Indo-Trinidadian

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Indo-Trinidadian people or Indo-Trinidadians are people of Indian descent who are citizens or nationals of Trinidad and Tobago. They are also referred to simply as Indians or East Indians. Like many Indo-Caribbeans, many are also descended from all over the Indian subcontinent, formerly a part of Undivided India , such as present-day Pakistan, Bangladesh (all of which were under the colonial rule. Indo-Trinidadians are a plurality of the population of Trinidad and Tobago (40.3%). An additional 18.4% of the population describe themselves as being of mixed race; many of them are also of Indian descent.

The Indo-Trinidadian population originates from indentured labourers brought to work in sugar cane plantations in the Caribbean following the abolition of slavery in the British Empire in 1833. The first Indians arrived in Trinidad on May 30, 1845 (see Indian Arrival Day). The immigration of indentured Indians continued until 1917 when it was banned by the government of India. Most of these immigrants came from places in the United Provinces where Bhojpuri is spoken. A significant minority came from Madras Presidency or present day Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh where Tamil and Telugu were spoken.

A substantial minority of Indo-Trinidadians trace their ancestry to indentured labourers who immigrated to Guyana, Jamaica, St. Vincent, Grenada, or other islands in the Caribbean. A few are descendants of later immigrants from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka, predominantly doctors and Gujarati businessmen.

A majority of Indo-Trinidadians are Hindu; large minorities are Muslim or belong to one of several Christian denominations. The Presbyterian Church of Trinidad and Tobago is predominantly Indo-Trinidadian. Three national holidays, Indian Arrival Day, Divali and Eid-ul-Fitr are primarily celebrated by Indo-Trinidadians. The Opposition United National Congress draws most of its support from the Indo-Trinidadian community.

A major Hindu organisation in Trinidad is the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha led by Satnarayan Maharaj. The major Muslim organisation is the Anjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association (ASJA) led by Yacoob Ali. Although these organisations were once seen to speak for the vast majority of Hindus and Muslims in Trinidad, their membership has gradually eroded.

Indo-Trinidadians have retained their distinctive culture, but function in a multi-racial milieu. The Bhojpuri-Hindi, Urdu, Telugu and Tamil languages of their ancestors have largely been lost, although a number of these words have entered the Trinidadian vernacular. Bollywood movies, Indian music and Indian cooking have entered the mainstream culture of Trinidad and Tobago. Chutney music rivals calypso and soca music during the Carnival season. Divali and Eid ul-Fitr are national holidays, and Hosay (Ashura) Phagwah is widely celebrated.