottam #Muscat #Sur #Zanzibar #IndianOceanTrade #Kutch #Sindh #Ibadism #SultanSaid #Temple #Muttrah #OmaniRupee #History #FexingoHistory #OmaniEmpire #YarubaDynasty Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo