Komagata Maru in Canada
Definition of Komagata Maru
The Canada social science dictionary [1] provides the following meaning of Komagata Maru: The name of a ship chartered by a group of Sikhs and used to sail to Vancouver, Canada, in anticipation of immigration being granted. At the time of its sailing, 1914, Indians could only come to Canada if they sailed continuously (or directly) from India to Canada, although there were no such regular routes. All others were to be prohibited entry to Canada, a method to restrict immigration of people from the Indian sub-continent. The Komagata Maru sailed from Hong Kong with 376 Punjabis on board. On arrival at the port of Vancouver they were denied entry and were kept on board for two months while negotiations proceeded. These negotiations eventually failed and the ship returned to Calcutta where 20 of the passengers were killed in clashes with authorities who were suspicious of the politics of the travellers.
Komagata Maru: Resources
Notes and References
- Drislane, R., & Parkinson, G. (2016). (Concept of) Komagata Maru. Online dictionary of the social sciences. Open University of Canada