Click the Clickable Chart Below to know about the Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Also Find Popular Andaman & Nicobar Tourist Places in Interactive Andaman & Nicobar Tourist Map. Watch Selected Informative YouTube Videos & Gather Tons of Information from ‘Andaman Wander Guide’ Website.
Indigenous Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
- Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands ----------------------- It is believed that the history of indigenous tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands dates back to 60,000 years
Tribes of Andaman Islands
The tribes of Andaman Islands are ‘Negrito’ tribes. The ‘Negrito’ tribes are believed to have arrived in these Islands from Africa about 60,000 years ago.
How did the ‘Negrito’ tribes arrive Andaman Island from Africa, 60,000 years ago?
The migration history of the Negrito tribes to the Andaman Islands is a subject of ongoing research and debate among anthropologists and historians. While there isn’t a definitive answer, there are several theories regarding their migration patterns.
The most widely accepted theory suggests that the ancestors of the Negrito tribes, who are considered to be one of the oldest human populations, originated in Africa tens of thousands of years ago. It is believed that they belonged to a larger group known as the “First Great Coastal Migration,” who dispersed along the coasts of the Indian Ocean and Southeast Asia.
According to this theory, around 70,000 years ago, a group of these early humans migrated out of Africa, possibly following coastal routes along the Arabian Peninsula and the Indian subcontinent. Over a long period of time, they eventually reached the Andaman Islands, which were connected to the Southeast Asian mainland during periods of lower sea levels.
This migration would have taken place during a time when the sea levels were significantly lower due to glaciation during ‘Ice Age’, which exposed land bridges between islands and the mainland. These land bridges would have facilitated the movement of early human populations, including the Negrito tribes, to the Andaman Islands.
It’s important to note that the exact route and timing of this migration are still subjects of research, and alternative theories also exist. Some researchers suggest that the Negrito populations may have reached the Andaman Islands by different routes or through multiple waves of migration.
Overall, the migration of the Negrito tribes from Africa to the Andaman Islands represents a complex and fascinating chapter in human history, and further research and discoveries may provide additional insights into their journey.
If you are interested to know more about the indigenous tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Island you may visit the Anthropological Museum in Port Blair.
The Indian Plate was together with Africa roughly about 140 million years ago
This interesting video shows by animation the drift of Indian Plate and explains several other related phenomena, over hundreds of millions of years. At 2m 17s, it shows how the Indian Plate broke off from the ‘Supercontinent Gondwana’ and started moving northwards from Africa.
It explains the mysterious connection between Indian Plate & Africa indicating the complexity of early human and other animal migration spanning over millions & millions of years.
Video Title –How India Crashed into Asia and Changed the World | Think English| Channel –Think English| Date Uploaded – Feb 15, 2020 | Duration – 7m 06s
Great Andamanese
The Great Andamanese tribes are indigenous peoples who inhabit the Andaman Islands. Historically, the Andaman Islands were home to several distinct tribes, but due to colonialism, disease, and other factors, many of these tribes have faced significant population declines and cultural disruptions.
The Great Andamanese tribes are believed to have inhabited the islands for thousands of years. They have a unique culture, language, and way of life. The tribes are known for their hunting and gathering practices, relying on the natural resources of the islands for their sustenance. The Great Andamanese were foragers. Today, they eat rice, dal, chapati and other modern food items. They can cook food using spices. Traditionally, they practiced animism, believing in the spiritual essence of all living things.
The Great Andamanese tribes were severely impacted by the arrival of the British colonialists in the 19th century. Diseases brought by the outsiders, such as measles and influenza, devastated their populations, leading to a significant decline. The British also introduced changes that disrupted their traditional way of life.
Today, there are four surviving Great Andamanese tribes:
Jeru: The Jeru are the largest and most populous of the Great Andamanese tribes. They reside on the western coast of Middle Andaman Island.
Bo: The Bo people live on the western coast of North Andaman Island. They have experienced a particularly challenging history and faced the brink of extinction, but efforts have been made to revitalize their population and culture.
Sare: The Sare tribe is located on the western coast of South Andaman Island. They have also faced population decline, and their culture and language are at risk of disappearing.
Kora: The Kora people live on the central part of the Andaman Islands, primarily on the Baratang and Havelock Islands. Like other Great Andamanese tribes, their population has drastically reduced over time.
In recent years, the Indian government and various organizations have been working to preserve the culture, language, and rights of the Great Andamanese tribes. Efforts are being made to provide healthcare, education, and sustainable livelihood opportunities while respecting their traditional way of life. They have been rehabilitated in a small island named Strait Island.
Jarwa
The Jarawa are one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands. They inhabit the Western coasts of South & Middle Andaman Islands and are believed to be one of the oldest surviving tribes in the world, with a history that dates back thousands of years. The Jarawa people have traditionally lived a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, relying on the resources of the dense forests and the waters surrounding the islands for their sustenance. They have a deep connection with their natural environment and possess a rich knowledge of the local flora and fauna.
For many years, the Jarawa people had minimal contact with the outside world. However, with the expansion of tourism and other external influences, their way of life has faced significant challenges. The construction of the Andaman Trunk Road, which passes through their territory, has been a particularly controversial issue. The road has increased contact between the Jarawa and the outside world, leading to concerns about the impact on their culture, health, and overall well-being.
