Asian history, from the ancient civilisation of the Indus Valley to the emergence of the caste system and the creation of the British Raj, forms the focus a new website called "Black Presence". "Black Presence" explores the history of Asian and Black people in Britain from 1500 to 1850 and sheds more light on this neglected topic.

"Black Presence which was launched on 30 June 2003 looks at the reasons why people of Asian and Black origin came to Britain, thetreatment they received, and the way in which they contributed to and influenced British society.

The website shows how Indian culture influenced British society from the introduction of curry and chillies into the British diet, the adoption of the ancient Indian game of polo as the sport of wealthy Englishmen to the importation and eventual imitation of vibrant Indian textiles.

Visitors to this free web-based exhibition will be able to view online versions of original documents. These include a letter from George III to the Prince of the Carnatic, Payenghaut and Ballanghaut, seeking to promote good relations with the Indian Prince on the death of his father. A document stating the provisions for emigrants travelling from India to the West Indies to work on the plantations will also be online. It shows that the workers were allowed, among other things, 28 oz rice, 1 oz onions and 4lb firewood for a four-month sea journey.

Black Presence" is part of The National Archives' "Pathways to the Past" lifelong learning website. Funded with National Lottery money from the New Opportunities Fund, it has been produced by The National Archives in partnership with the Black and Asian Studies Association. The National Archives (of England, Wales and the United Kingdom) was created on 2 April 2003 when the Public Record Office, and the Historic Manuscripts Commission came together to form one organisation. The National Archives in Kew, which holds over 1000 years of documents, including sources for family history research, is open to the public 6 days a week. The National Archives website offers 24 hour access to over three quarters of a million documents.