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  • 10.00am - 5.30pm
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London

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15 words with Indian origins

Until the Partition of India in 1947, the British Army had spent 200 years on the subcontinent. During this period, a complex cultural relationship evolved which still has resonance today. Here, we look at the influence this has had on the English language.

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India

From jungle to juggernaut

There are many Indian words in the English language today. They have roots in Sanskrit, Persian and Arabic, as well as Hindi and Urdu. Some are more obvious than others.

We asked members of the public in London, Delhi and Amritsar if they could name any. This video represents some of our favourites.

Do you know any more? If so, let us know on social media!

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Lieutenant Colonel Robert Clive at Plassey, 1757
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Battle of Plassey

Robert Clive's victory at Plassey on 23 June 1757 led to the British becoming the greatest economic and military power in India.

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The Tanjore Durbar, Madras, February 1840
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Indian armies, Indian art

Artworks created by Indian artists for the British soldiers serving on the subcontinent provide a fascinating insight into early Anglo-Indian relations.

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The last British troops to leave India, 1948
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Independence and Partition, 1947

The birth of India and Pakistan as independent states in 1947 was a key moment in the history of Britain’s Empire and its army. But the process of partition was attended by mass migration and ethnic violence that has left a bitter legacy to this day.

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Rebel sepoys, 1857
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Why did the Indian Mutiny happen?

In 1857, Indian soldiers rose up against their British commanders. The reasons behind the rebellion stretch back to the origins of British involvement in Indian affairs.

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Hudson's Horse at Rhotuck, 1857
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Decisive events of the Indian Mutiny

The 1857 rising was the biggest threat to Britain's colonial power during its rule of the Indian subcontinent.

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Major-General Robert Clive, c1764
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Robert Clive: The nabob general

A courageous, resourceful and ruthless military commander, Major-General Robert Clive helped secure India for Britain. But he was also seen as a greedy speculator who used his political and military influence to amass a fortune.

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