Cambridge introduces first-ever fellowship devoted to Indian indentured labour

Cambridge University has achieved a momentous milestone in the field of historical research by launching an unprecedented visiting fellowship centered around the study of indentured labour. This remarkable initiative aims to delve deep into the lives of millions of Indians who found themselves entangled in the controversial system that replaced slavery during the era of British colonisation.

Through this fellowship, scholars seek to shed light on the untold stories, struggles, and experiences of those who endured indentured labour, offering valuable insights into a pivotal chapter of human history.

The prestigious Selwyn College at Cambridge has appointed Guyanese-American Professor Gaiutra Bahadur as the ‘Ramesh and Leela Narain visiting bye-fellow in Indentureship Studies’. Professor Bahadur, author of ‘Coolie Woman: The Odyssey of Indenture’, will further delve into the experiences of Indian women who became indentured labourers in colonial plantations during the 19th century.