Indian Arrival in Jamaica

THE GLEANER, FRIDAY, APRIL 23, 2021 | www.jamaica-gleaner.com | A12 INDIAN ARRIVAL DAY FEATURE 12 T HERE ARE Indian influences that are distinct in Jamaica – the love for curry, cricket, mangoes and Bollywood – not necessarily in that order, but these influences have over time become an intrinsic part of the island’s DNA. This holds true for the wider Caribbean, too. When the first Indians arrived in Jamaica 175 years ago, they brought with them the hints of flavours, aromas, mysticism and cultural influence – all of which and more run on steroids. India, the mere mention of this land transcends one’s mind, body and soul into mythical spheres. India and Indian-ness are an integral part of the region’s social and cultural fabric, hints of which are as potent and fragrant as the spices of the land which are perhaps not visible on the surface but deeply embedded in the way of life. Turning the clocks back to a sunny afternoon of May 10, 1845, S.S. Blundell Hunter anchored in Old Harbour Bay, aboard were 200 men, 28 women and 33 children making the journey from India. It is recorded that the first Indian to set foot on Jamaican soil was a man named Parmeshwar (his name means Supreme Being or God). This day, perhaps, changed the course of history in Jamaica. The Indian immigrant population grew for another 70 years – some 36,400 immigrants made the four-month-long journey from India to this island. Differing in language, religion and culture, they were brought into an entirely new environment at once strongly Christian and African, where many of their traditions were seen as strange and even unholy. Yet, they have managed to maintain much of their culture, while leaving their mark on Jamaican foods, music, religion and festivals, making a significant contribution to Jamaica’s historical development and cultural heritage. HOSEI AND THE INDIAN EXCHANGE Hosei is the celebration that today epitomises Indo-Jamaican heritage. Although initially an all-Indian affair, African-Creole members of the community were soon included and the Hosei festival provided a space for creative exchange. Inclusion of Africans has become an integral part of the Jamaican performance of Hosei. This festival characterises a relationship of mutual learning and acceptance where Indo-Jamaican communities converge and share with their Afro- Jamaican compatriots. Only one in 10 Indians that came to Jamaica was Muslim. Nonetheless, by the 1860s, the Tazia and the Hosei carnival began to be seen around the island. As these floats made their way throughout their communities, Indians threw rice and jewellery, and fanned and burnt incense to usher them on the annual pilgrimage to the nearest seashore or river. At dusk the Tazia, a symbol of faith and hope, was set adrift and disappeared beneath the waters. SPIRITUAL BELIEFS AND PRACTICES The spiritual beliefs of Indian indentured labourers were grounded in ancient religious customs and traditions. These beliefs were nurtured through myths, songs, as well as shared languages. While Hinduism was the religion of the majority, there were also Muslims, and an even smaller number of Christians, Jains, Sikhs and Buddhists. From their villages, they came with these religions along with shared traditions. They brought with them practices such as pujas (prayer rituals), samskars (initiations), and celebrations like Ram Naumi, Diwali, Kartik Purnima and Moharam (Hosei). Their Jamaican experience, however, was to result in creolised traditions. Few Pundits (Hindu priests) and Malvis (or Maulwi, Muslim priests) were chosen to come, which affected the availability of religious instruction, as well as the performance of rituals. This would have a negative impact on the transfer of these traditions in their original form to younger generations. Still, today many of these are practised among the Indian community. Later arrivals of Indians to Jamaica would also ensure the survival of their beliefs. While some Indians came as Christians, those who were not were conformed to Christianity and the European way of life. As it became obvious that accepting this way of life was a means for them to improve their condition, many traditional customs became submerged, surfacing only on special occasions and within their communities. LIFESTYLES It was sugar that initially led the Indians to the West Indies. However, coming from one of the longest enduring civilisations, they brought with them centuries-old cultural practices, technologies, like rice cultivation, as well as new products such as curry powder, all unfamiliar to Jamaica. They came with their own farming methods and made use of land provided for them to grow their own foods and cultivate surpluses that they sold or bartered at the local markets. Some of them were skilled jewellers who practised their trade in their free time. Brass, silver and gold ornaments were indispensable to their lifestyle. They made ornaments such as guard-rings to protect against evil and other pieces of jewellery, especially elaborate wedding jewellery for brides. Their weddings – colourful and glittering ceremonies, the flavours of their cuisine with spices like curry (a mix of spices) or masala (which means spice in Hindi) made with utensils such as the carahee (or kadhai similar to a wok, with round metal handles) as well as their music, dance and traditional dress were all part of a lifestyle that was new to Jamaica. The traditional Indian practice of naming the boys after gods and heroes and the girls after goddesses, rivers, flowers, seasons, moods, or words of great significance have now been completely abandoned. Almost every Indian, regardless of his or her religion, has anglicised first and second names; the surnames, too, have been changed except for names such as Maragh (Maharaj or Emperor) and Singh (from the root word Lion). The Indians introduced several plants and trees in Jamaica, the most common being betel leaves, betel nut, coolie plum, mango, jackfruit, and tamarind. The food habits of Indians have a distinctly Indian flavour and taste. A typical East Indian dinner consists of curried goat, roti, pulses usually cooked with mangoes, curried potato, eggplant, bitter gourd and okra. Today, East Indians are the largest ethnic minority in Jamaica. Amitabh Sharma is a passionate Indian, a media professional – he is the Opinion Editor at The Gleaner newspaper and conceptualiser and host of Namaste India. Amitabh Sharma BONDED BY THREADS OF TRADITION AND DIVERSITY India and Jamaica Only one in 10 Indians that came to Jamaica was Muslim. Nonetheless, by the 1860s, the Tazia and the Hosei carnival began to be seen around the island. As these floats made their way throughout their communities, Indians threw rice and jewellery, and fanned and burnt incense to usher them on the annual pilgrimage to the nearest seashore or river. At dusk the Tazia, a symbol of faith and hope, was set adrift and disappeared beneath the waters.