Fiji Indian Diaspora
The Indo-Fijian Diaspora: A Comprehensive History
The Indo-Fijian diaspora has a rich and complex history spanning over 140 years. This document explores their origins, migration patterns, cultural adaptation, and current situation, highlighting the resilience and adaptation of Indo-Fijians from indentured laborers to integral members of Fiji’s national fabric and global diaspora.
Origins and Early History
The story of Indo-Fijians begins in 1879 when the British brought the first group of Indian indentured laborers, or Girmityas, to Fiji. Between 1879 and 1916, over 60,000 Indians arrived to work on sugar cane plantations under British colonial rule. The majority of these laborers came from northern India's Awadh and Bhojpur regions.
Reasons for Migration
The indenture system, akin to slavery, involved severe labor conditions and minimal freedom. The primary factors behind this migration were:
Economic hardship in colonial India, where opportunities were scarce.
British recruitment under deceptive contracts, leading many to believe they would work under better conditions.
Development of Indo-Fijian Identity
As time passed, Indo-Fijians began to cultivate a unique identity distinct from their Indian origins and indigenous Fijians:
Language: Indo-Fijians developed Fiji Hindi, a koiné language derived from Awadhi and Bhojpuri dialects, distinct from standard Hindi.
Religion: While the majority are Hindu, there are also significant Muslim and Christian minorities.
Culture: Indo-Fijians adapted Indian folklore, including epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which play an essential role in their ceremonies and celebrations.
Political Influence and Population Growth
By the 1940s, Indo-Fijians had become the majority population in Fiji, which spurred significant political and social changes:
In 1966, the National Federation Party was founded, championing Indo-Fijian rights and becoming a major political force.
In 1987, Dr. Timoci Bavadra became the first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister, signaling a new political chapter.
Challenges and Emigration
The late 20th century brought considerable hardships for Indo-Fijians, marked by political instability and social upheaval:
1987 Coup: Lt.-Col. Sitiveni Rabuka led a coup that overthrew the Indo-Fijian-led government, spurring the first large-scale emigration wave.
Land Issues: Many Indo-Fijians are landless, depending on leased agricultural land. With the expiration of these leases, many lost their primary livelihood.
Political Instability: Further coups in 2000 and 2006 exacerbated emigration due to increased instability and discrimination.
Present-Day Situation
Today, Indo-Fijians face a complex reality influenced by the effects of political, economic, and social dynamics over the past century:
Population Decline and Diaspora
Due to emigration, the Indo-Fijian population has decreased from 48% in 1986 to 37.6% in 2007. Significant Indo-Fijian communities are now established in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. These communities maintain vibrant cultural traditions, including language, religion, and folklore.
Economic Impact and "Brain Drain"
The emigration of skilled professionals has resulted in a "brain drain," particularly affecting the healthcare, legal, and educational sectors. This exodus has led to diminished economic opportunities and infrastructure development within Fiji.
Cultural Preservation
Despite the adversities, Indo-Fijians continue to preserve their rich cultural heritage, which includes:
Festivals: Celebrations like Diwali and Eid are observed widely, alongside Christian and indigenous Fijian festivals.
Language: Fiji Hindi remains a cornerstone of their cultural identity and is taught in schools.
Cuisine, Music, and Art: Indo-Fijian cultural elements have seamlessly integrated into the broader Fijian society, contributing to Fiji's multicultural identity.
Cultural Influence on Fiji
The Indo-Fijian diaspora has had a lasting impact on Fiji’s cultural landscape:
Education: Hindi is taught in schools, and Hindi-language media, such as radio stations, is prevalent.
Multicultural Celebrations: Hindu, Muslim, Christian, and indigenous traditions are celebrated, reflecting the rich tapestry of Fijian culture.
Cuisine: Indo-Fijian culinary traditions are now part of mainstream Fijian cuisine, featuring prominently at cultural events.
Stories of Adaptation and Resilience
Coping with Indenture and Segregation
The British colonial system kept indentured laborers separate from native Fijians, which has created a lasting divide:
Social Segregation: Indo-Fijians were seen as "outsiders" (vulagi), a term that persists to this day, affecting their sense of belonging.
Cultural Stigma: Labelled as "coolies," Indo-Fijians faced stereotypes and discrimination that affected their social status.
Economic Challenges: Most Indo-Fijians became tenant farmers or small business owners, often facing financial instability due to limited economic opportunities.
Psychological and Generational Impact
The indentured labor system took a severe toll on Indo-Fijian communities:
Trauma: Harsh living conditions and the loss of autonomy led to high suicide rates among Indo-Fijians, particularly young women.
Political Marginalization: Generations later, Indo-Fijians continue to face political marginalization, contributing to ongoing emigration and social tensions.
Resilience and Education: Indo-Fijians value education and professional success as means of social mobility and have achieved notable success in their adopted countries.
