"The indentured labour gave rise to a new culture in the Caribbean islands." Justify this statement with suitable examples.

Question

What is the meaning of 'cultural fusion' ? Give two examples how indentured labour system  led to cultural fusion.

         OR

"The indentured labour gave rise to a new culture in the Caribbean islands." Justify this statement with suitable examples.

Answer 1

(i) Cultural fusion is a phenomenon which emerges when two or more cultures inter-mingle and produce a new culture.
(ii) Indentured laborers used to live and work in very harsh conditions. This forced them to seek new avenues of comfort and relaxations. This blended different cultural forms.
(iii) Examples:
(a) Hosay: In Trinidad, the annual Muharram procession was transformed into a riotous carnival called 'Hosay' in which workers of all races and religions joined.
(b) Chutney Music: 'Chutney music' is another creative contemporary expression of the post indentured experience.
(c) Rastafarianism: The protest religion of 'Rastafarianism' is also said to reflect social and cultural links with Indian migrants to the Carribean.