Identify the most appropriate reason for the migration of the indentured labour from India in the nineteenth century:

The correct answer is Poverty and rural indebtedness.

Key Points

• In the nineteenth century, many Indian peasants and laborers faced extreme poverty and high levels of rural indebtedness due to various socio-economic factors.
• The British colonial policies, including high land revenue demands and the commercialization of agriculture, led to the impoverishment of the rural population.
• Rural indebtedness was exacerbated by the lack of access to institutional credit, forcing farmers to rely on moneylenders who charged exorbitant interest rates.
• As a result, many laborers sought opportunities abroad as indentured laborers to escape their economic hardships and pay off their debts.

Additional Information

• Indentured Labor System
  • The indentured labor system was a form of bonded labor under which laborers signed a contract to work for a fixed period in return for passage, accommodation, and a small wage.
  • It was widely used by European colonial powers to meet labor shortages in their colonies, particularly after the abolition of slavery.
• British Colonization Impact
  • British colonization had a profound impact on Indian agriculture, including changes in land ownership patterns and the introduction of cash crops.
  • These changes often led to the displacement of traditional farming practices and increased vulnerability to market fluctuations.
• Major Destinations
  • Indian indentured laborers were sent to various British colonies, including the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana), Fiji, Mauritius, and South Africa.
  • They contributed significantly to the development of these regions, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure.
• Living Conditions
  • The living and working conditions of indentured laborers were often harsh, with long working hours, inadequate food and shelter, and strict disciplinary measures.
  • Despite these challenges, many laborers chose to stay in the colonies after their contracts ended, forming significant diaspora communities.