Journey of Indian community to Trinidad and Tobago

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Why in News Journey of Indian community to Trinidad and Tobago? 

In July 2025, the Indian community marked 180 years since their arrival in Trinidad and Tobago to honour their historical journey. The event honored the legacy of Indian indentured laborers and their contribution to the nation’s culture.

• During his 2025 visit, Prime Minister Modi praised the strength and resilience shown by Indians who settled in Trinidad and Tobago.

Arrival of Indians in Trinidad and Tobago

• In the year 1845, a ship named Fatel Razack carried the first group of Indian labourers to Trinidad. 

• It left the port of Calcutta and arrived at the Gulf of Paria on May 30. 

• The ship transported 225 Indians, most of whom were recruited from the northern regions of India. These people had signed contracts agreeing to work on plantations for five years. 

• • The journey from India to Trinidad was long and difficult. It lasted over three months on average. 
  • Sanitation was poor and food supply was limited. Men and women were kept in separate sections, and discipline was strict. 

• British officials mainly selected migrants from regions like Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal for plantation labour.

• These regions were under heavy tax pressure and often affected by natural disasters.

• Following the success of the first group, more ships began to bring Indian workers to the island.  
• Between 1845 and 1917, over 147,000 Indians came to Trinidad through the indentured labour system.
• After reaching plantations, Indian workers began their contracts and laboured under tight supervision in sugarcane fields.

Why were Indians Migrated to Trinidad and Tobago?

• Labour Crisis After Slavery Abolition: The most immediate reason for Indian migration was the labour shortage created after the end of slavery. In 1834, the British government officially ended slavery in its colonies. After this plantation owners in Trinidad and other Caribbean islands faced serious labour shortages. Indians were seen as suitable replacements.

• Poverty and Famine in Colonial India: Economic hardship in India played a huge role in motivating people to leave. During the 1800s, many regions in India, especially in the north, were affected by famine, drought, and land loss. Areas like Bihar, eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal suffered regular food shortages. For many, the idea of leaving behind hunger and hopelessness gave them a reason to take the risk of migration.

• British Colonial Interests: After the East India Company took over much of India, the British Crown gained full control in 1858. This allowed them to organise and manage a large movement of labour from India to colonies like Trinidad, Guyana, and Fiji. The colonial authorities identified this suffering population as a possible labour source for other colonies. 

Life under Indentureship and Early Struggles

The lives of Indian indentured labourers in Trinidad and Tobago were shaped by hard labour, limited rights, and constant adaptation. 

• Daily Work: Indian workers spent most of their time on sugar plantations. They planted, weeded, and harvested sugarcane under the hot sun. Work started early in the morning and ended late in the afternoon. 

• Men, women, and even young boys worked together. The tasks were repetitive and physically demanding. 

• This hard routine continued six days a week, leaving little time for rest or personal life.

• Labour System: To solve the Caribbean’s labour crisis, the British developed a system called indentured labour. 

• The indenture system required workers to serve for five years in return for basic pay, housing, and return travel.

• The contract also offered the option to stay in the colony after the term ended.

• Wages: Most workers earned between 25 to 30 cents per day during the 19th century. This small income barely covered their basic needs. 

• Plantation owners often deducted money for housing, tools, or minor rule violations. 

• Many struggled to buy clothes, utensils, or food beyond what was provided. 

• For some, financial pressure forced them to extend their contracts after the original five years ended.

• Restrictions: Indentured workers could not move freely from one plantation to another. The law required them to remain under the control of their employer until the contract expired. 

• Social gatherings were limited, and religious practices were discouraged at times. 

• These restrictions separated them from the larger society and made life more isolated.

• Health: Accommodation for workers was basic and cramped. Most lived in barracks or mud huts with little ventilation. 

• There was no proper sanitation. Diseases like cholera and dysentery spread quickly. 

• Medical care was limited, and many died from untreated illnesses. 

• Malnutrition also affected many because of a poor diet. The workers depended on small kitchen gardens.

Contribution of Indian Community to Trinidad and Tobago’s Society

• Strengthening Agriculture: After completing their contracts, many Indians chose to stay and work as independent farmers. They bought small plots of land and grew rice, vegetables, and fruits. 

• Indian farmers introduced new crops like bhindi, mangoes, and melons. They also used traditional Indian farming methods which increased yield. 

• By the early 20th century, Indians were supplying a large part of the local food market.

• Emerging Voices in Politics: Indians slowly entered politics after facing years of exclusion. In 1946, when universal adult suffrage was introduced, Indian leaders began to gain influence. 

• Bhadase Sagan Maraj was one of the first major Indian political figures. He formed the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha and also became a voice in parliament. 

• He founded the United National Congress (UNC) and in 1995 became the first Indo-Trinidadian Prime Minister.

• • • Kamla Persad-Bissessar later made history in 2010 as the first female Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.

• Contributions to Education: The Indian community placed great importance on education as a path to progress. Many early migrants built temples and mosques that later supported schools. 

• Organizations like the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha established hundreds of schools across the country. 

• By the mid-20th century, Indo-Trinidadian children had access to basic education in their communities. 

• Over time, more Indians became doctors, teachers, and lawyers.

• Cultural Expressions: Indian migrants brought with them a rich culture of songs, dances, and religious traditions. Over the years, they kept these traditions alive and also blended them with Caribbean styles. 

• • Chutney music, for example, is a mix of Indian rhythms and Caribbean beats. It became popular across the country by the 1970s. 
  • Festivals like Diwali and Phagwa became their national celebrations.
  • Indian films and classical dances also found a place in local art shows and media.