Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Island
The tribal communities of Andaman and Nicobar island give profound insights about the earliest form of human existence. The aboriginal or indigenous people of this land inhabited Andmamans and Nicobar for several thousands of years. After that the settlers or migrant population came in. In fact today’s Andaman’s population is categorised into these two groups: the aborigines and migrants.
Speaking of aborigines, the tribes of Andaman have lived on these islands for more than 20,000 years. The aborigines of Andaman Island consist of the four tribes: Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarwas and the Sentinalese. The Malay-Burma Mongloid tribe consists of two groups: the Shompen and the Nicobarese.
Andamanese, Onges, Jarwas tribes are known for their sharp hunting and gathering skills. There is hardly any contact that has been established with the Sentinelese. The rest of the tribes engage in activities like fishing and farming for food. These tribes have rich knowledge of Andaman's biodiversity and over several centuries have lived in peace and harmony away from the modernities of the “civilized” world.
However, a serious risk of outsiders bringing in their microbes and infecting the pristine places have always loomed over. In fact, a lot of the tribes when came in contact with humans were infected and never had the immunity to heal and recover. The rest of the indigenous population faced changes from Japanese and British colonialism that eradicated a large number of their population.
Let’s look at the existing tribal groups of Andaman and Nicobar and learn about their history and way of life.
Tribes of Andaman: The Aborigines of Andaman Island
Table of Contents:
1. Andamanese Tribe
2. Onge Tribe
3. Jarawa Tribe
4. Sentinelese Tribe
5. Shompen Tribe
6. Nicobarese Tribe
1. Andamanese Tribe
The Andamanses tribe is said to be the largest tribe to ever exist before penal establishments started to crop up on the islands. The British colonisers when they tried to enter the island for occupation with their modern weaponry faced retaliation by the Andamanese tribe. They used their make shift weapons along with bow and arrows to bravely fight the British soldiers. Over the years, various epidemics and influenza have taken a toll on Andamanese people. The government has established coconut plantations and housing for the upliftment of the running trial population in efforts to connect them from the mainstream society.
2. Onge Tribe
The Onge tribe is said to be one of the most primitive tribes inhabiting the Little Andaman Island. They are semi-nomadic people who once engaged in hunting and gathering. The Onge tribe are friendly towards outsiders. Over the years they have accepted various kinds of gifts such as tobacco, sugar and clothes through various contact expeditions. As per last census, only 96 of Onge people are left and they currently reside in Dugong creek in Little Andaman Island. Occasionally, the ones are seen going for fishing and hunting while the rest of the population work in coconut plantations.
3. Jarawa Tribe
The Jarawa tribe is the largest tribe in Andaman Islands. They currently inhabit the Western coast of Middle Andaman and South Andaman Islands. Initially, the Jarawas were hostile to outsiders but after a contact expedition in 1974, the Jarwas accepted gifts such as coconuts, bananas, and other fruits and were not hostile with the contact team. Construction of the Grand Andaman Trunk road (known as the NH4) has forced them to interact with the outside world. There have been incidents of tourist misbehaving with the Jarawa tribe that has caused resentment and anger. Therefore, as tourists/travellers to Andaman, you must refrain from initiating forceful interactions with the tribal people of Jarawa.
4. Sentinelese Tribe
The Sentinelese tribe is said to be the last uncontacted group on the planet. The Sentinelese tribe has always been hostile and shoots arrows that look like javelin from the island to keep outsiders away. Inhabiting the North Sentinel Island, the tribe insists on remaining isolated from the rest of the world. The exact population of Sentinelese is estimated to be 39 as per the 2001 census. Sentinelese are the hunting, fishing and gathering tribe. They used camoes and lived in semi-permanent hunts. Both men and women of the Sentinelese tribe do not cover themselves with clothes.
5. Shompen Tribe
The Shompen tribe is a semi-nomadic tribe and were contacted in the 1840s by Danish admirer Steen Bille. Since they are one of most isolated groups on the island, very little is known about them. They engage in hunting and gathering and make flower ornamentation. However, due to diseases like influenza, the population of Shompens reduced drastically from 300 to 50.
6. Nicobarese Tribe
The Nicobarese tribe is one blanket term used for several people residing in Andaman and Nicobar. They are skilled artisans and are known for their mat-weaving, pottery, canoes, and artwork. The Nicobarese lived in joint families called Tuhet. The government has issued ration cards to obtain wheat, sugar, rice, etc. to the Nicobarese. The Nicobarese people are also involved in government jobs.
These were the six tribal groups of the Andaman Island. On your Andaman trip, remember to be respectful and maintain your distance with indigenous people.
FAQs about Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Q1. How many tribes are there in Andaman Nicobar Islands?
There are a total six tribes in Andaman and Nicobar Island divided into two groups. The “Negrito” tribe group and the Mongoloid tribe group. The “Negrito” group has four tribes, namely the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese. The Mongolid tribe group has the Shompen and the Nicobarese.
Q2. Which is the oldest tribe in Andaman Nicobar?
The Onge tribe is considered to be the oldest tribe of Andaman and Nicobar. They have been living on the Andaman Islands for hundreds of years and have been hunters and gatherers.
Q3. What tribe lives on Neil Island?
Historically, the Nicobarese tribe inhabited the land of Neil Island. Throughout the years they have maintained their unique tribal culture, identity and way of life.
Q4. Are people of Jarawa tribes in Andaman friendly towards outsiders?
People of Jarawa tribes were initially hostile towards outsiders and saw them as a threat. However, after first human contact, they have become slightly open towards outsiders. However, the great Andaman Trunk road poses a challenge in their day to day life. It is best to leave them undisturbed and not to have forceful interactions with them. Do not offer them gifts or fruits.
Q5. Which tribes are still hostile towards outsiders in Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
The Sentinelese tribe is still hostile towards outsiders in Andaman & Nicobar Island. This tribe inhabits a small island called the North Sentinel. In the past, many contact expedition teams tried making friendly contact with them but were always met with hostility.
