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Indo-Jamaicans Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: Indo-Jamaican History and Culture

Cheat Sheet:
Indo-Jamaican History and Culture Study Guide

The Indenture Era: Migration and Labor

Over 100,000 Indians migrated to Jamaica as indentured laborers between 1845 and 1917.

Answer: False

Explanation: Between 1845 and 1917, approximately 36,000 Indians migrated to Jamaica as indentured laborers, not over 100,000.

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Indians were brought to Jamaica primarily as free laborers after the abolition of slavery.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indians were brought to Jamaica primarily under the Indian indenture system, not as free laborers, following the abolition of slavery.

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The majority of indentured laborers originated from South India.

Answer: False

Explanation: The majority of indentured laborers originated from the Bhojpuri region and Awadh in the Hindi Belt of North India, with a minority coming from South India.

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Indian indentured workers earned higher wages than emancipated slaves in Jamaica.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indian indentured workers generally earned less than emancipated slaves in Jamaica, effectively undercutting the wages of former slaves.

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The "Protector of Immigrants" in Jamaica primarily advocated for the rights and welfare of the indentured workers.

Answer: False

Explanation: While theoretically appointed to oversee immigrant welfare, the Protector of Immigrants often prioritized the interests of employers over those of the indentured workers.

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Indentured laborers fully understood the terms of their contracts because they were written in their native languages.

Answer: False

Explanation: The terms of indenture were often misunderstood because the contracts were written in English, a language many laborers did not comprehend.

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In the mid-20th century, Indians migrating to Jamaica primarily came as indentured laborers.

Answer: False

Explanation: In the mid-20th century, Indians migrating to Jamaica primarily came as merchants engaged in business, rather than as indentured laborers.

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The "Maidstone" ship was the first vessel to carry indentured workers from India to Jamaica.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 'Maidstone' holds historical significance as the first ship to transport indentured workers from India to Jamaica, arriving in 1845.

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A significant portion of indentured laborers' wages was deducted to cover the cost of their rations.

Answer: True

Explanation: A deduction of two shillings and six pence was made from the meager wages of indentured laborers to cover the cost of their daily rations.

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Higher caste Indians were encouraged to emigrate to the Caribbean to maintain social structures.

Answer: False

Explanation: Higher caste Indians were prohibited from emigrating to the Caribbean under the indenture system; in fact, many avoided providing their family names to circumvent this.

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Indentured workers were free to leave plantations at any time without needing a permit.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indentured workers were subject to strict controls and required a permit to leave their plantations, facing penalties for unauthorized absence.

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What was the primary reason for the migration of Indians to Jamaica between 1845 and 1917?

Answer: As indentured laborers due to deteriorating socioeconomic conditions in India

Explanation: Deteriorating socioeconomic conditions in British India prompted over 36,000 Indians to migrate to British Jamaica as indentured laborers between 1845 and 1917.

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Under which system did the majority of Indians migrate to Jamaica during the specified period?

Answer: Indian indenture system

Explanation: The majority of Indians migrated to Jamaica under the Indian indenture system, serving as indentured laborers.

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From which region of India did the *majority* of indentured laborers originate?

Answer: The Bhojpuri region and Awadh in the Hindi Belt

Explanation: The majority of indentured laborers originated from the Bhojpuri region and Awadh in the Hindi Belt of North India, with a notable minority also coming from South India.

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Why did Jamaica seek Indian laborers in the 19th century?

Answer: Due to the abolition of slavery and difficulties attracting European workers

Explanation: Following the abolition of slavery and challenges in attracting European workers, the British Jamaican government sought Indian laborers, drawing on their prior use in Mauritius.

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How did the wages of Indian indentured workers generally compare to those of emancipated slaves?

Answer: Indian workers were paid less, undercutting slave wages.

Explanation: Indian indentured workers were paid less than emancipated slaves of West African origin, effectively undercutting their wages.

