How British Reinvented Slavery

In the annals of history, some chapters remain shrouded in darkness, concealed beneath layers of time and collective amnesia. “Coolies: How Britain Reinvented Slavery” dares to illuminate one of the United Kingdom’s most disconcerting secrets—a sinister form of slavery that endured well into the 20th century. This revelatory documentary unearths the haunting story of Indian indentured labor, a harrowing narrative that challenges conventional perceptions of the British Empire’s legacy.

When the slave trade was officially abolished across the British Empire in 1807, it marked a pivotal moment in history. However, what transpired in the ensuing decades exposes a disturbing truth: the persistence of a system that would redefine servitude. “Coolies” embarks on a journey through time, unmasking the systemic recruitment and migration of over a million Indians to the far reaches of the Empire. This clandestine chapter in colonial history implicates individuals at the highest echelons of the British establishment, revealing a legacy that continues to shape the demographic landscape of the modern world.

As the documentary unfolds, viewers are transported to an era marked by hidden horrors and entrenched exploitation. “Coolies” unveils the stories of those ensnared in a web of indentured labor, shedding light on the lives shattered by this malevolent system. It compels us to confront uncomfortable truths about the United Kingdom’s past, a past that casts a long shadow over the present.