|  Aboriginal Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands | There are 6 aboriginal tribes in Andaman & Nicobar islands.
| | | 1. Great Andamanese
2. Onge
3. Jarawa
3. Nicobarese
4. Shompen
5. Chowra
6. Sentinelese |
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Andaman & Nicobar Islands are the abode of probably the most primitive tribes of the world. Out of the 6 aboriginal tribes inhabiting these Islands five, namely, the Shompens, the Onges, the Great Andamanese, the Sentinelese and the Jarawas are primitive tribes. The Shompens are Mongoloids and inhabit the Great Nicobar Island whereas the other four primitive tribes are Negritos inhabiting the Andaman Islands. All the tribals are non-vegetarians.
To prevent the primitive tribes from the exploitation by the outsiders the area inhabited by the primitive tribes has been declared as tribal reserve area. Any person entering into the reserve area without permission is liable for punishment with imprisonment and fine. Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) which is an autonomous body who look after the welfare of these primitive tribes.
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| Total Tribal Population : | | Jarawa ~200
Shompens ~200
Onge 103
Great Andamanese 38
Sentinelese ~100 | | |
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 1. Great Andamanese :
In reported history when they were first found in Andaman group they were only 10 in number, which gradually reduced to only 3. Due to the decreasing population the Andaman and Nicobar Administration decided to colonize the tribes at a separated and isolated Straight island. Their population has grown to a number of 38 at present. They are Negroid and they speak their own Zihru dialect. Since Andaman group of Island is very accessible, the culture of Great Andamanese is greatly affected by outside modern world. The popularity of Hindi movies and film-stars is one such example of outside influence. In spite of the all influences they still have retained much of their traditional cultures and customs. They are superstitious , for instance they believe that by chopping palm leaves into the sea water they are able to keep the sea storms away.
The Great Andamanese are good artisans and they are comfortable with both traditional and modern tools. They prepare their own ornaments, baskets, tools and Earthen pots. The ornaments they wear is made up of leaves, barks, and shells which is worn during traditional functions and dances. They have their own system and practice of medicine for instance for chronic back aches they pierce their body with a small piece of glass in a belief that it will drain off the bad blood from the person and thus relieve him/her from the pain. Before the advent of glass pointed stones were used for the purpose of piercing.
The new generation is sent to school and few of the local youth have been absorbed into Govt. jobs in the Island itself.
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a | 2. Jarawa :
Jarawa tribes were the most feared tribals among all the aborigines of these Island group till 1995-96. Jarawa's are of Negrito origin and are short heighted. The live in protected areas in Middle and South Andaman and Interview Island. It was said earlier that one who encountered the Jarawas never lived to tell the tale to anyone. They threw poisonous arrows. The word "Jarawa" is given by the Great Andamanese people which means "The other People". Various human expeditions were undertaken in those days near the interview island , where the expedition team left eatables, red cloth, coconuts and plastic goods as gifts for the Jarawas.
All the description is now a recent past as now they have understood that humans are not their enemies. Though till now officially nothing significant have been published about them, just in a notion to prevent their exploitation. Photography inside the Jarawa reserve area is strictly forbidden though a visit towards Middle Andaman will give one a chance to have a glimpse of Jarawas. The Jarawas are excellent craftsmen as evidenced by the skill of making various metal tools and arrows. They are fond of Red clothes though majority of them are found nude. As for food they are non-vegetarians and they mostly eat pork. It is known that the Jarawas do not kill deers for food. Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS) looks after all their basic needs like food, health and housing.
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n | 3. Onge :
The Onge's are negrito tribe residing in Little Andaman. According to 1971 census they were 117 in number which have shown little variation till then. They live at 2 different colonies : 'South Bay' and 'Dugoncreek' in Little Andaman. South Bay is accessible via land route passing through Harminder Bay which is only a few kilometres away from Hutbay-the main market place of Little Andaman. Official permission is required to visit the Onges. The best vehicle to reach South Bay is a Tractor as there is no defined roadway. Dugoncreek is a isolated place which is accessible only by water route.
While the Onge men go out to the forest for hunting , the women will stay back at home and search the local area for roots and tubers under the soil. They have little interest in cultivation as agriculture was unknown to them before contact with modern world. Tobacco and alcohol is very popular among the Onge, which was readily accepted by them as gift from outside world. Few years ago they did not even boiled their food because the concept of cooking was again unknown to them. They use bows and arrows to catch fish along the shallow sea coasts, the fishing line and fishing net is still not popular among them. The local delicacy is honey : The Onges rub some special herbs to avoid the bee stings while they collect the honey from the hives. Hair dressing is done with the help of sea shells as razors.
The Onge children now go to school and they speak Hindi. The Department of agriculture has helped them to raise local crops and huge coconuts plantations. |
andaman nicobar
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