Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s4.t3: Yang Dazhao (Atchew)
Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c13.s4.t3
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Yang Dazhao (Atchew)
v2.c13.s4.t3.1
Atchew (or Achi), whose Chinese name was Yang Dazhao, is considered to be the founder of the Chinese community in India. Atchew arrived in Calcutta (Kolkata) in the late 1770s. He is said to have petitioned the then British Governor-General in India, Warren Hastings, for some land to grow sugarcane. According to the popular version of this episode, Hastings is believed to have granted him as much land as he could cover on horseback in a single day. Atchew’s estate was located about 15 km south of Calcutta on the banks of the Hugli River. With the help of some Chinese labourers he brought with him, Atchew grew sugarcane, processed sugar and also apparently distilled liquor. However, he did not live long after he started this venture. He died in 1783 and his estate was liquidated, although the village he founded is still known today as Achipur. Although by some accounts, Atchew was a sailor, it is more likely that he was a tea trader because he seemed to have enjoyed the patronage of the British authorities. This was seen when the British government in Bengal supported him in his dispute with another Chinese in Calcutta who he alleged was trying to entice his labourers away. The records of this dispute incidentally indicate that there were already other Chinese in Calcutta when Atchew was there. Nevertheless, the story of Atchew holds an important place in the historical memory of the Chinese community in Kolkata even today. Every year at the time of Chinese New Year, many members of the community gather at Achipur and pay their respects at the tomb of Atchew which still exists. He is referred respectfully by the Chinese community in Kolkata as Tai Pak Kung.
v2.c13.s4.t3.2
(*Madhavi Thampi*)