A brave soul who dared to speak

THE Coolie Commission of 1872 heard the evidence of 36 witnesses over three months. Its bias is reflected in the fact that 30 were employers, three were officials, and only three were Indian. The commissioners did not interview any of the returning Indians who had complained.

- ASHWIN DESAI GOOLAM VAHED

Despite this incredible bias, there was a shining light in one brave soul, Rangasammy, indentured number 2099. The environment in which Rangasammy gave evidence was fraught with tension. The planters needed indentured labourers and were deter- mined that no one would come forward to contradict their view that there was no abuse. Rangasammy worried that he would be waylaid on the way to the commission and his very life was at risk. But he made up his mind to use the opportunity to speak. The date set was June 23, 1872.

What do we know of Rangasammy?

Rangasammy arrived in Natal on the Scindia in 1863, the fifth ship to bring indentured workers to Natal.

He was assigned to John D Koch at Reunion Sugar Estate on the South Coast, as Sirdar. He was 22 when he arrived with his wife Lutchmee, aged 19. Both were from Chingleput. After completing his indenture, Rangasammy became a hotel keeper in Verulam in October 1870, paying an annual rental of £8 a year.

The commissioners described Ranga- sammy as “a thriving, respectable, and most intelligent native of Madras”.

His testimony was compelling. Ran- gasammy’s evidence in spare, unemotive language contradicted that of the sugar barons and their minions. Rangasammy told the commission that workers had told him that some of the “masters treat them badly. Mr. Anderson beats them; not only does he beat the coolies himself, but he gets the magistrate to beat them”.

If a worker asks for a pass, “he gives them a kick. Anderson uses whatever comes to hand; stones, sticks, sjambok. He treats a coolie like a Bull Buffalo”.