Question

Describe three sources of the Indian diaspora.

Answer 1

The Indian diaspora refers to people of Indian origin who live outside India. The spread of Indians across the world has occurred in different phases and for various reasons. The main sources of the Indian diaspora are:

1. Old Diaspora (Colonial Period Migration): During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Indians were taken as indentured labourers by British rulers to work on plantations in countries like Fiji, Mauritius, Trinidad, Guyana, and South Africa. These workers were mostly from poor rural backgrounds and were sent under long-term contracts.
2. Skilled Migration to Developed Countries: Since the 1960s and especially after the 1990s, a large number of highly skilled professionals, such as doctors, engineers, IT experts, and scientists, have migrated to countries like the USA, Canada, the UK, and Australia. They moved for better career opportunities and higher education.
3. Migration to Gulf Countries: From the 1970s onwards, many semi-skilled and unskilled Indian workers migrated to Gulf countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, mainly for employment in construction, domestic work, and service sectors. These migrations were often temporary and contract-based.