Luso-Indian

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 like Chaul / Korlai, 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.