Banjara

Banjara is a powerful literary fiction debut by Shana Chandra that examines the profound impact of the Indo-Fijian indenture system across generations. Set in 1888 Rajasthan, the story follows Avani Rathod, a member of the nomadic Banjara community, who is misled into indenture on the sugarcane plantations of Fiji. As she travels across the Pacific, Avani forms vital connections with other women facing the harsh realities of colonial powers. This historical saga explores themes of cultural heritage, emigration, and the enduring strength of the human spirit under systemic oppression.

The narrative shifts to Aotearoa in 2016, where Avani's great-granddaughter, Meera Chand, investigates the forgotten history of the displaced Girmitiya. Meera's journey through India and the Pacific connects her to her ancestral roots and the rhythms of Odissi dance. Banjara serves as a multigenerational family saga that weaves together the complex threads of colonialism, immigration, and identity across Australia, Oceania, and India.