Indo–Trinidadians and Tobagonians

Indo–Trinidadians and TobagoniansorTrinidadian and Tobagonian Indiansare people ofIndian originwho are nationals ofTrinidad and Tobago, whose ancestors came fromIndiaand the widersubcontinentbeginning in 1845 during the period of colonization.
Indo–Trinidadians and Tobagonians are a subgroup ofIndo-Caribbean people, which is a subgroup of the widerIndian diaspora. Generally, most Indians in Trinidad and Tobago can trace their ancestry back toNorthern Indiaespecially theBhojpurandAwadhregions, which lies in theGangetic plains, a plain that is located between theGangaandYamunarivers and faces the mountain ranges of theHimalayas, theKaimur, and theVindhyas. However, some Indians may trace their ancestry to other parts of South Asia, notablysouthern India. Indians first arrived in Trinidad and Tobago as indentured laborers from India through theIndian indenture systemfrom 1845 till 1917, and some Indians and other South Asians, along with their families, later came as entrepreneurs, businesspeople, religious leaders, doctors, engineers, and other professional occupations beginning in the mid-20th century and continuing till present day. Some Indians from many other Caribbean nations, such asGuyana,Grenada,Martinique, andSaint Croix, also immigrated to Trinidad and Tobago.
Indo–Trinidadians and Tobagonians are the largest ethnic group in Trinidad and Tobago, identified by the official census, about 35.43% of the population in 2011.
In his bookPerspectives on the Caribbean: A Reader In Culture, History, and Representation, Philip W. Scher cites figures by Steven Vertovec, Professor of Anthropology; Of 94,135 Indian immigrants to Trinidad, between 1874 and 1917, 50.7 percent were from the United Provinces of Agra and Oudh, 24.4 percent hailed fromOudh State, 13.5 percent were fromBihar Provinceand lesser numbers from various other parts of the British Raj, such as theMadras Presidency,Bengal Presidency,Central Provinces,Chota Nagpur Division,Bombay Presidency, andPunjab Province.Out of 134,118 indentured labourers from India, 5,000 who left from thePort of Madrasdistinguished themselves as "Madrasi" and the immigrants who left from thePort of Calcuttadistinguished themselves as "Kalakatiyas". However, this did not equate to theirethnolinguistic group. While, most Indians who left from the Port of Madras wereTamils (Madrasis), not all were ethnic-Madrasis, some wereTelugu,Kannadiga,Malayali,Gondi,Kodava,Tulu, orDeccani, and most Indians who left from the Port of Calcutta were not ethnic-Bengalis (Kalakatiyas), but they were Purabias (BhojpuriandAwadhi), however there were small numbers ofBengalis, as well as small numbers ofMaithils,Magahis,Baghelis,Brajis,Bundelis,Kannaujis,Kauravis,Pashtuns,Nagpuris,Kurukhs,Haryanvis,Gujaratis,Marwari,Sadans,Chhattisgarhis,Kashmiris,Dogras,Punjabis,Marathis,Odias,Garhwalis,Kumaonis,Madheshis,Parsees,Assamese,Newars,TharusandKhaswho came via the Port of Calcutta.
Many were people who were escapingpoverty in Indiaand seeking employment offered by the British for jobs either as indentured labourers, workers or educated servicemen, primarily, between 1845 and 1917.
The demand for Indian indentured labourers increased dramatically after the abolition of slavery in 1834. They were sent, sometimes in large numbers, to plantation colonies producing high-value crops such as sugar in Africa and the Caribbean.
According to the most recent census (2011) conducted in Trinidad and Tobago, Hinduism is the religion followed by a plurality of Indo-Trinidadians. The breakdown of religious affiliation for Indo-Trinidadians is as follows-
Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago are represented by several sects, organizations and entities the largest of which is theSanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, aSanātanīHindu organization. Other Hindu organizations and sects include SWAHA International,Arya Samaj,Chinmaya Mission,Kabir panth,ISKCON, theSathya Sai Baba movement, Shirdi Sai Baba movement,Ramanandi Sampradaya, Seunariani (Sieunarini/Siewnaraini/Shiv Narayani),Aughar (Aghor/Owghur),Kali Mai (Madrasi),Murugan (Kaumaram),Bharat Sevashram Sangha,Jagadguru Kripalu Parishat (Radha Madhav),Ganapathi Sachchidananda movement,Divine Life Society,Brahma Kumaris, and Blue Star.