In an effort to protect the Jarawa’s rights and preserve their unique way of life, the Indian government has implemented various measures. These include restrictions on the movement of tourists along the Andaman Trunk Road, establishment of buffer zones around Jarawa reserves, and initiatives aimed at providing healthcare, education, and other essential services to the tribe. In order to ensure a rich resource of forest-based traditional food like wild pig, turtle, honey and fish etc., the Jarawa reserve area has been increased from 847 to 1028 Sq. kms. Exclusive marine resource base has also been increased by declaring coastal water up to 5 km from High Tide Line as tribal reserve. A buffer zone of 5 km radius has been notified around the Jarawa reserve to ensure that they do not become unwitting targets of large-scale tourism or commercial activities.
Jangil (Rutland Jarawa)
The Jangil, also known as the Rutland Jarawa, were a group of indigenous people who resided in the Andaman Islands. They inhabited the interior regions of Rutland Island and were referred to as Rutland Jarawa due to their perceived connection with the neighboring Jarawa tribe. Regrettably, the Jangil tribe is now considered to be extinct.
Sentinelese
The Sentinelese are one of the indigenous tribes inhabiting the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. They are known for their isolation and limited contact with the outside world. The Sentinelese people reside on North Sentinel Island, which is part of the Andaman archipelago.
The Sentinelese have a distinct culture and lifestyle, completely untouched by modern civilization. They are hunter-gatherers and rely on the resources provided by their island, such as fish, coconuts, and other forest products. They are skilled in using traditional hunting weapons like bows and arrows.
The tribe has shown a strong preference for maintaining their isolation, often reacting with hostility towards outsiders who attempt to approach the island. This has made it challenging for researchers and anthropologists to study and understand their way of life. The Sentinelese have repeatedly demonstrated their desire to remain independent and uncontacted, even rejecting attempts at aid and assistance during natural disasters.
Due to the sensitive nature of their isolation and the risks involved in approaching the island, the Indian government has declared North Sentinel Island and its surrounding waters as a restricted zone, implementing strict regulations to protect the Sentinelese people and their environment. This is aimed at preserving their unique cultural heritage and ensuring their physical safety.
A video about the little known Sentinelese of Andaman
A very informative video about the Sentinelese, a completely isolated and hostile tribes, inhabiting ‘North Sentinel Island’ in Andaman archipelago.
Video Title –Mystery of North Sentinel Island | The Last Stone Age Tribe in World | Dhruv Rathee | Channel –Dhruv Rathee | Date Uploaded – Jul 9, 2022 | Duration – 23m 32s
Onge
The Onge are one of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman Islands. They are classified under the Negrito racial stock and currently reside in the Dugong Creek reservation on Little Andaman Island.
As a semi-nomadic tribe, the Onge rely entirely on the resources provided by their natural surroundings for sustenance. In recent times, they have experienced interactions with outsiders, and efforts to establish friendly relations have proven successful. The administration has provided them with permanent housing, food, clothing, medicine, and other necessities. Their diet consists of turtle, fish, roots, and jackfruits, among other items. Over time, the Onge have developed their artistic and crafting skills, including the ability to construct canoes. Additionally, a primary school has been established at the Dugong Creek settlement to cater to their educational needs. Currently, the population of the Onge is stable, with a total of 94 individuals.
The Onge tribes, like other indigenous communities in the Andaman Islands, face ongoing challenges in maintaining their unique way of life and preserving their cultural identity. It’s important to respect their rights, promote their self-determination, and ensure that any interactions with the outside world are conducted in a manner that respects their traditions and values.
Tribes of Nicobar Islands
The tripes of Nicobar Islands are ‘Mongoloid’ tribes. They probably came to these Islands from the Malay-Burma coast several thousand years ago.
If you are interested to know more about the indigenous tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Island you may visit the Anthropological Museum in Port Blair.
Shompen
The Shompens inhabit the Great Nicobar Island, which is the largest among the Nicobar Group of Islands. They are part of the Mongoloid race, similar to the Nicobarese. The Shompens can be divided into two groups, with the smaller division known as Mawa Shompens. Their settlements are located in close proximity to the coastal regions and river valleys. Generally, the Shompens are very reserved and tend to maintain a distant relationship with outsiders, although they have developed a close bond with the Nicobarese community.
The larger group of Shompens, residing in the areas of Alexendra, Galathia rivers, and the interior east coast of the island, are known for their hostility. In the past, there were frequent attacks by the hostile Shompens on the Mawa Shompens. However, such aggression has significantly diminished, possibly due to a considerable reduction in the population caused by various diseases. The Shompens have been vulnerable to illness, and they are physically frail.
With the establishment of the settlement at Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar, the Shompens have started interacting with the settlers. Over time, they have begun to overcome their shyness and indifference toward the civilized people. This gradual transformation indicates a shift in their attitude, as they have become more open to engaging with the outside world.
Nicobarese
The Nicobarese, with a population of around 30,000, distinguish themselves from the other tribes through their predominant focus on horticulture. While they have undergone a significant degree of assimilation, primarily due to their widespread conversion to Christianity, they manage to preserve their unique cultural identity. Unfortunately, the Nicobarese have endured substantial devastation caused by the tsunami. The impact was particularly severe on Car Nicobar, where all 12 villages were washed away, resulting in numerous casualties and fatalities. Despite these tragic circumstances, the Nicobarese community remains resilient, striving to rebuild and preserve their rich heritage amidst the challenges they face.