South Asian Immigration Flashcards
(41 cards)
Which South Asian countries were involved in immigration to Britain?
India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka
These countries have historical ties to Britain due to colonialism.
What was the main occupation of the largest group of South Asian immigrants in London?
Sailors
Indian sailors made up a significant portion of early South Asian immigrants.
In which British cities were South Asian students, servants, and nannies found?
Oxford, Bristol, Cambridge
These cities had notable South Asian communities aside from London.
What reward was offered for the safe return of a ‘runaway Indian’ in 1688?
20 shillings
This is approximately £90 in today’s currency.
By what year had the number of South Asian immigrants in Britain reached around 400,000?
1971
This number represented about 1% of the total British population at the time.
What were some reasons for South Asian migration to Britain in the 1950s and 1960s?
Violence, natural disasters, poverty
Many sought better opportunities due to adverse conditions in their home countries.
What types of natural disasters affected South Asia, prompting emigration?
Cyclones, floods, famines
These disasters contributed to widespread poverty and suffering.
What advantage did South Asians have regarding immigration to Britain due to their historical ties?
British passport holders
Due to their countries being part of the British Empire, they were eligible for British passports.
Fill in the blank: Many South Asians saw _______ as their only hope due to terrible poverty.
emigration
Emigration was viewed as a solution to dire conditions.
Why did the vast majority of South Asians come to Britain in the 1950s and 1960s?
Jobs!
Many immigrants were unskilled workers invited to fill labor shortages in key industries.
What type of professional qualifications did some South Asian immigrants possess?
Many were doctors.
They came to work in Britain’s hospitals.
Name two key industries where South Asian immigrants found work in Britain.
- Rubber manufacturing
- Textile mills
Other industries included iron foundries and steelworks.
What significant event in Kenya led to an influx of Indian and Pakistani immigrants to Britain in the 1960s?
The expulsion of Indians and Pakistanis from Kenya.
This was followed by Uganda’s expulsion of Ugandan Asians in 1972.
How many Ugandan Asians did Britain agree to accept after Idi Amin’s expulsion?
21,000 immigrants.
This was amidst public concern about the capacity to cope with new immigrants.
What was a common family dynamic among South Asian immigrants in Britain during the initial years?
Many came alone, leaving families behind.
They would later bring their families over after settling.
What percentage of Indian and Pakistani children in Britain had been born there by 1960?
Around 64%.
A report recorded 34,000 Indian children and 5,000 Pakistani children.
What term did the next generation of South Asians in Britain commonly identify with?
British Asians.
They often viewed themselves as British first.
True or False: Sukhjinder Singh identifies primarily as a British Asian rather than British.
False.
He sees himself as British first, then British Asian.
Fill in the blank: A South Asian immigrant at work in a _______ mill in Bradford.
textile
What percentage of South Asians were self-employed in 1974?
8%
This figure increased to 26% by 1991.
How many South Asian restaurants and take-aways were there in Britain by 2010?
Around 9,000
The number of ‘curry-houses’ increased from 500 in 1960 to 3,000 by 1980.
What is the estimated annual spending in South Asian restaurants in Britain?
Over £2 billion
These establishments employ around 70,000 people.
What percentage of sweet shops, grocers, and newsagents in Britain were owned by South Asians in 1992?
70%
This statistic highlights the significant role of South Asians in the small business sector.
What is a key strategy used by South Asian shopkeepers to compete with large supermarkets?
‘Open all hours’
This approach has helped them thrive by providing convenience to local communities.
