Issues and identity preservation of indentured labour taken by the British to other colonies.

Following the abolition of slavery in 1833, the British introduced the Indentured Labour System (often called 'Girmitiya' system). Millions of Indians, mainly from Bihar, UP, and South India, were transported to colonies like Fiji, Mauritius, Caribbean, and South Africa to work on sugar and rubber plantations.

1. Issues Faced by Indentured Labourers

The system was often described as a "new system of slavery" due to the extreme hardships involved:

  • Deception and Fraud: Many labourers were tricked by recruiters (Arkatiyas) with false promises of high wages and easy work in a "promised land."
  • Appalling Living Conditions: They were housed in cramped barracks with poor sanitation, leading to high mortality rates.
  • Legal Bondage: Leaving the plantation without a permit was a criminal offence. They faced floggings, wage cuts, and imprisonment for minor "breach of contract."
  • Social Isolation: They were cut off from their families and treated as commodities, with no political rights in the host colonies.

2. Preservation of Identity

Despite the systemic attempt to strip them of their culture, Indians preserved their identity through unique methods:

  • Religion and Literature: They carried copies of the Ramayana (Ramcharitmanas) and Hanuman Chalisa. Collective recitations helped maintain their spiritual roots and provided emotional strength.
  • Language Fusion: They developed Bhojpuri-based dialects (like Fiji Hindi or Caribbean Hindustani), which acted as a unifying force among workers from different regions.
  • Cultural Festivals: Festivals like Holi, Diwali, and Muharram (celebrated as 'Hosay' in the Caribbean) were used to express community solidarity.
  • Food and Music: Traditional food habits were maintained using local substitutes. Musical forms like Birha and Chutney Music (a blend of Indian folk and Caribbean beats) emerged as symbols of cultural resistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the indentured labour system was a dark chapter of colonial exploitation. However, the resilience of the Girmitiyas ensured that they did not just survive but thrived. Today, the Indian Diaspora in these nations stands as a testament to their success in preserving their heritage while contributing significantly to the global culture.