Q13. Why indentured labour was taken by the British from India to their colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

Model Answer:

Introduction

Indentured labour was a significant aspect of British colonial expansion. It involved the migration of Indian workers to various colonies, driven by economic and social factors.

Body

Reasons for Indentured Labor from India

1. Labor Shortages: Colonies needed workers after the abolition of slavery.
2. Economic Opportunities: Indians sought better wages and living conditions abroad.
3. Transportation: Steamships made migration faster and cheaper.
4. Colonial Policies: The British encouraged migration for agricultural development.
5. Recruitment Practices: Agents promised prosperity and security to prospective labourers.

Preservation of Cultural Identity

1. Cultural Retention: Many Indians maintained customs, languages, and religions.
2. Community Formation: Settlements helped preserve social structures and practices.
3. Festivals and Celebrations: Indian festivals continued to be celebrated in colonies.
4. Religious Institutions: Temples and mosques were established, sustaining faith practices.
5. Intergenerational Transmission: Families pass down cultural traditions and languages to descendants.

Conclusion

Despite challenges, Indian indentured labourers largely preserved their cultural identities in colonial settings, impacting the cultural landscape of their new homes.

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