Telugu Diaspora- Countries
Migration and Transnational Telugu Diaspora: A Historical Appreciation of
Overseas Telugus
T.L.S.Bhaskar
Diaspora has now become a fashionable expression to many who use this
term. The post-colonial period witnessed the emergence of researchers from
various disciplines in social sciences and humanities who initiated
immense interest in diaspora research. 'Migration, Diasporas, and
Transnatioanalism' resulted in ever growing interest of Nations towards
its diaspora. It would not be a surprise if these transnational
communities are going define and dictate, not only the economics and
politics of the homelands, but also, international businesses.
Although the term Diaspora has its origin in the Jewish context of
expulsion and consequent migration, the concept, currently is applied to
all noticeable kinds of migrations inviting various academic and
non-academic institutions to invest their energies to understand and
develop linkages with their respective diasporas. We, at
telugudiaspora.com, are trying to build bridges to link the overseas
Telugus and the homeland of Andhra Pradesh
The present paper tries to present the reader an overview of Telugu
emigration streams to various destinations, starting from the pre-colonial
times. The colonial period, its various economic and political
institutions, worsened the plight of Indians, more specifically, the lives
of the peasantry. Telugus were recruited along with other groups of
Indians under the indenture and kangani systems of labor, then taken to
the distant promised colonies only to realize that they landed, not on
land of gold, but on land of misery and hard work. Migration to colonies
like Fiji, Mauritius, South Africa, Malaya, Burma, Ceylon feature in this
phase of emigration.
The more visible phase is the post-colonial emigration in the form of
professionals- educated, middle class, and English proficient. The phase
is also visible in terms of the linkages they maintain with the homeland,
which is made possible by the rapid transformations in the transport and
communication facilities that link diasporic Telugus and homeland. The
cultural and economic ties with the homeland are highlighted to appreciate
the emerging sustainable linkages.
Finally, the present paper tried to provide available data on Overseas
Telugus, although there is no single source of information that indicates
a valid and concrete estimation of Overseas Telugus. The paper thus
highlights the urgent need to document the Telugu Diaspora, an effort that
would contribute to the literature.
Send your comments/suggestions.
Please send articles on any aspect of Overseas Telugu Diaspora to
bhaskar@telugudiaspora.com
and we will publish them here
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