Book Explores Indentured Labour's Role in Indian Diplomacy

This book talks about how Indian diplomacy was shaped by the experiences of indentured labourers, often called 'coolies,' and the concerns of caste elites.

During the colonial and postcolonial periods, millions of Indian labourers migrated to places like Malaya, Ceylon, and the Caribbean through systems of indenture.

Caste elites, who were often part of the nationalist movement, saw these labourers as a stain on India's reputation and sought to limit their mobility.

They wanted to promote the migration of 'skilled' Indians instead, believing that this would improve India's image abroad.

However, anti-caste leaders and the labourers themselves resisted these efforts.

They argued that life abroad, despite its hardships, was better than the caste oppression they faced at home.

The book also shows how Indian diplomats tried to reconnect with post-indenture societies, but these efforts were met with resistance.

Overall, the book highlights the complex ways in which caste, labour migration, and diplomacy intersected to shape India's international relations.