From the 18th to the mid-20th century saw massive internal and foreign migration. Indian diaspora of this time fell into many categories: One important Indian migration during colonial rule was indentured labourers. British colonial rulers deployed millions of Indians to Mauritius, Fiji, South Africa, the Caribbean, and Southeast Asia for plantation and construction work. They were vital to the colonial labour force in these harsh conditions. Merchant and Business Communities: Colonial India traded globally. They established Southeast Asian, East African, and Middle Eastern businesses. These communities facilitated India-foreign trade. Some British-educated Indians studied and worked abroad. Many moved to Europe, notably the UK. These personalities were important to Indian nationalism and post-independence government. Important Indian political activists and intellectuals lived in exile during colonialism. They passionately opposed British colonialism and backed India's independence. These, notably Shyamji Krishna Varma and Lala Lajpat Rai, internationalised Indian liberty. Christianity spread during colonial rule, creating Indian Christian sects. The Indian Christian diaspora included missionaries and religious groups that moved abroad. There was a huge migration throughout India and Pakistan after independence from British rule in 1947. Hindus, Sikhs, and other religious minorities migrated from Pakistan to India, while Muslims migrated from India to Pakistan. This split created huge displacement and refugee populations in both countries. Colonial Indian diaspora shaped local economies, cultures, and civilizations. The diasporic communities preserve their culture and enrich global culture.