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Calcutta is a key site of Anglo-Indian
memory, imagination and attachment. Before Independence,
Calcutta was the largest and most permanent site of
residence for this community of mixed descent, which
was concentrated within particular neighbourhoods. Calcutta
also has long-established roots as the intellectual,
political and cultural heart of the community, as shown
by the history of political petitioning and organization
since the early nineteenth century, the publications
of the Calcutta Study Circle in the 1940s, and cultural
representations such as Aparna Sen’s film 36
Chowringhee Lane (1981). An estimated one-third
of the community has migrated since Independence (Blunt,
2005), first to London in the 1940s and 1950s, and then
to Toronto and Perth in the 1960s and 1970s. Today there
are an estimated 30,000 Anglo-Indians in Calcutta, where
a range of organizations work for the community, including
the Calcutta Anglo-Indian Service Society. Since the
1990s, many Anglo-Indians have moved to suburban locations
such as Picnic Garden. Many Anglo-Indians, both in India
and across the diaspora, share a recently revitalized
interest and pride in their community, as shown by international
reunions since 1989 and community events marking World
Anglo-Indian Day since 2002. London and Toronto are
key cities in the Anglo-Indian diaspora. The first international
reunion was held in London (1989) and the second in
Toronto (1992). In 2007, Toronto became the first city
to host two international reunions.
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A Christmas party for senior
Anglo-Indians, Calcutta |
Christmas at Bow Barracks,
Calcutta |
Christmas time in New Market,
an important part of Anglo-Indian nostalgia for
Calcutta |
The Brahmo community
The Chinese community
The Jewish community
Back to Diaspora Cities research context
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