Exhibition: Indo + Caribbean: The creation of a culture

A display exploring the underrepresented history of Indian indenture in the British Caribbean.

Following the Slavery Abolition Act of 1833, British planters in the Caribbean devised a new scheme to source cheap labour for their plantations, recruiting workers from India to work for three to five years in return for transport, a minimal wage and some basic provisions. Having successfully petitioned the British government for their support, the first indenture ships- Hesperus and Whitby- set sail in 1838. Between then and its end in 1917, around 450,000 Indians undertook the long and difficult journey, taking up to 5 months, to the British Caribbean.

The display explores:

The transition between enslaved African labour and the start of Indian indenture, including letters petitioning the government from planter Sir John Gladstone.

The journey from India to the Caribbean, examining the poor conditions on board and strong bonds forged between migrants as they crossed the Kala Pani or ‘dark waters.’

Life in the Caribbean for indentured labourers, addressing the difficult conditions faced by migrants and the impact of their arrival.

Indo-Caribbean Londoners today, exploring migration to the United Kingdom and drawing on personal stories of London’s Indo-Caribbean community

In addition to Gladstone’s letters, the display will feature contracts, shipping company records, postcards, and papers from the Parliamentary Archives that give insights into the realities of life under indenture. The display will also draw on photos, jewellery, film and artwork to uncover personal stories and family memories from London’s Indo-Caribbean community.

Ian has Visited - review here.