A groundbreaking new book, 'Bespoken', corrects the long-standing misconception about master tailor Andrew M Ramroop, tracing his lineage from Lucknow to the heights of London's fashion elite.

  • Savile Row master tailor Andrew M Ramroop is of Indian descent, not African.
  • His ancestors, Luchmin and Bhairo Prasad, migrated from Lucknow to Trinidad in 1889.
  • The book 'Bespoken' by Ashok Kumar Bal documents this journey from poverty to bespoke excellence.

For decades, Andrew M Ramroop, the renowned owner of the famed Maurice Sedwell on London's Savile Row, has been widely identified as being of African descent. However, a new biographical work titled 'Bespoken: From Tunapuna to Buckingham Palace' by former civil servant Ashok Kumar Bal, has officially set the record straight: Ramroop’s ancestral roots are deeply embedded in India.

From Lucknow to the Caribbean: A Journey of Survival

The historical trail discovered by Bal leads back to Lucknow, India. Ramroop’s great-grandmother, Luchmin, a 26-year-old widow, boarded a ship from Calcutta in 1889 with her nine-year-old son, Munnao, to work as indentured labourers in Trinidad. It was during this arduous voyage that she met Bhairo Prasad, a fellow labourer, who eventually became her husband. This lineage, born from the struggle of migration, eventually produced one of the world's most celebrated craftsmen.

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Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this revelation challenges the monolithic perceptions of identity often found in global media. Ramroop’s story is a testament to the profound impact of the Indian diaspora on global industries, moving from the fringes of colonial labour to the very heart of British sartorial excellence.

"A media interview or any other format is not deep enough... The book is permanent," said Ramroop regarding the importance of correcting his narrative.

Despite being featured in documentaries like the BBC's 'Black Firsts', Ramroop never felt compelled to correct the narrative until Bal approached him. The author's persistence—sending 36 emails—finally succeeded in convincing the private individual to share his life's journey through the lens of his Indian heritage.

Historical Background

The late 19th century saw a massive movement of Indian indentured labourers to British colonies such as Trinidad, Guyana, and Mauritius. While these individuals faced immense hardships, they laid the foundational socio-cultural structures of these modern nations, contributing significantly to their local economies and crafts.

Did You Know?: Ramroop’s ultra-bespoke tailoring is sought after by global icons including cricketer Brian Lara and actor Samuel L. Jackson.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is the author of the book 'Bespoken'?
The book is written by Ashok Kumar Bal, a former civil servant.

2. Where did Andrew Ramroop's ancestors originate from?
His ancestors originated from Lucknow, India.