Module overview
There are over 35 million people of Indian origin who form the global Indian diaspora. This vast number of people are part of deeply entrenched and influential communities in countries like the United States of America, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Singapore, Jamaica, Kenya and South Africa. This two-part special subject module explores the history, politics, and culture of Indian migration from the 18th century to the present. It examines key drivers of migration in Indian history, including indentured servitude, which brought individuals to the Caribbean and East Africa in the 19th century, as well as the aftermath of the Partition of India, which led to significant migration to the UK in the 20th century.
In the first part of this special, you will engage with key historiographical texts on migration and diasporic culture. During the first semester, we will focus on 19th-century migration, with particular emphasis on indentured servitude. We will examine the reasons behind migration from rural India to plantations in the Caribbean and labour markets in East Africa. Additionally, we will explore the lasting impacts and legacies of these migrations in the 20th century.