September 20, 2022October 23, 2022 4min readBy Anjali Seegobin
melissa dean
“I come from Dahl and the jingle jangle of bangles, I come from coco and stew peas, there are pieces of me in two different nations and I will never fit your expectations” – Melissa Dean
Dawning on the coast of Old Harbor Bay, Jamaica was the SS Blundell ship carrying a group of South Asians and British authorities. It was 1859 and the ship carried approximately 200 men, 28 women and 12 children, oblivious to the contracts of servitude they would be bound to.
As a lineage of ships washed ashore so did the freedom of the South Asians aboard. As they trickled off the ships they were given one suit of clothing, cooking utensils and agricultural tools. The rumble of mule carts and clustered freight trains hauled these workers to their new home—a plantation. Their worth was reduced to a shilling a day and their names diminished to ‘coolie.’ Coolie is the term the British used to describe laborers or servants.
The indentureship system in Jamaica experienced fewer workers from India compared to Caribbean countries like Guyana and Trinidad. Of the 543,914 South Asians that migrated or were stolen and placed on these ships, 7% were taken to Jamaica. They mainly worked on sugar plantations. Their coerced labor increased wealth and trade for the British Empire.
Time-Expired Indians
If they survived the length of their contract, they were considered time-expired Indians. They were granted freedom through a slip of paper that allowed them access to the island. Many chose to return to India, but repatriation was costly for planters. Incentives like the acceptance of land were created to avoid the costs of sending workers back. However, most of these lands were infertile and mountainous to upkeep. Some renewed their contracts and became ‘second-term coolies.’
Ships came back with only a few to India and only departed when full, which was not guaranteed because of strict immigration regulations. Issues of invalid immigrants sneaking on ships or disabled workers were denied and forced to stay. The last repatriates left in 1929, leaving imprints on land changed forever by their labor.
Black and Brown Communities Interact
The interactions between black and brown populations in Jamaica have been met with both hostility and acceptance. As Indians were introduced to the plantation system alongside ‘free’ Africans, so were racial barriers fabricated by overseers. Overseers separated both groups where most Indians resided at the estates while Afro Caribbeans lived in free villages. This separation of races left little social interaction and created hostility between both groups. Since Indians accepted contract labor under conditions akin to slavery, the black community viewed them as ‘slave coolies.’ Indians assumed cultural superiority over the black community based on their notions of the caste system and closeness to ‘whiteness.’ These ethnic conflicts transpired as a way for overseers to uphold their capitalistic agenda and white supremacist values.
Spoken word artist Melissa Dean, reflects on her Indo-Jamaican identity in her poem “I am Indo-Jamaican” She describes the derogatory usage of the word coolie and its connection to indentureship. The word coolie stems from the Tamil word ‘Kuli,’ meaning low-wage laborer from Asia.
Being Indo Jamaican
In my interview with Dean, she describes the interactions between black and brown populations.
Many mixed Jamaicans are very vocal about having Indo Caribbean descent, and being lighter and having straight hair is still considered a sign of beauty. Jamaica still has leaps and bounds to go in breaking down racial beauty standards and embracing black features, especially hair.
Dean’s experiences of beauty in the Jamaican community are similarly found across the Caribbean where these perceptions are rooted in colonialist ideologies.
The poet also describes her experience living in Canada with stereotypes of Jamaican culture and no placement for other ethnic groups.
“To them (Canadians), it’s ganja (marijuana), Bob Marley, Afro-Caribbeans and phrases like ‘wah a gwan.’ It is often very much a revelation to them when they learn that there are Indian, Chinese and white Jamaicans.”
Navigating race in Canada also became a challenging experience for Dean.
It has been difficult to fit in with any particular racial, ethnic or cultural group, simply because I knew no one else like me. However unfortunate this has been for me growing up, today I take this identity in stride,” Dean said.
A shared feeling of not belonging is felt across the Caribbean, specifically in South Asian and Afro Caribbean spaces.
“My mom was surprised to find that the Indians she thought she shared culture with didn’t accept her either. Among the few other Indian and Indian-presenting students, she was constantly made to feel like being Indo Caribbean meant she was trashy, and not traditional enough to fit in with those who looked like her – they were the real thing, and we were tarnished,” Dean said.
While walking the streets of Toronto you might hear remarks like “ting” or “dun know,” words that are part of Toronto Slang but have roots in Jamaican patois. Words that may be part of your everyday vernacular hold a deep history of colonialism across continents. Dean reflects on this history and her connection to these words.
