Poonah (ship) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids History |
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|---|---|
 United Kingdom |
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| Name | Poonah |
| Owner | Tyser & Haviside |
| Builder | William Pile, Sunderland |
| Launched | 1867 |
| Renamed | Lief. Drammen |
| General characteristics | |
| Tons burthen | 1199 tons |
The Poonah was a large sailing ship with three masts. It weighed 1199 tons. The ship was named after the city of Poonah in western India.
It was built in 1867 by William Pile in Sunderland, England. The company Tyser & Haviside owned the Poonah. This ship played an important role in carrying people across the oceans.
Contents
Journeys to New Homes
The Poonah was often used to transport people who had agreed to work in new countries. These workers, often from India, traveled to places like the West Indies, Fiji, and South Africa. They would work on farms or in other jobs for a set period.
Trips to the West Indies
The Poonah made several trips to the West Indies. In 1885, it carried 306 passengers to St. Lucia. Another journey in 1869 took 387 passengers to Trinidad. Sadly, five passengers passed away during this trip.
Voyages to Fiji
The Poonah sailed from India to Fiji twice. Its first arrival in Suva was on September 17, 1882, with 476 passengers. During this journey, a big storm hit. The crew, called Lascars, refused to go on deck, and the ship was almost lost.
The second trip to Fiji was on June 18, 1883, carrying 515 passengers. This voyage was very difficult because of sickness. There was an outbreak of cholera and smallpox on board. Twenty-six passengers died from cholera during the trip. Another passenger died after arriving in Fiji.
Travels to South Africa
The Poonah also carried workers from India to South Africa. These workers often found jobs on sugar cane farms. Some also worked in hotels or as merchants in cities like Durban, Tongaat, and Stanger. The Poonah left Calcutta in early 1878. It arrived in Durban harbor in July 1878, full of Indian workers and crew.
A New Name for the Ship
Later, the Poonah was sold to a new owner. Its name was changed to Lief. Drammen.
See also
- Indian Indenture Ships to Fiji
- Indian indenture system
- Indians in Fiji
