IndoFijiana

Indo-Fijiana is the term used for Fiji's ethnic group descended from Indians who settled in Fiji during the British colonial era. Most trace ancestry to indentured workers who arrived between 1879 and 1916 and to later migrations from various Indian regions. Today many speak Fiji Hindi; English and Fijian are common, and some preserve languages such as Gujarati or Tamil at home.

Historically, Indo-Fijians arrived as indentured laborers on sugar plantations. The girmit system defined early generations, who faced strict conditions and contractual controls. Over the 20th century, Indo-Fijians formed communities, built schools, temples and mosques, and gradually shaped Fiji's social and political landscape. Independence in 1970 cemented their role in national life.

Religion is predominantly Hinduism and Islam, with smaller communities of Sikhs and Christians. Cultural life centers on festivals such as Diwali and Eid, music, cuisine, and family events. Community institutions—mandirs, mosques and gurudwaras—play key roles in social life and education.

Demographically, Indo-Fijians have been a major segment of Fiji's population and economy. The community has experienced emigration, intermarriage, and political shifts, influencing debates over land, constitutional balance, and interethnic relations with the indigenous iTaukei.

Global diaspora communities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States maintain Indo-Fijian language and culture while contributing to transnational networks in commerce, education, and culture.