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The terms of indenture were often misunderstood by laborers primarily because:

Answer: The contracts were written in English, a language many did not comprehend.

Explanation: The terms and conditions of indenture were frequently misunderstood by laborers as the contracts were written in English, a language many did not comprehend.

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What role did the "Protector of Immigrants" typically play?

Answer: Primarily protected the interests of employers over workers.

Explanation: The Protector of Immigrants, appointed to oversee immigrant welfare, often prioritized the interests of employers rather than the workers.

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In the mid-20th century, what was the primary occupation of the smaller numbers of Indians migrating to Jamaica?

Answer: Merchants engaged in business

Explanation: In the mid-20th century, smaller numbers of Indians migrated to Jamaica primarily as merchants engaged in business, distinct from the earlier indentured labor migration.

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Why did the Indian Government briefly halt the indentured labor program after 1845?

Answer: To examine the workings of the scheme after a significant increase in arrivals.

Explanation: The Indian Government briefly halted the indentured labor program after 1845 to examine its operations following a significant increase in the number of arrivals.

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How much was deducted from the wages of indentured laborers for their rations?

Answer: Two shillings and six pence

Explanation: A deduction of two shillings and six pence was made from the wages of indentured laborers to cover the cost of their rations.

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What restriction did indentured workers face regarding leaving their plantations?

Answer: They needed a permit to leave, facing penalties if they did not.

Explanation: Indentured workers were required to obtain a permit to leave their plantations and faced penalties, such as fines or imprisonment, if they did not comply.

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The demand for Indian laborers in Jamaica was partly driven by the failure to attract workers from which continent?

Answer: Europe

Explanation: The demand for Indian laborers in Jamaica was partly driven by the failure to attract sufficient workers from Europe following the abolition of slavery.

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Demographics and Identity

Indo-Jamaicans are the largest ethnic group in Jamaica.

Answer: False

Explanation: The source indicates that Indo-Jamaicans constitute the third-largest ethnic group in Jamaica, following Africans and Multiracials.

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The 2011 census indicated a population of over 50,000 Indo-Jamaicans.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 2011 census recorded the Indo-Jamaican population at 21,584, not over 50,000.

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The term "Dougla" refers to individuals of mixed Chinese and Indian heritage.

Answer: False

Explanation: The term 'Dougla' specifically refers to individuals of mixed Indian and African heritage.

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The scarcity of Indian women among indentured laborers led to a decrease in violent incidents involving jealousy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The scarcity of Indian women among indentured laborers unfortunately led to an increase in violent incidents, including wife murders, driven by jealousy.

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What is the demographic ranking of Indo-Jamaicans within Jamaica's ethnic landscape?

Answer: The third-largest ethnic group

Explanation: Indo-Jamaicans constitute the third-largest ethnic group in Jamaica, following Africans and Multiracials.

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According to the 2011 census, what was the approximate population of Indo-Jamaicans in Jamaica?

Answer: Approximately 21,584

Explanation: The 2011 census recorded the total population of Indo-Jamaicans as 21,584.

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Which of the following is NOT listed as a parish with a significant Indo-Jamaican population?

Answer: Saint James

Explanation: The parishes listed with significant Indo-Jamaican populations are Portland, Westmoreland, Clarendon, Saint Andrew, Saint Catherine, Saint Mary, and Kingston Parish. Saint James is not among them.

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What derogatory term was sometimes used for Indian immigrants in Jamaica?

Answer: Coolie

Explanation: The derogatory term 'coolie' was sometimes used to refer to Indian immigrants in Jamaica, reflecting the social challenges they faced.

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What does the term "Dougla" signify in the context of Indo-Jamaican identity?

Answer: A person of mixed Indian and African heritage.

Explanation: In the context of Indo-Jamaican identity, the term 'Dougla' signifies a person of mixed Indian and African heritage.

