"He was a high achiever, who did very well"
A pioneering public servant was honoured with a blue plaque in Ipswich, 100 years after becoming the town’s first Indian mayor.
The plaque marks the former home of Kavas Jamas Badshah, on St Edmund’s Road.
Badshah was born in Bombay, now Mumbai, in 1859, and dedicated his life to public service in India.
He studied at the University of London on a scholarship and later became deputy director general of the Post Office of India.
After retiring to England in 1904, he settled in Ipswich with his British wife Emma and their three children. He became a councillor in 1913 and was recognised by King George V five years later for his work promoting war bonds.
A champion for women’s suffrage, Badshah served as mayor in 1925-26.
He was widowed shortly before his term, with his youngest daughter Mabel, then in her early 30s, serving as mayoress during his time in office.
High Sheriff of Suffolk, Gulshan Kayembe, praised his legacy.
She said: “It is incredibly significant that he was able to rise to such a level; he must have been quite a remarkable man to do so.”
Kayembe said Badshah’s story represented lasting inspiration.
She added: “This is a palpable, tangible recognition of the power of representation – to know that there are others who came before you who did great things but look like you, who share your cultural heritage.
“He was a high achiever, who did very well, who was successful; to have that plaque here and know he was part of life here, will be inspirational to people from all backgrounds.”
Kavas Jamas Badshah died in 1931 at the age of 73, with Badshah Avenue later named in his memory.
His contribution remains significant in the history of Ipswich and British Indian public life.
The plaque was unveiled by current mayor Stefan Long:
“His election was a landmark moment, showing that our town has long embraced diversity, inclusion and contributions from people from every background.”
Long added that Badshah’s legacy continued to reflect the spirit of modern Ipswich:
“To me, this plaque is more than a marker of history; it’s a reminder that Ipswich thrives, and we celebrate difference when we welcome new voices.”
The project was initiated, researched and funded by The Ipswich Society, ensuring Badshah’s legacy is preserved for future generations.
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