Indentured Labour Migration in the Tea Garden of Assam: A Historical Perspectives

JADAB MUNDA, Assistant Professor at Department of Geography in Magrahat College, University of Calcutta.
Archana K. Roy, International Institute for Population Science

The study focuses on the historical, geographical, and demographic aspects of the colonial-era migration of indentured tea labourers from different Indian provinces to the tea districts of Assam. This study data was based on Annual reports on labour immigration into Assam, 1877-1932-33, and Census of India, Assam districts census handbook, 1891-1931. Historical study shows a steady increase in in-migration between 1891 and 1921, with a subsequent decline in 1931. Geographically, the Bengal Presidency emerges as the primary source of labour migration, contributing over 60% of the total influx into Assam. Demographically, male out-migration significantly outweighs female migration, with males constituting over 50% of total movement. Moreover, the distribution of child migrants across Assam's districts illustrates varied patterns, with Kamrup notably receiving higher numbers during specific years. The study underscores British colonial policies driving indentured labor migration and explores the integration of migrants within Assam's tea estates. In conclusion, it provides insights into the complicated procedures of labor migration during the colonial era, illuminating historical patterns, geographic origins, and demographic differences in the indentured labor movement to Assam's tea estates.

Keywords: Historical Demography, Internal Migration and Urbanization, The Demography of Indigenous Populations, Spatial Demography

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