Anglo-Indians - The Anglo-Indian Community

If it was St Thomas the Apostle who brought the gift of Christianity to India, it was the European settlers who gave birth to Anglo-Indians.

An Anglo-Indian is one who has descended from a European male progenitor.

The Constitution of India defines Anglo-Indians as follows:
"An Anglo-Indian means a person whose father or any of whose other male progenitors in the male line is or was of European descent but who is domiciled within the territory of India and is or was born within such territory of parents habitually resident therein and not established there for temporary purposes only." (The Constitution of India, Paragraph 366)

Anglo-Indians were brought into being by some of the policies of the British, Portuguese, and Dutch settlers and traders in India during the pre-independence period. They offered gifts to every child born to an Indian mother and a European father.

Anglo-Indians before 1947

At the time of India's independence in 1947, there were nearly 3,00,000 Anglo-Indians who continued to live in India when the British left the country.

Anglo-Indians enjoyed job reservations in the Government sector and held several top and middle management positions.

In the days prior to 1947, Anglo-Indians remained British, slowly changing to full-blooded Indians after the country's independence.

Post-Independence period

With dwindling job quotas in the public sector post-1947, Anglo-Indians started looking for greener pastures. They found them in Britain, and countries like Australia, Canada, USA, and New Zealand. They migrated in droves to these countries.

Today, fewer than 2,00,000 Anglo-Indians still make India their home. Members of the Anglo-Indian Community living outside India number close to 4,00,000 today.

Anglo-Indians today

Most of today's 2,00,000 Anglo-Indians of India are based in the cities of Calcutta, Bangalore, and Bombay. Anglo-Indian Communities are also found in Cochin, Madras, Goa, Lucknow, Agra, and in some towns of West Bengal.

Most of Anglo-Indians overseas are concentrated in Britain, Australia, Canada, USA, and New Zealand. Of the nearly 4,00,000 who have found safe havens abroad, some are settled in Asia including Pakistan and Myanmar, and also in European countries like Switzerland, Germany, and France.

Rich heritage, High values, Everlasting bonds

The mother tongue of Anglo-Indians is English, and their religion Christianity. The Indian Constitution recognized them as the only racial minority in India with English as their mother tongue.

Anglo-Indians are characterized by their hard work, broad-mindedness, high education, and ethics. They have commanded high respect in every field and every activity they have undertaken.

Despite migrations, Anglo-Indians maintain their bonds with India. They retain traditions of Christening (Baptism), Church wedding, and all other Christian Sacraments.

New places and different cultures have not a little weakened the Anglo-Indian culture and heritage. Instead, the new generation Anglo-Indians, both abroad and in India, are eager to maintain their unique identity, and show increased interest in continuing their rich traditions, values, and culture.

Index   Anglo-Indian Community   Anglo-Indian Reunions