The Taíno people were an indigenous group that inhabited the Caribbean islands, particularly Hispaniola, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Jamaica. They were part of the larger Arawakan language family and were known for their agricultural practices, cultivating crops like cassava, maize, and tobacco. The Taíno society was organized into chiefdoms, with a rich culture that included art, music, and religious beliefs. When Christopher Columbus arrived in the Caribbean in 1492, the Taíno were among the first indigenous peoples he encountered. Unfortunately, the arrival of Europeans led to significant population decline due to disease, enslavement, and conflict. Today, the legacy of the Taíno can still be seen in the culture and language of the Caribbean.