I think the perception of being Jamaican, particularly in Toronto, has been idealized to the point that it has given rise to the infamous ‘Toronto slang,’ which is very obviously based on patois. Many believe this is ‘street talk,’ and do not pay homage to the cultural and historical roots that have given rise to it.
While Jamaican patois have assimilated into Toronto slang, many Caribbean countries struggle with the notion of their speech being ‘broken’ English. This dialect carries a negative perception of not being ‘proper,’ English and is dismissed from being accepted in schools.
According to linguists and historians at the University of West Indies,“The language the vast majority of Jamaicans learn between birth and their first year of school is not a ‘broken’ form of English, but a language of its own. They have identified how it evolved and shown that its growth and development are similar to that of most international languages.”
While schools in the Caribbean have been aiming to destigmatize Jamaican patois, bits of this dialect has found themselves fused into trendy Toronto slang.
The residual effects of colonialism in the Caribbean are one that is still seen today. It is seen from statues glorifying kings and queens of the British monarchy to the prick of blood sugar monitors and string of blood pressure machines. However, the initiative toward these residual effects is one that remains in Jamaica’s future.
With plans to remove the British Monarch as head of state, Barbados catalyzed a domino effect in Jamaica and across the Caribbean. These efforts toward decolonization are stepping stones toward justice for West Indian ancestors and future generations.
January 3, 2023January 10, 2023 3min readBy Subrina Singh
Curried Chicken with Roti Parata or Roti, popular Middle Eastern/Indian cuisine
It is officially that time of year—the holiday season. There’s nothing like Christmas and New Year’s in the West Indies. Between the pepperpot in Guyana and the palm trees decorated in lights in Trinidad, the home food, warm weather and laid-back ambiance makes us wish we could escape the cold and head back to the Caribbean. Most of us, however, cannot “take holiday” and find ourselves hungry for fresh dhal puri and doubles. But, thanks to these Indo-Caribbean food bloggers, we can bring the motherland to our kitchens.
From Diwali mithai specialties to curry chicken, Matthew is creating a name for himself as a young Guyanese food blogger. He makes a great effort to incorporate Hindu holidays and traditions on his Instagram account, in conjunction with the customary foods and sweets associated with these religious events. However, his expertise does not end there, with new and alternative recipes for classic dishes such as curry chicken and bhara, Matthew takes center stage sharing both traditional Guyanese dishes as well as specific religious dishes made for festivals. His most popular YouTube video, with 1.4 million views, features his grandmother and focuses on the best tips to make the softest Guyanese paratha roti. In addition, his YouTube account is home to many videos offering guidance to Indo Caribbean cooking. Find recipes at @mattews.guyanese.cooking
Natasha Laggan of Trini Cooking with Natasha is wildly popular throughout the Caribbean and the U.S. With humble beginnings, Natasha credits her love of food to her family’s business. She speaks of the nostalgia home food provides her as she reminisces memories of her grandmother’s cooking and helping her mother make sandwiches early in the morning. Featured by Forbes, Natasha grew her Facebook following quickly throughout the pandemic by posting old YouTube videos. Today, she has more than 1 million followers on Facebook and over 200K followers on YouTube. She uses her passion for cooking and Trinidadian culture to bring easy-to-follow recipes to viewers. Her following has now reached the West Indian diaspora globally as she has also become a brand ambassador to two well-known food companies. Follow the food expert @trinicookingwithnatasha.
With over 100K followers on YouTube, Ria is quite the expert when it comes to making roti. Her dhal puri, sada roti and paratha roti tutorials have over 1M views! However, her expertise does not stop there. Of the 180 YouTube tutorials, her recipes vary from curry to other Trinidadian favorites like macaroni pie and pigtail soup. Just scrolling through her YouTube page makes your mouth water. From doubles to classic Trinidad bakes like pound cake and sweet bread, she provides precision and anecdotal commentary while guiding you through the familiarity of home food. Check out Ria’s page at @cookingwithria.
Known as Chef Devan, Devan Rajkumar embraces his Guyanese Canadian heritage by creating recipes combining flavors of both the East and West Indies. His love of food has allowed him to expand his role to judge in a popular Canadian cooking show: Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters. His cooking often blends the flavors of multiple cultures but also creates the classic recipes of his motherland. With a multitude of interests, Chef Dev uses his social media platform to connect with followers by sharing various aspects of his life that go beyond cooking. His most recent YouTube video provides a trailer for an upcoming video “Tastes Guyana” which shows him exploring Guyana from the inside, specifically deep parts of the inner country. To learn more about Chef Devan follow @chefdevan.
