The Arya Samaj was established in Zanzibar in 1907. The Samaj constructed a large building and for fifty years took over the responsibility for the religious, cultural and educational activities among the Hindus in Zanzibar. It built a girls' school and a library. Regular prayer meetings were held and Hindu festivals celebrated. After 1960, political developments led to many Indians leaving the islands and at present there are only a few Hindu families left.