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ID: 815007710
Name: Narin Maharaj

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Indians were brought to Trinidad in 1845 as an alternative means of labor. Unlike african slavery, Indians willingly came to Trinidad to work on cane fields. In return, they recieved small wages but were allowed to build houses and live freely, however, indentureship mirrored slavery in many ways:

They were faced with a language barrier

Many were converted to Christianity

Living conditions were poor and life was generally difficult.

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This did not stop East Indians from making their mark on the culture of Trinidad. Many held on to their traditions and customs with their families. They persevered, toiled the land and ensured that their children were educated. In 1995, that May 30th be Arrival Day, a public holiday to mark the coming of the East Indians, Chinese, Syrians, Portuguese, and other groups to our country.(www.ncictt.com)

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Child marriages and betrothals originated as a means of creating a tangible bond between two families. When Indian indentured immigrants began arriving in Trinidad in 1845, this ancient marriage custom was brought wholesale to the island. Children as young as five were often engaged, but in Trinidad, the average range of ages appears to have been 11-15 with a girl of 18 being a veritable old maid. (www.ncictt.com)

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Many houses at the time were made entirely from a mixture of clay, dirt, water, wood and leaves.

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Those who had materials made wooden houses instead.

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To this day, in rural parts of the country, people still build and live in dirt houses. This is an example of a more recent dirt temple in Trinidad.

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Indentured Laborers Harvesting Cane Crops

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Indentured Laborers Harvesting Cane Crops

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Indians brought many of their traditions to Trinidad when they arrived. These traditions were what gave Trinidad its unique culture. The Indians introduced food, plants, art and religion to the region allowing the Caribbean and more specifically Trinidad to develop its own personal persona.

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This included the manner in which they disposed of their deceased. The body would be cremated and ashes would be scattered in a river or the sea.

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Cuisine is a major part of cultures all around the world. The Indians brought with them a very unique style of cooking and introduced the Caribbean to numerous 'new' traditional dishes.

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Apart from foods, the East Indians also introduced many fruits, vegetables and plants to Trinidad, these includes:

Mango

Tulsi

Watermelon

Guava

Pomerac

Bael

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Just like any other culture, the East Indians introduced new styles of art to Trinidad, such as paintings, music, clothing, instruments, dance and also festivals. Below is an example of East Indian art, notice the detail and intricate geometric design.

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Here is another example of Indian art. An Indian Goddess is depicted in this picture.

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Lastly, here is an intricate painting of three Indian women.

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Music is a major part of any culture, however, this might be an understatement for the East Indians, their music mixes melodic vocals with upbeat percussion, string and pump organ instruments. The video below originated in India, however, celebrations during the period of indentureship were similiar.

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Folk Dance Competition DPS Kalinga Ganges House

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Indian Folk Dance & Music in South India - Tamil Nadu - Rasipuram near Salem for Marriage Ceremony. Learn more at www.cloudypark.net

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Indian instruments are known for producing mainly high-pitched yet harmonic melodies. Some well known examples of this are:

Harmonium

Sitar

Dholak

Tabla

Flute

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Here we see traditional clothing of Indian women.

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And here we see the men's traditional clothing.

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Also known as The Festival of Lights, it symbolizes the truimph of light over dark.

Divali means an array of lamps and, every year, it is celebrated by Hindus around the world with the lighting of diyas. A diya is a small clay pot that contains oil and a cotton wick that is lit. In Trinidad, coconut oil is used to keep the diyas burning. (http://www.bestoftrinidad.com/divali.html)