Bellary, Tamil Nadu

[Duchess]

I have a direct ancestor that was born 1831 in Bellary, Tamil Nadu, India, her father was from Yorkshire, England and her mother was from Wales. What I am interested in finding out why William Shaw a Potter from Yorkshire and his wife and young family were in India around 1833. Could William be have called up for the army, or was he visiting India for business.
The family were back in England, because they are on the 1841 census

[Jan1954]

This link will give you an idea of what was happening in Tamil Nadu at the time: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_Tamil_Nadu Scroll down to about halfway until you get to "British Government Control".

It may well be that William was called up for the army, but I'm sure that one of our military experts would be able to advise further.

[Duchess]

I know that William Shaw was in the 55th Foot Regiment that went to India