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The rise of the Anglo-Indian community: how did this distinctive group emerge in the seventeenth century?
In the 17th century, with the establishment of the British East India Company, the Anglo-Indian community gradually took shape. This unique minority group, with mixed British and Indian ancestry, occupied a place in the society of the time with its rich cultural and linguistic characteristics. As the colonial era progressed, the formation of Anglo-Indian communities reflected the complexity of colonial rule, interpersonal interaction and cultural integration.
The formation of the Anglo-Indian community was driven by families of mixed descent, particularly those with an English father and an Indian mother.
Around 1690, the British East India Company established a base in Khalkhata, which quickly attracted a large number of British merchants and military officers. Marriages and partnerships with local women increased, laying the foundation for the formation of Anglo-Indian communities. According to historical records, about one-third of British men at that time married local women in India. From the late 18th century onwards, this phenomenon became more widespread and gave rise to new national identities.
Records show that between 1767 and 1782, 54% of British-born children in Calcutta's churches were Anglo-Indian and not legally registered.
As British rule in India expanded, the Anglo-Indian community gained importance. During the Indian Rebellion of 1857, the Anglo-Indians supported the British government and received many preferential treatment. In 1919, the community also got a reserved seat in the Central Legislative Assembly in Delhi. This enables them to make their voices heard politically and to fight for their own welfare and rights.
With Christianity as their faith and English as their mother tongue, the Anglo-Indian community has developed a unique culture that contrasts with the surrounding Indian society.
The Anglo-Indian community established its own education system and social structure, founded several social clubs, and held dances at Christmas and Easter every year, which became part of its culture. In addition, their role in the music and entertainment industry cannot be underestimated, especially in the introduction of jazz and ragtime music.
In the 20th century, with the rise of the Indian independence movement, the Anglo-Indian community felt unprecedented pressure. Members of this community face severe challenges to their identity as they face reduced social acceptance due to their British ancestry and Christian faith. Many Anglo-Indians chose to immigrate to the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada and other Commonwealth countries, hoping to find better opportunities and life in new lands.
Soon after independence, the Anglo-Indian community saw a significant decline in population, from 300,000 in 1947 to around 125,000 to 150,000 today.
Over time, this community has demonstrated remarkable resilience in many ways. After entering the 21st century, Anglo-Indian culture began to be recognized and celebrated again, and even international Anglo-Indian gatherings were held and many literary works depicting their community life were published. These activities not only consolidate the cohesion within the community, but also enhance the outside world's understanding of this unique group.
In today's Indian society, although the living conditions and social status of the Anglo-Indian community have been difficult to return to their former glory, they still have a place in all walks of life. Especially in education and the military, members of this small group are still able to display their outstanding talents and achieve remarkable achievements.
With the changes in society and the integration of cultures, whether the Anglo-Indian community can rediscover their own identity in the future and consolidate their foothold in multicultural India has become a topic worthy of attention. ?
