INDENTURED LABOUR Meaning and
Definition
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Indentured labour refers to a contractual arrangement in which a person, known as an indentured labourer or indentured servant, pledges their labor and services to another person or entity in exchange for a specified period of time. This practice emerged during the colonial era and was widely prevalent from the 17th to the 19th centuries.
Under an indenture agreement, the labourer is bound by a legal contract, known as the indenture, which outlines the terms and conditions of their employment. These contracts typically include a predetermined duration of the arrangement, the nature of the work to be performed, and the rights and responsibilities of both parties involved.
Indentured labour was often associated with migration, particularly the movement of individuals from Europe to the colonies. Many indentured labourers agreed to work for a fixed term of usually four to seven years as a means to pay off their passage to a distant land. During this period, they were under the control and supervision of their master or employer, who provided accommodation, food, and sometimes wages in exchange for their labor.
Although the terms of indenture varied, in many cases, labourers faced challenging working and living conditions. They were often subjected to physical exertion, long hours, limited freedom, and inadequate compensation. However, after the completion of the indenture, some labourers received promises of land, tools, or money to start a new life.
Indentured labour played a significant role in shaping the demographic, economic, and social landscapes of various regions, particularly in the Americas and parts of Asia. This practice has historical implications and provides insights into the systems of labor exploitation and migration during specific periods of history.
Etymology of INDENTURED LABOUR
The word "indentured" originates from the Old French term "endenter", which means "to make notched or toothed". In medieval Europe, this term was used to describe a specific practice of drawing up contracts or agreements in duplicate copies on a single sheet of paper. Both copies would be written in a way that the edges of the paper would be cut in a wavy or zigzag pattern, making it difficult to forge or tamper with the document.
The term "indentured labor" specifically refers to a form of labor under a contract or agreement known as an "indenture". During the colonial era, individuals, known as "indentured servants" or "indentured laborers", would voluntarily or involuntarily sign these agreements to work for a fixed period of time in exchange for something, such as passage to a new country or training in a trade.
