Andaman and Nicobar Tribes
Andaman and Nicobar Tribes
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to six indigenous tribes, classified based on racial and geographical distinctions:
Tribal Classification
| Region | Tribes | Race | PVTG Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Andaman Islands | 1. Great Andamanese | Negrito | Yes (PVTG) |
| 2. Onge | Negrito | Yes (PVTG) | |
| 3. Jarawa | Negrito | Yes (PVTG) | |
| 4. Sentinelese | Negrito | Yes (PVTG) | |
| Nicobar Islands | 5. Nicobarese | Mongoloid | No |
| 6. Shompen | Mongoloid | Yes (PVTG) |
Key Features of the Tribes
1. Negrito Tribes (Andaman)
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Great Andamanese: Once numerous, reduced by colonization, now confined to Strait Island.
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Onge: Hunter-gatherers on Little Andaman, preserve traditional lifestyle.
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Jarawa: Inhabit South and Middle Andaman; resist outside contact.
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Sentinelese: World's most isolated tribe, inhabit North Sentinel Island, fiercely reject contact.
2. Mongoloid Tribes (Nicobar)
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Nicobarese: Most populous tribe in the islands; practice agriculture, fishing, and hunting; not a PVTG.
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Shompen: Reside in Great Nicobar’s interior, are hunter-gatherers, and have shown openness to contact.
Important Facts
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PVTG Status: All tribes except Nicobarese are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
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Racial Difference:
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Negrito: Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese
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Mongoloid: Nicobarese, Shompen
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Only Mongoloid PVTG: Shompen
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Government Interventions:
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Targeted healthcare, communication, and social engagement
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Protection of tribal autonomy with minimal interference
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