Book’s review #2

When I came into Singapore, I thought that Indians are homogeneous ethnicity. Than I learned that Indians can be from North and South of Indian subcontinent. At that stage I supposed that it is only difference. Probably if you gained traditional European school education, you think so too :) 
This book corrects it.

“Indians. Singaporean Chronicles” by Vineeta Sinha was published in 2015, the 50th anniversary of Singapore’s Independence. I’d like share some points from this book, which changed my notion about Indians.

1. The term “Indian” is complicated. It includes not only people from Indian subcontinent. It also refer to “overseas Indians”, which are about 25 million in more than 100 countries. They are defined themselves as people of Indian origin. India has even Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs!

2. Indians can be “twice, thrice migrant”. It refers to different waves of emigration. So, from 15th to 19th centuries Indians turned up to European colony in Latin America, Southeast Asia and Oceania. In post-World War II period some Indian families went from Africa and Oceania to USA, Canada, UK, Europe and Australia after out of India early. So, we can see double relocation.
Should notice, Indians went overseas from 7th century. Traders, merchants and other ones arrived to East Africa and Far East.

3. Even in Singapore you can meet “Singapore Indians” and “Indian Indians” and it can refer to “old” and “new” diasporas.

4. Probably it’s incorrect opinion, but I think term “Indians” could be comparable with term “Slavs”. I suppose this is a good example for representation a variety among ethnic group.

Maybe I confused something. In this case I’ll be glad to gain constructive comments :)