Onge Tribe
The Onge tribe primarily resides on Little Andaman Island. They have often made their living through hunting, collecting and fishing. The distinctive language and traditions of the Onge tribe serve as a reflection of their unique identity. Over the years, they have experienced significant cultural disruptions due to shrinkage of reserved forest area, interactions with settlers and exposure to external influences. Despite this, they have managed to retain certain aspects of their traditional practices, such as hunting, fishing and utilising natural resources to sustain their community. Their forests were plundered due to poaching and logging and degraded through monoculture plantations and they were relocated to Dugong Creek in South Andaman in 1976.
Jarawa Tribe
The lush forests and abundant wildlife of the Jarawa people's ancestral territories hold a special place in their hearts. They inhabit the South and Middle Andaman Islands and have fiercely resisted contact with the outside world until the turn of the century. The Jarawa tribe has its own distinctive language, culture and rituals. They have had difficulties as a result of encroachment and poaching in their territories, but attempts are being made to safeguard their well-being, conserve their lands and preserve their cultural legacy. In the face of rapid modernisation, they face threats to their traditional lifestyle and territory.
Great Andamanese Tribe
The Great Andamanese were once a large group of distinct tribes (or Septs) residing on different islands spread through the Andaman Archipelago. Sadly, due to colonisation, the introduction of diseases and forced assimilation, not least to mention a battle with British (“Battle of Aberdeen”), their population dwindled dramatically. Once numbering up to around 6500, less than 40 members of the tribe remain on Strait Island today, a small island where they have been resettled. Efforts are being made to revive and preserve their language and cultural heritage through community initiatives.
Sentinelese Tribe
Perhaps the most isolated tribe on the planet, the Sentinelese live on North Sentinel Island and have remained virtually untouched by modern civilisation. Their hostility towards outsiders is well-documented, as they fiercely protect their land and independence. Consequently, very little is known about their language, culture and beliefs, making them one of the most enigmatic tribes in the world. They have been known to fire warning arrows at all visitors who approach their territory, and a few ill-advised explorers and poachers have also lost their lives recently in illegal contact attempts.
Nicobari Tribe
The Nicobari, or Nicobarese, have typically relied on farming, fishing and hunting as their main sources of food. The Nicobari tribe possesses a distinctive language, artistic expression and customs that have been handed down through the ages. The Nicobarese are the largest indigenous community in the Nicobar Islands, and they inhabit several islands in the Nicobar archipelago. With a population of over 30,000, the Nicobarese are known for their rich cultural heritage. They have their language, religion, and traditions that are an amalgamation of various influences. Their livelihood revolves around agriculture, fishing and weaving. The Nicobarese are known for their intricate and beautiful handicrafts, including distinctive palm leaf mats and baskets. They have slowly been integrating into the mainstream and several members work in administrative capacities today.
Shompen Tribe
The Shompen people reside primarily in the interiors of Great Nicobar Island. They have managed to maintain their distinct culture and lifestyle, although contact with other communities has increased in recent years. They have traditionally been semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers but have recently been observed rearing pigs and maintaining small farms. Preserving their unique language and customs remains a critical challenge for their cultural continuity. They continue to be comparatively poorly studied and understood because of their seclusion and minimal contact with the outside world.
