As Indians completed their period of indenture and ventured into other sectors of the economy, they were perceived to be a threat to European interests.
By the end of the 19th century, three classes of Indians could be identified in Natal:
Indentured labourers.
Those who had completed their indenture and worked as free Indians.
Traders, or passenger Indians, who emigrated to Natal at their own cost.
The free Indians played an important role in the economy of Natal. In 1877, the protector of Indian Immigrants reported: “All