Luso-Indian

Luso-Indians
Total population
1,000,000+ (2011)
Regions with significant populations
Goa · Gujarat · Bombay (Mumbai), Vasai (Bassein) · Daman, Diu & Silvassa · Kerala · Tamil Nadu ·
Languages
Predominantly: European Portuguese, including Damaon and Dio Portuguese creole & Korlai Indo-Portuguese and other Indo-Portuguese Creoles · Konkani · English • Malayalam • Tamil •
Religion
Roman Catholicism, minority of Hinduism
Related ethnic groups
Luso-Asians, Luso-Burmese, Portuguese Burghers, Anglo-Indians, Anglo-Burmese • Goan Catholics, Mangalorean Catholics, Karwari Catholics, Damanese people & Bombay East Indian Catholics

Luso-Indians are people of mixed Portuguese and Indian descent, as well as those who identify culturally with Portuguese colonial heritage in India. While many have partial European ancestry, others are descendants of Indian converts who adopted Portuguese surnames and customs during the colonial period. The group originated during Portuguese rule in Goa, Daman, Diu, Dadra and Nagar Haveli, and other coastal enclaves, where colonial authorities and missionaries encouraged intermarriage between Portuguese settlers and local communities. Over time, a distinct Indo-Portuguese identity emerged, blending European and Indian elements.