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From Colonial to Modern Times: How did Anglo-Indian retain its identity after independence?
The Anglo-Indian community is a specific minority group of mixed British and Indian descent. Their origins date back to the beginning of British colonization of India in the 17th century, when children born to British fathers and Indian mothers formed this unique community. With India's independence in 1947, the community's identity and identity faced huge challenges. Despite this, today's Anglo-Indians continue to exist with their unique culture and identity, and the development and changes therein are thought-provoking.
Historical roots
The term "Anglo-Indian" was first used to describe all British people in India. The original mixed-race descendants were called "Eurasians," but as the community evolved, the group came to be known as "Anglo-Indians." This community began to form after the East India Company established a colony in Madras in 1639. They are of British ancestry and acquire different cultural traits through their mother's Indian heritage. The formation of this identity has made Anglo-Indians face segregation and discrimination at different stages in history, making their identity more complicated.
Historically, Anglo-Indians participated extensively in the administrative, military and maritime sectors during the British Raj, but from 1791 onwards, their positions of power in these fields were gradually stripped away.
Isolation and adaptation of communities
As British rule in India deepened, Anglo-Indians gradually felt excluded from both sides of society. Many Anglo-Indian profiles were not even recorded correctly due to their mixed-race status. Many people choose to move to the UK, Australia, Canada and other places in pursuit of better opportunities and lifestyles. This loss became more obvious after India's independence, with the number falling from 300,000 at independence to 120,000 to 150,000 today. This process had a significant impact on the culture and identity of the community.
Immigration has set many Anglo-Indians on what they call a "rebirth", where they face challenges in local social life but also forge different cultural connections.
Choices and challenges after independence
After India's independence, Anglo-Indians faced difficulties in self-identity. Many questioned their place in the new system of government because their British origins prevented them from fully integrating into post-independence Indian society. Political changes have reduced the opportunities for this group of people in government jobs, and many families choose to immigrate in search of a new life. As the status of the community is no longer valued in society, their language and religion become part of the maintenance of the community, but they also encounter difficulties in integrating with the local culture.
Cultural Renaissance in the 21st Century
Entering the 21st century, the Anglo-Indian community began to seek cultural revitalization and to be understood again. The organization of international Anglo-Indian gatherings and the publication of some works are examples of cultural renaissance. Their music, dance, food and other cultural activities gradually received more attention, especially the continuous holding of Christmas balls, which became an important part of the local Christian culture. In addition, contemporary Anglo-Indians have excelled in many professional fields, such as music and sports, and Anglo-Indians such as Andre Hopkin (Engelbert Humperdinck) have swept many stages.
Today, Anglo-Indians still maintain their cultural heritage in major cities in India, and their food and customs are gradually integrated into India's diverse culture.
The future of culture
As globalization and the immigration landscape change, the future of Anglo-Indians is uncertain. They are trying to find a way to coexist with native Indian culture while maintaining their cultural identity. The government's inclusive policies enable them to maintain their schools and community organizations, and the Anglo-Indian community hopes to maintain its unique identity in a multicultural society in the near future. So, as time goes on, can Anglo-Indians find their place in this changing world?
