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The unique cultural background of Anglo-Indian communities: why is their history so fascinating?
The Anglo-Indian community is a minority group with mixed ancestry. Members of this community usually move between Indian and British cultures, showing a unique and diverse identity. Its origins can be traced back to the colonial period, and the formation of this community began in the 17th century, when the union of British soldiers and Indian women produced new mixed-race descendants. Although the community is currently declining in numbers, their culture, language and religious beliefs still have a place in today's society.
During the colonial period, members of the Anglo-Indian community were mostly English-speaking and were able to find a balance between tradition and modernity.
The term Anglo-Indian was originally used to describe all British people in India. As history evolved, mixed-race Anglo-Indian descendants gradually became known as Anglo-Indians. The roots of this community can be traced back to 1639, when the British East India Company established a settlement in Madras. Members of the community found an identity in their connection to British culture, however, after 1791 they were gradually excluded from the power structures of the day. Faced with social discrimination and prejudice, most Anglo-Indians begin to seek other identities.
During the Great Indian Rebellion of 1857, many Anglo-Indians sided with the British, which resulted in them receiving slight preferential treatment from the British government at the time. They were recruited in large numbers into strategic sectors such as railways, postal services and customs. As times change, the number of Anglo-Indians has dropped from about 300,000 in 1947 to about 125,000 to 150,000 today. This change was influenced by the social environment, and the racial discrimination they faced during the British Raj era blurred the identity of this group of people.
“Not only in British society, but also in Indian society, Anglo-Indians have suffered forgetfulness and indifference.”
The evolution of history
Over time, there has been a certain degree of cultural solidification in the Anglo-Indian community. Their food, clothing, language and religious beliefs gradually formed their own unique social culture. English as the main language of communication allows them to maintain a certain distance when in contact with other Indian communities. Many Anglo-Indians still believe in Christianity, which creates a clear cultural gap between them and other ethnic groups.
This cultural isolation also made it difficult for Anglo-Indians to integrate into mainstream Indian society. Especially during the independence movement in 1947, many people began to consider immigrating to other countries. Because of this, many Anglo-Indians who originally lived in India chose to immigrate, especially to Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. At the beginning of the 21st century, the community's culture once again returned to the mainstream, reexamining their history and identity through various gatherings and publications.
"The identity of Anglo-Indians is a cultural rebirth, accompanied by a rethinking of history."
Current Situation and Outlook
Today, it is estimated that there are about 350,000 to 400,000 Anglo-Indians living in India, mainly in cities such as Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore and Delhi. They also have considerable performance in music, sports and other fields. Despite the gradual decline in population, Anglo-Indians still play an integral role in social life. Their achievements and contributions in education, art and other fields continue to attract more attention.
In today's society, the culture of the Anglo-Indian community has once again received attention. Many international Anglo-Indian reunions have been held, and many related books have been published, in order to promote the inheritance and development of this unique culture. This cultural reunion is not only a reflection on their past, but also a look forward to the future.
"How will the future of Anglo-Indian find a new identity amidst the impact of globalization?"
