MP Board · Class 10 · Social Science · History: The Making of a Global WorldWhat is meant by 'indentured labour'? Explain the reasons for the migration of Indian indentured labourers in the 19th century and describe how they created new cultural forms of expression in their new environments.

Meaning of Indentured Labour

\nIndentured labour refers to a system of bonded labour under contract. A worker would sign a contract to work for an employer for a specific period (usually five years) to pay off the cost of their passage to a new country or plantation. In the nineteenth century, this system was often described as a 'new system of slavery' because of the harsh conditions and lack of rights for the workers.

Reasons for the Migration of Indian Indentured Labourers

\nIn the nineteenth century, hundreds of thousands of Indian labourers went to work on plantations, in mines, and in road and railway construction projects around the world (such as the Caribbean islands, Mauritius, Fiji, and Ceylon). The main reasons for this migration were:

• Decline of Cottage Industries: Due to the influx of cheap British machine-made goods, traditional cottage industries in India collapsed, leaving millions of artisans unemployed.
• Rise in Land Rents: The colonial government and landlords increased land rents drastically. Peasants failed to pay their rents and fell deeply into debt.
• Clearing of Lands: Large tracts of forest and communal lands were cleared for mines and plantations, depriving local people of their traditional livelihoods.
• Deceptive Recruitment: Agents recruited poor villagers by providing false information about the nature of work, living conditions, and even the destination, tempting them with promises of a better future.

Creation of New Cultural Forms of Expression

\nFaced with harsh living and working conditions, indentured labourers from different regions of India and other parts of the world blended their cultures to create unique, hybrid forms of expression:

• Hosay: In Trinidad, the annual Muharram procession was transformed into a riotous carnival called 'Hosay' in which workers of all races and religions joined.
• Rastafarianism: The protest religion of Rastafarianism (made famous by Bob Marley) reflected social and cultural links with Indian migrants to the Caribbean.
• Chutney Music: Popular in Trinidad and Guyana, 'Chutney music' is a creative contemporary music form that emerged from the fusion of Indian folk music and local Caribbean rhythms.
• Integration of Festivals: Traditional Indian festivals like Diwali and Holi were celebrated in new ways, helping the migrants preserve their identity while adapting to their new homeland.