Sorgha

Sorgha is a historical term referring to a type of enforced labor or service, often tied to land tenure. It was prevalent in some regions of South Asia, particularly in parts of India, during pre-colonial and colonial times. Sorgha involved individuals or families being obligated to provide labor or services to landlords or the state in exchange for the right to cultivate land.

The nature of Sorgha varied depending on the specific region and the prevailing social and economic conditions. It could manifest as unpaid labor on the landlord's fields, the provision of goods or services, or a combination of both. While often considered a form of bonded labor or feudal obligation, Sorgha was not always inherently equivalent to slavery. The individuals involved typically retained some degree of autonomy and control over their lives, even though their freedom was significantly curtailed by the obligations.

The abolition of Sorgha, along with other forms of forced labor and land tenure systems, was a significant aspect of post-independence land reform movements in India and other South Asian countries. Legislation was enacted to protect vulnerable communities from exploitation and to redistribute land ownership more equitably. However, the legacy of Sorgha continues to be felt in certain areas, particularly in the persistence of social inequalities and economic disparities.