Difference, Disadvantage and the Anglo-Indian Engagement with Affirmative Action

Abstract

Debates triggered by the end of legislative nomination of Anglo-Indian representatives in 2019 can be traced back to the founding moments of the Indian Republic. The Anglo-Indian representatives Frank Anthony and Stanley Henry Prater presented before the constituent assembly contrasting views of securing rights-based guarantees for their community. While Anthony foregrounded the community’s position as exceptional, and its privilege symbolic of an aspirational modernity, Prater adopted a more needs-based rhetoric. He stressed the disadvantages that faced the Anglo-Indians, sought to dispel the stereotypes about their perceived privilege, and tried allying their demands with those of the other marginalised groups. Eventually, Anthony’s viewpoint got more traction among all the members and prevailed. I show how these differing rhetorical stances impacted not just the nature of the safeguards subsequently made available to the community and their gradual withdrawal, but also the nature and scope of affirmative action measures more generally.