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Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India's Tropical Paradise
Wikipedia Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Andaman_and_Nicobar_Islands
Wikipedia Excerpt: "The Andaman and Nicobar Islands (/ˈændəmən/ and /nɪkəˈbɑːr/) is a union territory of India consisting of 572 islands, of which 37 are inhabited.1 They are at the junction of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea."
History
The history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is marked by isolation and late integration into the Indian mainland's narrative. Archaeological evidence suggests human habitation on these islands dating back several thousand years. The indigenous Andamanese tribes are believed to be among the oldest human populations in the world, having remained largely isolated for millennia.
The Nicobar Islands also have a long history of indigenous settlement, with distinct tribal groups and cultural practices.
The islands were known to various travelers and maritime powers over centuries, including the Marathas, the British, and others, but significant colonial presence began in the late 18th century when the British established a settlement and penal colony on South Andaman Island.2 This penal colony, later known as Cellular Jail, became infamous for housing Indian political prisoners during the independence movement.3
During World War II, the islands were briefly occupied by the Japanese.4 After India's independence in 1947, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands became a union territory. The islands have since been integrated into the Indian Union, though some tribal areas remain protected and restricted.5
Culture
The culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a fascinating mix of indigenous tribal traditions and the influences of settlers from mainland India.
The Andamanese tribes, including the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese, maintain their unique cultures, languages, and ways of life, largely isolated from the outside world.6 Their traditions encompass hunting, gathering, fishing, and distinct social structures.
The Nicobarese tribes, including the Nicobarese, Shompen, and others, have their own distinct languages and customs, often centered around their island environment and ancestral traditions.7
The settlers from mainland India, comprising people from various states, have brought their languages, religions, festivals, music, and dance forms, creating a diverse cultural mosaic, particularly in the more developed areas like Port Blair.
Art and Architecture
The art and architecture of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are largely influenced by the natural environment and the needs of the communities.8
Traditional tribal art often utilizes natural materials like wood, shells, and leaves, with intricate carvings and patterns reflecting their connection to nature and their ancestral beliefs.9
The colonial-era architecture, particularly in Port Blair, includes structures like the Cellular Jail, which stands as a stark reminder of the islands' past as a penal settlement.10 These buildings often feature brick and stone construction suited to the tropical climate.
Modern architecture in the islands is functional, focusing on resilience against cyclones and utilizing locally available materials where possible.11
Major Cities
The most significant urban center in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is:
- Port Blair: The capital and largest city, located on South Andaman Island.12 It serves as the administrative, commercial, and transportation hub of the union territory. According to the 2011 census, the population of Port Blair was around 100,608.13
Other significant settlements include Diglipur on North Andaman Island and small towns on other inhabited islands.
Temples and Palaces
Given the significant tribal population and the later arrival of mainland settlers, traditional grand palaces are absent. However, there are various temples and other religious places catering to the diverse religious beliefs of the settlers.14 Some notable temples in Port Blair include:
- Murugan Temple
- Lakshmi Narayan Temple
These temples serve as important community centers for the Hindu population.
Geography
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are an archipelago located in the Bay of Bengal, forming the southeasternmost part of India.15 The Andaman group consists of over 300 islands, while the Nicobar group comprises around 24 islands. The islands are largely hilly with tropical evergreen forests. The coastline is indented with bays, creeks, and mangrove swamps.16 The climate is tropical and humid, with heavy rainfall during the monsoon seasons.17 The islands are known for their rich biodiversity, including coral reefs, rainforests, and unique flora and fauna.18
People and Ethnicity
According to the 2011 census, the total population of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands was 380,581.19 The population comprises:
- Indigenous Tribal Groups: The Andamanese tribes (Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese) and the Nicobarese tribes (Nicobarese, Shompen). These groups are distinct and often have protected status. Their numbers are significantly smaller than the settler population.
- Settlers from Mainland India: A large part of the population consists of people who migrated from various parts of India, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, and Kerala.20 These settlers have brought their diverse languages, cultures, and religions.
The ethnic composition reflects a blend of ancient indigenous populations and more recent migrations.
