Anglo-Indian facts for kids

Anglo-Indians are people who have both Indian and British ancestry. The term can also describe people living in the Indian subcontinent whose families originally came from Britain. They form a unique community with a rich history and culture.

Anglo-Indians: A Unique Heritage

Anglo-Indians are a distinct group of people. They have a mixed heritage, meaning their family history includes both Indian and British roots. This community developed over centuries, especially during the time when Britain ruled India.

Who Are Anglo-Indians?

The word "Anglo-Indian" can mean two things. First, it describes someone whose parents or ancestors were from both India and Britain. Second, it can refer to British people who lived in India for a long time and made it their home. These families often had deep connections to India.

A Look at Their History

The Anglo-Indian community began to form when British people started living and working in India. Many British men married Indian women. Their children grew up with a mix of both cultures. They often spoke English and followed British customs, but they also had strong ties to Indian traditions.

During the British rule in India, Anglo-Indians often worked in specific jobs. They were important in the railways, customs, and telegraph services. This was because they could speak English and understood both British and Indian ways of life. After India gained independence in 1947, many Anglo-Indians moved to other countries, like the United Kingdom, Canada, or Australia. However, a significant number still live in India today.

Culture and Community

Anglo-Indians have a unique culture. Their food, music, and traditions often blend British and Indian styles. For example, their cuisine might include dishes with Indian spices but prepared in a way that reminds you of British cooking. English is usually their main language, but they also often speak local Indian languages.

They have strong community bonds. Many Anglo-Indian families live in specific areas, and they often have their own schools and churches. Festivals like Christmas are celebrated with a mix of traditions from both cultures. This blend makes their community very special.

Famous Anglo-Indians

Many famous people have Anglo-Indian roots or connections to the community.

• Rudyard Kipling was a famous British author. He wrote The Jungle Book and was born in Bombay (now Mumbai), India.
• George Orwell, another well-known British writer, was born in Motihari, British India. He spent time in Burma (now Myanmar).
• Saki, whose real name was Hector Hugh Munro, was a British writer born in Akyab, British Burma. He also served in the Indian Imperial Police.
• The English actor Boris Karloff, famous for his horror film roles, had partial Indian ancestry.
• Ben Kingsley, an Academy Award-winning British actor, has Gujarati Indian descent through his father. He is known for his roles in movies like Gandhi.
• Diana Hayden, an Indian actress and former Miss World, was born into a Christian Anglo-Indian family in Hyderabad, India.
• English singer-songwriter Charli XCX, whose full name is Charlotte Emma Aitchison, has Ugandan Gujarati Indian descent through her mother.
• Alia Bhatt is a British Bollywood actress with Gujarati, Kashmiri, and British German descent.

Images for kids

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  A male Anglo-Indian being washed, dressed and attended.

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  Rudyard Kipling, author of The Jungle Book (1894), born Bombay, Bombay Presidency, British India

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  A passport photo showing George Orwell, born Motihari, Bengal Presidency, British India, during his time in Burma.

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  British writer Hector Hugh Munro, better known by his pen name Saki, was born Akyab, British Burma, then still part of British India, and served in the Indian Imperial Police.

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  English actor William Henry Pratt, better known by his stage name Boris Karloff, extensively recognised for his roles in various golden age horror films had partial Indian ancestry through both his Mother and Father.

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  Ben Kingsley, Academy Award winning British actor known for his major roles in many Hollywood productions, such as Gandhi and Schindler's list, has Gujarati Indian descent through his Father.

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  Indian actress, model, and former Miss World Diana Hayden was born in Hyderabad to a Christian Anglo-Indian family.

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  English singer-songwriter Charlotte Emma Aitchison, known professionally as Charli XCX, is of Ugandan Gujarati Indian descent through her mother.

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  Alia Bhatt, British Bollywood actress of Gujarati, Kashmiri and British German descent.

See also

In Spanish: Anglo-indio para niños