Ayahs, Lascars and Princes: Indians in Britain 1700-1947

by Rozina Visram

Shipped from UK, please allow 10 to 21 business days for arrival. A good, clean and sound copy in charcoal cloth boards, gilt title on spine with a good dust jacket. Rozina Visram. x, 304 p., 16 p. of plates, ill.

Genres: Nonfiction, India, History

314 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1986

Reviews

[Sevket Akyildiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good history of the first South Asian individuals, workers, professionals and ayahs to visit and reside in the United Kingdom. The establishment of the first Asian community in the UK is discussed too. The period looked at in this book is from 1700 to 1947 and covers the British Empire in India. The work is readable, concise and appropriately referenced throughout. Chapters cover (1) India and Britain, (2) Chattels of the Empire: Servants and Ayahs, (3) Sailors who Filled the Gap: the Lascars, (4) Towards an Asian Community in Britain: Individuals and Interests, (5) Early Challengers to the Empire, (6) Soldiers of the Empire in Two World Wars, (7) Radical Voices, (8) Princes, Students and Travellers, and (9) Into the Twentieth Century: Indian Influences in Britain. (Interesting Appendix information.) This book is suitable for history students, tutors and the general reader. It is both educational and thoughtful--some of the personal stories detailing hardship and racism highlight the difficulties faced by Asian workers left abandoned by employers in the UK. Heartwarming stories trace the histories of Asian doctors, businesspeople and lawyers.

[Faiqa Mansab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Informative and thoroughly researched book.

[Clare · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't seem to have this book in my possession any more, but would love to again. Well worth a read!