Around Madras city in hand-pulled rickshaws
This article reflects on the history of hand-pulled rickshaws in 20th-century Madras, examining the ethical concerns regarding human labor and the eventual ban of the practice in 1973.
Why it matters
It provides a critical look at the intersection of urban convenience, labor exploitation, and social evolution in colonial and post-colonial India.
The Vaideekar Pattina Pravesam referred to in an earlier article in this supplement also has the orthodox villager setting his eyes on a hand-pulled rickshaw for the first time. He asks if an ostrich is meant to draw this along as the yoke is too high for a bullock. When told it is a man, he is horrified and comments that to live in the city you need to stifle your conscience.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in