The coerced movement of individuals across the Indian Ocean, spanning from pre-Islamic times to the 20th century, constitutes a significant chapter in global history. This system involved the capture, sale, and exploitation of people originating from East Africa, India, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia, among other regions. Unlike the transatlantic system, this trade was characterized by diverse patterns of ownership and varied forms of servitude, including domestic work, agricultural labor, and military service. The destinations included the Arabian Peninsula, Persia, and various Indian Ocean islands.
Its historical significance lies in its contribution to shaping the demographics, cultures, and economies of numerous societies bordering the Indian Ocean. It impacted social structures, influencing legal systems and creating lasting ethnic and cultural mixes. The trade’s economic benefits accrued primarily to merchants, ship owners, and landowners who profited from the labor and sale of enslaved individuals. The system’s enduring legacy is apparent in the continued presence of diaspora communities and the historical narratives of exploitation and resistance that resonate throughout the region.