Indentured diaspora (Girmit) in Mauritius: Histories, legacies, and contemporary implications

Aapravasi Ghat stands as a poignant symbol of the indentured labor system that reshaped Mauritius between the 19th and early 20th centuries. This study reveals how the British colonial indenture system, introduced post-slavery abolition, exploited North and South Indian workers through deceptive recruitment practices, while simultaneously fostering resilience and cultural preservation among laborers. Despite harsh conditions—strict regulations, racial discrimination, and limited freedoms—they laid foundational contributions to modern Mauritian society. The research underscores the dual legacy of exploitation and endurance, illustrating how Aapravasi Ghat serves as both a memorial and a living testament to the indentured diaspora's enduring impact on Mauritius’s colonial and postcolonial identity.

Dharmveer Singh Yadav, & Vinita Mohindra. (2026). Indentured diaspora (Girmit) in Mauritius: Histories, legacies, and contemporary implications. Agathos Review. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.19910706