Blog: Safeguarding history: Museums and Indo-Trinidadian heritage
Written by: Karishma Nanhu, Heritage Preservation and Research Officer
As we commemorate Indian heritage month in May 2025, I recently visited two museums located in central Trinidad which both contain invaluable information about the lives and experiences of indentured Indians and the Indo-Trinidadian community. These are the ASJA Archives and Museum and the Indian Caribbean Museum. The collections at both institutions contain a range of historical photographs, documents and artefacts from a life gone by. These items tell an important story. What stood out to me when I visited both museums is the passion and dedication of the people who are working there; they are the ones who are keeping history alive.
ASJA Archives and Museum
Picture 1: Historical photographs of Mosques in Trinidad
Source: Karishma Nanhu
The Anjuman Sunnat ul Jamaat (ASJA) Education Complex, located in Charlieville, is the home of the ASJA Archives and Museum. The museum was started in 2009, and was the brainchild of late president of ASJA, Haji Yacoob Ali. Brother Kashma Khan has been the manager of the archives and museum for the past 16 years. His enthusiasm for preserving the artefacts, for documenting the history of schools and mosques in Trinidad and for sharing this knowledge, is clear. There are historical tools, kitchen utensils, agricultural equipment and household items at the museum. In addition to the artefacts and pictures, the museum also contains religious texts, including the Holy Quran, which were brought to Trinidad via indentureship. Several of them are over 100 years old and one Holy Quran is over 200 years old. Mr. Khan has a personal connection with each of the artefacts; he can explain the history and use of each item.
 Picture 2: Mr Kashma Khan, the manager and curator of the ASJA Archives and Museum |
 Picture 3: Holy Quran which is over 200 years old |
 Picture 4: Assortment of Artefacts including agricultural equipment |
 Picture 5: Replica of a sugar cane crusher, made by Mr. Kashma Khan |
Indian Caribbean Museum
Picture 6: The Indian Caribbean Museum
Source: Karishma Nanhu
The Indian Caribbean Museum, located at Waterloo Road, Carapichaima, was opened in 2006 and was recently reopened in May 2025. It is operated by the Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha. The building, constructed in 1952, was originally the Waterloo Hindu Primary School and is on the National Trust’s Heritage Asset Inventory. This museum was recently part of the National Trust’s Museum Hop tour for International Museums Day on May 18th, 2025.
The museum contains religious books brought from India including a Ramayan printed in 1903. There are a range of artefacts including musical instruments, historic pictures, traditional clothing, kitchen utensils and agricultural equipment, which reflect aspects of life on the sugar, cocoa, coffee and rubber estates as well as rice growing. The museum also has an art collection which showcases the work of the renowned local artist Isiah James Boodhoo. Mr. Donnel Jagmohan is the Chairman of the Indian Caribbean Museum. Ms. Kamini Koongebeharry is the current curator, and Ms. Ann-Marie Ramhit is the assistant curator.
Picture 7: Agricultural equipment at the Indian Caribbean Museum
Picture 8: Musical Instruments
Source: Indian Caribbean Museum
Picture 9: Utensils and household items
Source: Indian Caribbean Museum
Picture 10: Students enjoying the display at the reopening of the Indian Caribbean Museum
Source: Indian Caribbean Museum
Both museums have received international recognition and are worth a visit. The ASJA Archives and Museum was featured in a documentary by Canadian radio and tv. It was also featured in a BBC documentary. The Indian Caribbean Museum was featured in National Geographic’s Sacred Places of a Lifetime: 500 of the World’s Most Peaceful and Powerful Destinations. They both contain information about religious leaders and organisations, as well as outstanding community leaders whose stories may otherwise go unnoticed. As with many of the museums across Trinidad and Tobago, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the ASJA Archives and Museum and the Indian Caribbean Museum. Neither would have survived without the dedication of the people who commit their time and efforts to the cause.
To visit ASJA Archives and Museum contact Mr. Kashma Khan at 701-1387
To visit the Indian Caribbean Museum contact 782-5473 & 270-8951