NATIONALISM AMONG INDIAN WOMEN IN MALAYA, 1941 – 1948

Abstract

This study is aimed to evaluate the spirit of nationalism among Indian women in Malaya during and after the Japanese occupation between 1941 to 1948. Malaya’s sustainable economic growth required improvement in terms of labour productivity. The economic growth that occurred in Malaya during the British occupation has led to an influx of immigrants from India and China in droves. Indian labour contribution in increasing Malayan economy can’t be ignored. The presence of Indian women workers, although not as many as Indian male workers, can still be regarded as something significant in Malaya’s economic growth. From the aspect of tradition in India, Indian women were not allowed to go out to earn a living, especially out to a foreign country. However, this situation changed due to unavoidable circumstances. The presence of Indian women in Malaya has put them in an oppressed situation and various parties have taken the opportunity to exploit their position. This had led them to be involved in movements that could take them out of the oppressed situation and the exploitation that they had to endure. Their participation in Rani of Jhansi movement had given them the courage to be involved in estate strikes soon after. The experiences gained during the Japanese occupation and involvement in the Rani of Jhansi regiment also awaken some prominent figures to actively participate in self-help organizations and politics to further enhance the status of Indian women in Malaya. KEYWORDS : Indian, Women, Nationalism,Regiment,Labour, Estate, Strike