The book is S Muthiah's realistic and exhaustive account of Anglo-Indians, says Jaskiran Chopra
The Anglo-Indians
Author: S Muthiah and Harry Maclure
Publisher: Niyogi, Rs 350
Old houses which have seen many seasons, rooms filled with mementoes and family photographs in ornamental frames, long driveways that lead to the bungalows, fireplaces with fading paint... all remind of an era long gone by. Anecdotes and memories give warmth and joy as the old times of a community, known for its love of academics, music, dance, good food and socialising, are recalled.
The days of wine and roses may have faded somewhat. But the lingering sense of past full of pride, camaraderie, aspirations, dreams and hopes is evident in the Anglo-Indian community. Traditions have been kept alive. Their identity has shaped up well and they are today an important community which has made a significant contribution to the development of the nation.
We have all read stories and seen films that show the Anglo-Indian lifestyle. But there are certain stereotypes which must be broken sooner than later. One should go beyond the surface and experience the community’s real self. Here comes the book to clear such misconceptions about Anglo-Indians as a whole.
It is a challenging task to capture 5,00 years of the community’s physical, intellectual, spiritual and emotional journey into a 200-page book. Chennai-based journalist and chronicler S Muthiah, however, has met this challenge and presented us with a realistic and detailed description of the history of this community, their changing status, their struggles, achievements and problems. Considering that Muthiah is not an Anglo-Indian, it is amazing to see how he has captured the essence of the story. Maybe it has been possible because he has grown up among them, been taught by them and even worked with them. Harry Maclure and Richard O’Connor, both Anglo-Indians, have teamed up with him on the work.
The book manages to break several myths about Anglo-Indians, as it takes us deep into the culture and lifestyle of this vibrant community. The essence of the Anglo-Indian way of life is strong family ties, Christianity, Western lifestyle, love for Western music and dance, and freedom from caste-ridden considerations.
The author tells us early in the book that in terms of the official definition, an Anglo-Indian is a person descended from a European male line whose family is permanently resident in India. This reflects the general Anglo-Indian sentiment that it was immaterial who the first mother in the family was.
The first part of the book traces the history. it is the story of disappointments and hopes, of sorrow and joy, of uncertainty of their identity and place in society. It is also the story of those who find happiness in the various niches they were fitted into. Dr Beatrix D’Souza, former Member of Parliament and professor of English, says in her ‘Foreword’ to the book, “S Muthiah has chronicled our history, a legacy we can bequeath to our children and children’s children... it is a valuable book for research scholars. It is our story, a history we have reason to celebrate.”
An important role played by the Anglo-Indians in the development of the railways in India is stressed by the book. In the chapter, ‘lifeline of a Community’, we come to know that at the time of Independence there was hardly an Anglo-Indian family without a railway connection. The railway colony was “a protected outpost of a unique civilisation dedicated to just one aim: To keep those great puffing monsters moving efficiently, uninterruptedly, swiftly”.
The contribution of Anglo-Indian women is brought out in the chapter called ‘Beyond Home-making’. Teaching, nursing, secretarial work and working as air hostesses — Anglo-Indian women have done them all, besides looking after their families. The book says that Anglo-Indians have equipped themselves with higher education and even if they want to migrate, it is for the same reason why other communities want to. “It is no longer because they are Anglo-Indians.”
This book, divided into several sections and full of photographs, is a work on the 500-year-old history. With two-and-a half years of research, it is the result of labour and love by S Muthiah, Harry Maclure and Richard O’Connor.