From 17th-century sailors to a modern diaspora: the history of British Indians

Countries & Cities · Published 3 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: The British Indian community, now exceeding two million people, is the UK's largest visible ethnic minority. While often associated with post-war migration, the connection spans centuries, beginning with early sailors and scholars. Today, this diverse group shapes British culture, from its culinary landscape to its parliamentary representation.

The presence of Indians in Britain dates back to the early 17th century, long before the mass migrations of the 20th century. One of the earliest recorded arrivals was a boy named Peter Pope, brought to England in 1614 and educated under the East India Company. Throughout the 1600s and 1700s, others followed, including lascar sailors, domestic servants, and even Mughal nobles like Elizabeth Sharaf un-Nisa, who settled in Gloucestershire in 1784. By the 19th century, figures like Sake Dean Mahomet were making lasting marks on British life; he opened London's first Indian restaurant in 1810 and introduced therapeutic massage to the UK.

Migration patterns shifted significantly following the Second World War. The British Nationality Act 1948 facilitated movement from the Commonwealth, leading to a surge of arrivals in the 1950s and 1960s. Many were recruited to address post-war labour shortages, working in foundries, textile manufacturing, and the newly formed National Health Service. A distinct wave occurred in the 1960s and 1970s when East African Indians, predominantly Gujaratis and Punjabis, arrived after being expelled from countries like Uganda and Kenya. This influx brought established business owners who quickly integrated into the British retail sector.

Today, the community is remarkably diverse, with Gujaratis and Punjabis forming the largest subgroups. The 2021 Census for England and Wales recorded over 1.8 million people of Indian ethnicity, with significant concentrations in cities like Leicester, Birmingham, and various London boroughs. The community’s influence is profound, visible in the proliferation of temples and gurdwaras, the popularity of Indian cuisine, and the cultural exchange celebrated during events like the 2017 UK-India Year of Culture. From the early sailors of the Malabar Coast to modern professionals, the British Indian experience remains a central pillar of the nation's social fabric.

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