Chalo Jahaji: On a journey through indenture in Fiji
The indenture labour system began after the slave system was abolished in 1834 due to its widespread condemnation throughout the world. The British empire still needed labour in most of its colonies as the indigenous population lacked the skills and expertise to generate income for the empire.
On the other hand, the Indians were already farmers with years of expertise and since India was under the British empire and abundance of labour, it was an easy option to use the Indians as indentured labourers on its various colonies spread far and wide. Between 1836 to 1916 over 1.3 million indentured Indian labourers were sent over to these colonies to work on sugar cane farms mostly.
When Fiji became a colony in 1834, the shortage of labour was a big issue for the British Empire. The first governor after becoming a colony, Sir Arthur Gordon began the process of importing Indian indentured labourers to Fiji as he had done before in Trinidad and Mauritius.
After getting approval from the British Empire and the Indian government the process of recruiting labourers began in India.
The United Province became the epicenter of recruiting laboueres for Fiji. The recruiting agents got money for every person enlisted and to make profit, they lied and made dubious claims to entice many unsuspecting Indians to sign the agreement.
There were also many who knew about the indenture system and signed on tehri own will to earn money. They thought they would be able to help their poor families by joining the group.
Between 1879 to 1916, 60,965 Indians came to Fiji to work on the sugar cane plantations. In 1903 recruitment shifted to the South of India and South Indians also came to Fiji.
The agreement which the people signed state that they had to serve for 5 years and could return on their own expense but if they chose to sign an additional 5 years then their passage back to India will be paid by the Empire.
The journey by the sailing ships took approximately 73 days while steamers took 30 days. The hardships and perils that they would face in Fiji became evident during the journey itself. The harsh and cruel treatment on the ship was just a fraction to what they would face in Fiji.
The first ship Leonidas arrived in Fiji on 14 May 1879 with 463 Indians. News of chorea infection on the ship reached the colonial administration before the ship arrived. There was great fear of its spread across the country and the ship was asked to dock outside Levuka. Guards were stationed so that no one from the ship reached land.
On eth small island of Yanu-Lailai the Indians were quarantined. The first batch of Indians from this lot were taken by Mr. Hill on his estate in Rabi Island. Later on, the quarantine station was moved to Nukulau island. 42 ships made a total of 87 voyages to Fiji carrying the indentured laburers.
The sufferings and difficulties of the Indian labourers has been well documented over the years. Despite that many chose to remain in Fiji and cultivate the barren lands into vast fields which we see today. It was through their dedication and sacrifices Fiji became one of eth most profitable venture for the British.