Beyond the horizon: exploring the experiences of indentured returnees in their plantation colonies and homeland

Abstract

This paper focuses centrally on returned indentured Indian labourers and examines the indenture system through their experiences, narratives, and savings. While the majority of research on the indenture system takes a ‘for’ or ‘against’ stance, this paper acknowledges the range of experiences and makes the case that, despite the tragic nature of the returnees’ story and the regret and loss they endured, not every experience in the colonies was depressingly bad. This paper analyses official archival and non-official sources to establish that the plantation experience was quite diverse. Many people made their economic fortunes by savings and experienced social upliftment on the plantations by creating casteless space, but when they returned after their contract, they struggled to integrate into their home country and families. © 2024 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.