Legacy of the Indo-Fijian Diaspora
The Indo-Fijian diaspora reflects resilience and adaptability as they navigate complex identities across multiple countries:
Diasporic Identity: Indo-Fijians often hold hyphenated identities like Australian-Indo-Fijian, reflecting their layered heritage.
Community Building: They have established thriving communities in various countries, promoting cultural preservation through community centers, religious organizations, and festivals.
Cultural Fusion: Indo-Fijians have blended Indian traditions with Fijian influences, creating a unique cultural identity that spans continents.
Resources for Further Exploration
For those interested in diving deeper into the Indo-Fijian diaspora, consider exploring the following resources:
Books and Articles: "Girmitiyas: The Origins of the Fiji Indians" by Dr. Ahmed Ali; various articles on Link Springer and Wisdom Library.
Web Resources: Indian Diaspora Council, Minority Rights, Migration Affairs.
Recordings and Oral Histories: Interviews and stories are available at Girmit.org, which provides a rich collection of first-hand accounts and analyses.
The story of Indo-Fijians is one of resilience, adaptation, and cultural preservation in the face of adversity. From their beginnings as indentured laborers to their role as an integral part of Fiji’s cultural fabric, their journey is a testament to the complex interplay of colonial history, migration, and identity.
Deceptive Contracts by the British in Recruiting Indian Laborers to Fiji
The British employed several deceptive practices in recruiting indentured laborers from India to Fiji:
Misleading promises: Recruiters, known as arkatis, often lured potential laborers with false promises of prosperity and easy work in Fiji. They painted an unrealistic picture of life on the sugar plantations.
Exploiting vulnerable populations: The British targeted impoverished regions of India, particularly central and eastern Uttar Pradesh, that were suffering from famines and economic instability in the early 19th century. They took advantage of people's desperation.
Vague contracts: The indentured labor agreements, called "girmits," were often vague and did not fully explain the harsh realities of plantation work. Many laborers did not understand the full implications of what they were signing up for.
Downplaying hardships: The difficult journey across the kaala pani (black waters) and the harsh working conditions in Fiji were severely downplayed or omitted entirely during recruitment.
Reasons for Selecting Specific Indian Regions
The British selected these regions of India for several reasons:
Poverty and famine: Central and eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Bengal were experiencing severe famines and economic instability, making the population more vulnerable to recruitment.
Agricultural skills: Many people from these regions had experience in agriculture, particularly in crops like sugarcane, which was valuable for plantation work in Fiji.
Overpopulation: These areas were densely populated, providing a large pool of potential laborers.
What They Were Led to Believe vs. Reality
Belief:
Easy work and prosperity in Fiji
Opportunity for a better life
Short-term commitment with the option to return
Reality:
Harsh working conditions on sugar plantations
Exploitation and low wages
Cultural dislocation and loss of caste identity
Difficulty in returning to India due to social stigma and economic barriers
The colonial government's true intention was to create a permanent pool of cheap labor in Fiji, rather than providing temporary work opportunities as initially presented. This deception led to the establishment of a significant Indo-Fijian population, forever changing the demographic and cultural landscape of Fiji.
Sources
Timeline of Key Events Related to the Indo-Fijian Population
1879: The first group of 498 indentured laborers from India arrives in Fiji on May 14.
1879-1916: Approximately 60,000 Indians are brought to Fiji under the indentured labor system.
1916: The indenture system is abolished.
1920s-1930s: Free migration from India continues, including Gujarati and Punjabi immigrants.
1940s: Indo-Fijians become the majority population in Fiji.
1956-1980s: Indo-Fijians constitute the majority of Fiji's population.
1966: The National Federation Party, a major political force for Indo-Fijians, is established.
1987:
Dr. Timoci Bavadra becomes the first Indo-Fijian Prime Minister, leading a coalition government.
Two military coups led by Lt.-Col. Sitiveni Rabuka overthrow the Indo-Fijian-led government.
The first wave of large-scale Indo-Fijian emigration begins.
1990: A new constitution is implemented, favoring indigenous Fijians and discriminating against Indo-Fijians.
1997: A more equitable constitution is adopted, restoring some rights to Indo-Fijians.
1999: Many agricultural land leases held by Indo-Fijians begin to expire, leading to displacement.
2000: Another coup occurs, further destabilizing the country and prompting more Indo-Fijian emigration.
2006:
Another military coup takes place.
Indo-Fijian population declines to 37% of the total population, down from 48% in 1986.
2007: Census shows Indo-Fijian population at 313,798 (37.6% of total population).
2015: Prime Minister Bainimarama issues an apology to those who left Fiji after the coups and urges them to reconnect with their country of birth.
This timeline illustrates the complex history of Indo-Fijians, from their arrival as indentured laborers to their rise as a significant portion of Fiji's population, followed by political challenges and emigration that have reshaped their demographics and influence in the country.