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The term "chaina raial" in Jamaican English referred to children born from unions between:

Answer: Chinese men and Black or Indian women

Explanation: In Jamaican English, the term 'chaina raial' referred to children born from unions between Chinese men and either Black or Indian women.

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Cultural Contributions and Preservation

Caribbean Hindustani is the most commonly spoken language among Indo-Jamaicans today.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Caribbean Hindustani is spoken by descendants of original indentured laborers ('Jahajis'), the primary languages spoken by most Indo-Jamaicans are Jamaican English and Patois.

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Hinduism is the only religion practiced by the Indo-Jamaican community.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Indo-Jamaican community practices a variety of religions, including Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism.

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Ample provisions were made for the religious and cultural practices of Hindu indentured laborers.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to ample provisions, very little was made to accommodate the religious and cultural practices of Hindu indentured laborers during their indenture.

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Indian indentured workers introduced crops like tamarind and cannabis to Jamaica.

Answer: True

Explanation: Indian indentured workers contributed to Jamaica's agricultural landscape by introducing crops such as tamarind and cannabis.

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Dishes like curry goat and roti are recent culinary introductions to Jamaica, unrelated to Indo-Jamaican influence.

Answer: False

Explanation: Dishes such as curry goat and roti are integral parts of Jamaica's national cuisine, directly stemming from Indo-Jamaican culinary influences.

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Which of the following religions is NOT mentioned as being observed within the Indo-Jamaican community?

Answer: Buddhism

Explanation: While Hinduism, Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism are mentioned as observed religions within the Indo-Jamaican community, Buddhism is not.

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What agricultural contribution did Indian indentured workers make to Jamaica?

Answer: Introduction of crops like tamarind and cannabis.

Explanation: Indian indentured workers introduced crops such as tamarind and cannabis to Jamaica, supplementing their own gardens and enriching the island's flora.

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Which of the following dishes is NOT mentioned as being introduced by Indo-Jamaicans?

Answer: Jerk chicken

Explanation: While Indo-Jamaicans introduced dishes like wrap roti, tarkaris, and curry goat, jerk chicken is not among the culinary contributions attributed to them.

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What cultural element, besides food, was introduced to Jamaica from India and became significant in certain spiritual traditions?

Answer: The use of cannabis (ganja)

Explanation: Alongside culinary contributions, cannabis (ganja) was introduced to Jamaica from India and became significant in certain spiritual traditions, notably for Rastafarians.

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What significant contribution did Indians make to Jamaican jewelry craftsmanship?

Answer: Development of intricate gold bangle making.

Explanation: Indians introduced and developed the craft of making intricately wrought gold bangles, a significant contribution to Jamaican jewelry craftsmanship.

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What was a key challenge faced by Indian immigrants related to cultural practices?

Answer: Very little provision was made for Hindu religious and cultural practices.

Explanation: A significant challenge faced by Indian immigrants was the lack of adequate provision for their Hindu religious and cultural practices during their indenture.

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Socioeconomic Adaptation and Legacy

Indian immigrants were generally welcomed and easily integrated into Jamaican society due to shared cultural practices.

Answer: False

Explanation: Indian immigrants faced social challenges, including being looked down upon by other groups due to fundamental cultural and linguistic differences, and did not integrate easily.

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Most Indians who signed indenture contracts intended to settle permanently in Jamaica from the outset.

Answer: False

Explanation: The initial intention of most Indian immigrants was to return to India with their earnings after fulfilling their indenture contracts, rather than to settle permanently.

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Non-Christian unions were legally recognized in Jamaica throughout the entire period of Indian indenture.

Answer: False

Explanation: Non-Christian unions were not legally recognized in Jamaica until 1956, which presented challenges for indentured laborers during the indenture period.

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Many original indentured laborers adopted Anglo-Saxon surnames to assimilate into Jamaican society.

Answer: True

Explanation: To facilitate assimilation into the predominantly British society of Jamaica, many original indentured laborers adopted Anglo-Saxon surnames.

