Workers could not leave the plantation unless they had a pass. And if they did decide to explore on their own, without permission, they could be thrown in jail, sentenced to hard labor, or lose some of their hard-earned wages. A charge of "idling" in the fields could result in the loss of a whole week's wages. Worse, if they dared rebel or protest, their contract could be transferred to another estate. And there were still complaints of flogging or mysterious deaths. Life, as the historian Hugh Tinker noted, was like being a prisoner on parole.
Which question does this passage answer most effectively?
Who was Hugh Tinker, and what did he study?
What did the Indians’ contracts specify?
What was life actually like for indentured Indians?
What kind of work did the Indians do on plantations?
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The passage most effectively answers the question: What was life actually like for indentured Indians?
It discusses the restrictions, penalties, and dangers faced by workers on the plantation, illustrating the harsh realities of their living and working conditions.
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