Jarawas - The Indigenous Nomadic Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Abstract

Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a place of historical Caliber and has an admirable scenic beauty which is predominantly known as “Kalapani” and often use to call as Mini India. Andaman and Nicobar Islands is an important union territory of India comprising 572 Islands of which only 38 are inhabited. The islands are situated between Bay of Bengal to the west and the Andaman Sea to the east.  These islands are two group of islands – the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, covering an area of 8,249 sq. km. Both group of Islands are separated by Ten Degree Channel. The heartbeat of this island lies in its indigenous tribes and there were more than 12 tribal groups and among them only six are surviving presently like Great Andamanese, Nicobarese, Shompen, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese. Jarawas are one of the oldest surviving tribes of the world and Andaman Archipelago is the home to this Negrito tribes. Jarawas have a short stature, dark skin and spring like curly hair. They are primarily hunters – gatherers and the most isolated tribes. They are dwelling in the west coast and regions of south and middle Andaman. Their area has been notified as “Jarawa Reserve” under the Andaman and Nicobar Islands protection of Aboriginal Tribes Regulation 1956. Till now they are at the primitive stage of life on earth. They entirely depend upon the forest and sea for food. and This study attempts to know about Jarawa, their origin, lifestyle, hostility, challenges and their rehabilitation.