The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, one of the most beautiful places in India are famous for blue sea water and clean beaches and tall trees and peaceful nature. But the beauty of these islands is not only in nature. The beauty is also in the people who live here. Some of the oldest people in the world live here. These people are called tribes.

Many people ask how many tribes in Andaman and Nicobar. The answer is six. These six tribes have lived here for thousands of years. They have their own language, their own way of living and their own rules. Some of them mix with modern people while some live away from everyone.

In this article we will learn about these tribes. We will learn their history, their way of living, their problems and why they are special. We will also see how a travel company like Go Andaman Holidays can help tourists enjoy the islands in a safe and easy way.

The Tribes of Andaman and Nicobar

We already know that the islands of Andaman and Nicobar are found in the Bay of Bengal. They are made up of many small and big islands. Among these islands live six main tribes. The list of tribes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is given here:

• Great Andamanese
• Onge
• Jarwa
• Sentinelese
• Nicobarese
• Shompens

The first four tribes are called the tribes of Andaman. The last two tribes are called the tribes of Nicobar. Each tribe is different from the other. They eat different food, they speak different languages and they live in different ways.

The tribes of Andaman like Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarwa and Sentinelese are very old. Many experts believe they came from Africa more than sixty thousand years ago. The tribes of Nicobar like Nicobarese and Shompens are different. They are connected to people from Southeast Asia. This shows that the islands were linked with the world in very old times.

History of the Tribes

• The history of Andaman and Nicobar tribes is very long. For thousands of years they lived alone on the islands. They did not meet people from outside. They hunted animals, caught fish and lived with nature.
• Later sailors and traders came to the islands. After that the British also came. This changed the lives of the tribes. Some tribes started meeting outsiders. Others like the Sentinelese stayed away.
• During the time of the British many Indian prisoners were sent to these islands. This brought more trouble for the tribes. They became sick with new diseases. They also lost much of their land. Many of them died.
• Now the government protects them. Strong rules are made so no one can disturb them. Some tribes like the Nicobarese mix with modern people. Others like the Sentinelese remain fully away from the world.

Culture and Traditions

The tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands have simple but rich culture. They all live close to nature. Each tribe has its own life style.

Great Andamanese

They were once the largest tribe but unfortunately today only a few families are left. They eat fish, turtles, crabs and fruits from the forest.

Onge

The Onge live on Little Andaman and are hunters and gatherers. They eat fish, honey, roots and fruits. They believe in nature and live in small groups.

Jarwa

The Jarwa live in the forest of Middle Andaman and South Andaman. They use bows and arrows. They hunt wild pigs and collect honey and fruits. They avoid outsiders.

Sentinelese

The Sentinelese live on North Sentinel Island. They are very secretive. They do not allow anyone to come near them. They protect themselves with bows and arrows. They are among the most isolated people on earth.

Nicobarese

The Nicobarese live in Nicobar Islands. Unlike most of the other tribes they are friendly and mix with other people. They grow crops like coconut, banana and yam. They build huts on stilts and have their own festivals.

Shompens

The Shompens live in Nicobar. They are shy and avoid contact. They live in forests and depend on hunting and some farming.

Social Life and Beliefs

• The social life of these tribes is simple. They live in groups or villages. They share food and help each other.
• Most of them believe that the forest, the sea and the sky give them life. They respect nature. Their songs, dances and traditions are about nature.
• The Nicobarese celebrate festivals with dance and music. They exchange gifts like coconuts and pigs. The Jarwa and Onge live quietly in the forest.

Problems Faced by the Tribes

The Andaman and Nicobar tribes face many problems today:

• They are losing their land because of towns and new roads.
• They suffer from new diseases when they meet outsiders.
• Their population is becoming smaller every year.
• Tourism and development put pressure on their lifestyle.
• Their languages and culture may slowly disappear.

To protect them the government has made strict laws. Nobody is allowed to enter tribal areas. The Sentinelese are fully protected and no one is allowed to meet them.

Why the Tribes Are Important

• The tribes of Andaman and Nicobar are very special. They are living examples of old human history. They show how humans lived thousands of years ago before modern life started. They remind us that man and nature must stay close together.
• Scientists study about their habits and behavioural patterns to learn about migration and human culture. But at the same time it is important to let them live in peace. They must not be disturbed by outsiders.

Tourism and Learning About the Tribes

• Tourists cannot meet the tribes directly. It is not safe and not allowed. But tourists can still learn about them. They can visit museums in Port Blair like the Anthropological Museum. This museum shows the life, culture and history of all six tribes.
• However there are many tourists who would just like to enjoy the scenic beauty of the plce. They can enjoy clear beaches, green forests and many fun activities. Many people enjoy water sports in Andaman like scuba diving and snorkeling. Tourists can also travel by Andaman ferry to visit nearby islands.

How Go Andaman Holidays Helps Tourists

• When you plan a trip to the islands you need the right guidance. Go Andaman Holidays is the best choice. They are known as the best travel agent in Andaman. They make your trip safe, easy and full of joy.
• Go Andaman Holidays can book your ferry tickets. They can also arrange Andaman taxi service for easy travel. They take care of hotel bookings and sightseeing. They also arrange island tours and water sports.
• They know the rules about tribal areas. They will guide you about what is allowed and what is not allowed. They will also help you learn about the culture of the islands in a safe way.
• They plan complete packages for couples, families or solo travelers. They also make sure that tourists do not disturb the tribes or their land.

FAQs

Q1. How many tribes in Andaman and Nicobar?

There are six tribes. Four in Andaman and two in Nicobar.

Q2. Where can tourists learn about the tribes?

They can visit the Anthropological Museum in Port Blair and other exhibitions.

Q3. Why are these tribes important?

They are very old and show us how humans lived long ago.

Q4. What problems do the tribes face?

They face loss of land, diseases, smaller population and risk to their culture.

Q5. Are the tribes friendly?

Some like the Nicobarese are friendly. Others like the Sentinelese avoid outsiders.

Q6. Can tourists enter tribal areas?

No. No one can enter tribal areas. They are protected.

Q7. How does Go Andaman Holidays help travelers?

They plan trips and book ferries and arrange hotels and provide taxi service in Andaman. They also explain the culture and history of the islands.

Conclusion

Now we know the answer to the question how many tribes in Andaman and Nicobar. There are six tribes. Four of them live in the Andaman Islands and two live in the Nicobar Islands.

The Great Andamanese and Onge and Jarwa and Sentinelese belong to the Andaman group. The Nicobarese and Shompens belong to the Nicobar group. Each of them has a unique life and culture. Some live with modern people but some live away from the world.

Tourists cannot meet them but can still learn about them from museums and exhibitions. At the same time tourists can enjoy the beauty of the islands and take part in water sports and ferry trips.

With the help of Go Andaman Holidays every traveler can enjoy a safe and smooth trip. They arrange ferries and hotels and taxi service and sightseeing. They also explain the history and culture of the islands.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not only about beaches and forests. They are also about people who have lived here for thousands of years. The tribes make the islands truly unique.