In November 1888, a steamship departed from India carrying nearly 600 laborers destined for Guadeloupe, seeking to escape economic hardship through indentured service. The maritime journey became a humanitarian crisis when the vessel suffered mechanical failures near Aden, forcing passengers to endure a month-long delay. During this period, the travelers faced severe health challenges, including outbreaks of scurvy. By the time the ship arrived at its destination, seven individuals had perished, and two others had died by suicide during the transit. Despite these harrowing conditions and the systemic abuse inherent in the colonial labor system, French authorities actively recruited workers from regions like the Madras Presidency to sustain their Caribbean plantations. This historical account highlights the extreme risks and exploitation faced by Indian migrants who sought better prospects abroad during the colonial era.
Source : Scroll.in
Photo : Scroll.in
