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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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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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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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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.

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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)