Kalapani (Indian expatriates in UK)
Encyclopedia
During the British regime in 18th and 19th Century, many Indians crossed the sea to live in the UK
. The process was called Kalapani and was banned in major Indian religions at that time. Expatriates were mainly sailors and servants who used to live with their British masters. A large number of concubines accompanied their men as well. In most parts, they went in an agreement to come back after a certain period of time which they failed in many cases. Many of them turned into beggars or prostitutes as a result. Later a law was passed to ensure the rights of expatriates.
United Kingdom
The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandIn the United Kingdom and Dependencies, other languages have been officially recognised as legitimate autochthonous languages under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages...
. The process was called Kalapani and was banned in major Indian religions at that time. Expatriates were mainly sailors and servants who used to live with their British masters. A large number of concubines accompanied their men as well. In most parts, they went in an agreement to come back after a certain period of time which they failed in many cases. Many of them turned into beggars or prostitutes as a result. Later a law was passed to ensure the rights of expatriates.
Sailors
In 1803 there were more than two hundred sailors and by the year 1807 the number crossed over a thousand. Most of them were unable to return for lack of money and many were tortured and even killed by British captains. A company regulation was passed to protect their rights which merely protected them from dangers. Sailors had to escape and live in Britain to avoid death and torture. Despite having higher risks, sailors travelled to UK for a better living. They were paid significantly higher than the farmers and fishermen.Servants
Many servants who worked in British families living in India went to live with their masters in Britain. Revealing from their names it is found out that most of them were Muslims. They came basically from Northern and Western part of India.Munshi
Sailing was not prohibited in Islam and many Muslims went to UK as a result. Some Muslim people called "Munshi" went to Britain and taught Arabic and Persian language to British people who intended to come to India for service or business.See also
- Sake Dean MahometSake Dean MahometSake Dean Mahomed was a Bengali traveler, surgeon and entrepreneur who introduced the Indian curry house restaurant in Britain, and was the first Indian to have written a book in English. He also established "shampooing" baths in Great Britain, where he offered therapeutic massage,The word...
- Itesham UddinItesham UddinMirza Syed Sheikh Itesham Uddin was a Bengali traveler during the 17th century. He worked under Mir Jafar learnt Persian language during that time. He went to Britain in 1766 and lived there for two years....