From being described as a fire-worshipper to earning the nickname “Narrow-majority” for the tiny margin during his election win to the UK Parliament in 1892, Dr Dadabhai Naoroji’s life and times in England could not have been a walk in the park. In fact, when he decided to stand for elections, “the then Prime Minister [Lord Salisbury] asserted that the British public would not elect ‘a black man’ to Parliament’. It was a view he proved to be incorrect,” says Howard Spencer, historian at English Heritage in an email interview to mid-day.

Last Friday, to acknowledge Naoroji’s contribution to India’s freedom movement across both countries, English Heritage unveiled a blue plaque in his honour at 42 Anerley Park, Naoroji’s residence in Penge, South London. “These plaques have been described as ‘portals to the past’ and offer an accessible reminder of the rich history associated with London’s built heritage. Though Naoroji lived at many residences during his time in London, this address was deemed to be the best place to do this [place the plaque] as it was his longest standing residence in the city,” says Spencer.