Cuisine
The cuisine of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a mix of seafood, influenced by the cooking styles of the settlers from the Indian mainland, particularly Tamil and Bengali cuisine.21 Rice is a staple food.22 Popular dishes include:
- Seafood curries: Prepared with coconut milk and local spices.23
- Grilled and fried fish: Freshly caught from the surrounding sea.
- Bengali-style fish preparations.
- South Indian dishes: Like idli, dosa, and vada, popular among the settler population.
- Coconut-based dishes: Utilizing the abundant coconut.
Healthcare
The healthcare infrastructure in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is primarily government-run, with hospitals and primary health centers located on the inhabited islands.24 GB Pant Hospital in Port Blair is the main referral hospital. Efforts are ongoing to improve healthcare access in the remote island communities.25
Religions
The religious landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is diverse:
- Hinduism: The majority religion among the settlers from mainland India.
- Islam: A significant minority, primarily among settlers.26
- Christianity: Practiced by a smaller segment of the population.27
- Indigenous Tribal Religions: The tribal communities follow their own traditional beliefs and practices, often centered around nature and ancestral spirits.28
Tourism
Tourism is a vital and growing sector in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, attracted by their pristine beaches, coral reefs, water sports, and lush natural beauty. Popular tourist destinations include:
- Port Blair: Cellular Jail, Ross Island, North Bay Island (for water sports).
- Havelock Island (Swaraj Dweep): Famous for Radhanagar Beach and elephant beach.
- Neil Island (Shaheed Dweep): Known for its relaxed atmosphere and beaches.
- Baratang Island: Limestone caves and mud volcanoes.
However, access to some tribal areas is restricted to protect the indigenous populations and their way of life.
Waterways
Being an archipelago, waterways are crucial for transportation and connectivity between the islands. Ferries and boats are the primary means of transport for both locals and tourists.
Politics and Government
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a union territory administered by the President of India through a Lieutenant Governor who is based in Port Blair. The territory does not have its own legislative assembly. It sends one member to the Lok Sabha (lower house of the Indian Parliament). Local administration is carried out through panchayats and municipal bodies.
Transportation
Transportation within the islands and between them relies heavily on roadways and waterways. Air connectivity is also crucial.
Roads
The inhabited islands have road networks connecting settlements and key areas. Road transport is vital for local movement.
Airports
Veer Savarkar International Airport (IXZ) in Port Blair is the main airport, providing air connectivity to major cities in mainland India.
Rail Services
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not have any railway network due to their island geography and terrain.
Major Train Stations
Not applicable as there are no railways.
Bridges
Bridges connect some smaller islands or parts of larger islands, facilitating road transport.
Pilgrimages
While the islands have temples and churches visited by the local population, they are not major pilgrimage destinations of national significance. The natural beauty and historical sites are the primary draws for visitors.
Healthcare
(Information already covered in the Healthcare section)
IT Industry
The IT industry in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is in a very nascent stage. The remote location and connectivity challenges have limited its growth. The focus is primarily on providing basic internet access and supporting e-governance initiatives.
Hospitals
(Information already covered in the Healthcare section)
Colleges and Universities
The islands have a few colleges offering undergraduate and vocational courses, often affiliated with universities on the mainland. There are no universities located within the union territory.
Education System
The education system follows the national pattern. The administration runs schools on
Dams
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have a few small dams and reservoirs to provide water supply to settlements.
Fishing
Fishing is a crucial economic activity for the islanders, given the abundance of marine resources in the surrounding sea. Both commercial fishing and traditional fishing practices are prevalent. Seafood is a staple part of the local diet and a significant export.
Cattle Farming
Cattle farming is practiced on some islands to meet the local demand for milk and meat.
Agriculture
Agriculture is limited due to the hilly terrain and forest cover. Rice, coconuts, areca nuts, and spices are some of the main agricultural products.
Industries
The main industries in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are tourism, fishing, and forestry (with sustainable practices). There are also small-scale processing units for fish and agricultural products.
Food Industry
The food industry is primarily focused on processing seafood and local agricultural produce to meet the needs of the local population and the tourism sector.
Milk Industry
The milk industry is small-scale, mainly catering to local consumption through local production.
Automobile Industry
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands do not have any automobile manufacturing industry. The focus is on the import and sale of vehicles for local use.
Textile Industry
The textile industry is limited to small-scale handloom and handicraft production, catering to local needs and the tourism market.
