INDENTURE LABOUR SYSTEM
1. Context
In his autobiography, Munshi Rahman Khan wrote about the sudden meeting with two strangers on the platform of a railway station in Kanpur that would mark the beginning of the journey of a lifetime, taking him to the South American country of Suriname.
2. The Indian Indentured Labor System
- A brief overview of the indentured labor system, initiated after the abolition of slavery in 1833.
- The British recruited Indians from the lower castes and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, using famines as justifications.
- Indians were required to sign agreements to work abroad for a minimum of five years, primarily on sugar estates.
- The harsh conditions and conflicts with the local communities led to widespread protests against the colonial government in various colonies like South Africa, Trinidad, Mauritius, and Fiji.
Image Source: Dhara3. The Nationalist Struggle to End Indenture
- The role of the anti-indenture emigration league in Bengal, Bihar, and UP.
- The influence of pamphlets and firsthand accounts in raising awareness about the plight of indentured labourers.
- The movement to end the indentured labour system began with concerns about discrimination faced by wealthier Indians who moved to these colonies for trade.
- Mahatma Gandhi's 1906 satyagraha campaign in South Africa marked the early stages of the struggle against British rule in India.
- Initially, Gandhi's focus was on the disenfranchisement of Indians, but he later showed concern for indentured Indians in 1913.
- Gandhi's call against racism was accompanied by other movements in India and abroad against the indenture system.
4. The Abolition of the Indenture System
- Madan Mohan Malviya's resolution in the Indian Legislative Council in 1916 called for the abolition of the indenture system, which was formally banned by the British government in 1917.
- Despite the ban, migration for indentured labour continued until the 1920s.
- India's celebration of 100 years since the end of the indentured labour system in March 1917.
- A two-day conference organized by the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, featuring prominent scholars.
5. The Legacy of Indian Indentured Labor
- The Complex relationship between descendants of indentured labourers and their native country, India.
- The descendants often have a patchy connection with India and have developed a unique cultural identity through integration with the host country.
- While multiculturalism has flourished, the relationship with the indigenous population in these countries has sometimes been strained, leading to instances of anti-Indian sentiments.
6. Indian Indentured Labor in Suriname
The shortage of labour in Suriname's sugar plantations after the abolition of slavery led to the drafting of the Suriname immigration treaty in 1870, which paved the way for the arrival of the first ship carrying Indian labourers in 1873. This immigration had a profound impact on the formation of the Hindustani community in Suriname.
- The indentured labour system is viewed positively by many in Suriname as a historical legacy that provided opportunities for the Hindustani community. Cultural elements, language, and traditions have been preserved in Suriname, despite the challenges faced by indentured labourers during their journey and their early years in the country.
- Indian labourers were recruited using various methods, including deception and coercion. They faced many challenges during their voyage to Suriname, including harsh conditions, diseases, and fear of the sea. However, strong bonds and relationships were formed among labourers during their sea journey.
- The harsh conditions during the sea journey led to a breakdown of caste and religious divisions among labourers. A casteless Hindustani community emerged in Suriname, where religious obligations were also difficult to observe. The absence of caste and religious barriers contributed to the decision of many labourers to stay in Suriname.
- Several factors influenced the majority of labourers to choose not to return to India after the expiration of their contracts. Comparative advantages in living conditions in Suriname and the policy of land allocation to labourers were key factors. Additionally, the lesser racial violence in Dutch and French colonies compared to British colonies facilitated integration. The Hindustani community also made significant cultural contributions to Surinamese society.
- The Hindustani community in Suriname has risen to become the largest ethnic group in the country, exerting significant political influence. Political parties like the Progressive Reform Party (formerly the United Hindustani Party) have played a key role in representing the Indo-Surinamese community. Recently, President Chandrikapersad Santokhi has made efforts to strengthen relations with India.
- The Hindustani community has transitioned into Surinamese society while maintaining their Indianness. Bhojpuri and chutney music, as well as Indian folk dance forms, have gained global recognition in Suriname. Cultural cross-pollination between different communities in Suriname has led to artistic innovation.
7. Conclusion
The legacy of the Indian indentured labour system is marked by a rich tapestry of cultural integration, struggles, and complexities. The story of indentured labourers and their descendants serves as a reminder of a less sophisticated past and the challenges they faced while contributing to the development of the host countries.
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For Prelims: Indenture Labour System, Gandhi, South Africa, Munshi Rahman Khan, slavery, Trinidad, Mauritius, Fiji, satyagraha campaign, British colonies, Madan Mohan Malviya, Indian Legislative Council,
For Mains:
1. How did Mahatma Gandhi's involvement in the struggle against racism in South Africa influence his views on the indentured labour system? (250 Words)
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Previous Year Questions
1. With reference to the British colonial rule in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)
1. Mahatma Gandhi was instrumental in the abolition of the system of 'indentured labour'.
2. In Lord Chelmsford's 'war Conference', Mahatma Gandhi did not support the resolution on recruiting Indians for World War.
3. Consequent upon the breaking of Salt Law by Indian People, the Indian National Congress was declared illegal by the colonial rulers
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: B
2. The Gandhian Principles or Philosophy have been enumerated in the: (OPSC OAS 2019)
A. Fundamental Rights B. Preamble
C. Directive Principles of State Policy D. Fundamental Duties
Answer: C
3. With reference to a grouping of countries known as BRICS, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2014)
1. The First Summit of BRICS was held in Rio de Janeiro in 2009.
2. South Africa was the last to join the BRICS grouping.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: B
4. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (UPSC 2020)
A. Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey
B. Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand
C. Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam
D. Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea
Answer: A
5. According to Kautilya's Arthashastra, which of the following is correct? (UPSC 2022)
1. A person could be a slave as a result of judicial punishment.
2. If a female slave bore her master a son, she was legally free.
3. If a son born to a female slave was fathered by her master, the son was entitled to the legal status of the master's son.
Which of the statements given above is correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 2 and 3 only
C. 1 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: D
6. Choose the correct option. (MPSC Rajyaseva 2022)
(a) Deon Lendore of Trinidad and Tobago died in a car accident in January 2022.
(b) He won a Bronze medal in the London Olympics, 2012.
(c) Deon Lendore was a Chess Player.
A. Only (a) is correct
B. (a) and (b) are correct
C. (a) and (c) are correct
D. All the three statements are correct
Answer: B
7. Out of the following Indian dignatories who was the special guest at the 45th Independence Day function of Mauritius on March 12, 2013? (UPPSC 2013)
A. Minister of External Affairs B. President C. Prime Minister D. Vice President
Answer: B
8. In which ocean is the island country Fiji situated? (SSC CPO 2019)
A. Indian Ocean B. Arctic Ocean C. Atlantic Ocean D. Pacific Ocean
Answer: D
9. Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya is credited with popularising the slogan '______'. (SSC MTS 2021)
A. Vande Mataram B. Jai Jawan Jai Kisan C. Satyameva Jayate D. Inquilab Zindabad
Answer: C
10. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2015)
1. The Legislative Council of a State in India can be larger in size than half of the Legislative Assembly of that particular State.
2. The Governor of a State nominates the Chairman of the Legislative Council of that particular State.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: D
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Source: The Indian Express