A majority of Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian Muslims areSunni, however there are notableShiaandAhmadiyyaminorities. The major Muslim organisation representing Muslims in Trinidad and Tobago is theAnjuman Sunnat-ul-Jamaat Association(ASJA). Other Islamic organizations include the Trinidad Muslim League, Darul Uloom, Ummah T&T, the Muslim Federation, and the Tackveeyatul Islamic Association.
TheSikhcommunity in Trinidad and Tobago, numbering at about 300, consists of the descendants of the fewPunjabiswho came during the indentureship period,Punjabi Sikhswho came in the twentieth and twenty-first century, andSindhi HindusandPunjabi Hinduswho also came in the twentieth and twenty-first century and who are, in addition to being Hindu,Nanakpanthis, followers of the SikhGuru Nanak. The Sikhs have agurdwara(temple) inTunapunadating back to 1929.
Most Indo-Trinidadians have traditionally given their political support to parties opposed to thePeople's National Movement(PNM) which has historically been perceived as aChristianAfrican-Creoleparty.Voting patterns amongst Indo-Trinidadians have also been influenced by religion where, for periods of time Muslim Indo-Trinidadians and non-Presbyterian Christian Indo-Trinidadians supported the PNM because the prevailing parties for Indo-Trinidadians – thePDP,DLP, andULFwere felt to be Hindu and Presbyterian Indian dominated parties.With the advent of theNARand then theUNCthis polarization by religion has been on the decline however its existence is still felt with the UNC fielding a Muslim candidate in every election for the San Juan/Barataria seat since 1995 owing to the presence of a large Indo-Trinidadian Muslim population within this constituency.
Notable Indo-Trinidadian politicians include:
Indo–Trinidadian and Tobagonians have retained their distinctive heritage and culture, while also functioning in a multicultural society. TheSouth Asian languagesof their ancestors have largely been lost, although a number of these words have entered the Trinidadian vernacular.Indianmovies, music, and cuisine have entered the mainstream culture of Trinidad and Tobago.Chutneyandchutney socamusic rivalscalypsoandsoca musicduring theCarnivalseason.
Diwali,Eid ul-Fitr, andIndian Arrival Dayare national holidays, andPhagwah/Holi,Maha Shivratri,Hanuman Jayanti,Ram Naumi,SitaNaumi,Navratri,Vijayadashami,Krishna Janmashtami,Radhastami,Saraswati Jayanti,Raksha Bandhan,Vivaha Panchami,Guru Purnima,Ganesh Chaturthi,Kartik Snan,Ratha Saptami,Karagam Puja,Kalbhairo Jayanti,Mesha Sankranti,Makar Sankranti,Tulsi Vivah,Gita Jayanti,Datta Jayanti,Ratha Yatra,Gurpurab,Buddha Purnima,Ramadan,Hosay(Ashura),Eid al-Adha,Mawlid,Shab-e-barat,Chaand Raat,Islamic New Year, and otherHinduandMuslim holidaysare widely celebrated.
Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian cuisine is mostly derived from theBhojpuriandAwadhicuisines ofNorth India. It has considerableSouth Indian, especiallyTamilandTelugu, influence on preparation and ingredients in the tropical environment of Trinidad and Tobago that was similar to the tropical environment of South India, where a significant minority of Indians came from. There is also influence from other ethnic cuisines on the island such asCreole,Chinese,West African,Indigenous,French,British,North American,Portuguese,Arab, andLatin Americancuisines. It is unlike the mainstreamIndian-South Asiacuisines, which is mostly based on Punjabi, Rajasthani, Mughlai, Gujarati, Bengali, Udupi, and Tamil cuisines. This "mainstream" Indian cuisine was brought to the country by more recent immigrants and is termed as East Indian cuisine in Trinidad and Tobago and is contrasted from the local Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian or local-Indian cuisine.
