Anglo-Indians’ Friend Vijay — What’s Special About Perambur Constituency?

Did you know that Perambur constituency has a unique distinction not found anywhere else in Tamil Nadu, and that a new community in world history emerged there?

By choosing Perambur, Vijay has brought a star identity to the Assembly constituency. From the Tamil film industry, K. B. Sundarambal was the first to enter the legislature. She was nominated to the Upper House by Sathyamurthi and was not elected by the people.

After her, several film personalities went on to occupy the Chief Minister’s chair in Tamil Nadu. The dominance of cinema figures in Tamil Nadu politics is not new. However, TVK leader Vijay is entering the Assembly election fray for the first time, and that too from two constituencies.

The Perambur constituency he has chosen carries a distinct uniqueness not seen elsewhere in Tamil Nadu. Is that so? Yes.

The East India Company initially came to India for trade but later transformed into a ruling power. In the early days, only white men arrived in India without female companions.

As a result, they married Indian women and created a new lineage in world history. The children born to British soldiers and Indian women came to be known as ‘Anglo-Indians’.

Native Inhabitants of Perambur

This community largely resided in the Perambur area of Chennai during British India. When the British introduced the railways, Anglo-Indians were widely employed in railway services. Even before that, in administrative structures, the British retained them in secondary roles close to their establishments.

English remained the primary language of Anglo-Indians. The first-generation Anglo-Indian children did not resemble typical Indians in complexion and appeared more like Europeans. Over time, as intermixing increased, their appearance gradually aligned more with Indians.

The British government also provided financial incentives to those who married Indian women. The “European and Anglo-Indian Association” was established in 1876, later renamed in 1926 as the “All India Anglo-Indian Association.” By that measure, it is over 150 years old.

This association opposed the Partition of India and held Muhammad Ali Jinnah responsible for the communal conflict during that period. Anglo-Indians argued against dividing India. Today, they have become a rare community, with their population in Chennai significantly reduced. Perambur remains their primary settlement, followed by Purasawalkam.

They also reside in areas adjoining Royapuram. English continues to be the household language among Anglo-Indians here. Though they may appear like ordinary daily wage earners, they often speak refined English. Women can be seen wearing gowns rather than sarees.

Members of the community work as auto drivers, taxi drivers, and daily wage earners. Some women also work in domestic roles. At the same time, there are those who live affluent lifestyles similar to the upper class.

Distinct Culture of Anglo-Indians

Their lifestyle reflects a strong European influence, including nightlife, music, and club culture. Women in the community may also consume alcohol and smoke.

In Perambur, Paper Mills Road, Buxon Street, and Ballard Road serve as their central localities. A few families are also found in Pallavaram.

When one speaks of Anglo-Indians, Perambur in Chennai stands out as a defining identity. The community predominantly follows Christianity. After India gained independence in 1947, many families migrated to countries like England and Australia. In Chennai, their population is estimated at around 40,000.

Renowned novelist Allan Sealy has written about their culture, describing them as “those who speak the father’s language and eat the mother’s salt,” a poetic expression of their mixed heritage.

The ‘Our Lady of Lourdes Church’ in Perambur is a key place of worship for this community, with churches over 175 years old standing as historical evidence of their roots.

The Indian Constitution granted specific provisions for this community. Under Article 337, certain rights were provided, and under Article 170, their representation in State Assemblies was ensured.

From 1952 to 1957, W. J. Bernard served as the first nominated Anglo-Indian representative in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. Their representatives were nominated by the Governor and did not contest elections. Between 1952 and the following decades, several members, including women, held these positions. While the Assembly strength is 234, with the nominated member, it became 235.

For nearly 68 years, Anglo-Indians had representation in the Assembly. However, recent constitutional amendments withdrew this nomination provision. At that time, the salary of an Anglo-Indian MLA was Rs 1,05,000.

Perambur is a constituency with a significant presence of minority communities, including converted Christians, Anglo-Indians, and Scheduled communities. This is precisely why Vijay has targeted it. The Anglo-Indian voters here are influential enough to determine the outcome of the election.