The Home Missionary Society of India (HMSI) was originally founded as the Women's Home Missionary Society of India in June 1905. The aim was "to rouse the Anglo-Indian and Eurasian Communities to a direct and responsible share of the evangelisation of India". In addition to supporting Bible Women and a Colporteur, under-privileged and orphaned Anglo-Indian children were enabled to attend what is now known as the Mountain Home School and Junior College, at Coonoor in the Nilgiris, South India and scholarships were offered to graduates.

Membership was invited from all "domiciled communities" to support the work through prayer and fundraising. Groups of 10 or more members in one place formed an Auxiliary. It is the names of the office holders of these auxiliaries, some accompanied by their address, and the names of many other HMSI supporters from throughout India which are expected to be of particular interest to researchers.