Archive · 12 Jun 2025
New Book Explores History of Indian Ayahs in Britain
A new book tells the story of Indian women who traveled to Britain to work as nannies, called ayahs.
The author, Uma Lohray, was inspired to write the book after discovering information about an 'Ayahs' Home' in London.
The story follows Asha, a young woman, who finds herself in a new country and the story talks about how she navigates her life, finds work, and explores who she is.
The author used her legal background to help with research and to structure the story.
The goal was to be accurate about the history while also exploring the emotional side of Asha's journey.
Author Uma Lohray discusses her historical fiction novel 'The One-Way Ships'.
The book explores the lives of Indian ayahs who worked in colonial Britain.
The author's background in law sharpened her research and narrative skills.
The story follows Asha, a young woman navigating self-discovery in a new environment.
Lohray aimed for historical accuracy while exploring emotional truths through fiction.
- Who
- Uma Lohray, author of 'The One-Way Ships', and the Indian ayahs.
- What
- Exploration of the history of Indian ayahs in colonial Britain through a book.
- When
- The colonial era.
- Where
- Britain, focusing on London and Shimla, India.
- Why
- To shed light on a forgotten part of colonial history and explore themes of identity and self-determination.
- Book Title
- 'The One-Way Ships'
- Author
- Uma Lohray
- Main Subject
- Indian Ayahs in Colonial Britain
- Setting
- Shimla, India; Britain
- Key Theme
- Self-determination and Identity