In 1914, the Japanese ship called “Komagata Maru” set sail from Hong Kong to Vancouver, Canada, carrying 376 passengers from Punjab, a region in British India. The ship made stops in Shanghai, China, and Yokohama, Japan. Unfortunately, when it reached Canada, only 24 passengers were allowed to enter, drawing attention to the situation. Shockingly, the remaining 352 passengers were denied entry, and the ship was forcefully sent back to India.

Incident

• In 1914, a significant event unfolded involving the Komagata Maru, a Japanese ship that carried 376 Indian passengers from Hong Kong to Canada, making stops at various ports along the way. Unfortunately, upon reaching Vancouver port in Canada, the passengers were denied permission to disembark.
• Facing this refusal, the ship had to return to India after two months, stopping at a few ports along the way. When it finally reached the Budge Budge port in Kolkata, British authorities prevented the passengers from disembarking and shockingly welcomed them with gunfire. This tragic incident was a result of the Continuous Passage Act implemented by the Canadian government, aimed at restricting immigration, especially from India.
• The consequences were devastating, with 19 Indian immigrants bound for Canada losing their lives in the police firing, and many others being arrested by British authorities. This incident stands as a painful chapter in history, highlighting the challenges and discrimination faced by immigrants during that time.

History

Background on Immigration Rules: Canada had strict immigration rules for Indians, allowing entry only for those who traveled directly from India or had their own ship. In 1913, the Supreme Court allowed 35 Indians with nonstop travel to enter.

Inspiration for Komagata Maru: Gurdit Singh, a contractor in Singapore, was inspired by the court ruling. He hired the Komagata Maru to bring 376 Indians to Vancouver, including 351 Sikhs and 21 Punjabis. Ghadirites supported them in Japan.

Denied Entry in Vancouver: The ship was not allowed to dock in Vancouver. A “Shore Committee” in Vancouver and a campaign in the USA, led by individuals like Hussain Rahim and Bhagwan Singh, tried to defend the passengers’ rights. Despite their efforts, the Komagata Maru had to leave Canadian waters.

Impact of World War I: On the way back, World War I broke out. The British government prohibited passengers from disembarking except in Calcutta. The ship reached Kolkata in September 1914.

Tragedy in Kolkata: A clash between passengers and aggressive police in Kolkata resulted in the death of 18 passengers. This incident stirred discontent in Punjab, leading to political tensions in Jalandhar, Amritsar, and Ludhiana.

Significance

• Indian independence fighters, facing arbitrary detentions, successfully revealed the true nature of British rule.
• The Komagatamaru journey, marked by political lectures at various ports, garnered support from other nations, strengthening the cause for independence.
• Leaders questioned the discriminatory Asian Exclusion Act, highlighting the hypocrisy of the “Whiteman’s burden” theory and challenging the acceptance of such biased immigration laws.
• Seizing on these events, the Ghadar Party aimed to organize a massive uprising against the British Empire, rallying widespread support for the cause of independence.

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