Voices and Silences: Narratives of Girmitiyas and Jahajis from Fiji and the Caribbean

Indentured emigration from India to tropical sugar colonies was a significant social phenomenon of modern history, lasting from the 1830s to 1920. This book explores important narratives on indenture and evaluates them to highlight the experiences of indentured people across Fiji and the Caribbean. It reveals a language of indenture that permeates all texts written on the subject, speaking to and for each other to reveal the indenture experience.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Indian indentured emigration is a remarkable social phenomenon that has left an indelible mark on modern history. Over a span of nearly two centuries, it transported over one million men and women to tropical sugar colonies across the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian oceans. Commencing in the 1830s and continuing until 1920, this period remains largely overlooked in historical textbooks and literature. This book aims to delve deeper into some of the significant narratives surrounding indenture and assess their relevance in understanding the experiences of indentured people across Fiji and the Caribbean.

The story of indenture is a complex tapestry woven with themes of betrayal, trauma, and resistance. It is a narrative that encompasses the struggles and triumphs of individuals who were forcibly transported from their homes to work on plantations in far-off lands. At the same time, it is also a story of resilience, assimilation, and acculturation. Indentured laborers faced numerous challenges, including harsh working conditions, exploitation, and the loss of cultural identity. However, they also displayed remarkable adaptability and strength, forming communities and adapting to their new environments.

This book offers an in-depth literary study to unveil the existence of a unique language of indenture that permeates all texts written on the subject. The texts speak to each other, creating a dialogue that reveals the intricacies and nuances of the indenture experience. By analyzing these narratives, the book aims to provide a deeper understanding of the complexities of indenture and its impact on the lives of those who were subjected to it.

Indian indentured emigration is a significant chapter in the history of globalization, and it continues to be a topic of scholarly interest and debate. This book contributes to the ongoing exploration of this phenomenon by offering a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the experiences of indentured people. It is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in learning more about the history and legacy of indenture.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032377049