Guardians of Empire: Sikh Migration to Shanghai

 

SIKH SENTINELS IN SHANGHAI

LEGACIES OF IMPERIALISM

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the British Empire facilitated the migration of Sikhs from Punjab to various parts of Asia, including Shanghai. This movement was primarily driven by economic opportunities and the British colonial administration's demand for disciplined personnel in their overseas establishments. The migration of Sikhs to Shanghai had significant implications for the migrant community and the local socio-political landscape.

Establishment of the Sikh Community in Shanghai

The recruitment of Sikhs into the Shanghai Municipal Police (SMP) began in 1884. The British authorities, facing challenges in maintaining order in the International Settlement, turned to Sikhs, whom they regarded as a 'martial race' with a reputation for loyalty and discipline. Initially, a small contingent was deployed, but as Shanghai's importance as a commercial hub grew, so did the number of Sikh policemen. By 1936, out of the total 4,739 policemen in the SMP, 558 were Sikhs.

Beyond policing, Sikhs in Shanghai established a vibrant community. They built gurdwaras (Sikh temples) to serve their spiritual needs, with the Dong Baoxing Road Gurdwara's foundation stone laid on August 11, 1907, and opened in 1908. Another, the Gordon Road Gurdwara, was opened on July 21, 1916. These institutions became centres for religious and cultural gatherings, reinforcing community bonds.

Socio-Economic Impact

The presence of Sikh policemen had a notable impact on Shanghai's socio-economic fabric. Their role in maintaining law and order contributed to the stability of the International Settlement, fostering an environment conducive to trade and commerce. However, their intermediary position between the British authorities and the local Chinese population sometimes led to tensions. The Sikhs were perceived as enforcers of colonial rule, occasionally resulting in strained relations with the local populace.

Economically, while Sikh policemen earned modest salaries, their remittances back to Punjab contributed to the economic well-being of their families and villages. This flow of income played a role in the economic interconnection between colonial India and other parts of the British Empire.

Political and Cultural Consequences

The migration of Sikhs to Shanghai also had political ramifications. The early 20th century was a period of burgeoning nationalist sentiments among Indians abroad. Shanghai, with its international milieu, became a node in the global network of Indian nationalism. Some Sikhs in Shanghai were influenced by the Ghadar Movement, which sought to overthrow British colonial rule in India. The British authorities, aware of these developments, took measures to monitor and control nationalist activities among the Sikh community.

Culturally, the Sikh community in Shanghai contributed to the city's multicultural tapestry.  Their distinct religious and cultural practices added to the diversity of Shanghai's population. However, over time, as political dynamics shifted and with the eventual end of colonial rule, the Sikh presence in Shanghai diminished. By the mid-20th century, many Sikhs had either returned to India or migrated to other parts of the world.

The Legacy of Sikh Migration to Shanghai

The migration of Sikhs to Shanghai during the British colonial era left an indelible mark on the city’s cultural memory and identity. Known colloquially as Hongtou Asan (Red-Turbaned Asan) due to their distinct turbans, Sikh policemen were integral to maintaining order in the International Settlement. Over time, their image transcended mere historical records, embedding itself in Shanghai's folklore, pop culture, and collective consciousness. In modern narratives, Sikhs have often been romanticized or misrepresented, sometimes depicted as enigmatic figures of authority and loyalty.

The term Black Devil highlights a nuanced intersection of perceptions where colonial subjects like Sikhs and African slaves were categorized under Western imperial narratives. While Sikhs were enforcers of the colonial order, African individuals were exploited as labourers. This historical juxtaposition underscores complex racial and colonial hierarchies.

Today, traces of Sikh influence remain in Shanghai’s architecture, place names, and fictional representations. They feature in films, literature, and exhibits that explore the city's multicultural past. The Sikh community’s role as cultural bridges and protectors has been both celebrated and critiqued, reflecting the layered history of migration, identity, and empire. Their legacy continues to provoke dialogue on diaspora identities in urban histories worldwide.

Conclusion

The migration of Sikhs to Shanghai during the era of British imperialism was a multifaceted phenomenon with significant socio-economic, political, and cultural consequences. While they played a crucial role in the colonial administration's efforts to maintain order, their presence also influenced the local dynamics of Shanghai. The legacy of the Sikh community in Shanghai, though often overlooked, remains a testament to the complex interplay of migration, colonialism, and cultural exchange in the making of modern global cities.


Sources:

(text)
1.  The Raj on Nanjing Road: Sikh Policemen in Treaty-Port Shanghai by

(pictures)
PIC-1:  Sixth Tone
PIC-2: Wikipedia
PIC-3: Wikipedia 
PIC-4: YungBhujang's Tweet

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