“Indo + Caribbean: The Creation of a Culture” is an exhibition, curated by Shereen Lafhaj, exploring the underrepresented history of Indian indenture in the British Caribbean. It will be on view from May 19 to November 19, 2023, at the Museum of London Docklands (No 1, West India Quay, Hertsmere Road, London).

Lafhaj writes, “As we mark the 75th anniversary of Windrush this year, Indo + Caribbean is a chance to learn more about Britain’s colonial footprint and the diverse communities from the Caribbean that have enriched our city.” [Many thanks to Peter Jordens for bringing this item to our attention.]

Description: Following the end of enslaved African labour, 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.

The first indenture ships set sail in 1838 and between then and its end in 1917, around 450,000 Indians undertook the long journey, taking up to five months, to the British Caribbean.

Conditions on board were poor and the journeys difficult, though strong bonds were forged between migrants as they crossed the Kala Pani or ‘dark waters’.

This upcoming display will spotlight this lesser-known history of Indian indenture in the British Caribbean and the personal stories of Indo-Caribbean culture in London, exploring migration to the United Kingdom today.

The display will feature letters petitioning the government from planter Sir John Gladstone, as well as 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.

For more information, see https://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/museum-london-docklands/whats-on/exhibitions/indo-caribbean

Also see related articles:

“Indo + Caribbean: The Creation of a Culture” Exhibition
GK Today, March 29, 2023
https://www.gktoday.in/topic/indo-caribbean-the-creation-of-a-culture-exhibition

Museum of London Docklands to have new display featuring history of Indian indenture in British Caribbean
Indian Express, March 25, 2023
https://indianexpress.com/article/india/museum-of-london-docklands-new-exhibition-india-8518702