The Komagata Maru was a Japanese cargo ship that gained historical significance in 1914 when it carried 376 Indian passengers, mostly Sikhs, from Hong Kong to Canada. They sought to escape British colonial rule and settle in Canada, but upon arrival in Vancouver, they were denied entry due to restrictive immigration laws. After being stranded in the harbor for two months, the ship was forced to return to India. Upon its return, the passengers faced hostility from British authorities, leading to a violent confrontation in which several were killed. The incident highlighted issues of racial discrimination and immigration policies in Canada during that era.