Peasants in the Pacific

Peasants in the Pacific: A Study of Fiji Indian Rural Society, Second Edition delves deeply into the lives and transformations of the Fiji Indian rural community. Initially focused on the observations made during fieldwork in the early 1950s, this edition offers additional insights from a return visit in 1971, enriching the analysis of social and economic changes. The book captures the evolution of settlements shaped by the legacies of Indian indenture, exploring their historical, economic, and cultural fabric. From the dominance of sugarcane farming to the rising trend of part-time farming paired with urban employment, the study documents the dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity in these communities. Through meticulous ethnographic detail, the author examines the integration of caste, kinship, and cultural practices in shaping rural life in Fiji, alongside the development of new social structures adapted to local conditions.

The book also addresses the broader implications of this case study, offering comparative insights into overseas Indian communities and their social organization. It explores how the transition from an indentured labor system to independent farming and diversified livelihoods reshaped societal norms, economic patterns, and power structures. With its vivid portrayal of village life, communal interactions, and the enduring influence of cultural heritage, Peasants in the Pacific provides a vital resource for understanding the complexities of rural societies within the context of colonial legacies and modern economic pressures. This edition, enriched by reflective updates and the author's extensive engagement with local residents and institutions, serves as a key contribution to both Pacific studies and the broader field of migration and diaspora research.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press’s mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1973.