During the colonial era, Fiji had a unique directory known as the Fiji Blue Book, which provided a listing of all government appointments in the islands. This week’s feature on Discovering Fiji focuses on a significant figure from the 1898 edition: an Indian woman listed as “Parbotti,” whose real name was Padam Kaur.
Historical records and online archives reveal that Parbotti was employed as a female warder at the Suva Gaol starting January 1, 1898. At that time, the prison was a modest establishment consisting of a few small huts surrounded by a reed fence. It is believed that she worked there until 1901, shortly after the institution was formally established, taking over what had previously served as a mental asylum, now known as St Giles Hospital.
Remarkably, Section 14 of the 1898 Fiji Blue Book highlighted Parbotti among only 12 salaried employees of the Prisons Department, earning an annual salary of 12 pounds—an impressive wage for a woman, particularly one of Indian descent, during that period.
Padam Kaur had arrived in Fiji with her husband, Ram Chander, on June 27, 1885, aboard the SS Ganges. They had endured a grueling journey of over three months from the Indian subcontinent, with the tragic loss of 15 passengers during the 74-day voyage. After reaching quarantine at Nukulau Island, she and her husband were assigned to work on the Penang Estate in Northern Viti Levu.
Life on the estate was not easy. The couple traveled to Rakiraki by barge, as roads did not exist then, and began their harsh routine of working the sugarcane fields under the supervision of their head sardar. Parbotti and Ram Chander lived in communal barracks, characterized by their small size and primitive conditions, which included bare earth floors.
Working conditions in Fiji’s plantations were challenging, with laborers often facing exploitation from both European overseers and their own sardars. However, they benefited from the fairness of their sardar, Budhia, who provided a compassionate environment.
Three years after their arrival, Kaur gave birth to a son named Biri Singh (later misrecorded as Bere Singh), marking a joyous occasion amidst their struggles. Despite the difficulties of plantation life—which included jealousy and conflict among laborers—Budhia’s leadership helped maintain peace.
Tragically, their situation took a turn when a fire broke out on the estate, leading to wrongful accusations against Ram Chander just as his contract was set to conclude. This unfortunate incident highlights the systemic injustices faced by indentured laborers during that era.
The narrative of Padam Kaur, now known as Parbotti, and her husband reflects the resilience and determination of many who have contributed to Fiji’s history. Their journey not only sheds light on the hardships endured by Indian indentured laborers but also honors the legacies of those who came before them, ultimately shaping the rich cultural tapestry of modern-day Fiji. The ongoing exploration of such stories serves to reconnect communities with their heritage, reinforcing the importance of remembering the past to forge a hopeful future.
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