The term "ayah," derived from the Portuguese "aia" meaning nurse, has been part of Indian society long before the arrival of the British. However, the role and status of ayahs or maids underwent significant changes during the British colonial period in India.
During the 18th and 19th centuries, as more British families settled in India, the demand for ayahs increased dramatically. These Indian women were employed primarily as nannies and nursemaids for British children, but their roles often extended to general household duties as well.
According to Rosemary Marangoly George's book "Indian English and the Fiction of National Literature" (2013), ayahs became an integral part of Anglo-Indian households. They were valued for their knowledge of local customs, languages, and child-rearing practices, which helped British families navigate life in India.
British children often formed strong attachments to their ayahs. In her book "Plain Tales from the Raj" (1975), Charles Allen collected numerous accounts from British people who grew up in India. Many recalled their ayahs as their primary caregivers, teaching them Hindi or Urdu before English and introducing them to Indian customs and foods.
Ayahs often accompanied British families on their journeys between India and Britain. These "traveling ayahs" were crucial for childcare during the months-long sea voyages. Rozina Visram's book "Ayahs, Lascars and Princes" (1986) provides detailed accounts of these journeys. One such account is from Violet Hanson, who grew up in India in the 1920s. She recalled, "My ayah was more of a mother to me than my own mother. She was always there, comforting me, teaching me, protecting me from the harsh Indian sun and the even harsher realities of colonial life."
Another account is from Minnie Green, an ayah who traveled with the Stibbard family in 1909. Her journey, documented in the family's letters, highlights the deep bonds formed between ayahs and their charges. Minnie was described as "invaluable" during the voyage, caring for the children day and night.
However, these journeys often ended tragically for the ayahs. They were often left behind when British families returned to England, either due to financial constraints or simply because their services were no longer needed. Many were left stranded in Britain without means to return home. The Ayahs' Home in London, established in 1891, became a refuge for these abandoned women. Records from the home, analyzed by Rozina Visram, show that between 1900 and 1921, the home assisted over 100 ayahs annually to return to India.
The relationship between ayahs and their British employers was complex. While some ayahs were treated with affection and respect, others faced exploitation and discrimination. Nupur Chaudhuri's research, published in "Women's History Review" (1997), highlights that ayahs were often paid less than male servants and faced precarious employment conditions.
The colonial period also saw the emergence of ayahs in literature. Works like Rudyard Kipling's "Kim" and Frances Hodgson Burnett's "The Secret Garden" featured ayah characters, often reinforcing stereotypes but also acknowledging their important role in Anglo-Indian life.
Post-independence, the role of ayahs in India evolved further. While the term is still used, it has largely been replaced by more general terms for domestic workers. The legacy of the colonial-era ayah, however, remains an important part of India's social history, reflecting the complex interactions between colonizers and the colonized in domestic spaces.
(All views expressed are personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the stance of any organization or publication)
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