Aapravasi

Aapravasi refers to indentured laborers who were brought to various British colonies from India, primarily between the mid-19th and early 20th centuries. The system of indentured labor was established as a replacement for slavery after its abolition, aiming to provide a cheap and reliable workforce for plantations and other industries. From 1834 to 1920, over half a million Indian indentured laborers were recruited to work in colonies such as Mauritius, Fiji, the Caribbean (Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica), South Africa, and East Africa.

These laborers, often from rural backgrounds, were recruited through agents and promised wages, food, and accommodation. However, the reality of their working conditions was often harsh, characterized by long hours, low pay, and difficult living situations. The journey itself was arduous, and many did not survive. Upon arrival, they would sign contracts, typically for five years, binding them to their employers. After fulfilling their contract, some chose to return to India, while others remained in the colonies, forming significant diasporic communities.

The legacy of the Aapravasi is profound, shaping the cultural, social, and economic landscapes of the host countries. Their descendants now constitute a substantial portion of the population in many of these nations, contributing to their diverse identities. The Aapravasi Ghat in Mauritius is a UNESCO World Heritage site, serving as a poignant reminder of this historical migration and the resilience of the indentured laborers. The term "Aapravasi" itself is derived from Sanskrit words meaning "immigrant" or "newcomer."