Breathing the air of Suriname? The life course of Hindostani labour migrants after indenture in Suriname, 1873-1940.

Abstract

This thesis investigates the choice of Hindostani labour migrants between settling or repatriation after their period of indenture in Suriname between 1873 and 1940. Using demographic characteristics, (retrieved from Surinamese immigration registers), the autobiography of Rahman Khan, and information on cultivation, the role of various variables in the process of decision making are analysed. This thesis finds that the role of familial relations and the existence of Hindostani communities had a positive effect on the share of settling Hindostanis. Additionally, it is found that polyculture reduced the share of repatriation, mainly due to risk spreading.