Scotland

This article details connections between British India and Scotland.

Historical Background

Early Regimental Influence

A number of Scottish regiments were serving in India by the late eighteenth century – for example the 42nd , 72nd, 73rd, 74th, 75th, 76th, 77th and 78th Regiments of Foot were all Highland Regiments recorded as being in India well before 1800.

Religious Influence

The influence of the Scottish Church in India was felt in Bombay as early as 1820 and soon spread to other areas. Many churches and cemeteries in India evidence a strong Scottish presence. For example, Church of Scotland Burials in Assam.

Industries

Scotsmen formed the backbone of many industries and, in particular, those associated with planting – eg . Jute, Indigo and Tea. In fact, it was a Scotsman, Robert Bruce, who discovered the first tea in Assam in 1823.

Moreover, the climate of the hill station of Coorg, towards Bangalore has encouraged its nickname as the Scotland of India. This is a region also known for its tea and coffee plantations.

Useful Databases Online

If your ancestors went out to India from Scotland then there are many online resources to assist in tracing background. Some of these are mentioned below:-

Fibis Resources

• The Scots Overseas a referenced list of men and women who emigrated or adventured to British India compiled by David Dobson.

India Related Links

• Indexes with an India connection transcribed from the "Emigrants from Glasgow and the West of Scotland" Further details are held on this excellent family history website.
• National Archives of Scotland have a free searchable index revealing many records of interest to the British India family historian. – copies of the actual records may be obtained from the Archives. For example, a search of the online catalogue under reference GD51/4 throws up an index of almost 1,700 entries relating to persons applying for positions with the East India Company between 1781and 1830– with a note of patronage. These persons can also be found by an individual name search in the catalogue.
• India papers of the National Library of Scotland

General Links

• Scotlands People A pay per view site containing “almost 80 million records” as at March 2010.
• Cyndi’s List contains links to a large number of sites to help track down your Scottish ancestors.

Recommended Reading

• Records of clan Campbell in the military service of the Honourable East India Company 1660-1858 by Sir Duncan Campbell, (London 1925) . This book is available at the British Library and is also available through the commercial site Ancestry.co.uk

External Links

• The Tiger and the Thistle Very well designed website project focusing on Tipu Sultan and the Scots in India, 1760-1800
• Tracking down traditional Scottish food from Anglo-IndianFood.blogspot.com