ABSTRACT
The Indian community itself was held in the lowest esteem by Europeans throughout the country on account of colour prejudice. Up to the year 1893 there were hardly any free Indians in South Africa capable of doing public work on behalf of the Indian community. Many Europeans called the Indian lawyers and Indian traders ‘coolie’ lawyers and ‘coolie’ traders. Since the Indian traders were the first target of attack, the measures for defence were limited to that class. The Europeans throughout South Africa had been agitating against the Indians on the ground of the ways of life. The Natal Indian Congress was founded about May 1894. A telegram was sent to the Government requesting them to delay the proceedings. A Committee was appointed, with Sheth Abdulla Haji Adam as chairman, and the telegram was sent in his name.
