When did the indenture system ended in Fiji?

In 1919, largely due to public pressure in India, the system of indentured labour ended.

When was indentured system introduced in Fiji?

1879
Indian indentured emigration to Fiji began in 1879. It was started by Sir Arthur Gordon, the first substantive governor of the colony (1875-80), to meet the shortage of labour caused by the prohibition of commercial employment of the Fijians and by the increasing uncertainty and cost of the Polynesian labour trade.

What was indenture system and why was it introduced in Fiji?

The system was based on five years’ indenture, during which a labourer was bound down to the estate manager in such a way that he could be criminally prosecuted if he left the estate. 2 Under this system a large number of Indian indentured labour immigrated to Fiji.

When did indenture system ended?

Finally on March 20, 1916 Madan Mohan Malviya moved a resolution in the Indian Legislative Council for the abolition of the indenture system.

Why did the indentured system end?

The British-led Indian indenture system was finally banned in 1917. According to The Economist, “When the Imperial Legislative Council finally ended indenture because of pressure from Indian nationalists and declining profitability, rather than from humanitarian concerns.”

What was indenture system?

Indentured labour was a system of bonded labour that was instituted following the abolition of slavery. Indentured labour were recruited to work on sugar, cotton and tea plantations, and rail construction projects in British colonies in West Indies, Africa and South East Asia.

How were the indentured Indians brought to Fiji?

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Between 1879 and 1916, a total of 42 ships made 87 voyages, carrying Indian indentured labourers to Fiji. Initially the ships brought labourers from Calcutta, but from 1903 all ships except two also brought labourers from Madras and Mumbai.

Why did indenture system ended?

Final ban on indenture system The British-led Indian indenture system was finally banned in 1917. According to The Economist, “When the Imperial Legislative Council finally ended indenture because of pressure from Indian nationalists and declining profitability, rather than from humanitarian concerns.”

When did Indentureship begin?

An indenture system was established which brought East Indian immigrants to Trinidad from 1845 to 1917.

Who were the indentured labourers in Fiji?

Indians from all over India were initially brought to Fiji as indentured laborers to work on sugar cane plantations. Between 1879 and 1916, a total of 60,000 Indians arrived in Fiji. Approximately 25,000 of these returned to India.

Who abolished the system of indentured labour?

Mahatma Gandhi, the leader of the Indian freedom movement, saw first hand the plight of Asian indentured labourers in South Africa and campaigned on this issue during the first decade of the 20th century. The system of indentured labour was officially abolished by British government in 1917.