During the colonial period, the Fiji Blue Book emerged as an essential directory documenting government appointments in Fiji. This week’s installment of Discovering Fiji shines a spotlight on Padam Kaur, an Indian woman featured in the 1898 Fiji Blue Book under the name “Parbotti.” Remarkably, Parbotti was appointed as a female warder at the Suva Gaol on January 1, 1898, during a time when the prison consisted of a few small huts surrounded by a reed fence.
Historical archives indicate that she served in this capacity until 1901, shortly after the facility transitioned from a mental asylum to the structured prison system we now know as St Giles Hospital. Within the 1898 Fiji Blue Book, Section 14 detailed the employees of the Prisons Department, where Parbotti stood out as one of just 12 salaried workers, earning an annual wage of 12 pounds—a significant income for a woman of Indian descent at that time.
Parbotti’s journey to Fiji began with her husband, Ram Chander, aboard the SS Ganges on June 27, 1885, after a grueling three-month voyage from India that tragically claimed the lives of 15 passengers. They first arrived on Fijian soil at Nukulau Island, a quarantine station for indentured laborers. Following medical examinations, they were assigned to work at the Penang Estate in Northern Viti Levu, overseen by Charlie Chalmers.
Transitioning from life aboard a ship to land brought its own set of challenges as they traveled by barge to Rakiraki. The realities of plantation life were tough; they lived in communal barracks with limited amenities. Despite these hardships, Kaur’s determination allowed her to maintain dignity and cleanliness in their modest living conditions. Their daily routine began as early as 3:30 a.m., preparing meals and getting ready for demanding shifts in the sugarcane fields.
Despite the often-exploitative environment, Kaur and Chander experienced relatively better treatment under a compassionate overseer, Budhia. They were paid on Saturdays and often took on extra work to make their finances stretch.
Amid these struggles, Kaur’s life also included joyous moments—she gave birth to a son, Biri Singh, on April 10, 1888, celebrating Hindu customs surrounding childbirth, though colonial records would later inaccurately reflect his name as Bere Singh. They navigated difficult times marked by labor disputes but forged strong community bonds through gatherings filled with wrestling and music, bolstering their resilience.
Kaur’s story is a microcosm of the broader experiences of Indian indentured laborers, who have made significant contributions to Fijian society. Her appointment as a warder signifies the evolving roles of women throughout Fiji’s history and cultural evolution.
This account serves as an important reminder of the personal and shared histories that have shaped Fiji’s identity, revealing both the struggles and triumphs of its diverse communities. The continuing narrative promises to explore further the complexities and experiences that define the lives of those who paved the way for future generations, highlighting hope and resilience within the nation’s rich tapestry.