India a nation of diversity

Monday 05th January 2015 17:28 EST
 

Several communities exist in India which is known as a nation of diversity in race, religion, caste and language. The East Indian Catholic community is known as one of the most colourful communities in the country. The East Indian Catholics are the original inhabitants of Mumbai. Their music, dance and cuisine are appreciated all over the world. Like the Goans and the Mangaloreans, they are a fun lot too. The name ‘East Indian’ has been derived from the East India Company of the British which converted a large section of the local Marathi-speaking people to Christianity.

The East Indian community speaks Marathi, which is a blend of pure Marathi, Portuguese and English. Like the Goans and the Mangaloreans, they are good cooks and singers too. The community was first recognised in 1896 A.D., but that was not the year of its origin.

The East Indians, comprising of Kunbis, Agris, Bhandaris and Kolis, are indigenous to the heartland of what might be said to comprise the former Salcette islands, including Bandra, Kurla, Thane and Bhayander. They are local Christians of long standing who did not want the British Colonial government to confuse them with the Goans, Mangaloreans and other Christian communities in the region. Hence, they decided to adopt a designation that would make them stand out as a separate Christian identity and adopted the name to impress upon the British that they were the earliest Christians –- Marathi-speaking and very much sons and daughters of ‘Aamchi Mumbai’/’Aapli Mumbai’ (Our Mumbai).
Jubel D’Cruz,
Mumbai, India


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