History
Andamanese tribes are of the islands of Andaman.
These Indian tribes are a part of negrito tribal family. With quite a hetitlehy
population, Andamanese tribes of India were once on the verge of extinct. Population
status of these tribal people is not much known but,they are known for a unique
culture, physical stature and occupation. These tribes of India had several sub groups
but most of them disappeared over a period of time. The population of the tribes of
Andaman and Nicobar Islands is quite negligible. The Nicobarese tribe men count upto
30,000. | |
Onges are one of the most primitive tribes in India. The Onges are inhabiting the
Little Andaman Island. This Hunting and Gathering tribe has also been settled by the
Andaman & Nicobar Administration at Dugong Creek and South Bay on Little Andaman
Island at present. Coconut plantation has been raised for the benefit of Onges. Medical
care, free ration etc. are being provided at these two Settlement by the
Administration. Onges go for hunting and fishing occasionally. The present population
of Onges is 105.
They were once the largest in population among the various tribes
inhabiting the Andaman Islands. Their estimated population in 1789 was 10,000. By 1901,
their number had decreased to 625 and by 1969 their number had decreased to 19 only.
According to the Census of 1971, only 24 of them survived, but by 1999 their number has
increased to 41. The Administration is doing its best to protect and preserve these
tribes. These tribals have been rehabilitated in a small island named Strait Island.
The Great Andamanese are foragers. Some of them cultivate vegetables. Of late, they
have established poultry farms. They are exposed to highly communicable diseases
besides unhetitlehy drinking habits which of course are acquired after contact with the
monbund urban dominant and advanced communities.
Place /Location (then and now)
|
Andamanese & Nicobar Island |
Population |
30000 |
Languages spoken |
Jeru, Khora and Andamani Hindi |
Food |
rice, wheat, dal, chapati |
Culture
|
The diverse culture of these tribes of India is a unique
feature. Men amongst the Great Andamanese tribes wear narrow belts or girdles of
hibiscus fiber. They usually have a heavy body, so it suits their personality. You can
also see weapons tucked into their belts when they go for hunting. The women folk of
these tribes of India have a typical tribal dress sense. Branches of leaves cut into
stripes held by belt of pandanus leaves and tail skirt amongst the girls form the dress
code of women of Andamanese tribes of India. A distinctive feature of women of these
tribes of India is their painted bodies. |
Occupation
Hunting is the main source of food and occupation with these tribes of
India. Moreover these tribes in India also cultivate vegetables and run poultry farm
for their livelihood.
People
|
The Great Andamanese tribe is settled presently on the
Strait Island by the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. This was the largest tribe
earlier before the establishment of Penal Settlement in Andaman Islands. Various
diseases including influenza etc. took large toll and the population was reduced to
present 44 individuals only. The Administration has provided to the Andamanese houses
and raised Coconut Plantation. Further free ration including cloths is also being
provided to them. As such, Andamanese are no longer a nomadic tribe. However, they do
sometime go for hunting and fishing. |
Food
These
tribes of India eat almost all the variety of food. Andamanese tribes usually eat rice,
wheat, dal, chapati etc. Besides this, Great Andamanese tribes also prefer non
vegetarian stuff such as fish, turtle eggs, crabs, roots, seeds and tubers. Pork and
Andaman water monitor lizard are the prime eat up of Andamanese tribes of India. Today,
they eat rice, dal chapati and other modern food articles. They can cook food with an
assortment of spices. At times, they still go for hunting and gathering. As aquatic
people, they relish octopus, molluscs taken out from shell marine animals like turban
shell, scorpion shell, sundial, helmet, trochus and screw shell besides various types
of crabs and fish.
Language
These
tribes of India are generally known for three absolutely different types of language
they speak. Jeru, Khora and Andamani Hindi are the major languages spoken by Andamanese
tribes of India.
Festivals
A fortnight long festival organized by the Andaman &
Nicobar Administration every year gives a festive look to the Islands. Govt. agencies
and private entrepreneurs from the islands and Mainland India also attend the
exhibition organized during the festival. The exhibition highlights the developmental
aspects of these islands. Cultural troupes and artistes of national and international
fame are invited to perform during the festival apart from performances by the talents
of these islands including tribals. | |
Tribes in India | Bagri tribes,Banjara tribes, Ahir tribes, Asur tribes, Bodo tribes, Hmar tribes, Bhutia tribes, Andamanese
tribes | | Khasi tribes, Bhil tribes, Gaddi tribes, Dhodia tribes, Angami tribes, Chakmas tribe, Oran tribe, Chenchu tribe, Santhal tribe, Chenchu tribe, Jarawa
tribe | | Gujjar tribes,Khond tribes,Munda tribes,Naga tribes, Gonda tribes, Lalung tribes, Chamar tribes, Toda tribes |
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