How did the caste system function aboard ships in the twentieth century?
Shagnick Bhattacharya explores the history of lascars.
https://www.historyworkshop.org.uk/labour/shipboard-labour-and-caste-in-the-twentieth-century/
Shagnick Bhattacharya explores the history of lascars.
https://www.historyworkshop.org.uk/labour/shipboard-labour-and-caste-in-the-twentieth-century/
Comments
I never heard them referred to as lascars. The men as a group were sometimes referred to by officers as The Crowd but that was the same for European crews. Many BPTC crews were recruited en masse from the same village. 1/2
Their ranks/roles were partly caste-determined, although of course seniority, skills & experience also played a role. Ship always carried 2 'Topazes' from what were called the 'untouchables' in those days. Often older men, their work was mainly cleaning toilets.