Anglo-Indian Identity: Past and Present, in India and the Diaspora

This book critiques traditional notions about Anglo-Indians, a mixed descent minority community from India, and presents a transnational perspective, identifying convergences and bridging scholarship on Anglo-Indian studies in India and the diaspora. It explores Anglo-Indian identity as hybridized and fluid, representative, performative, affective, and experiential through various interpretative theoretical frameworks and methodologies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 439 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This groundbreaking and innovative book challenges conventional beliefs about Anglo-Indians, a mixed-descent minority community from India. It delves into the complexities of Anglo-Indian identity by examining it from various disciplines, perspectives, and locations. Positioning itself as a transnational intermediary, this work seeks to bridge scholarship on Anglo-Indian studies in India and the diaspora. Anglo-Indian identity is portrayed as a hybrid and fluid construct, representing, performing, affecting, and experiencing various aspects through different interpretive theoretical frameworks and methodologies. What sets this book apart is its international collaborative nature, involving renowned scholars in Anglo-Indian Studies from India and diverse diasporic locations such as New Zealand, Britain, Australia, Pakistan, and Burma.

The book explores the historical, cultural, and social factors that have shaped Anglo-Indian identity, highlighting the diverse experiences and perspectives of the community. It challenges the notion of a monolithic and uniform community, instead presenting a nuanced and multifaceted understanding of Anglo-Indians. Through extensive research and analysis, the book offers a fresh perspective on the community's history, culture, and contributions to society.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the intersection of Anglo-Indian identity with other identities, such as Indianness, Britishness, and colonialism. The authors argue that Anglo-Indians have experienced a complex and multifaceted identity formation, influenced by their dual heritage and the broader social and political context in which they have lived. The book also examines the role of Anglo-Indians in shaping India's cultural and social landscape, highlighting their contributions to literature, art, music, and politics.

Another important aspect of the book is its exploration of the diasporic experience of Anglo-Indians. The authors examine the challenges and opportunities faced by Anglo-Indians in their various diasporic locations, including the struggle for identity preservation, cultural adaptation, and social integration. The book also highlights the contributions of Anglo-Indians to the development of these communities and their role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding.

In conclusion, this book is a seminal contribution to scholarship on Anglo-Indian studies. It offers a fresh and interdisciplinary perspective on Anglo-Indian identity, challenging traditional notions and presenting a nuanced and complex understanding of the community. Through its international collaborative nature, the book bridges scholarship on Anglo-Indian studies in India and the diaspora, fostering cultural exchange and understanding. This work will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and anyone with an interest in the study of identity, culture, and society.

Weight: 600g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030644604
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021