Asian Britain: A history in photographs
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'Pilots of the Indian air force volunteer reserve have joined the RAF': Pilots selected by the Government of India joined the RAF to alleviate a shortage of pilots after the Battle of Britain, 1942. From 'Indian Information' (British Library Board)
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'Photos of Eid celebrations, Islamic Review 25.4 (1937)': The Shah Jahan Mosque, Woking, Britain’s first purpose-built mosque, attracted a diverse community of Muslims resident in Britain, here celebrating Eid al-Adha in 1937. From 'Islamic Review 25.4' (1937). (British Library Board)
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'Indian pilots at a train station': A group of Indian pilots, including Squadron Leader Mahinder Singh Pujji on arrival in London in 1940. He flew Hurricanes over the English Channel and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. From 'Indian Information'. (British Library Board)
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'Convalescent Indians at Pavilion Hospital, Brighton': Convalescent Indians in the grounds of Brighton Pavilion Hospital, and others out for their march through the town, 1915. From 'Official Record of the Indian Army in Europe', H D Girdwood. (British Library Board)
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'Queen Victoria and Abdul Karim': Queen Victoria with Abdul Karim who taught her Hindustani. He was one of several Indian servants who arrived shortly after the Golden Jubilee, 1880s. From 'Illustrated London News'; 2 Feb 1901, p. 165. (British Library Board)
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'Hindoo Tract Sellers': A man and child, selling Christian tracts on the streets of London, 1862. From 'Henry Mayhew, London Labour and the London Poor' (London, 1861-62) (British Library Board)
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'Outside the Ayahs' Home, Hackney': The Ayahs’ Home in Hackney, East London was set up for destitute ayahs (cleaners or nannies), awaiting return to their home countries, 1921. From 'Ayahs’ Home Hackney, London City Mission Magazine' 86. 1017 (Dec. 1921), p.140.(British Library Board)
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'Sophia Duleep Singh': Maharaja Duleep Singh’s daughter, Sophia, selling copies of 'The Suffragette' outside Hampton Court Palace, 1913. From 'The Suffragette', 18 April 1913, p. 447. (British Library Board)
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'Ranji batting': K S Ranjitsinhji studied at Trinity College, Cambridge. He played for Sussex and was selected for the England team in 1896. From 'Mirror of British Merchandise', No. 38, October 1896; pp 20-21. (British Library Board)
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From the first trade conducted between Britain and South Asia along the Silk Route to the adoption of Panjabi MC, Tikka Masala and 'Goodness Gracious Me' into British culture, 'Asian Britain: A Photographic History' tracks Asian contribution to the UK. The fascinating book details Asian representation in the military, the suffragette movement and even uncovers the the first female law student at Oxford. The book also addresses the darker elements of British Asian history, such as inequality and the race riots. Asian Britain: A Photographic History, by Susheila Nasta, is published by The Westbourne Press at £20.