East Indians are an ethno-religious group which resides in Mumbai, Vasai, Virar, and other parts of Thane. Christianity was first installed by St. Bartholomew, one of Jesus Christ's apostles. Due to shortage of priests for many years, the locals were reduced to being "nominal Christians". it was due to the arrival of Portuguese and with them Jesuit missionaries who spread a new form of Christianity called Roman Catholicism in the area. The name East Indians was taken during British Rule to differentiate native Catholics from other Catholics from Goa and Manglore who came to Mumbai in search of jobs, on the occasion of golden jubilee of Queen Victoria.
They are engaged in agriculture, fishing and other rural occupations handed down to them by their ancestors. East Indians have their own village in Mumbai known as Gaothan, which is surrounded by the main city. East Indians are more anglicized than the rest of Maharashtrian Christians, although they speak Marathi as mother tongue. Portuguese influence can be seen in their language and culture. Portuguese used to rule the area for centuries.
Read more about this topic: Christianity In Maharashtra
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