I've been researching the Anglo-Indian branch of my family tree, following my maternal grandmother's line, since 2017. Over the years, this rewarding project went from being a hobby to a passion, and now researching and writing family histories is one of the core services I offer.
Who are the Anglo-Indians? Historically, there have been several definitions of the term: it was applied not only to a minority community of mixed Eurasian descent, but also to people of Indian descent living in Britain (now British-Indians) or people of British descent living in India. Lots of confusion. Lots of colonialism.
The Indian constitution today defines "Anglo-Indian" as a person 1) with male progenitors of European descent domiciled in India, and 2) who was born in India to parents residing here. Not everyone accepts this definition. Also, in many cases, like my own ancestors, the "European" forefather is probably quite far back in the lineage, and several generations were born in India and called it home.
What does this mean for genealogical research? If you have Anglo-Indian ancestors or European ancestors residing in pre-Partition India, chances are that you'll be able to learn quite a bit about them online. Here are my top 5 resources to get you started. (You can also contact me for a consultation to guide your research, or hire me to do the research for you.)
1. FamilySearch
What is it?
FamilySearch is a non-profit with a database that is free to access and usually gives many relevant results. A few years ago, I couldn't find a lot of names pertaining to my research, but they've since indexed many more records and now it's one of the first resources I check for records from British India.
Where do I begin?
Sign up and head to 'Search' > 'Records'. I recommend entering at least the first and last names as well as the country. In the case of India, this usually limits the database considerably and gets me the correct records right at the top, followed by other suggestions. For example, for my great-grandfather, I entered "Clifford Keys" and "India", and though it threw up 443 results, right on top are his marriage, baptism, and records of his children's baptisms as well. You can then further refine the search criteria using the column on the right, but it's best to start broader and gradually narrow it down if needed.
A plus is that the search throws up various spelling variations and similar names too, which has been very helpful to find records mis-transcribed on other databases. And while you won't always find document images (sometimes you can look for the microfilms at their libraries around the world), it gives a lot more information in the transcript than any other site, from full dates to places and relationships. It may even tell you which other website has an image of the record that you can access. The tree feature also means that you may find other relevant people linked to the name you're researching, but take this with a grain of salt.
Pro tip:
Try the FamilySearch Research Wiki to learn more about which collections are included on the website. Start by entering a location. This leads to a guide page that lists record types that are available, as well as many other resources outside of FamilySearch that might be helpful to explore.
2. FindMyPast
What is it?
This is the database for UK records, but most importantly, they partner with various archives to provide digitised records – including the British Library. That's the most relevant resource for Anglo-Indian genealogical research, because they hold nearly 2.5 million records from the India Office and Private Papers spanning 1600 (East India Company) to 1947. FindMyPast also holds important collections including the 1911 and 1921 UK census and the 1939 register. However, images and transcripts of records can only be accessed with a paid subscription.
Where do I begin?
If it isn't free, why did I include it, you might ask. That's because I think it's still worth checking to get basic information and to confirm whether they actually have the record, should you decide to invest later. You can sign up for a free account to access the search, and you can also opt-in to a free 7-day trial if you choose a subscription plan. I used the free search extensively to get details like names and years that helped me add to my family tree before I even got the records.
Rather than running a general search for World Records, I recommend heading directly to the relevant lists: Search > All Record Sets > Filter by World > Enter the country (e.g. "India"). You'll then see specific lists such as "British India Office Births & Baptisms", "Indian Army & Civil Service List 1873" etc. Click on the relevant list(s) and it will take you to a search page which also provides further information about the record set, such as the years or locations covered. I've found that in addition to names, entering relationships (like parents' or spouse names) are especially helpful.
Pro tip:
I definitely recommend paying to get the images of records, where available. Some only have transcripts. Make a list of all the records you want to access before you subscribe, and that will make the process very quick and cost-effective.
3. FIBIS
What is it?
Families in British India Society is a UK-based family history organisation that focuses on pre-Partition India and associated regions. They have an excellent archive that pulls from newspapers and directories, so you're likely to find results here that you may not find on other websites. The Fibiwiki also includes photographs, maps and more on life in British India to help paint contexts and social history.
Where do I begin?
You can search the FIBIS database for free. Try an advanced search using full names for more accurate results. You'll need to open each link and check whether it pertains to the individual you're looking for, and if it does, click on "View" for a transcript. Often, only last names are listed. I definitely recommend FIBIS as I've found tons of additional details here for people I couldn't locate elsewhere.
Pro tip:
The cool thing is that for many records, FIBIS mentions who digitised them – so in some cases, you might be able to contact the person and get an image of the record. I did this a few years ago and obtained images of pages from school registers that contained my great-grandparents' enrollment details in 1918-19! Such a wonderful addition to my documents.
4. India Office Family History Search
What is it?
The India Office was established in London following the 1857 mutiny in India. The East India Company was dissolved and the British Crown would henceforth directly oversee governance in the country. The Company's records were transferred to the India Office and are now available via the British Library.
Where do I begin?
I usually look for names in this database even if I've found them in the above three, and especially if I haven't. There's a quick search to get you started, which is what I usually use, and an advanced option if you want to cull from a longer list of records. Again, you'll be able to access an index of the basic information available on the record.
Pro tip:
There is often an option to order a copy of the record with full instructions available. I'll be trying this feature soon for some document images I couldn't locate on FindMyPast, and will report back on my experience!
5. British India Family History Facebook group
What is it?
A Facebook group moderated by FIBIS volunteers. It focuses on enquiries, discussions and information pertaining to European ancestors in British India.
Where do I begin?
Ask your questions! You'll often get a reply after a search has been made and if that doesn't provide an answer, there will definitely be a mention of further resources you might check. Replies are pretty quick and helpful. It's also an opportunity to meet others with similar interests or even those who might be researching the same ancestors or places as you. However, make sure you've tried the above databases before you make enquiries in the group.
Pro tip:
If you're looking for information about a particular person, supply as many specific details as possible in the original message. This ensures a quicker response with less back and forth and makes it easier for everyone.
Happy sleuthing!
Contact me for help with your research on Anglo-Indian ancestors or British/European ancestors in British India. You can book consultations for guidance, or done-for-you research services.
Commission me to write your family's stories.
Sign up for my family history newsletter.
Follow me on Instagram.