The Indian diaspora is one of the fastest-growing in the world. In researching and writing Leaving India over the course of seven years, I came across numerous resources that may be of use to other scholars, researchers, and journalists interested in the Indian/South Asian diaspora.

Quick facts

 
2,843,391 people of Indian origin living in the United States, according to 2010 Census

26 million people of Indian origin living abroad today, according to Indian government estimate as of 2011 … (11.5 million people of Indian origin living outside of India, according to most recent formal survey by the government of India in 2001)

6 countries outside South Asia with more than 10,000 people of Indian origin as of 1900

47 countries outside South Asia with more than 10,000 people of Indian origin as of 2001

Sept. 9, 1834: Beginning of Indian indenture and the modern Indian diaspora

1917:  U.S. Congress bars all South Asian immigrants

1923:  U.S. Supreme Court rules that South Asians, although “Caucasian,” are not “white” and are therefore ineligible for naturalization as U.S. citizens

1965:  U.S. begins to allow significant immigration of Asians, including South Asians, with scientific qualifications

1968:  United Nations passes resolution expressing “grave concern” about brain drain of skilled Third World professionals to First World nations

2009:  President Obama’s administration appoints record numbers of South Asians to executive branch positions

For detailed historical data: Click here.

For useful links and bibliographies: Click here.