Originally most Indians who arrived in Glasgow in the early part of the 20th C were Lascar Seamen (crew member on merchant ships trading between Glasgow and Indian Ocean) and some stayed on. One, Abdul Salim, played for Celtic in 1936/7. Some became hawkers with suitcases filled with goods such as jumpers, 2 dresses, 35 scarves). They would go round the suburbs and across Scotland and were called Johnny Pedlers (the first Jewish and Italians migrants did the same)
The 1950s saw the beginning of the increase in numbers, especially from Punjab, partly due to the partition of that state between India and Pakistan and also because it has always been one of the most entrprenerial regions. They setteld mainly in Gorbals and sent for wives and families. Gradually suitcases gave way to small cars and vans and then some moved into wholesale business and retail. In 1970s when there were about 12,000 a survey asked Asians why they came to Glasgow and 81% said “ for a better way of life”. Glasgow Corporation Buses also recruited Pakistanis /Indians as drivers and conductors and increasingly the NHS needed qualified doctors. The number in Glasgow is around 30,000 and maybe 20-30% of Govanhill population is of Asian orgian
There are three main religous groups – Sikhs, Hundus and Muslims. Gradually all moved to better houses in Govanhill as well as Pollokshields seting up shops, restaurants and take aways. Govanhill streets such as Allison Street and Cathcart Road were transformed. The movement continues to the southern suburbs. The younger generation may continue to support the family business but are just as likely to be in other businesses, accountancy and other professions, the public sector or the arts.
At the same time people from other parts of Asia arrived, especially China, and often opened shops and restaurants
Originally most Indians were Lascar Seamen (crew member on merchant ships trading between Glasgow and Indian Ocean )
Some staid on ( one , Abdul Salim, playing for Celtic 1936/7)
Some became hawkers with Suitcases filled with goods ( eg Mohammed Noor court case in 1922- suitcase had 24 jumpers, 2 dresses, 35 scarves)
Origin areas
Lahore, Faisalabad,, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mirpur, Rawlpindi,, Multan, Sialkot
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Originally most Indians were Lascar Seamen (crew member on merchant ships trading between Glasgow and Indian Ocean )
Some staid on ( one , Abdul Salim, playing for Celtic 1936/7)
Some became hawkers with Suitcases filled with goods ( eg Mohammed Noor court case in 1922- suitcase had 24 jumpers, 2 dresses, 35 scarves)
In 1950s more traders, especially from Punjab, and based in Gorbals
Called “Johnny Pedlers” – about 250 in 1950s
Formed a club in Oxford St
( cf Italians who were also pedlers)
Began to send for wives and families any buy small house eg in Gorbals
Suitcase giving wa to small cars and vans
Soem moved into wholesale business
Numbers grew from 500 in 1953 to 3,000 by 1962 , 12,000 by mid 70s,. and xx now
A survey in 1970s asked why they came to Glasgow
81% said “ for a better way of life”
Origin areas
Lahore, Faisalabad,, Gujranwala, Gujrat, Mirpur, Rawlpindi,, Multan, Sialkot
Many set up small shops
And capitalised on the dropping of resale price maintenance in 1970s
Including off- licences
Glasgow Corporation Buses also recruited Pakistanis /Indians as drivers and conductors
Then moved into restaurant and take away business
(story of chicken tikka masala?)
And adapting local food- nince nan or mince burryani
Cash and Carry
Ali brother Castle food and liquor cash and carry on site of Dixon Blazes
But many are suffering from late night supermarket opening
Mosques
Special part of Cathcart cemetery