Anglo in India

Introduction / History

The Anglo Indian people are the descendants of British or European men generally from the colonial service or the military and their Indian wives. The term "Anglo Indian" was first used by Warren Hastings in the 18th century to describe both the British in India and their Indian-born children.

During the independence movement, many Anglo-Indians identified with British rule and incurred the distrust and hostility of Indians. They had a difficult position at the time of independence. They felt loyal to a British home that they had never seen where they would gain little social acceptance. Some Anglo-Indians left the country in 1947 for a new life in Britain, Australia or Canada. However, most Anglo-Indians opted to stay in India and made whatever adjustments they deemed necessary. The Anglo-Indians are basically urban dwellers.

The greatest and perhaps the most singular contribution to the nation by the Anglo-Indian community has made is in the sphere of school education. At the time of independence there were nearly 300 Anglo-Indian schools in existence.

Anglo-Indian speech is a synthesis of English and Hindustani. Anglo-Indian girls were the first to volunteer for the job of air hostesses. They led the way for the emancipation of women and their working outside the home. Most of the Anglo Indians married within their own Anglo-Indian community. Owing to the transferable nature of their jobs, many Anglo-Indians did not think of building their own homes. Calcutta became the home base for many after retirement. The majority of Anglo-Indians in Calcutta today are Roman Catholics.

Another group of foreign-origin is the Siddhis who are the descendants of Africans brought to India as Arab slaves. Most modern-day Siddhis are Muslims and are engaged in agricultural pursuits. They are found in Gujarat, Daman and Diu, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and other states and union territories.

Alternate names: Anglo-Indian, Siddhis

Where Are they Located?

States: Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra

Prayer Points

For the salvation of the Anglo Indians and that God may send several Christian workers among them and meet their spiritual and physical needs.
For helping them to handle their socio-economic hardships, regain their self-esteem and purge off their "Identity Crisis" rapid assimilation into the culture and tradition of their adopted country India.
Obtaining and maintaining a sense of community spirit.

Text Source:   India Missions Association - Edited by Philipose Vaidyar  Copyrighted © 2024  Used with permission