Origins & Early Life

Dean Mahomed (May 1759 – 24 February 1851) was a British Indian traveller, soldier, surgeon, entrepreneur, and one of the most notable early non-European immigrants to the Western World. Due to non-standard transliteration, his name is spelled in various ways. His high social status meant that he later adopted the honorific "Sake" (Sheikh) meaning "venerable one". Mahomed introduced Indian cuisine and shampoo baths to Europe, where he offered therapeutic massage.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

He was also the first Indian to publish a book in English. Born c. May 1759 in the city of Patna, then part of the Bengal Subah of the Mughal Empire and today the capital of the Indian state of Bihar. Dean Mahomed described himself as a "native of Patna" belonging to a Shia Muslim family that claimed Arab and Afshar Turk origin. However other sources indicate that he belonged to the Nai caste of barbers.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

In his work Shampooing, he described himself as a native of India, born in the city of Patna in Hindoostan: "The humble author of these sheets, is a native of India; and was born in the year 1749,[sic] at Patna, the capital of Bihar, in Hindoostan, about 290 miles N.W. of Calcutta. I was educated to the profession...

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