British Asians

British Asians, also known as Asian Britons, are people in the United Kingdom with Asian ancestry. They are a large and growing part of the UK's population. According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, about 5.76 million people, or 8.6% of the total population, identify as Asian or Asian British. This group includes many different backgrounds, mostly from South Asia, but also from East Asia, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, and West Asia.

The history of British Asians goes back many years. Many people from Asian countries came to the UK for different reasons. Some came because of old trade links, while others came for education or work. A big wave of immigration happened after World War II, especially when former British colonies in Asia became independent nations. More recently, British Asians have achieved important positions in government. For example, Sadiq Khan became Mayor of London in 2016, Rishi Sunak became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom in October 2022, and Humza Yousaf became the First Minister of Scotland in March 2023.

Terminology

In Britain, the word "Asian" usually means people whose families come from places like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. This is different from some other countries, where "Asian" might mean people from East or Southeast Asia.

The Office for National Statistics groups people in the UK into categories like "Asian / Asian British." This includes groups such as British Indians, British Pakistanis, British Bangladeshis, and British Chinese people. These categories have changed over time as censuses have been updated.

The term "British Asian" is used to describe people in the UK who have Asian heritage. It has become more popular recently, even though some people think it might group many different backgrounds together too much.

Demographics

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, Asian British people make up about 8.6% of the UK population. This is around 5.76 million people. Most Asian Britons live in England and Wales, with smaller numbers in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

The largest groups of Asian Britons include people with Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi, Chinese, and other Asian backgrounds. Many have strong ties to their ancestral countries, but many also feel very British. Different groups often have distinct languages, religions, and cultural traditions. For example, many British Pakistanis follow Islam, while many British Indians practice Hinduism or Sikhism.

History in Britain

The history of British Asians in Great Britain starts with early settlements from South Asia. If we include groups like the Romany, they arrived during the Middle Ages. These groups, linked to South Asian populations through DNA, traveled westward around 1000 CE. They mixed with Middle Eastern and European populations over time. Some settled in Western Europe, including Britain.

Later, in 1765, I'tisam-ud-Din, a Bengali Muslim cleric, became the first educated South Asian to live in Britain. He wrote about his experiences in a book. During this time, many Asian sailors, known as lascars, worked on British ships. They came from places like India, China, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

After World War II, many people from South Asia moved to the UK to fill jobs. Some came from Pakistan to work in factories. Others came from the Punjab region to work in airports and factories. Many medical workers came from the Indian subcontinent to join the National Health Service. Later, people from East Africa, especially after being expelled from places like Uganda, also settled in Britain. More recently, after Brexit, many people from India, China, and Pakistan have come to work in health and care.

Notable contributions

Arts and entertainment

Many British Asians have become famous in film, television, and performing arts. Actors like Tsai Chin, Burt Kwouk, Art Malik, and Ben Kingsley have been in well-known movies and TV shows. Dev Patel became famous for his role in Slumdog Millionaire, and Gemma Chan and Benedict Wong have been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These actors have shown many different stories and characters on screen.

Art and design

British Asians have also made important contributions to art and design. Anish Kapoor, a famous sculptor, has created well-known artworks. Photographers like Poulomi Desai and designers such as Osman Yousefzada are known for their creative work. Their art often shows their cultural backgrounds and experiences.

Literature

Many British Asian writers have created wonderful books. Authors like Salman Rushdie, Monica Ali, and Meera Syal have written stories about the lives and cultures of British Asians. People all over the world have read and enjoyed their books.

Music

Musicians with Asian roots have achieved great success in the UK and around the world. Freddie Mercury of Queen is one of the most famous examples. More recently, artists like M.I.A. and Jay Sean have topped charts and won awards. Their music often mixes traditional sounds with modern styles.

Charity and interfaith

Many young British Asians work hard to help others and promote understanding between different religions. For example, Onkardeep Singh is known for his work in interfaith activities. Organizations led by British Asians support communities and help solve social problems.

Religion after the expulsion

After many Asians were expelled from Uganda, new religious spaces appeared in the UK. Temples and mosques were created in old buildings, allowing Asian communities to practice their faiths and celebrate traditions like Diwali.

Sports

British Asians have also achieved success in sports. In football, players like Anwar Uddin and Hamza Choudhury have played for top clubs. Boxers such as Amir Khan have won Olympic medals and world titles. Cricket is very popular among British Asians, with players like Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid representing England internationally.

Celebrities in popular culture

British Asians are well-known in popular culture. Comedians like Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal are popular on television. Presenters such as Saira Khan are familiar faces on British TV. In 2008, the dance duo Signature became famous on Britain’s Got Talent for their unique style combining different dance traditions.

Cultural influence

British Asians have had a big effect on the UK’s culture and economy. Many own successful businesses and help run shops. They have made food more interesting, especially with Indian cuisine becoming popular everywhere.

In the arts, British Asians have made music, movies, and TV shows that many people enjoy. Performers like Apache Indian mixed different music styles. Films and TV programs such as East Is East, Bend It Like Beckham, and Goodness Gracious Me have shared Asian stories with many viewers. These achievements show how British Asians add to life in the United Kingdom.

Main article: British Asian

Main articles: British Indian, British Pakistani, British Bangladeshi, British Chinese, British Filipino, British Japanese, British Korean

Social and political issues

British Asians have faced unfair treatment and racism since the middle of the last century. In the 1970s and 1980s, some groups were not kind to South Asian communities. During the coronavirus pandemic, some people acted badly toward South and East Asian communities.

Some Asian British communities have had trouble accepting LGBT individuals. In the 1980s, brave people started support groups for LGBTQ+ South Asians. Over time, media and surveys have talked about the challenges LGBT people face in these communities.