Reshmi is the chef behind the growing blog, Taste of Trinbago. A Trinidadian native who now resides in Texas, she uses her love of food and Trinidadian culture to share hacks, tips and easy recipes with West Indians throughout the globe. She finds a way to simplify traditional West Indian meals, that we once watched our elders make with curiosity. From holiday specialties like black cake to Diwali delicacies, Reshmi has brought vegetarian and non-veg recipes to followers in an extremely accessible way. She even posts recipe cards on her IG highlights for followers who may need written instructions. Her IG profile is a mix of various West Indian foods while also sharing bits of her life and even her secrets to baby food. Follow her @tasteoftrinbago.
These are just five Indo Caribbean food bloggers sharing their secrets to easy cooking. The once very daunting recipes and food instructions our parents gave have been simplified by most of these bloggers through video, voice over and modernized recipes. We no longer have to estimate a “dash, pinch or tuk” of any masala. We are just days away from Christmas and this is the perfect time to find the best-suited recipe to make that paratha for Santa.
February 25, 2023April 5, 2023 4min readBy Anita Haridat
Saheli Khan
From singing and acting to drawing immaculate figurines, Saheli Khan, 11, has made her debut in the North American Broadway tour as young Anna in Disney’s musical “Frozen.” As a first-generation Indo Caribbean, with roots in India and Pakistan, she continues to pave the way for young people with similar backgrounds.
Khan has always enjoyed entertaining those around her and she continues to have the motivation to pursue her passions. In school, she always sought to lead her class in songs and she was encouraged by her parents and teachers to enroll in music and acting classes, even at a young age. These ventures fueled her passions even more.
Continue reading to learn more about her journey!
What do you like about acting the most?
I like to portray different characters. Specifically, I like playing characters who have strong personalities and those who portray a sense of bravery, especially during problematic occurrences.
As a first generation Indo Caribbean actress, how do you feel about your journey as a young Disney princess? Do you feel that you are paving the way for other Caribbean and South Asians who want to pursue similar paths?
Diversity has always been important to me, but in today’s society, I feel that most people would like to be accepted and encouraged. As a Disney Princess, I am simply helping to broaden the field for all young people to see that skin color should not matter.
Saheli in Hidden Folk outfit| Photo courtesy of Saheli Khan
What do you like about your character, Anna? Is there anything that you may dislike?
Young Anna is a ball of sunshine! She is happy, funny, and a delight to be around. Despite having a troubled childhood, she grows up to be just as joyous, but she is also courageous as she goes on a journey to find her sister. I love everything about young Anna and she truly embodies who I am as a person.
Who is your inspiration and why?
My parents are my inspiration. My mom is beautiful, loving, and she works hard without ever giving up. No matter the task, she finds a solution and keeps on going with a smile on her face. She always tells me, “Whenever you feel overwhelmed, remember whose daughter you are and straighten your crown.” And my dad is my best friend. He’s insanely funny, caring and knows all the best places to eat! My parents are exactly how I want to be when I grow up.
If you had a magic wand, what show would you do next?
I would love to be Annie on Broadway or play the lead in a series or movie.
What is the one last thing that you do before you step out on stage and the curtain goes up?
There are many things I do before I step on stage. I do fun and silly things quietly with my “Frozen” sister, Mackenzie Mercer, and play with my Anna pigtails for good luck.
What are your other passions?
I love to sing, act, and spend time with my younger cousin, Ayla. I also love to draw and color since it makes me feel relaxed. I was told I have a great ability to draw and make figurines ever since I was a child. And I love exploring new cities and eating at great restaurants with my family.
Saheli dressed in her “Young Anna” costume | Photo courtesy of Saheli Khan
What advice do you have for young people who are just starting their careers, specifically within the field of musical theater?
To have a positive mindset, practice diligently, and enjoy every moment within the journey. I have learned that there may be some occurrences that may not take place the way that you want them to, but there’s always an opportunity to learn from them.
Aside from your career, how do you balance your schoolwork and acting?
I attend school virtually, which is essential when I am on tour. Each day I have scheduled school hours that allow me to focus and complete all school assignments. Once that is done, I have most of the day to work on extracurricular activities, go on outings, and hang out with my friends. Though performing takes a large chunk out of my day, it helps that I enjoy it, so it doesn’t feel like work.
What types of roles do you see yourself playing?
I love to play humorous characters such as young Anna from “Frozen.” I truly enjoyed this role as it captures who I truly am.
Khan’s debut marks the start of a budding career. With her array of talents and future goals, we are bound to see more of the young actress in the future and more representation of Indo Caribbeans in mainstream media. If you would like to purchase tickets for Disney’s “Frozen,” click here.
