Indian Indentured Laborers in Mauritius, Diseases, Mortality and Sexual Encounters: Some Reflections

Abstract

The legalization of the indentured system of labor transport form India to the island of Mauritius began from the year 1842. The system witnessed some drawbacks in the form of high rate of mortality amongst the natives who were transported as laborers. The poor dietary condition during the voyage at sea led to outbreak of contagious diseases. Cholera and dysentery frequently broke out due to improper and unhygienic water provided to the natives. The matter became worse as the native female began to join the batch of emigrants to work as laborers. Venereal diseases quickly spread within the laborers leading to their deaths. The native women faced blames for prostitution and were tagged as fallen women who polluted the minds of not only other innocent women but also the men by spreading diseases. The British government debated over the possible measures and remedies to solve the unprecedented spread of diseases and the high rate of mortality of the natives, while the death continued to proceed at a slow rate on the ships that carried the laborers to and from the island of Mauritius.