Hidden Hands and Divided Landscapes

Penal duress in (post)colonial Myanmar

“…Prison managers at the imperial frontline rather had their eyes fixed on the suppression of dissent and the extraction of penal labour to facilitate the colonial conquest, implemented according to the pervasive racist and civilisational rationalities of European imperialism. As Pieris notes regarding the penal landscapes of colonial Singapore: 'the imperatives of labour supplanted the prerogatives of punishment and reform' (Pieris, 2009).…”

The 1857 Panic and the Fabrication of an Indian ‘Menace’ in Singapore

“…68 The authorities displayed their measure of trust for the transported convicts, by recruiting many of them into the police force or as orderlies in public departments, once they had obtained their 'ticket of leave'. 69 Referring to these 'ticket-of-leave' Indian convicts, Blundell observed that their conduct 'has been altogether good, and affording convincing proof that these men are endeavouring to earn honest livelihoods'. 70 In the mid nineteenth century, connections between Europeans and Indians in the settlement also extended to the private sector.…”

“…85 In September 1856, Indian convicts defied restrictions by carrying their Muharram processions beyond their prison lines. 86 Nevertheless, fearing reprisals, they were quick to fall into line and pleaded in the most subservient terms to the Governor, which was illustrative of their relationship with the colonial authorities: '[The convicts] prostrate at your Honor's feet to forgive them if they have any crime'. Praying for the Governor's permission in the future to undertake processions on their festive days, they reiterated their role as trustworthy servants who would 'always [be] ready to obey the orders of their superiors in the event of either Fire or Chinese riots'.…”

“…141 A former Colonel of the Lahore Durbar, Khurruck had been imprisoned in Singapore from mid-June 1850 along with Nihal Singh-also known as Bhagawan Singh or Bhai Maharaj Singh-who had led an anti-British rebellion in Lahore. 142 During their imprisonment, the correspondence of both political prisoners was subject to stringent checks and were found to contain potentially subversive phrases such as: 'We will come within one year, send us your Slaokumnamah' and 'there is news of these slaves being set free'. 143 Pieris notes that a letter from Nihal Singh to Jusunent Singh containing 'a drawing of a ship and an island, depicting Singapore.…”

“….excited the prison authorities excessively, generating a surfeit of official correspondence'. 144 After the death of Nihal Singh, Khurruck was released in December 1856. Kept under police surveillance, he was re-convicted when two prisoners who were part of the 'prison gentry' made 'deposition[s] implicating him in a plot to attack the European population while they were in Church'.…”