A traditional Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian breakfast consists ofsadaroti, a type of unleavened bread made with flour, baking powder and water. The dough is rolled out and cooked on flat, cast-iron skillet, called atawa. The cooked dough is cut into quarters and served with a variety of fried vegetables,tarkarisor chokhas.Sometimesfried bakeis eaten instead and is made using with flour, baking powder and yeast and is then fried in oil. Usually breakfast is vegetarian, howeversalt fishis sometimes added. Some breakfast dishes includebaigan chokha(roasted and mashedeggplant),damadol chokha(roasted and mashedtomatoes),pepper chokha(roasted and mashed peppers),aloo chokha(boiled, roasted, and mashedpotatoes),karaili chokha(roasted and mashedbittermelon),murtaniorupar ghar(combination of roasted and mashed eggplant, tomato, pepper, and okra), fried orcurriedbodi(long beans), fried or curried aloo (potatoes), fried or curriedochro/bhindhi(okra), fried or curriedseim(hyacinth beans), fried or curriedkaraili(bittermelon), pumpkin orkohratarkari(pumpkin simmered with spices and seasoning), fried or curriedsaijan(drumstick), fried or curriedlauki(bottle gourd),bhaji(made with youngdasheen bush (taro)leaves,spinachleaves,saijan (drumstick)leaves, orchaurai (spiny amaranth)leaves), and/or friedplantains.
Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian foods likedoubles,aloo pie,pholourie,saheena, baiganee,bara, andkachoriare popular street foods throughout the country and are served with variouschutneys,achars, and pepper sauce.Doublesis made with twobaras (flat fried dough) andcurriedchanna(chickpeas) and is served with toppings, likepepper sauce,kuchela, andtamarind,mango,pommecythere,cucumber,coconutandbandhaniyachutneys. It is one of the most popular breakfast foods eaten on the islands, however, it is eaten at any time throughout the day. Another Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian street food that is popular isroti, which consists ofroti(usuallyparathaor dhalpuri) that wraps curried vegetables, curried channa (chickpeas) and aloo (potatoes), curried chicken, curried shrimp, curried goat, curried duck, curried conchs, or any other spicy fillings. The town ofDebein southern Trinidad is a popular destination for these street foods.
TraditionalDiwaliand otherHindu festivalsand prayers foods include appetizers such aspholourie, saheena, baiganee,bara, andkachori. Main dishes includeroti(most commonly dalpuri andparatha) andkarhiand rice served with condiments such asachar or anchar,kuchela, mother-in-law (pickled vegetables),pepper sauce, and dishes such ascurriedmango,bhaji(dasheen bushor any spinach), pumpkin or kohra tarkari (pumpkin), curry channa and aloo (chickpeasandpotatoes), fried or curriedbaigan(eggplant), fried or curriedbodi(long beans), fried or curriedseim(hyacinth beans), curryeddoes(arui), curry chataigne or katahar (breadnut), and othertarkaries(vegetariancurries). Desserts includemohan bhog (parsad),lapsiand suhari,burfi,khurma,gulab jamun,pera,rasgulla, batasa,gujiya,gulgula, roat,kheer (sweet rice),laddu, andjalebi. It is traditionally served on asohari(Calathea lutea) leaf.
SpecialEid,Hosay, and other Muslim festival foods includecurry goat, curry channa and aloo,sawine,burfi,rasgulla, sirnee,maleeda, andhalwa.
Indo–Trinidadians and Tobagonians accompany their meals with various condiments; these can include pepper sauces, chutneys and pickles and are often homemade.
Pepper sauces are made by usingscotch bonnetor other hot peppers, either minced or chopped and added to vinegar or lime or lemon juice and sometimes pickled together with carrots, sour cherries,bitter melon, ordaikon(murai).Mother-in-lawis another popular condiment which is a coarsely chopped spicy medley of peppers, pimentos, carrots, bitter melon, and other spices.
