A hidden WWII story: the Indian princess who helped Jews escape Nazi Germany
This preview, based only on the episode notes, spotlights Episode 2 of Empire’s First British Indians series. William and Anita explore Princess Catherine Duleep Singh’s life in Nazi-era Germany, her rescue of Jewish families, and why her story also matters to British Indian and lesbian history.
*This is a preview based on the published show notes, not a recap of the full audio.* This episode centers on Princess Catherine Duleep Singh, described here as one of the remarkable daughters of the last Maharaja of the Punjab. From the notes alone, the focus seems to be on how her life intersected with some of the most dangerous political currents of the 20th century: Hitler’s rise, Nazi Germany, and the persecution of Jewish families. The main draw is the episode’s promise to uncover a lesser-known figure sometimes referred to in the notes as the “Indian Schindler.” William and Anita appear to examine how Catherine Duleep Singh, a brown-skinned Indian princess living in Germany, managed to survive that environment while also helping Jewish families escape the Gestapo. The notes also suggest the discussion goes beyond wartime heroism, asking why the British government accused her of treason and how her life connects to lesbian history. If you’re drawn to overlooked biographies, anti-fascist resistance, or the global dimensions of British imperial history, this looks like a strong listen. It also seems likely to appeal to listeners interested in how identity, empire, race, and sexuality can converge in one extraordinary life story. Since this is Episode 2 of a wider series, it may especially suit anyone already following *The First British Indians* arc or looking for a single compelling entry point into it.
About this episode
**Unlock the entire First British Indians series ad-free by joining the Empire Club at empirepoduk.com** During the rise of Hitler, how did a brown-skinned Indian princess survive living in Germany? Who was Catherine Duleep Singh, the ‘Indian Schindler’ who rescued Jewish families from the Gestapo? Why was she accused of treason by the British government? And how is her story part of Lesbian History? In Episode 2 of this series, William and Anita discuss the hidden history of Princess Duleep Singh, one of the extraordinary daughters of the last Maharaja of the Punjab. If you're interested in the internment documentary that Anita mentions in the show, you can listen here. Join the Empire Club: Unlock the full Empire experience – with bonus episodes, ad-free listening, early access to miniseries and live show tickets, exclusive book discounts, a members-only newsletter, and access to our private Discord chatroom. Sign up directly at empirepoduk.com. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com. Email: empire@goalhanger.com Instagram: @empirepoduk Blue Sky: @empirepoduk X: @empirepoduk Assistant Producer: Imogen Marriott Editor: James Clayden Social Producer: Charlie Johnson Producer: Anouska Lewis Executive Producer: Dom Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices