Honouring the history of south Asian soldiers in the city
The city is set to host a new annual multi-faith event in October to recognise and honour Indian soldiers who have fought for our country.
Soldiers from undivided India – including modern-day India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar (Burma) – played a significant role in ensuring victory in both world wars.
While this contribution is recognised in Remembrance events in the city, the inclusive service at the Brighton War memorial in November is primarily for British soldiers and the memorial service at the Chattri is focused on the Hindu and Sikh soldiers whose ashes are there, though others are welcome to attend.
Adding a further multi-faith event at the Indian Gate in the heart of the city centre would build greater awareness of the role of our south Asian soldiers in the war effort, reflecting the diverse religious communities of the sub-continent, and celebrating the welcoming and inclusive reputation of the city.
At a meeting on Thursday 18 April, members of the Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Economic Development Committee agreed to the delivery of an annual multi-faith event from October 2024.
Councillor Alan Robins, chair of the Culture, Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Economic Development Committee said: “Soldiers from across south Asia are a key part of our heritage and we must share the diverse stories of each of these heroes.
“Holding an annual event is a fitting way to ensure residents young and old recognise their contributions and sacrifices, and better understand the different histories of our multi-culture city.
“Any celebration would not only mark our past but also provide an opportunity to learn from it and build new connections in the future.”
Councillor Mohammed Asaduzzaman is set to become Brighton & Hove’s first south Asian Mayor in May and he will work with other community leaders to lead the development of these events. He said: “I am delighted to see to this project has been approved, which I have been campaigning for a long time.
“I must say thank you to the Culture, Heritage, Sports and Economic Development committee for their strong support and acknowledgement.
“It is essential we ensure the harmonious interaction of groups with various cultural identities and celebrate their willingness and desire to live together. This is what my universal approach for this project. This is why we must also maintain policies for the inclusion and participation of all citizens since they are guarantees of social cohesion.”
The new community event will be delivered by a committee of community leaders, in partnership with the Brighton & Hove Museums, and supported by Brighton & Hove City Council.
In addition to the event, they would raise awareness of the contribution of soldiers from undivided India to the city’s heritage and strengthen our links to citizens from south Asia and the wider Commonwealth.
Before any event goes ahead, the committee will engage with local Armed Forces personnel and veterans, those who lead on current Remembrance events, the Undivided Indian Ex-Services Association, and leaders from the wider South Asian community
History of the Indian Gate
Indian soldiers from various regions, religions, and backgrounds served in the British Indian Army and played a significant role in supporting the British Empire's war efforts.
In World War I (1914-1918), more than 1.5 million soldiers from undivided India served in the British Indian Army and in World War II (1939-1945), over 2.5 million soldiers made up the largest volunteer army in history.
In addition to combat, Muslim and Buddhist soldiers served in support roles that contributed to the overall war effort.
During the First World War some buildings in the city, including the Royal Pavilion, Dome and Corn Exchange, were converted into military hospitals to care for around 12,0000 Indian soldiers wounded fighting on the western front.
The Indian hospitals are marked by two monuments in Brighton, The Chattri on the Downs and an Indian Gate at the southern entrance to the Royal Pavilion Garden.
The Indian Gate was presented to the people of Brighton by the ‘princes and people of India’ as a gesture of thanks for the care provided by the town’s Indian hospitals and is ‘dedicated to the use of the inhabitants of Brighton’.
It was unveiled by the Maharaja of Patiala in October 1921. During his speech at the opening ceremony, the Maharajah talked of the sacrifices made by Indian men, there was also emphasis around ‘Dr Brighton’, a popular reference to the town’s reputation as a place of healing. He described ‘Brighton’s abounding hospitality’ and claimed that the town’s fame as a healer ‘was talked of in many hundreds of remote Indian villages’.
Work to restore the Indian Gate will be carried out as part of the heritage project to restore the historic Royal Pavilion Garden to its original Regency glory and improve facilities, funded in part by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Read more about the unveiling of the Indian Gate on the Brighton & Hove Museums website.