Chutneysare popular as well and often includemango,tamarind,cucumber,pommecythère,bandhaniya,dhaniya,chalta, andcoconut. They are most commonly eaten withdoubles,aloo pie,saheena, baiganee,kachori, andpholourie. There are a variety of popular pickles known locally asacharorancharwhich are commonly used.Kuchelaa grated spicy version, usually made from mango but sometimes made frompommecythère, the mango version being most popular. Other version of achars are made from mango,pommecythère, tamarind,amla,lemon,lime,chayote, chalta, andgreen apple.
Indian sweets and dessersare commonplace in Trinidad and Tobago and are distributed especially at Indian weddings and religious events. They includekheer(sweet rice ormeetha bhat),sawine,khurma,gulab jamoon,burfi, roat,laddu,jalebi,halwa,mohan bhog (parsad), sirnee,lapsiand suhari,rasgula,tilly cake,gulgula, paynuse,pera,modak,gujiya, and batasa.
Indian dance formsare prevalent among Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonians.Kathak,Odissi, andBharatanatyamare the most popularIndian classical dance formsin Trinidad and Tobago.Indian folk dances, such aslaunda ke naach,Bollywood dancing, andchutneydancing are also popular Indian dance forms.
Indian theatreis also popular throughout Trinidad and Tobago.Nautankisand dramas such asRaja Harishchandra,Raja Nal,Raja Rasalu,Sarwaneer (Sharwan Kumar),Indra Sabha,Bhakt Prahalad,Lorikayan,Gopichand, andAlha-Khandwere brought by Indians to Trinidad and Tobago, however they had largely began to die out, till preservation began by Indian cultural groups.Ramleela, the drama about the life of theHindudeityRama, is largely popular throughout the country during the time betweenSharad NavaratriandVijayadashamileading up toDiwali, with almost each locale having their own celebration. The Ramlila celebrations end with the burning of aneffigyofRavana, the main antagonist of the ancientRamayanaand its 16th century vernacular variation, popular among Hindus in Trinidad and Tobago, theRamcharitmanas.Rasleela (Krishnaleela), the drama about the life of the Hindu deityKrishna, is popular around the time ofKrishna Janmashtami.
The Indian–South Asian influence is very much noticeable inTrinidad and Tobagoas they are the largest ethnic groups in the country.Mandirs,masijids, jhandis (Hinduprayer flags), Hindu schools, Muslim schools,rotishops and stalls, puja stores, Indian groceries/markets, and Indian clothing stores and expos dot the landscape of the country. Many businesses also bear names of Indian-South Asian origin. Many towns, settlements, villages, avenues, traces, and streets in Trinidad and Tobago are named after Indian cities and people, such as Calcutta Settlement, Madras Settlement, Delhi Settlement, Jai Ramkissoon Housing Settlement, Raghoo Village, Jaraysingh, Hasnalli, Hindustan Village, Patna Village, Gandhi Village, Kandahar Village, Cawnpore (Kanpur) Village, Nepal Village, Abdul Village, Samaroo Village, Basta Hall, Gopaul Lands, Sumadh Gardens, Mohammed Ville, Gobin Village, Nancoo Village,Malabar, Matura (Mathura), Bangladesh, Morang Village, Chandanagore (Chandinagar), Sadhoowa,Divali Nagar, Golconda,Barrackpore, andFyzabad.The holidays ofDiwali,Eid al-Fitr, andIndian Arrival Dayarenational holidays in Trinidad and Tobago.Trinidadian Hindustaniandother South Asian languageshas had a great influence on theTrinidadian Englishlingua franca. Most people of South Asian descent inTrinidad and Tobagoalso speak a uniqueHinglishmacaronic dialectofTrinidadian EnglishandTrinidadian Hindustaniand they incorporate more Hindustani vocabulary into their Trinidadian English dialect than other ethnic groups in the country.