Indo–Trinidadians and Tobagonians or Trinidadian and Tobagonian Indians are people of Indian origin who are nationals of Trinidad and Tobago, whose ancestors came from India and the wider subcontinent beginning in 1845 during the period of colonization.

Between 1845 and 1917 (when indenture was abolished due to pressure from Indian nationalists) approximately 143,939 Indians came to Trinidad. How and when were differences between South Asian immigrants such as caste, sect, region, language, and religion collapsed into a singular “Indo-Trinidadian” identity?

Jun 28, 2024 · Indians brought a rich cultural heritage to Trinidad, including their own cuisine, music, and farming practices. They brought traditional seasonings and ways of cooking, with curries being one of the most important spices.

Jun 24, 2024 · According to data from the 2011 census, 37% of Trinidad and Tobago’s population are of pure Indian descent. When did Indians first arrive in Trinidad and Tobago? Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago as indentured laborers from India through the Indian indenture system from 1845 till 1917. Why did Indians come to Trinidad and Tobago?

‘East Indians’ are so-called to avoid confusion with Trinidad’s long-disappeared indigenous population. Historically separated from the Afro-Trinidadian population by religion and lifestyle East Indians or Indo-Trinidadians have remained culturally distinct.

Drawn entirely from the peasantry, the majority of Trinidad’s Indians arrived from India’s Gangetic Heartland (the modern day provinces of Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Bengal) via the ports of Calcutta (Kolkata) and Madras (Chennai) (Niehoff & Niehoff 1960:17).

Dec 4, 2019 · People of Indian descent are a sizeable portion of Trinidad’s population – and a huge and colorful influence on its food, festivals, and daily life. Trinidad native Vernon Ramesar shares his experiences.

May 29, 2020 · These were the first of approximately 147,900 Indians who were brought to Trinidad from 1845-1917. The system was constantly evolving and especially in the first 20 years or so the rules were not established.

Approximately 134,183 Indians settled in Trinidad during the period 1845 – 1917 (indentured labour emigration to the Caribbean ended in 1917 with passage of British legislation) and their presence made a visible difference to the physical and cultural landscape of this nation.

The arrival of the Indian indentured labourers into Trinidad seemed to provide the solution to the existent economic and labor related crisis of the time. It also saw the introduction of a new dimension to the social and cultural fabric of Trinidad society.