Slavery, Indenture and the Law: Assembling a Nation in Colonial Mauritius

This book explores the historical issues of colonialism and race that shaped the multicultural society of Mauritius, as it was a British sugar-producing colony with a majority of descendants of colonists, slaves, and indentured laborers. It identifies four legal events of historical importance: the abolition of the slave trade, slavery, private indentured labor migration, and state-regulated indenture. The book provides a legal analysis of these events and their impact on the island's population.

Format: Hardback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the intricate historical roots of colonialism and race, which have played a pivotal role in shaping the multicultural tapestry of Mauritius. While Mauritius served as Britain's primary sugar-producing colony during the 19th century, its rich history has remained relatively understudied, in contrast to its West Indian counterparts. The modern demographic of Mauritius is truly unique, as it is devoid of an indigenous population. Instead, the majority of the island's inhabitants today are descendants of colonists, slaves, and indentured laborers. This unique composition of the population has resulted in the formation of the Mauritian nation, with its diverse cultural heritage and complex social dynamics.

To explore the intricacies of Mauritius's past, this book employs an in-depth examination of the two labor systems that contributed to its population: slavery and indenture. Through a meticulous analysis of the relevant laws, four legal events of historical significance within the context of these two labor systems are identified: the abolition of the slave trade, the abolition of slavery, private indentured labor migration, and state-regulated indenture. These events not only shaped the course of Mauritius's history but also had far-reaching implications for the broader world.

What sets this book apart is its innovative approach, which seamlessly blends legal analysis with historical narrative. By delving into the legal frameworks that governed these labor systems, the book offers a fresh perspective on core historical events, straddling the boundaries between law and history. It provides a comprehensive account of both slavery and indentured labor in Mauritian history, shedding light on their complex interplay and their enduring legacies.

Mauritius, as an originally uninhabited island, presents a rare case study for inquiries into colonial legacies, multiculturalism, and race consciousness. This book will be an invaluable resource to scholars worldwide, spanning various disciplines such as slavery, indenture, and the legal apparatus of forced labor. It will deepen our understanding of the complex dynamics that have shaped Mauritius and contribute to our broader understanding of the legacies of colonialism and race in the world.

Weight: 566g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032322018