SHAMPOO'ING EUROPE : SAKE DEAN MOHAMMED

SHAMPOO'ING EUROPE : SAKE DEAN MOHAMMED

Sake Dean Mohamed, a unique Indian pioneer, made his way to England in the mid-18th century, where he not only established a restaurant but also introduced the concept of shampoo. It's a pity that his name remains relatively unknown to many today.

Born in 1759 in Patna under the Nawabs of Bengal, Mohamed came from a lineage of barbers who served the British East India Company. He acquired skills in creating herbal remedies, soaps, cleansers, and the traditional Indian practice of head massages, known as 'Champi,' from his father, a man with a fascinating background.

Dean was only ten years old when his father passed away, and he was placed under the care of a British officer named Captain Godfrey Baker. Baker, a trainee surgeon in the East India Company's army, had been involved in battles against the Marathas. After Baker resigned and decided to return to his hometown in Ireland, Dean accompanied him, and together they arrived in Cork in 1784.

At 25, Dean started focusing on furthering his education, particularly in English language and literature and developed feelings for Jane Daly, a respectable Irish woman. The couple eloped to another town in 1786 to get married, causing a stir in the racially charged society of the time. Despite their opposition, Dean and Jane managed to overcome the challenges. In 1793, Dean advertised his book 'The Travels of Dean Mahomet' in newspapers to attract subscribers. Around 320 individuals subscribed to the book, which was published as letters.

This publication, the first English book known to be written by an Indian author, is a significant milestone in the history of publishing. Dean's book provides insight into various Indian cities such as Delhi, Allahabad, and Patna, as well as historical figures like Mughal Emperor Shah Alam II, the decline of the Nawabs of Bengal, the Rohilla wars, and conflicts with Hyder Ali, making it a fascinating read for literature enthusiasts.

By 1799, Mahomed and Jane had multiple children, owned a home, and were financially secure. In approximately 1807, they moved from Ireland to England with their family. In England, Mahomed worked at a steam bath and introduced a technique known as 'champ,' later popularized as 'shampooing.' Not content with his current occupation, he pivoted to a new venture and, in 1810, established London's inaugural Indian dining establishment, known as the Hindostanee Coffee House.

However, the business venture could have succeeded better. There was no prevalent dining-out culture during that time, and those who could afford it still preferred to have authentic meals cooked at home by their private chefs. Due to financial hardships, Dean had to distance himself from the venture, eventually filing for bankruptcy in 1812. Interestingly, in June 2018, the handwritten menu from the venture was auctioned off for 8,500 pounds. Dean relocated with his family to the coastal town of Brighton, where his entrepreneurial spirit and past experiences led him to establish Mahomed's Baths in 1821, introducing the Indian Medicated Vapour Bath.

This marked a significant turning point in his career. Through the years, his aromatic oils and massages attracted royal clientele like King George IV and King William IV, earning him the prestigious title of 'Shampooing Surgeon' to royalty. Hospitals started recommending patients to him, his reputation soared, and he became a renowned figure known as Dr. Brighton. He even authored a book titled 'Shampooing, or the Benefits of the Indian Medicated Vapour Bath,' through three editions. During his tenure, 'Shampoo' became part of everyday English.

Following a significant life, Sake Dean Mohamed passed away in Brighton in 1851 at the age of 92. Over time, he faded into obscurity until his tale was unearthed in England in the 1980s. Presently, he is recognized as a trailblazer within the British-Asian population, despite remaining relatively obscure in India.

Ranganathan SVN Kondala

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