Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar inhabited the region around sixty thousand years ago. Believed to be the nomadic hunters and gatherers, the tribal people of the islands live in their confined groups. They maintain their separate living peacefully along with other tribes of the region and practice the ancient ways of living till date. You can see the native Andaman and Nicobar tribes living in their confined areas who still enjoy the company of the evergreen forests of the islands, beaches as well as the wonderful islands.
Andaman and Nicobar is one of the famous tourist destinations that exhibit stunning landscapes, exciting islands, beaches with fun-filled water activities and a blissful environment. The place is nature’s blessing which is frequently visited by a large number of visitors who wish to explore its beauty. Moreover, the tribal people of the region attract a number of anthropologists and enthusiasts from around the world, who wish to discover the culture, tradition and ethnicity of the A & N tribal people.
Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar
The tribal people of Andaman and Nicobar islands aren’t primitive nor belong to the Stone Age era. These people follow the same way of living which they have been practicing for several thousand years. But slowly, their cultures have been evolving steadily with the passage of time.
Andaman and Nicobar islands are a union territory located in Bay of Bengal that consists of tribes of diverse origin. There are almost 394 islands in the region that spread in an area of about 3,185 square meters. Only 38 islands have been occupied, wherein the Andaman comprises of 325 islands while the Nicobar group contains only 24.
Tribal people living in the Andaman Islands are classified into four distinct tribes, namely-the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa and Sentinelese. People of these tribes are believed to be the Negroids of the Paleolithic era who travelled all the way from Africa to this region, several thousand years ago. On the other hand, the Nicobar Islands contain two ‘Mongoloid’ tribes, namely-the Shompen and Nicobarese. These tribes of the Nicobar Islands have successfully preserved their individuality, culture and tradition in the midst of other tribes of the islands.
Brief Information about the Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The Great Andamanese Tribe – The Great Andamanese tribe occupied the Strait Island prior to the establishment of the penal Settlement in Andaman Islands. Today, only 40-45 individuals have left, for whom the administrative authorities of the islands have made house arrangements, free ration and clothes.
The Onges Tribe – Onges tribal people are found at the Dugong Creek and South Bay of Andaman Island. These are usually indulged in hunting and gathering for whom the administrative authorities of the region have made welfare arrangements for medical facilities, free ration and coconut plantation.
The Jarawas Tribe – The Jarawas tribal people are aggressive people who live on the western coast of middle Andaman and southern Andaman Islands. The administrative authorities of Andaman & Nicobar Administration have started a cyclic contact expedition since 1974 to befriend with the people of this tribe.
The Sentinelese Tribe – The Sentinelese tribal people are also antagonistic similar to the Jarawas tribal people who still continue their behavior while dealing with the outside people.
What do the Tribal People of Andaman and Nicobar do to make a Living?
Almost all the tribes are nomadic hunters and gatherers who are mostly engaged in activities like hunting of wild pigs, monitor lizard and fishing. The tribal people make use of bows and arrows whose tips are made up of iron. Apart from this, they gather roots and berries from the forest and perform activities like honey collection to make a living.
Tribal population of Andaman and Nicobar Islands make an interesting thing to see and experience.