Komagata Maru was the name of the ship which was carrying 370 passeng...
- Komagata Maru was the name of a ship carrying 370 passengers, mainly Sikh and Punjabi Muslim would-be immigrants, from Singapore to Vancouver.
- Canadian authorities turned them back after two months of privation and uncertainty.
- It was generally believed that the British government influenced the Canadian authorities. The ship finally anchored at Calcutta in September 1914.
- The inmates refused to board the Punjabbound train. In the ensuing conflict with the police at Budge near Calcutta, 22 persons died.
Komagata Maru was the name of the ship which was carrying 370 passeng...
Komagata Maru Incident
The Komagata Maru incident refers to a significant event in the history of Indian immigration to Canada. It took place in 1914 and is named after the ship called Komagata Maru, which was carrying 370 passengers from India. The incident had far-reaching consequences and became a symbol of racial discrimination and exclusionary immigration policies.
The Ship's Journey
The Komagata Maru set sail from Singapore with the intention of reaching Vancouver, Canada. The passengers on board were predominantly Sikh immigrants who hoped to settle in Canada for various reasons, including economic opportunities and escaping political unrest in India. However, their journey was met with numerous challenges and ultimately led to the infamous Komagata Maru incident.
Racial Discrimination and Exclusionary Immigration Policies
At the time, Canada had implemented strict immigration laws aimed at restricting the entry of non-European immigrants. The Continuous Journey Regulation was one such policy that required immigrants to arrive in Canada via a continuous journey from their country of origin without any stops. This regulation was primarily intended to discourage immigration from India.
Denial of Entry and Forced Return
When the Komagata Maru reached Vancouver on May 23, 1914, it was not allowed to dock. The Canadian authorities cited the Continuous Journey Regulation as the reason for denying entry to the passengers. The ship was forced to remain anchored in the harbor for two months, during which the passengers faced dire conditions, including limited food and water supplies.
Legal Battle and Tragic Outcome
The passengers on board the Komagata Maru fought a legal battle to challenge their denial of entry. However, their efforts were in vain, and on July 23, 1914, the ship was escorted out of Canadian waters by the authorities. Upon their return to India, the passengers faced further persecution and many were arrested.
Legacy and Significance
The Komagata Maru incident is considered a watershed moment in the history of Indian immigration to Canada. It highlighted the racial discrimination and exclusionary immigration policies that prevailed at the time. The incident sparked protests, both in Canada and India, and played a crucial role in shaping public opinion and eventually leading to changes in immigration policies.
Conclusion
The correct answer is option 'A' - the ship was going from Singapore to Vancouver. The Komagata Maru incident serves as a reminder of the struggles faced by early Indian immigrants and the fight against racial discrimination. It is an integral part of the immigration history of both Canada and India.