6 Indians who Lived in England before Partition

Indians who lived in England have long been a fascinating subject for culture and history enthusiasts. 

In the 20th century, many Indians emigrated to England in search of work and better opportunities.

However, some people think that this only began from the 1950s to the 1970s. 

In the 18th century, the British East India Company came to India to trade, but the British soon started ruling the nation.

In 1947, at the cusp of independence, India was partitioned into two regions – its namesake country and Pakistan. 

DESIblitz takes a look at six notable Indian figures who lived in England before the partition of India. 

Dean Mahomed

Dean Mahomed is one of the most significant non-European immigrants to the West.

His father served in the Bengal army, and in 1784, Mahomed emigrated to Cork, Ireland.

He improved his spoken English and eloped with Jane Daly, as it was illegal for Protestants to marry non-Protestants.

In 1794, he published a book titled The Travels of Dean Mahomet, thus becoming the first Indian to publish a book in English.

Dean Mahomed was also a skilled entrepreneur credited with introducing shampooing to Europe.

He also opened the first Indian restaurant in London in 1810.

Hindoostane Coffee House underlined the popularity of spicy food among British people.

Daring, innovative, and ahead of his time, Dean Mahomed certainly made a mark on the world and the lives of those around him.

He died on February 24, 1851, at the age of 92.

Shapurji Saklatvala

Shapurji Saklatvala was part of the esteemed and affluent Tata clan.

However, instead of joining the booming business of his family, Saklatvala instead devoted his life to politics.

After moving to the UK in 1905, he campaigned with vigour for India’s freedom and butted heads with Mahatma Gandhi.

After the separation of his parents, Saklatvala began to idolise his uncle, Jamsetji.

Saklatvala’s daughter, Sehri, writes: “Jamsetji always had been especially fond of Shapurji and saw in him from a very early age the possibilities of great potential.

“He gave him a lot of attention and had great faith in his abilities, both as a boy and as a man.”

After entering politics, Saklatvala showed his deep passion for the working class.

His speeches were rousing and got him the attention he needed to create an imprint.

The reason he clashed with Gandhi was because his actions opposed the latter’s ‘non-violent’ approach.

Saklatvala was banned from returning to India in 1927, and he lost his seat in Parliament in 1929.

However, he continued to fight for India’s independence, which he never could see due to his death in 1936.

Duleep Singh

The Maharaja of the Sikh Empire, Duleep Singh was born on September 6, 1838.

His mother was Maharani Jind Kaur Aulakh. After the East India Company unleashed war on the Sikhs, Duleep and Jind were separated and would not see each other for over 13 years.

Duleep Singh arrived in London in 1854 and received affection from Queen Victoria. 

Having converted to Christianity, Duleep reverted to Sikhism in 1864 after marrying Bamba Müller.

The couple established their home at Elveden Hall in Suffolk.

In 1886, after being denied permission by the British government, Duleep Singh tried to return to India on his own accord.

However, this attempt was unsuccessful, as he was intercepted and arrested.

Maharaja Duleep Singh died in Paris in 1893. Unfortunately, his last wish for his body to be returned to India was not fulfilled.

He was buried in Elveden Church next to his wife’s grave. 

Catherine Duleep Singh

Continuing with Duleep Singh’s legacy, we come to one of his daughters, Catherine.

Catherine Duleep Singh firmly ingrained her place in history as one of the most prominent Indians who lived in England prior to Partition.

She was born on October 27, 1871, in England as the second daughter of her parents.

In 1886, when her father was arrested, Catherine and her sisters were put under the care of Arthur Oliphant and his wife.

Catherine and her older sister were educated at Somerville College, Oxford. 

The most notable period of her life came during the Suffrage movement. 

Catherine and her sister, Sophia, were suffragists who stayed away from violence when advocating for voting rights for women.

During her growing years, Catherine developed a deep bond with her governess, Lina Schäfer.

After her return from a tour of India, she spent most of her adult life with her in Germany.

Catherine became depressed after Lina Schäfer died in 1938 and left Germany when the Nazis rose to power.

Catherine Duleep Singh passed away of a heart attack on November 8, 1942. 

Sheth Ghoolam Hyder

Born in Bihar in 1776, Sheth Ghoolam Hyder travelled to London to seek work as a Persian teacher in 1806.

Despite a poor grasp of English, Hyder was appointed as a Persian teacher.

His students would copy passages in the Persian script. 

The authorities of the East India Company began to request Hyder to teach Persian to more students, widening his recognition.

One of the colleagues of Hyder was Mirza Muhammed Ibrahim, who was also recruited from India.

In 1808, Hyder requested a pay rise to help cover his expenses.

Although this was not approved, he was granted an annual subsidy of £40.

Hyder was married to two women – he had a wife and two children in India and had married an English woman named Rose Slocomb.

Rose and Hyder shared at least six children – two of which were born after Hyder’s death in May 1823.

Sukhsagar Datta

Returning to the theme of freedom fighters, we come to Sukhsagar Datta.

After his brother was arrested by the British Raj for revolutionary activities, Sukhsagar fled to London.

He enrolled at the London Tutorial College and in 1911, he married Ruby Young, who hailed from Bristol.

Sukhsagar tried unsuccessfully to become an actor and the couple moved to St Paul’s, Bristol, where they had two sons.

Sukhsagar qualified as a doctor in 1920 at a time where Indian doctors were uncommon in Britain.

He worked for several medical institutions and also volunteered to the St John’s Ambulance Brigade, for which he was awarded in 1959.

Throughout his life, Sukhsagar was devoted to Indian independence and had a long political career. 

He became Chairman of the Bristol Labour Party in 1946.

In 1944, Sukhsagar played a key role in the Labour Party passing a resolution to support Indian independence which was granted in 1947.

Sukhsagar Datta died on November 3, 1967.

Indians who lived in England before Partition have a rich history and lush stories of triumph surrounding them.

Their resolution, resolve, and commitment towards building better lives and futures can be inspiring for many.

They engraved Indian history on a global scale long before many people think.

For that, they should be saluted and celebrated.