India in Britain—South Asian Networks and Connections, 1858-1950

India in Britain traces the often hidden lines of Indian-British connection which took place on British soil during the period 1858-1950. Moving away from orthodox narratives of the Raj and the British presence in India, this book exposes a differently- contoured landscape, drawing attention to the significance of the many networks and connections that South Asians themselves established on British soil. Interdisciplinary in ethos, it stretches across ten decades, from the high point of empire to the better known period of migration following World War Two. Presenting readings of cultural history drawn from little-known archival material and interrogating contemporary readings of diaspora and migration in the light of this new material, it points to the urgent need to open up the parameters of this rich field of study. The contents of the book which cover topics ranging from literature, to the visual arts, history and politics, will be illuminating to those interested in the long history of the South Asian presence in Britain and its relevance to today's culturally diverse present. The perspectives of the different essays, written by several internationally distinguished scholars provide a depth and range of interdisciplinary approaches.

SUSHEILA NASTA is Professor of Modern Literature at the Open University, UK