UPSC CSE Mains 2018 · GS1

Why indentured labour was taken by British from India to other colonies? Have they been able to preserve their cultural identity over there?

Theme

T122 Indian diaspora: from indentured labour to strategic asset

What UPSC asks in this theme

Cross-paper GS1–GS2: why indentured labour was taken and whether they preserved identity, and the diaspora's economic and political role in the West and South-East Asia, and as a living bridge.

What to cover

Indentured system: Mauritius, Fiji, Caribbean, Africa
Cultural preservation (language, festivals)
Remittances, investment, knowledge networks
Political influence in the US, UK, Canada
Diaspora engagement: PBD, OCI

Writing the answer

Link history to present soft power

These notes are for the whole theme, built from all 5 of its PYQs. UPSC does not publish model answers.

More PYQs from this theme

GS2202615 marks
“India’s global diaspora acts as a living bridge, as a critical economic factor and knowledge network in transforming cultural heritage into geopolitical influence and strategic leverage worldwide.” Critically examine this statement
GS2202310 marks
Indian diaspora has scaled new heights in the West. Describe its economic and political benefits for India.
GS22020
‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples.
GS22017
Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in South East Asian countries economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South-East Asia in this context.

All 20 GS1 2018 questions · Indian Heritage & Culture, History, Geography & Society · Report a typo