![Coll 30/69 'Bahrain: Pearling Riots in.' [‎14r] (27/161)](https://iiif.qdl.qa/iiif/images/81055/vdc_100000000648.0x000161/IOR_L_PS_12_3786_0027.jp2/full/!1200,1200/0/default.jpg "Coll 30/69 'Bahrain: Pearling Riots in.' [‎14r] (27/161)")
Coll 30/69 'Bahrain: Pearling Riots in.' [14r] (27/161)
The record is made up of 1 file (79 folios). It was created in 25 Jan 1932-15 Aug 1934. It was written in English. The original is part of the British Library: India Office The department of the British Government to which the Government of India reported between 1858 and 1947. The successor to the Court of Directors. Records and Private Papers Documents collected in a private capacity. .
Transcription
This transcription is created automatically. It may contain errors.
@
BAHRAIN RIOT• MAY 1932.
On 26tn May 1942, consequent on unrest due to
economic causes following on tnree baa pearl-fisning years
among tne pearl divers of Munarraq lan Island of tne Banraln
Group), a body of some loOO divers from tnat island, armed
witn sticks, clubs and bars of iron, broke into tne police
station at Manama (tne cnief island of tne Banrain Group),
and released a diver wno nad been impriaonedo Tne only
forces immediately available to restore order were a small
party of some 10 Indian
sepoys
Term used in English to refer to an Indian infantryman. Carries some derogatory connotations as sometimes used as a means of othering and emphasising race, colour, origins, or rank.
of tne Banrain Armed Police
and some ’nature* or local Arab watcnmexi. Tnis small party,
led by tne
Political Agent
A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency.
, Banrain, and tne Financial
Adviser, Banrain State, wno instructed tnem not to open fire
unless tney were ordered to do so, formed up in line,
advanced on tne rioters and, after a nand to band struggle,
succeeded in dispersing tnenu No snots were fired by tne
Indian
sepoys
Term used in English to refer to an Indian infantryman. Carries some derogatory connotations as sometimes used as a means of othering and emphasising race, colour, origins, or rank.
, wno benaved witn admirable restraint, but two
of tne rioters were killed and four or five wounded by
sporadic firing by tne Arab watchmen* One Indian
sepoy
Term used in English to refer to an Indian infantryman. Carries some derogatory connotations as sometimes used as a means of othering and emphasising race, colour, origins, or rank.
was
wounded. Tnis prompt, yet humane, handling of a dangerous
mob by tne local authorities witn the exiguous force at their
disposal fortunately checked a disorder which might nave ended
so dealt with,
far more seriously had it not been tggakaaxacgxgaahicgxkycxioiat
'KkggatarotslQfc? and was warmly commended by tne public or Banrain.
Captain Prior later received the commendation of the Govern
ment of India for nis action on tnis occasion.
A question was asked in the House of Commons on tne
matter of tne riot, which - together witn the reply given by
the Secretary of State for India - is given below.
******
Question in House of Cornmoa g
About this item
- Content
The file concerns demonstrations by pearl divers in Bahrain in 1932, in the course of which two people were killed. The disturbances arose following the issue of a proclamation by the Government of Bahrain announcing changes in inheritance law. However, the file states that the basic cause of the 'riots' was economic: a protest against the smallness of diving advances. The papers record the British view of the causes of the disturbances and their circumstances; the role of Charles Dalrymple Belgrave, the Adviser to the Government of Bahrain; the response to the events of the British Government; and comments in the German press.
The papers include a letter from the Political Agent A mid-ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Agency. , Bahrain (Lieutenant-Colonel Charles Geoffrey Prior) to the Political Resident A senior ranking political representative (equivalent to a Consul General) from the diplomatic corps of the Government of India or one of its subordinate provincial governments, in charge of a Political Residency. in the Persian Gulf The historical term used to describe the body of water between the Arabian Peninsula and Iran. , giving a detailed account of events (folios 65-79); papers concerning Belgrave's reaction to a Parliamentary question by the Labour MP David Grenfell about the events, and Belgrave's role in them (folios 40-51); and correspondence between the Anti-Slavery and Aborigines Protection Society, the Foreign Office, and other British officials concerning an article in the German press entitled 'Swan Song of the Pearl Divers' by Hans Joachim von Bassewitz, which was highly critical of British handling of the incident (folios 4-38).
The file includes a divider, which gives a list of correspondence references contained in the file by year. This is placed at the back of the correspondence.
- Extent and format
- 1 file (79 folios)
- Arrangement
The papers are arranged in approximate chronological order from the rear to the front of the file.
- Physical characteristics
Foliation: the foliation sequence (used for referencing) commences at the front cover with 1, and terminates at the inside back cover with 81; these numbers are written in pencil, are circled, and are located in the top right corner of the recto The front of a sheet of paper or leaf, often abbreviated to 'r'. side of each folio.
- Written in
- English in Latin script View the complete information for this record
Use and share this item
- Share this item
Coll 30/69 'Bahrain: Pearling Riots in.' [14r] (27/161), British Library: India Office Records and Private Papers, IOR/L/PS/12/3786, in Qatar Digital Library <https://www.qdl.qa/archive/81055/vdc_100037421634.0x00001c> [accessed 20 April 2024]
https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100037421634.0x00001c
Copy and paste the code below into your web page where you would like to embed the image.
<meta charset="utf-8"><a href="https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100037421634.0x00001c">Coll 30/69 'Bahrain: Pearling Riots in.' [‎14r] (27/161)</a> <a href="https://www.qdl.qa/en/archive/81055/vdc_100037421634.0x00001c"> <img src="https://iiif.qdl.qa/iiif/images/81055/vdc_100000000648.0x000161/IOR_L_PS_12_3786_0027.jp2/full/!280,240/0/default.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
This record has a IIIF manifest available as follows. If you have a compatible viewer you can drag the icon to load it.https://www.qdl.qa/en/iiif/81055/vdc_100000000648.0x000161/manifestOpen in Universal viewerOpen in Mirador viewerMore options for embedding images
Copyright: How to use this content
- Reference
- IOR/L/PS/12/3786
- Title
- Coll 30/69 'Bahrain: Pearling Riots in.'
- Pages
- front, front-i, 2r:15v, 18r:32v, 40r:46v, 52r:79v, 80v, back
- Author
- East India Company, the Board of Control, the India Office, or other British Government Department
- Usage terms
- Open Government Licence