Slaves
I keep coming across the name Alarakia being mentioned in the ownership/transportation of slaves in Zanzibar and which is mentioned in government papers regarding Africa(East Coast) and Arabia. In January of 1878 a chap named only as Alarakia was deemed the 'owner' of two male slaves who had been illegally conveyed from mainland Africa to Zanzibar which contravened the 1875 'Treaty' banning slavery. Then in March 1888 it would appear that a Dhow owned by a Alarakia Somji was used in the illegal transportation of three female slaves and was confiscated by the British government. Alarakia Somji appealed the ruling but was unsuccessful even though it was proven the crime had been committed by the the vessels captain without the owners knowledge. Now much as I abhor the thought of our ancestors being involved in owning or trading slaves it certainly looks like some may have. It is mentioned in the papers that Alarakia Somji had been trading in Zanzibar for forty one ye