The Socio Economic Status of Indians Migrants’ in MyanMar in the Colonial years (1824–1948): An Overview

The migration of Indians to Myanmar had been taken place since the ancient era due to Myanmar's proximity to India, but had gained prominence during the colonial era. The British governments’ policy had resulted in the large scale migration of Indians to Myanmar. The huge influx of Indians had overtaken the original Burmese population in few pockets of the country and also had slowly occupied the economic activities, administrative position as well as petty workers under British government. Although the Indian population had enjoyed a better livelihood and social status, there also had several problems during those times due to the rise of anti-Indian resentment and xenophobic for foreign migrants of Chinese and Indians. They had also faced severe repatriation in the post-colonial years, as well as later period of colonial rule. This article will thus study the socio economic position of Indians; analyze their privileges and role in colonial Myanmar and how it had changed overtime during the period.