Jaffer, Aaron (2013) “Lord of the Forecastle”: Serangs, Tindals, and Lascar Mutiny, c.1780–1860. International Review of Social History, Volume 58 (Number S21). pp. 153-175. doi:10.1017/S002085901300028X

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Abstract

This article focuses on the diverse body of seafarers from the Indian Ocean region known as “lascars”. Very little is known about mutiny amongst those employed aboard European merchantmen during the age of sail. Private voyage journals and other sources offer scattered glimpses of demonstrations, strikes, and assaults on officers. Lascars used such tactics to air grievances, resist unpopular orders, and extract concessions from their superiors. They also took part in more serious forms of mutiny, in which they murdered captains, commandeered ships, and expropriated cargoes. The depositions taken in connection with such incidents provide an unparalleled window on to their working lives. Labour intermediaries known as serangs and tindals feature prominently in these various disturbances. The unique position they occupied enabled them to undermine European officers and even depose captains. Their involvement in shipboard uprisings serves as a reminder of the ways in which mutiny could be staged, manipulated, and controlled.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Divisions:	Faculty of Arts > History
Journal or Publication Title:	International Review of Social History
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
ISSN:	0020-8590
Official Date:	2013
Dates:	Date Event 2013 Published
Volume:	Volume 58
Number:	Number S21
Page Range:	pp. 153-175
DOI:	10.1017/S002085901300028X
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access

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