The Indentured Archipelago: Experiences of Indian Labour in Mauritius and Fiji, 1871-1916

This book explores the spatial experiences of Indian indentured laborers in Mauritius and Fiji, revealing previously unexplored labor movements across the Indentured Archipelago. It examines the concept of re-migration and the scale of this facet of indentured life, highlighting the debate on subaltern agency and the role of geography in understanding their lives. It also highlights the numerous proposals for the use of Indian indentured labor globally.

Format: Hardback
Length: 294 pages
Publication date: 03 February 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This captivating book delves into the intricate spatial experiences of Indian indentured labourers in Mauritius and Fiji, shedding light on previously unexplored labor movements across the so-called Indentured Archipelago. It provides a historical geographical perspective, situating the lives of these labourers within the broader context of spatial mobility and subaltern agency. The concept of re-migration, involving labourers moving between these colonies and beyond, is explored in depth, unveiling the scale and significance of this facet of indentured life. This groundbreaking work sparks a vital debate on subaltern agency and the role of geography in understanding the lives of these labourers both within and between colonies. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the numerous proposals for the utilization of Indian indentured labor across the globe, emphasizing the centrality of Indian indenture to the post-abolition labor discourse. Through its comprehensive analysis, this book offers a profound understanding of the complex and multifaceted world of Indian indentured labor, contributing to our understanding of the global history of labor migration and exploitation.

Introduction:
This book explores the spatial experiences of Indian indentured labourers in Mauritius and Fiji, shedding light on previously unexplored labor movements across the so-called Indentured Archipelago. It provides a historical geographical perspective, situating the lives of these labourers within the broader context of spatial mobility and subaltern agency. The concept of re-migration, involving labourers moving between these colonies and beyond, is explored in depth, unveiling the scale and significance of this facet of indentured life. This groundbreaking work sparks a vital debate on subaltern agency and the role of geography in understanding the lives of these labourers both within and between colonies. Furthermore, the book sheds light on the numerous proposals for the utilization of Indian indentured labor across the globe, emphasizing the centrality of Indian indenture to the post-abolition labor discourse. Through its comprehensive analysis, this book offers a profound understanding of the complex and multifaceted world of Indian indentured labor, contributing to our understanding of the global history of labor migration and exploitation.

Historical Geographical Perspective:
The book delves into the historical and geographical context of Indian indentured laborers in Mauritius and Fiji, providing a comprehensive understanding of their lives and experiences. It situates their experiences within the wider context of spatial mobility and subaltern agency, highlighting the ways in which their labor was exploited and their agency limited. The book explores the various factors that contributed to the recruitment of Indian laborers, including economic, social, and political factors, as well as the colonial policies and practices that shaped their lives. It also examines the spatial patterns of labor migration, including the movement of labourers between different colonies and regions, as well as their experiences of displacement and resettlement.

Re-migration and Subaltern Agency:
One of the key themes of the book is the concept of re-migration, involving labourers moving between these colonies and beyond. It explores the scale and significance of this facet of indentured life, highlighting the ways in which it shaped the lives of these labourers and their families. The book examines the various factors that influenced re-migration, including economic opportunities, social networks, and political unrest. It also explores the experiences of labourers who returned to India or other destinations, including their struggles to reintegrate into their communities and their attempts to rebuild their lives.

Proposals for the Use of Indian Indentured Labor:
The book also sheds light on the numerous proposals for the use of Indian indentured labor across the globe. It highlights the centrality of Indian indenture to the post-abolition labor discourse, emphasizing the ways in which it continued to shape labor practices and policies in various regions. The book examines the various proposals for the use of Indian indentured labor in plantations, mines, and other industries, as well as the debates and controversies surrounding these proposals. It also explores the impact of these proposals on the lives of Indian labourers and their communities.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this book offers a valuable contribution to the study of Indian indentured labor and its spatial experiences. It provides a comprehensive understanding of the lives of these labourers, situating their experiences within the broader context of spatial mobility and subaltern agency. Through its exploration of re-migration, proposals for the use of Indian indentured labor, and the centrality of Indian indenture to the post-abolition labor discourse, the book sheds light on the complex and multifaceted world of Indian indentured labor. It is a must-read for scholars and researchers interested in the history of labor migration, colonialism, and the global history of exploitation.

Weight: 512g
Dimension: 162 x 238 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781316512265