The Primitive and Vulnerable Tribes of Andaman & Nicobar Islands

SAIKAT K BASU

Current status of tribes of A & N islands

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several indigenous tribes, each with unique cultures and varying degrees of interaction with the outside world. Here's an overview of their current status:

Great Andamanese: Once the largest tribe in the region, the Great Andamanese have seen a significant decline in population due to diseases and other factors following external contact. Today, they number around 43 individuals and have been rehabilitated on Strait Island by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. While they have adopted some modern foods like rice and chapati, they continue traditional practices such as hunting and gathering.   

Jarawa: Inhabiting the western coasts of Middle and South Andaman Islands, the Jarawa have an estimated population of 300-400 individuals. Historically hostile to outsiders, they have become more receptive in recent decades, occasionally seeking medical assistance. They continue to rely on hunting, fishing, and foraging for sustenance. 

Onge: Residing on Little Andaman Island, the Onge are a semi-nomadic tribe with a population of around 96 individuals. They have been in regular contact with outsiders since the 1950s and have accepted certain modern amenities. While traditionally dependent on hunting and gathering, limited land availability has led some to adopt agriculture. 

Sentinelese: Occupying North Sentinel Island, the Sentinelese are known for their strong resistance to external contact. Their exact population is unknown, with estimates ranging from 50 to 100 individuals. They continue to live in isolation, and the Indian government enforces strict regulations to protect their way of life.  

Shompen: Inhabiting Great Nicobar Island, the Shompen are semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers with an estimated population of 200-300 individuals. They maintain limited contact with outsiders, and much about their lifestyle remains undocumented.

Nicobarese: The most assimilated among the tribes, the Nicobarese primarily reside in the Nicobar Islands. They practice agriculture and have largely integrated into mainstream society, with many converting to Christianity. Despite this, they maintain distinct cultural practices and a matriarchal social structure. 

The Indian government has implemented various measures to protect these tribes, including legal protections and the establishment of tribal reserves. Efforts are ongoing to balance their preservation with the pressures of modernization and external influences.

Protecting the tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands 

It is quite important to protect the tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar islands for several cultural, ethical, and ecological reasons as discussed below. Safeguarding these tribes is not just about protecting them but also about ensuring that the world respects and values its cultural and ecological diversity.

Cultural Heritage: These tribes represent some of the world’s oldest surviving human cultures, with unique languages, traditions, and ways of life that have remained largely untouched for thousands of years. Preserving them safeguards humanity's cultural diversity.

Anthropological Significance: Tribes like the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese offer invaluable insights into early human migration, adaptation, and survival strategies.

Rights and Autonomy: These indigenous tribes have the right to self-determination and to live according to their customs and traditions without external interference. Protecting them is a moral responsibility to ensure they aren’t exploited or marginalized.

Environmental Guardianship: These tribes live in harmony with nature and play a crucial role in preserving the delicate ecosystems of the islands. Their traditional practices contribute to the sustainability of biodiversity-rich areas.

Vulnerability to Exploitation: These tribes are vulnerable to exploitation from outside influences, including land encroachments, illegal tourism, and resource extraction. Protecting them helps prevent the loss of their land, culture, and autonomy.

Health Risks: Contact with outsiders exposes these tribes to diseases to which they have no immunity, leading to devastating consequences. Protection measures are necessary to prevent such health crises.

Legal and Ethical Mandates:  Indian laws, like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956, and international conventions advocate for the protection of indigenous populations and their habitats.

Preventing Cultural Extinction: Many of these tribes have very small populations, making them critically endangered. If not protected, their cultures and knowledge systems may disappear forever.