How was the life of workers in coffee or tea plantation different from indigo plantations?

While the working conditions on all plantations were harsh and exploitative, there were some key differences in the lives of workers on coffee or tea plantations compared to those on indigo plantations:

1. Duration of Work:

- Indigo Plantations: Workers on indigo plantations faced extremely long hours during the plantation season. They often had to work for 12-16 hours a day and were forced to meet strict production targets.

- Coffee or Tea Plantations: The work periods on coffee or tea plantations were more varied. During peak harvesting seasons, workers might have long workdays, but in other periods, the work could be more relaxed.

2. Nature of Work:

- Indigo Plantations: The work in indigo plantations involved highly unpleasant and unhygienic tasks. Workers had to beat and process indigo leaves, which generated a foul smell and exposed them to potentially harmful fumes.

- Coffee or Tea Plantations: While the work on coffee or tea plantations was physically demanding, it was not as unhygienic as in indigo plantations. Workers were involved in harvesting, processing, and handling the crops.

3. Health Risks:

- Indigo Plantations: The unsanitary conditions and intense work took a significant toll on workers' health. They were prone to respiratory problems, skin diseases, and various diseases due to exposure to harmful chemicals during indigo processing.

- Coffee or Tea Plantations: The health risks were relatively lower compared to indigo plantations. Workers might face injuries from sharp tools, but overall, the work was less physically demanding and carried fewer health hazards.

4. Living Conditions:

- Indigo Plantations: Workers were often forced to live in cramped, unhygienic, and overcrowded barracks or huts provided by the plantation owners. Basic necessities like clean water, sanitation, and healthcare were often lacking.

- Coffee or Tea Plantations: In some cases, workers on coffee or tea plantations had better living conditions compared to indigo plantations. They might have access to better housing, medical facilities, and educational opportunities for their children.

5. System of Indenture:

- Indigo Plantations: Indigo plantations heavily relied on the indenture system, where workers were bound to long-term contracts and subjected to harsh punishments for any perceived disobedience.

- Coffee or Tea Plantations: While the indenture system existed to some extent on coffee or tea plantations, it was not as widespread or oppressive as in indigo plantations. Workers had more opportunities to negotiate their terms of employment and move between different plantations.

In summary, while all plantation work was exploitative and challenging, workers on coffee or tea plantations generally faced somewhat better conditions than those on indigo plantations. The differences in work intensity, health risks, and living conditions varied based on the specific plantations and colonial practices in different regions.