The role of British Imperialism in racialised servitude
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Britain’s imperial and trade projects played an essential role in esatablishing and shaping the presence of racialised peoples in the UK. Already in the 18th century, the custom of bringing Indian servants, including ayahs, to Britain had been underway as British employees of the East India Company sought to recreate the luxurious lifestyles they enjoyed in India. These servants, viewed as 'chattels of the Empire', were brought to Britain primarily for the convenience of their employers to providing cheap labour and serve as symbols of status and nostalgia for colonial grandeur (Visram, 12). This phenomenon was not limited to high-ranking officials; even lower-level employees returned to Britain with Indian servants, further embedding these labour practices into the fabric of British society.
British Orientalism fundamentally shaped how these racialised individuals were perceived, particularly in terms of their servility. Lascars and servants were often portrayed in ways that emphasised their exoticism, in turn reinforcing stereotypes that justified imperial dominance. Often living in squalid, overcrowded conditions, Indian servants, including lascars, typically continued to face exploitation directly upon arrival. Lodging houses, such as those for ayahs, became institutions that not only housed these workers but also contributed to the establishment of early racialised communities in Britain (Visram, 18) .
The presence of Indian servants, particularly ayahs, within British households had a profound impact on class dynamics. Indian servants provided cheap, skilled labor that was essential to the smooth running of upper-class homes. These labourers were often seen as necessary, yet disposable, reinforcing a strict hierarchy within British society. The ayahs, who often cared for white British children, found themselves in an intimate yet paradoxical position—trusted with the care of the children but regarded more as commodities than fully human. Their proximity to the children could lead to bonds of affection, yet their status as “chattel” limited their rights and autonomy (Visram, 12) .
Despite their critical roles in household management and child-rearing, Indian servants and ayahs were frequently abandoned once their services were no longer needed. These individuals, left stranded without employment or support, were forced to fend for themselves, often seeking shelter in lodging houses or attempting to secure passage back to India (Visram, 17) . As a result, the presence of ayah and lascar lodging houses in urban areas like London led directly to the formation of racialised communities and played a significant role in shaping the early diasporic experience in Britain.