Find your matricule number, ship, and plantation (Martinique)
If your family is Tamil/Indian in Martinique and you’re researching engagisme-era records (1853–1883), start with the anchor fields: matricule number, ship (navire), arrival year, and plantation (habitation).
French transliterations distort Tamil names — TamizhConnect helps you search variants quickly and save the evidence.
Search is private. We don't publish names. Create an account only if you want to save results.
Search is private. We don't publish names. Your saved matches appear in your family workspace.
Start with any ONE:
- immigrant/indenture number
- estate/plantation
- ship name OR approximate year
- depot number / emigration pass
- ancestor + father's name
- Private by default
- No DNA kits
- Evidence-first notes
Have documents? We'll research them for ….
Upload scans or photos. We verify key details and structure them in TamizhConnect.
What you need (and what helps)
- Name variants (French transliterations differ from Tamil originals)
- Father’s name (nom du père)
- Matricule or registration number (if known)
- Ship name (navire) or arrival year
- Habitation or plantation name
- Place of origin (lieu d’origine)
Example searches (copy/paste)
Glossary (rank + reduce confusion)
What you can prove vs guess
Can usually confirm
Name variants, parent name, matricule number, ship, departure/arrival window, and plantation assignment.
Often unclear without extra sources
Exact village in India, extended family connections, and French-transliterated names that need cross-checks.
Not proof by itself
Family stories without a matching register entry.
FAQ
What is engagisme?
The French term for the indenture system. Workers were called ‘engagés’ rather than ‘indentured labourers’.
Do I need a matricule number to start?
No. Names, ship/year, or plantation names can still surface likely records.
Are Martinique records similar to Guadeloupe and Reunion?
Yes. All three used the French engagisme system with similar vocabulary. Each island has distinct registers.
Why are Tamil names so different in French records?
French clerks transliterated Tamil names phonetically. Try multiple variants.
Is the search private?
Yes. Searches are private by default.
How do I save a record?
Create a free account to save records and attach evidence later.
Related pages
Ready to search?
Try the free search first, then decide if you want to save matches.