Did you know that between 1834 and 1917, more than one million Coolies were taken across the Kala Pani, or Dark Waters, to the plantations of Malaya, Mauritius, Fiji, Trinidad, British Guiana, Jamaica, and British Honduras?

In “Coolie Woman: the Odyssey of Indenture,” Gaiutra Bahadur describes how the British and other Colonial Powers transformed generations of skilled Indians into an “indistinguishable mass of plantation laborers.” Part of that transformation took part during the journey from India to the Caribbean which, for many, was unimaginably excruciating. In fact, poor ventilation, outbreaks of disease, and a lack of food was common aboard the ships used to transport Indentured Indians.

When they reached their destination, they were met with a hostile and unfamiliar environment and forced to work long hours for low wages. But despite all odds, they persevered and laid a foundation that future generations would build on.

Learn more about the strength, resilience, and legacy of the Indo-Caribbean community in Episode 2 of The Peppa Pot Podcast: Camphor on the Dark Waters.

Click here to learn more about The Legacy of Indentureship with our resource e-book!

Credits

Beats and Music by Noyz

Research by Ryan N. Ramdin

Creative Direction by Sara-Sati Ramprashad