Answer: 

Introduction:

The British Empire relied on indentured laborers from India to meet labor demands in their colonies after abolishing slavery in the 19th century. Despite facing hardships, these laborers carried their rich cultural heritage with them, making efforts to preserve their identity. Their legacy highlights the enduring power of cultural preservation and the formation of multicultural communities worldwide.

Body:

The British took indentured laborers from India to their colonies mainly due to the following reasons:

• The British abolished slavery in their colonies in the 19th century, which created a huge demand for cheap labor.
• Poverty, famine, and a lack of job opportunities made many Indians willing to seek employment overseas.
• Most indentured laborers were from rural backgrounds, and they were familiar with agricultural practices. This made them suitable for working on plantations in the colonies.
• The British colonial administration in India facilitated the recruitment and transportation of indentured laborers.

As for the preservation of their cultural identity, the Indian indentured laborers made efforts to maintain their cultural heritage in the colonies. However, the extent to which they were successful varied depending on the region and local circumstances.

• Language: Many indentured laborers continued to speak their native languages and passed them down to subsequent generations.
• Religion: Indentured laborers brought their religious practices with them to the colonies. They built temples and mosques, maintained their religious festivals and rituals, and passed on their faith to their descendants. Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism are still practiced by descendants of indentured laborers in countries like Fiji, Trinidad and Tobago, Mauritius, and Guyana.
• Cuisine: The fusion of Indian and local food has led to unique dishes in countries like Trinidad and Tobago, where roti and curry are now considered national dishes.
• Arts and culture: Indian indentured laborers also brought their music, dance, and other art forms to the colonies. Over time, these artistic expressions have evolved and merged with local cultural elements, giving rise to new forms of art.

Conclusion:

While Indian indentured laborers and their descendants have made efforts to preserve their cultural identity, the process of cultural preservation has not been uniform. Factors such as assimilation, intermarriage, and local influences have resulted in varying degrees of cultural preservation among the descendants of Indian indentured laborers in different regions.

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