Why did Indian political and economic grievances increase after indenture ended in 1920?

Following the termination of the indenture system in 1920, Indian political and economic grievances in Fiji intensified due to several systemic factors established during the colonial era.

While Indian migrants were encouraged to become permanent settlers after their contracts ended, they faced significant barriers:

• Limited Land Access: There was very little land available for purchase, which severely restricted the economic independence of the former laborers.12
• Circumscribed Rights: The political rights of the Indian population were intentionally limited by the colonial administration, which sought to protect the interests of indigenous Fijians and maintain the dominance of the small European community.12
• Economic Discontent: Indians faced unequal treatment in society and the economy, leading to ongoing agitation, strikes, and challenges against the commercial and political control held by European interests.12

These grievances were further exacerbated by discriminatory practices, such as the offer of inferior wages and conditions to Indian volunteers compared to Europeans during World War II, which fueled a sense of marginalization and political exclusion.12