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‘The contrast between the lean, hungry Cassius-looking coolies who arrive at Port Louis, and the stout, muscular well-fed fellows with well-lined purses who leave its shores, is very remarkable.’ Taken from F.J. Mouat, A Bengal Civilian, Journal of Five Months’ Residence in the Mauritius, Calcutta, 1838.

Source: William Agnew Paton, Down the Islands, A Voyage to the Caribbees, Charles Scribner, NY, 1887. Illustration by M J Burns.

Source: J. Rodway & H.J. Stark, Stark’s Guide Book and History of British Guiana, Sampson Low, London, 1907.

Individuals wishing to return to India with family members were required to obtain the consent of relatives or guardians. Source: Mauritius Archives

Source: J. Rodway and H.J. Stark, Stark’s Guide Book and History of British Guiana, Sampson Low, London, 1907.

Resources

A key component of the ‘Becoming Coolies’ project is to produce freely available teaching aids and other resources for schools and other interested parties.

Exhibitions page

The Indian Labour Diaspora: student resource and discussion pack - download