Asiatiques en Angleterre

Asians are people originally from the Indian subcontinent: India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.  They have been present in United Kingdom since the 17th century and primarily originate from countries.

I) Historical background to the relationship between India and Britain: Migration, Integration

Migration, Colonialism : Many people believe that Asian migration to Britain only began in the 1950s after World War II. Yet the presence of Asians in Britain stretches right back to 1600, a direct result of trading contact established by the East India Company. Through trade, conquest and colonisation, the Company transformed the economy and society of both countries, setting in motion the movement of people in both directions. Starting in the 17th century, British rule in India led to a steady migration of many classes of Asians to Britain. Servants and ayahs were brought over by returning British families. Indian sailors, known as lascars, crewed Company ships and later steam-powered liners. By the 19th century, colonialism had brought many changes to the lives of people in India, leading to the founding of political associations that fought for equality and social justice. Asian activists in Britain also joined in the struggle to influence public opinion and parliament. They campaigned for Indian independence, but also supported broader national and international concerns. Participating in key political struggles, such as votes for women, education and healthcare, they fought against discrimination and inequality.

Adaptability with the different jobs : Over many years of settlement, Asians engaged in a variety of economic activities, demonstrating their adaptability. Indian sailors settled in many British ports and continued to work as sailors if they could. Others found different forms of income, setting up cafés, lodging and curry houses. Those unable to find employment worked as street musicians crossing sweepers and even as beggars.

Difficulties of integration : Many first generation Asians perhaps find it difficult to ‘blend in’ with English people. Language and cultural barriers are just a few major factors that cause this difficulty. Although many choose to sympathise with the Asian communities and wish to aid them in their daily struggles as immigrants, others have a slightly different approach. For second generation Asians, understanding and discrimination is often one of the main reasons they find it difficult to integrate. Cultural differences are often so significant that they feel isolated from the rest of the society. Differences in upbringing also have a significant impact on the children. Such differences may make British South Asians believe that they are in fact different, and they would rather mingle with those who understand their culture and share common values, choosing to interact solely with other South Asians.

The UK Asian community is often neglected, more than 95% of British Asians live in England, with the largest numbers continuing to be in london with over 980,000 residents, and then the West Midlands with almost 500,000. However, it's Leicester, Harrow, Hounslow and Brent that have the highest concentrations of British Asians, with more than 20% of residents hailing from the indian subcontinent.

II) Influence of the asian community in the Uk.

Trade : The early relationship between Britain and India was based on trade. As the East India Company expanded, its political control increased. The Company introduced to the UK raw materials such as tea, jute and rubber, essential to Britain’s development as an economic powerhouse. The importance of cross-empire trade grew during the time of the British Raj in India, and was vital to Britain’s rapid industrialisation. The coming of steam-powered liners, and the 1869 opening of the Suez Canal, connecting the Mediterranean and Red Sea, reduced the journey times between both countries. In Britain, trade exhibitions, advertisements and magazine publications created a glamorous and exotic idea of India. One of the major commodities exported from India to Britain was tea. The East India Company began commercial tea production in Assam in the 1820s. A growing industry, by 1900 there were around 4000 tea estates in north and south India and over 2000 in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka). This popular drink generated a hugely profitable industry, and a tea culture emerged in Britain with its own quintessentially English customs and rituals.

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