Repatriation of Indian Indentured Laborers from Fiji to Calcutta: Governmental Effort Towards Welfare.
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Updated By: History Editorial Network (HEN)
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The repatriation of Indian indentured laborers commenced with the ship British Peer, which embarked from Fiji, carrying 464 Indians back to Calcutta. The system of indentured servitude had led many Indians to Fiji and other colonies to work on plantations under harsh conditions. This event marked the beginning of a governmental effort to repatriate these laborers to their homeland after serving their terms.
Indentured labor from India to Fiji began in the late 19th century owing to labor shortages on sugar plantations. The recruitment process often involved deceptive practices, and workers endured challenging environments and rigorous work schedules. The repatriation initiative signaled a response to the escalating concerns about the treatment of these laborers and the expiration of their contracts.
The British Peer, upon setting sail for Calcutta, symbolized the initial step towards acknowledging the rights and welfare of the indentured laborers. This move influenced subsequent policies aimed at improving labor conditions and providing mechanisms for return. The ship's return journey saw 464 individuals reclaiming their freedom and reconnecting with their roots.
The repatriation event highlighted the complexity of the indentured labor system and its implications for millions who lived through it. It drew attention to the lives of the laborers and underscored the need for better labor practices. With policies evolving, the event served as a precedent for similar repatriation efforts across the British colonies.
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Primary Reference: Repatriation of indentured Indians from Fiji - Wikipedia

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