Why Should We Be Called 'Coolies'?: The End of Indian Indentured Labour

This book examines the end of a labor system in the British Empire from 1838 to 1920, focusing on the methods of agitation and the global interconnectedness of abolition. It compares and contrasts agitations in the Indian Ocean territories with those in other territories, with a strong subaltern focus.

Format: Hardback
Length: 222 pages
Publication date: 02 November 2020
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The abolition of the Indian indentureship system, a labor system that lasted from 1838 to 1920 in various British Empire territories, is a complex and multifaceted topic that requires careful examination. This book delves into the dynamics of this system's end, exploring the various factors that contributed to its demise.

One of the primary reasons for the abolition of the indentureship system was the growing opposition to it among Indian laborers and the Indian middle classes. These groups had long been subjected to harsh conditions and exploitation under the system, which saw them shipped to distant colonies as laborers for a fixed period of time. The conditions on these plantations were often appalling, with poor living and working conditions, low wages, and limited opportunities for advancement.

The Indian indentureship system was also heavily criticized for its impact on the cultural and social fabric of India. The system facilitated the colonization of India by British imperialism, leading to the displacement of millions of Indians from their homes and the erosion of traditional Indian customs and practices. Additionally, the system created a caste-based system of labor, which further marginalized and discriminated against Indian laborers.

Despite these criticisms, the Indian indentureship system continued to exist until the early 20th century. However, the growing international pressure for decolonization and the rise of nationalist movements in India played a significant role in its eventual abolition. In 1920, the Indian Independence Act was passed, which formally ended the British Empire's rule in India and granted independence to the country.

The main players in the final end of the Indian indentureship system were the Indian laborers themselves, as well as the Indian middle classes, nationalist movements, and international organizations such as the League of Nations. The Indian laborers, who had been subjected to years of exploitation and oppression, organized themselves into various organizations and movements to fight against the indentureship system. These organizations, such as the Indian National Congress and the All-India Trade Union Congress, played a crucial role in raising awareness about the system's injustices and advocating for its abolition.

The Indian middle classes, too, were actively involved in the processes leading towards the abolition of the indentureship system. These groups, which had benefited from the system's economic growth and development, began to recognize the system's negative impact on Indian society and culture. They also began to advocate for the rights.

In addition to these groups, international organizations such as the League of Nations played a significant role in the abolition of the Indian indentureship system. The League of Nations, which was established after World War I to promote international peace and cooperation, recognized the injustices of the indentureship system and worked to pressure the British government to end it. The League's efforts were supported by various countries, including India, which had become a member of the organization in 1944.

The abolition of the Indian indentureship system was a long and arduous process that involved a combination of grassroots organizing, political pressure, and international intervention. It marked a significant milestone in the history of India's struggle for independence and paved the way.

In conclusion, the abolition of the Indian indentureship system was a complex and multifaceted process that involved a range of factors, including the growing opposition to it among Indian laborers and the Indian middle classes, the impact of the system on Indian society.

The Indian indentureship system was a labor system that lasted from 1838 to 1920 in various British Empire territories. It was a labor system that saw Indian laborers shipped to distant colonies as laborers for a fixed period of time, often under harsh conditions and exploitation. The system was heavily criticized for its impact on the cultural and social fabric of India, as well as its impact on the economic growth and development of the country.

The main players in the final end of the indentureship system were the Indian laborers themselves, as well as the Indian middle classes, nationalist movements, and international organizations such as the League of Nations. The Indian laborers, who had been subjected to years of exploitation and oppression, organized themselves into various organizations and movements to fight against the indentureship system. These organizations, such as the Indian National Congress and the All-India Trade Union Congress, played a crucial role system's injustices and advocated for its abolition.

The Indian middle classes, too, were actively involved in the processes leading towards the abolition of the indentureship system. These groups, which had benefited from the system's economic growth and development, began to recognize the system's negative impact on Indian society and culture. They also began to advocate for the.

In addition to these groups, international organizations such as the League of Nations played a significant role in the abolition of the Indian indentureship system. The League of Nations, which was established after World War I to promote international peace and cooperation, recognized the injustices of the indentureship system and worked to pressure the British government to end it. The League's efforts were supported by various countries, including India, which had become a member of the organization in 1944.

The abolition of the Indian indentureship system was a long and arduous process that involved a combination of grassroots organizing, political pressure, and international intervention. It marked a significant milestone in the history of India's struggle for independence and paved the.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 144 x 222 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367676117