Tribes of Andaman

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The Andaman Islands are home to some of the world’s oldest and most unique indigenous tribes, each with a rich cultural legacy and deep connection to the forests and seas of the archipelago. These tribes are primarily classified into two groups—Negrito tribes and Mongoloid tribes—each with distinct traditions, languages, and lifestyles. The Negrito tribes include the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, and Sentinelese, believed to have lived in the islands for over 30,000 to 60,000 years. The Great Andamanese were once the largest tribe but have drastically reduced in number due to disease and colonial impact; today, they live in limited settlements with government support. The Jarawa, known for their hunter-gatherer lifestyle, inhabit the dense forests of South and Middle Andaman and maintain limited contact with the outside world. The Onge, residing mainly in Little Andaman, are semi-nomadic and continue their traditional fishing and foraging practices. The Sentinelese, considered one of the most isolated tribes on Earth, inhabit North Sentinel Island and fiercely resist any contact, preserving their ancient way of life completely untouched by modern civilization. The Mongoloid tribes—the Nicobarese and Shompen—live in the Nicobar group of islands. The Nicobarese are the most socially developed among Andaman’s tribes, practicing agriculture, coconut farming, and fishing, and having their own village-level governance systems. The Shompen, residing in the deep jungles of Great Nicobar, remain semi-nomadic and maintain minimal contact with outsiders. Together, these tribes form a vital part of Andaman’s cultural identity, offering deep insights into human evolution, survival, and harmony with nature. Strict protective laws ensure their culture and habitat remain preserved, making them an invaluable and irreplaceable part of the islands’ heritage.