The History of Anglo-Indians --- Book Review

 

                                       

 

 

The History of Anglo-Indians a graphic novel is a landmark book, I came across recently. The book is written and illustrated by the duo Keith Butler and Harry MacLure both Anglo Indian themselves. The book is so interesting that it could really be labelled as 'Unputdownable' once you have started it. The book is so easy both on your eyes and brain due to its comics type storyline.

So many cobwebs this book has helped clearing in my mind. I all along in my ignorance thought the Anglo-Indians are the persons whose one parent/grand/great grand was British but this book amply clarifies -- one forefather could well be Portuguese, French or Dutch. They too come under the omnibus heading of Anglo-Indian.

The book not only traces the history and geography of Anglo-Indians but also the sociology and anthropology of Anglo-Indians as the world saw them and as they saw themselves. I am certain this book would prove to be educative in more ways than one to Anglo-Indians themselves, especially, the new generation which hardly has any ‘regard’ for history, heritage or heredity.

I am impressed by the perseverance of the writer team. Harry MacLure is a known and respected celebrity in Anglo-Indian community. One may find plethora of books on history of Parsis in India or for that matter on other ethnic groups/minority communities. Authentic work on Anglo-Indians is fewer. One book I came across on McCluskieganj authored by Vikas Kumar Jha. It is in Hindi, an authentic account of now ghost town McCluskieganj. The Anglo-Indians contribution in building India is immense. You name an area and an Anglo Indian would be a luminary in it. Be it the field of Indian Films, politics, education, literature or music. Indian Railways was their first port of call of Anglo Indians. Old timers of Railways will have a tale or two about Anglo Indians in their midst. Anglo Indians took palpable pride in their job. Their loyalty and life style was envy of others, to say the least. Come 1947 and we lost so many many of them to Britain, Australia and New Zealand. I am seventy-year-old. I live in Delhi. I have seen Frank Anthony in Parliament impeccably dressed complete in three-piece suit and his favorite tie. I have also visited Frank Anthony Public school in Delhi. I had once unsuccessfully tried to obtain admission for my daughters in the school. The school has a life size oil portrait of Frank Anthony Esq. in the lobby.

The book prima facie may appear to be costly at Rs.1150/-per copy but the glossy paper and beautiful pictures with fine detailing more than justify the price. The publishers-Anglo-Ink Books, Chennai deserve appreciation for bringing out such a fine piece of artistic and historical value. I must say Mr. Keith Butler and Harry MacLure have jointly created a treatise for the history and heritage lovers to treasure and cherish. The book indeed is a love’s labor please ensure it does not get ‘lost’