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Land grants were offered as incentives to time-expired Indian indentured laborers.

Answer: True

Explanation: As an incentive for settlement, time-expired Indian indentured laborers were offered grants of Crown land by the government.

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The Indian government actively encouraged the return of indentured workers to India.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Indian government did not actively encourage the return of indentured workers, partly due to the destitution or loss of cultural ties many experienced.

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The influence of the caste system has remained strong and largely unchanged among Indo-Jamaicans.

Answer: False

Explanation: The influence of the caste system within the Indo-Jamaican community has largely atrophied over time, rather than remaining strong and unchanged.

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What was the initial intention of most Indian immigrants who signed indenture contracts?

Answer: To return to India with their earnings after fulfilling their contract.

Explanation: Most Indians who signed indenture contracts did so with the primary intention of returning to India with their earnings, rather than establishing permanent residence.

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What was a consequence for many indentured laborers regarding their unions due to non-Christian unions not being legally recognized until 1956?

Answer: Many converted to Christianity and adopted English names.

Explanation: As non-Christian unions were not legally recognized until 1956, many indentured laborers converted to Christianity and adopted English names to legitimize their unions or for social reasons.

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Why did many original indentured laborers adopt Anglo-Saxon surnames?

Answer: To assimilate more easily into the predominantly British society.

Explanation: Many original indentured laborers adopted Anglo-Saxon surnames to assimilate more easily into the predominantly British society of Jamaica.

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What incentives were offered to time-expired Indian indentured laborers to encourage them to settle in Jamaica?

Answer: Money and grants of Crown land.

Explanation: Incentives such as monetary grants and grants of Crown land were offered to time-expired Indian indentured laborers to encourage their settlement in Jamaica.

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Why were land grants for settlement eventually abandoned by the government around 1906?

Answer: The cost difference between land grants and repatriation was not significant enough to justify the program.

Explanation: Land grants were abandoned around 1906 because the cost difference between repatriating a worker and offering a land grant was not substantial enough to justify the program's continuation.

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Which factor contributed to many time-expired indentured workers remaining in Jamaica despite initial plans to return home?

Answer: Lack of available ships for repatriation and travel restrictions due to WWI.

Explanation: Factors such as the lack of available ships for repatriation and travel restrictions imposed by World War I contributed to many time-expired indentured workers remaining in Jamaica.

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How has the influence of the caste system evolved within the Indo-Jamaican community?

Answer: It has largely atrophied over time.

Explanation: The influence of the caste system within the Indo-Jamaican community has largely atrophied over time, diminishing its role in social hierarchy.

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What economic roles did Indo-Jamaicans commonly adopt after transitioning from plantation labor?

Answer: Jewellers, fishermen, barbers, and shopkeepers

Explanation: After transitioning from plantation labor, Indo-Jamaicans commonly adopted economic roles such as jewellers, fishermen, barbers, and shopkeepers.

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Recognition and Notable Figures

The Government of Jamaica proclaimed May 10th as Indian Heritage Day in 1995.

Answer: True

Explanation: In recognition of the significant contributions of Indians to Jamaica, the Government proclaimed May 10th as Indian Heritage Day in 1995.

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What did the Government of Jamaica proclaim on May 10th, 1995?

Answer: Indian Heritage Day

Explanation: On May 10th, 1995, the Government of Jamaica proclaimed Indian Heritage Day to acknowledge the contributions of Indians to the nation.

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Who is Edward Seaga, mentioned in the context of prominent figures of partial Indian descent?

Answer: A former Prime Minister of Jamaica

Explanation: Edward Seaga is recognized as a former Prime Minister of Jamaica and is noted as a prominent figure of partial Indian descent.

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What is the primary mission of the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica?

Answer: To preserve and promote Indian culture within Jamaica.

Explanation: The primary mission of the National Council for Indian Culture in Jamaica is to preserve and promote Indian culture within the island nation.

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