Growing up in suburban Connecticut, being the only brown face in a room has never fazed me. I was always the little brown girl in the corner with waist-length hair and a name that made every teacher pause, but the feeling of “otherness” captured in this line was something I knew all too well.
This feeling isn’t unique. It’s the same experience of many immigrants and first-generation South Asian Americans, and that of the main character of “The East Indian”as well.
While a work of fiction set in the 1630s, the novel paints a very real picture of immigration and race in the United States today and the human need to belong.
It is the story of Tony East Indian, inspired by a real person documented in the country’s archives as the first known East Indian in the American colonies, but who is otherwise a work of the author’s imagination and research.
The son of a courtesan from the Coromandel coast of India, Tony unwittingly finds himself as an indentured servant in the plantations of Jamestown, Virginia at just 11 years old.
He accepts “Tony” as his first name — though he doesn’t care for it — because a fellow Tamil once suggested others in the world would find his real name “too hard to utter.” Then he adopts the surname “East Indian” simply because it is thrust upon him when he arrived in Jamestown. The protagonist can no longer even recall his birth name, but soon, he accepts it as a thing of his past.
Over the course of the novel, Tony lands at the center of scandal as he works to establish a new identity as a physician. All the while, he also struggles with isolation, prejudice and the challenges of trying to maintain pieces of the culture he carried with him from abroad.
He is confused as to why Native Americans are also called “Indians” and many colonists simply label him a “moor,” a term used for North Africans or anyone with darker skin, with no context for India or its people in this new world.
He, feeling disloyal to his “many Gods,” converts from Hinduism to Christianity, believing it will give him more credibility and a sense of connection to his peers. He begins to eat meat and spend time at taverns, all in hopes of belonging, and assimilating with colonist ways.
As he comes of age and furthers his physician’s apprenticeship, Tony also begins to ponder questions of race and social class to no avail. He reflects:
“I would talk to Doctor Herman and try to understand the reason behind white skin and black and brown and, more important, what greater distinctions of wit, sensibility, and soul the differences in hue signified. I read and was taught by my master the new ideas put forth by men of learning in England and Europe on the workings of the bowels, the brain, the blood; the causes of migraines, melancholy, and madness, but I never got closer to understanding the real meaning behind what they called different races of men, and if such difference exists in any profound sense that really matters.”
Overall, in “The East Indian,” Tony becomes a man. He learns of the world’s cruelty and its kindness. He learns to work, play, love, hate, scheme, grieve and care for himself and others. But, like most immigrants, he still longs for home.
“For home is singular and unique. Everywhere else is but a stopping place, a bed in a stranger’s house, eating off plates not one’s own, an unfamiliar view from a casement,” Tony said.
When attempts to head West and find an ocean back to India fail, Tony accepts that returning to his motherland is unlikely and resolves that he must learn to adapt.
He worries his love interest, born in the colonies, will not relate to him, for “her heart did not ache for another place beyond the sea” and also wonders what the future of his children will be. Nevertheless, he is never defeated.
“I would thrive wherever the wind laid me,” says Tony. “[I] will be my own shelter, my landing place. Like a snail, I will carry home on my back, find it where I happen to be, make it from what I bear inside me.”
Leaving or even kidnapped from their homes with little to no hope of return, thousands of Indians faced journeys fraught with violence, condemnation and injustice trying to create new lives and identities away from their homeland in places like Mauritius, Fiji, Guyana, and Jamaica. However, like Tony, they also found the strength and courage to survive and establish their own cultures and communities.
While no details are known about the real Tony East Indian, Charry weaves a compelling coming-of-age tale that takes him as well as readers across three continents.
The novel, like life itself, has fast and slow moments, but it is filled with vivid, historically accurate depictions of the colonial world and moving moments that keep you rooting for the main character’s triumph.
It is this authenticity and compassion that makes “The East Indian” an invaluable modern work. There are no known first-hand accounts of the indentured or South Asian colonists in America. The only proof of the mere existence of many are the generations that have come after them.
With several years of research put into it, Charry’s “The East Indian” serves as a rare realistic portrayal of what life may have been for these individuals; the hardships they endured, and the strength they embodied. South Asian or not, it is a rich history not only worth reading but sharing and celebrating.
To learn more about Brinda Charry and her professional work visit her website. The East Indian is now available in print and audiobooks from all major book retailers.
Featured Image: Author Brinda Charry was born and raised in India before moving to the United States for graduate school two decades ago. She considers herself “a novelist-turned-academic-returned-novelist | Photo Credit: Lisa Arnold Photography
