ABSTRACT
This chapter examines historical perspective the dynamics and the long-term trends of the significant socio-economic process. It focuses on two broad phases of international migration, namely, the pre-independence era and the post-independence period. The chapter explores the three forms of migration, namely, indentured labour, kangani and ‘free’, respectively. It provides a brief discussion of migration by Indians to industrialized countries in the post-independence era. The chapter deals in some detail with the large-scale migration of Indians to the Middle East following the Gulf boom of the mid-1970s. A critical assessment of the conditions prevailing in India during British rule reaffirms the crucial connection between British expansionism and the international commoditization of Indian labour. Poor economic conditions and an unfavourable agricultural environment compelled the emigration of labourers from the lower castes/classes. The formal abolition of the kangani system was brought about by the Sastri report of 1936.
