4.2 Indian communities in Guyana and Suriname

Indian communities in Guyana and Suriname have deep roots dating back to the 19th century. Brought as indentured laborers after slavery's abolition, they faced tough conditions on plantations but eventually settled and established thriving communities.

These communities preserved their cultural heritage while integrating into their new homes. They maintained traditions, languages, and religions, gradually diversifying their occupations and increasing political representation. Balancing cultural identity with national belonging remains an ongoing challenge.

Historical Development and Establishment

Indian communities in Guyana and Suriname

Top images from around the web for Indian communities in Guyana and Suriname

• 

  Suriname - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Indo-Surinamese - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Coolie - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Suriname - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Indo-Surinamese - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Indian communities in Guyana and Suriname

• 

  Suriname - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Indo-Surinamese - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Coolie - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Suriname - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Indo-Surinamese - Wikipedia View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Indian indentured laborers brought to Guyana and Suriname in the 19th century after the abolition of slavery to work on plantations
  • Guyana (then British Guiana) received indentured laborers from 1838 to 1917
  • Suriname (then Dutch Guiana) received indentured laborers from 1873 to 1916
• Indentured labor system introduced to provide a new source of labor for plantations following the abolition of slavery
• Most indentured laborers originated from North India, particularly regions like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar
• Indentured laborers faced challenging working and living conditions on the plantations
• Many indentured laborers chose to stay in Guyana and Suriname after completing their indenture period, settling in rural areas and establishing their own communities

Socio-Economic Conditions and Cultural Practices

Socio-economic and cultural aspects

• Agriculture served as the primary occupation for Indian communities, focusing on rice and sugarcane cultivation and small-scale farming
• Over time, occupations gradually diversified to include trade, commerce, and professional services
• Indian communities preserved their cultural practices and traditions, with Hinduism and Islam being the major religions
  • Festivals like Diwali (festival of lights), Holi (festival of colors), and Eid (Islamic festivals) are celebrated
  • Languages such as Hindi, Bhojpuri, and Urdu are retained within the communities
• Cultural institutions like temples, mosques, and community centers were established to maintain cultural heritage
• Indian communities faced socio-economic challenges, including poverty and limited access to education and healthcare

Political representation of Indians

• Political participation of Indians in Guyanese and Surinamese societies gradually increased since the mid-20th century
• Indian-led political parties were formed to represent the interests of the Indian communities
  • People's Progressive Party (PPP) in Guyana
  • Progressive Reform Party (VHP) in Suriname
• Indians gained representation in government and parliament
  • Cheddi Jagan became the first Indian-Guyanese Prime Minister, serving in 1953 and from 1957 to 1964
  • Jagernath Lachmon was a prominent Indian-Surinamese politician
• These political parties and leaders advocated for the rights and interests of the Indian communities
• Challenges arose from ethnic politics and power-sharing dynamics
  • In Guyana, tensions existed between Afro-Guyanese and Indo-Guyanese communities
  • In Suriname, a balance had to be maintained between Indian, African, and Javanese communities

Identity and integration challenges

• Indian communities faced the challenge of balancing their Indian cultural identity with their national identity as Guyanese or Surinamese citizens
• Integration into the broader society involved participation in education, the workforce, and political spheres
• Intermarriage and cultural exchange with other ethnic groups became more common over time
• Generational differences emerged in cultural preservation, with younger generations being more integrated into mainstream society
• Efforts were made to maintain cultural heritage through language classes, cultural events, and religious celebrations
• Indian communities grappled with the challenges of cultural erosion and assimilation over time as they adapted to life in Guyana and Suriname