Indentured Labour System

 

Latest Context:

Every year, the Ram Leela is held in Trinidad and Tobago Islands.

More about the news:

1. This tradition of performing Ram Leela is still carried by Indian Diaspora.
2. Most of the Indian diaspora to Trinidad and Tobago Islands was migrated as indentured laborers, from India.

About Trinidad and Tobago Islands

1. Geography: Trinidad and Tobago is a twin-island nation located in the southern Caribbean Sea. It is the southernmost nation in the Caribbean region. Trinidad is the larger of the two islands and is situated just off the northeastern coast of Venezuela. Tobago is smaller and lies about 20 miles to the northeast of Trinidad. Together, they form the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
2. Capital and Major Cities: The capital city is Port of Spain, which is located on the island of Trinidad. Other major cities include San Fernando (Trinidad) and Scarborough (Tobago).
3. Population: It has a population of around 1.4 million people.
4. Language: English is the official language, but Trinidad and Tobago is known for its linguistic diversity, with various dialects and languages spoken, including Trinidadian English Creole, Tobagonian English Creole, and others.
5. Culture: The nation's culture is a blend of African, Indian, European, and Middle Eastern influences. It is particularly famous for its vibrant Carnival celebrations, which feature colourful costumes, music, and dancing. The steelpan, a musical instrument invented in Trinidad and Tobago, is also an integral part of the country's culture.
6. Economy: Its economy is heavily dependent on the oil and gas industry, which accounts for a significant portion of the country's GDP. The nation is one of the leading oil and natural gas producers in the Caribbean region. However, efforts have been made to diversify the economy in recent years.
7. Tourism: It is a popular tourist destination, known for its beautiful beaches, clear waters for snorkelling and diving, birdwatching, and ecotourism opportunities. The island of Tobago is particularly famous for its natural beauty.
8. Government: It has a parliamentary democracy with a President as the head of state and a Prime Minister as the head of government. It has a multi-party political system.
9. Currency: The currency used is the Trinidad and Tobago dollar (TTD).
10.  Education: Trinidad and Tobago have a relatively high literacy rate and a well-established education system, with both public and private schools and tertiary institutions.

Who were indentured labours of India?

1. These were the individuals who were recruited by the British to work overseas under a system known as “indentured servitude” during the 19th and early 20th centuries. This system was started because slave trade was abolished in 1834 in the British Empire.
2. They are also known as “Girimityas” and most of them were from the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and Tamil Nadu.
3. This system was a form of contract labour in which people, often from poor backgrounds in India, signed agreements to work for a specified period in foreign countries in exchange for passage, food, and housing.
4. They were sent to various destinations, with a significant number going to 19 British colonies such as Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Fiji, Mauritius, and South Africa.
5. After completing their contracts, some indentured laborers returned to India, while others chose to stay in their host countries. Their descendants continue to live in these countries and have made significant cultural and social contributions.

Background of Indentured labour system in India

Early 19th Century: It began in the early 19th century, when the British colonial authorities started sending Indian laborers to work on plantations in British colonies, particularly in the Caribbean and Mauritius.

1860s-1870s: The system expanded during this period, and more Indians were recruited.

1883: The Indian Emigration Act of 1883 was passed, which aimed to regulate emigration from India. It introduced some measures to protect the rights and well-being of Indian emigrants. This act was one of the early attempts to address the issues related to the indentured labour system.

Early 20th Century: The early 20th century saw a growing awareness of the harsh conditions and exploitation faced by indentured laborers. Social reformers, activists, and the press started advocating for the rights of Indian laborers.

1914: In South Africa, under the Smuts Gandhi Settlement, Gandhiji obtained a waiver from Poll- tax for the indentured laborers.

1916: MM Malviya moved a resolution in the Indian Legislative Council for the abolition of the indenture labour system.

1917: The Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, which aimed at limited self-government in India, also called for reforms in the recruitment and protection of emigrant labour. Later, in the same year this system was officially abolished by British government.

1921: The Emigration Act of 1921 was passed, which repealed and replaced the 1883 Act. The 1921 Act included further provisions to provide better safeguards for emigrant workers.

Significance of indentured labourers for India

1. Economic Impact: Indentured laborers played a crucial role in India's economic history. Their migration generated remittances that benefited their families and communities back home. These remittances contributed to local economies and helped alleviate poverty in some regions.
2. Diversity and Culture: The migration of indentured laborers to various parts of the world resulted in the creation of a diverse Indian diaspora. These diaspora communities preserved Indian culture, language, and traditions in foreign lands. They also facilitated cultural exchange and enriched the local cultures of the countries where they settled.
3. Historical Legacy: The history of indentured labour migration is an important chapter in India's colonial history. It highlights the impact of British colonial policies and economic interests on Indian society. The experiences of indentured laborers shed light on the exploitation and hardships faced by many Indians during this period.

Conclusion:

The indentured labour system has both positive and negative consequences. It provided economic opportunities for many impoverished Indians, but it also led to the exploitation and mistreatment of laborers. Today, the descendants of these indentured laborers have diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds, and their experiences continue to shape the cultural and social fabric of the countries they settled in.

 

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