Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian

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Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonians
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Total population
35.4% of the Trinidadian and Tobagonian population (2011)[1]
Regions with significant populations
English (Trinidadian· Hindi · Urdu · Gujarati · Avadhi · Bengali · Spanish · French · Kannada · Tamil, Telugu
Related ethnic groups
Indo-Aryan peoples, Dravidian people

Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian are nationals of Trinidad and Tobago of Indian or other South Asian ancestry. Linguistically they are collectively known as the speakers of the Indo-Aryan Hindustani languages typically Hindi and ethnically, they are more specifically known as the Arya Hindavi people (People of Hind) a ethno/linguistic group coming primarily from the north-central Indian region of Hind which is located in the Gangetic Plain of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers in North India, between the Himalayas and the Vindhyas. They are usually categorized with multiple identities, with a more localized prioritized ethnic orientation, for example, Bihari people, Haryanvi people, Avadhi people, Malvi people, Himachali people, Bhojpuri people, in addition to further tribal, village, or religious identities.


Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonians has now become interchangeable with Indians or East Indians. These were people who were escaping poverty in India and seeking employment offered by the British for jobs either as indentured laborers, workers or educated servicemen, primarily, between 1845-1917. [2] [3]


Culture and religion[edit]


The majority of Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonians are Hindu, with Christianity being the second most prevalent religion. A small minority of Indo-Trinidadians are Muslim. Three national holidays, Indian Arrival Day, Divali and Eid-ul-Fitr are primarily celebrated by Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonians. The Parliamentary Government, the United National Congress, draws most of its support from the Indo-Trinidadian and Tobagonian community, and the new party: The Congress of the People

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 but they still remain the largest organized voice for the respective Indian communities.


See also[edit]


  1. ^
  3. ^ National Archives-UK
  • Kris Rampersad: Naipaul was no fluke:


  • Kris Rampersad on Caribbean Muslims: