British Asians

British Asians, also known as Asian Britons, are people in the United Kingdom who have Asian ancestry. They make up a big 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 commonly used to describe people in the UK who have Asian heritage. It has become more popular in recent years, even though some people feel it might lump together many different backgrounds too broadly.

Demographics

According to the 2021 United Kingdom census, people who identify as Asian British make up about 8.6% of the UK population, which is around 5.76 million people. This is an increase from 6.9% in 2011 and 4.4% in 2001. 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 a growing number also identify primarily as 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 begins with early settlements from South Asia. If we include groups like the Romany, their arrival dates back to the Middle Ages. These groups, linked to South Asian populations through DNA, traveled westward around 1000 CE and 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 called Shigurf-nama-i-Wilayat. 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 from the Punjab region to work in airports and factories, and 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 made their mark in film, television, and performing arts. Actors like Tsai Chin, Burt Kwouk, Art Malik, and Ben Kingsley have appeared in famous movies and TV shows. Dev Patel gained worldwide attention for his role in Slumdog Millionaire, and Gemma Chan and Benedict Wong have been part of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. These performers have brought diverse stories and characters to the screen.

Art and design

British Asians have also contributed to the world of art and design. Anish Kapoor, a renowned sculptor, has created many famous artworks. Photographers like Poulomi Desai and designers such as Osman Yousefzada have gained recognition for their creative work. Their art often reflects their cultural backgrounds and experiences.

Literature

Literature has seen many talented British Asian writers. Authors like Salman Rushdie, Monica Ali, and Meera Syal have written stories that explore the lives and cultures of British Asians. Their books have been read and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Music

Musicians of Asian descent have also achieved great success in the UK and beyond. 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 blends traditional sounds with modern styles.

Charity and interfaith

Many young British Asians are actively involved in charity work and promoting understanding between different religions. For example, Onkardeep Singh has been recognized for his efforts in interfaith activities. Organizations led by British Asians work to support communities and address social issues.

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 made their mark 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 remains very popular among British Asians, with players like Moeen Ali and Adil Rashid representing England internationally.

Celebrities in popular culture

British Asians are also prominent in popular culture. Comedians like Sanjeev Bhaskar and Meera Syal are well-known on television. Presenters such as Saira Khan have become 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 made big impacts on the UK’s culture and economy. Many are successful business owners and entrepreneurs. They helped change how shops work and made the food we eat more exciting, especially with Indian cuisine becoming very popular across the country.

In the arts, British Asians have created music, movies, and TV shows that many people enjoy. Performers like Apache Indian mixed different music styles to create new sounds. Films and TV programs such as East Is East, Bend It Like Beckham, and Goodness Gracious Me have brought Asian stories to a wide audience. These achievements show how British Asians enrich 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 discrimination and racism since the mid-20th century. In the 1970s and 1980s, groups like the National Front targeted South Asian communities with racist abuse. During the coronavirus pandemic, hate crimes against South and East Asian communities rose sharply.

Some Asian British communities have struggled with acceptance of LGBT individuals. In the 1980s, pioneers created support groups for LGBTQ+ South Asians. Over the years, media and surveys have highlighted challenges faced by LGBT people in these communities, including discrimination and pressure to conform to traditional expectations.