Culture of Andaman and Nicobar: A Hidden Gem

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officialadotrip
June 18, 2025
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The culture of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a fascinating fusion of indigenous tribal heritage, colonial influences, and modern Indian ethos. Nestled in the Bay of Bengal, this archipelago of over 500 islands is not only famous for its scenic beauty and pristine beaches but also for its rich and diverse cultural tapestry that remains largely unexplored by many.

From the traditions of its native tribes like the Great Andamanese and the Jarwas to the multicultural lifestyle adopted from mainland settlers, the islands are a cultural confluence that deserves a closer look. In this blog, we explore what makes the culture of Andaman and Nicobar truly unique — from tribal traditions and local festivals to art, cuisine, and everyday life.

Historical Background of the Islands

The islands have a long history dating back thousands of years. Archaeological findings suggest human habitation on the islands for over 2,000 years. The early settlers were the indigenous tribes who continue to live here with minimal interaction with the outside world.

During colonial times, the islands became infamous as the “Kalapani” penal colony under British rule, where political prisoners were exiled. The historical influence of various rulers and settlers — including the British, Japanese (during WWII), and Indian independence activists — left an imprint on the islands’ evolving culture.

Indigenous Tribes: The Soul of Andaman and Nicobar Culture

The most distinctive aspect of the Culture of Andaman and Nicobar is the presence of six major tribes:

Great Andamanese
Jarwa
Sentinelese
Onge
Shompens
Nicobarese

1. Great Andamanese

Once the dominant tribe, their population has now dwindled to less than 50. They have moved from hunting-gathering to a more settled lifestyle with assistance from the Indian government.

2. Jarwa

The Jarwas are semi-nomadic and prefer to live in isolation. They inhabit the Middle and South Andaman Islands and still depend on traditional hunting and gathering.

3. Sentinelese

Living on North Sentinel Island, they are one of the last uncontacted peoples on Earth. The Indian government protects their isolation by enforcing strict laws to prevent external contact.

4. Onge

Inhabiting the Little Andaman Island, the Onge tribe also leads a hunter-gatherer lifestyle and is considered highly vulnerable due to their limited population.

5. Shompens

One of the major tribes in Nicobar, the Shompens live in the forests of Great Nicobar Island and follow a subsistence lifestyle.

6. Nicobarese

Unlike other tribes, the Nicobarese are more open to interaction and have adopted many aspects of modern life, though they still retain their unique traditions and language.

These tribes form the core of the islands’ identity and their protection is central to preserving the cultural legacy of the region.

Linguistic Diversity

The islands host a medley of languages. Indigenous tribes speak their native dialects, some of which are now endangered. Among settlers, languages like Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Punjabi are commonly spoken.

The official languages are Hindi and English, but the cultural richness is embedded in the linguistic diversity that bridges both mainland and tribal identities.

Festivals and Celebrations

Despite the remote location, the people of Andaman and Nicobar celebrate a vibrant range of festivals, both tribal and mainland in origin.

Tribal Celebrations

Ossuary Feast (Nicobarese): Held to honor the dead, this feast involves music, dance, and communal gatherings.
Pig Festival: A unique ritual where pigs are sacrificed to appease spirits or gods.

Mainstream Indian Festivals

Diwali and Durga Puja are celebrated with enthusiasm by mainland settlers.
Island Tourism Festival: A 10-day cultural extravaganza held annually in Port Blair. It showcases the rich traditions, folk dances, food, and art of both tribal and settler communities.

Dance, Music, and Art

Music and dance are an integral part of both tribal and settler cultures.

Tribal Dances

The Nicobarese perform traditional dances during the Ossuary Feast and weddings.
Rhythmic drumming and storytelling through movement are common among the Onges and Shompens.

Settler Influence

Folk dances from Tamil Nadu, Bengal, and Andhra Pradesh are often performed during public events.
Bhangra, Garba, and other popular Indian dances are part of school and community functions.

Artisanal crafts such as coconut shell carving, wood carving, and shell jewelry are highly valued and sold as souvenirs, often reflecting tribal motifs and beliefs.

Traditional Attire and Jewelry

Tribal communities wear minimal or handmade clothing, using bark, leaves, and cloth. The Nicobarese, however, have embraced modern attire mixed with traditional accessories.

Shell jewelry, beads, feathers, and tattoos are often worn as part of cultural identity. Settlers wear regular Indian clothing, but often adopt lighter fabrics due to the tropical climate.

Culinary Landscape

The cuisine of Andaman and Nicobar is a delightful blend of tribal simplicity and mainland diversity.

Tribal Food

Primarily consists of fish, roots, wild fruits, and occasionally meat.
Food is cooked using age-old techniques like roasting over an open fire.

Settler Cuisine

Seafood is a staple, especially crab curry, prawn malai curry, and fish fry.
South Indian dishes like dosa and idli are commonly available.
Bengali sweets, Punjabi parathas, and Tamil curries all feature in the local diet.

Lifestyle and Livelihood

Fishing, agriculture, and tourism form the backbone of the economy. Coconut, areca nut, and rice cultivation is common. Handicrafts and local products like coir, shell artifacts, and bamboo goods are promoted under government schemes.

While tribal communities follow a subsistence lifestyle, settlers are engaged in education, tourism, and government employment.

Religious and Spiritual Beliefs

Religious diversity is respected and visible through temples, churches, and mosques across the islands. Tribes have their own animistic beliefs and worship natural elements like the sea, sun, and spirits of ancestors.

The Nicobarese have shown a unique blend of Christianity and tribal traditions. The Sentinelese and Jarwas, however, follow their ancient, undocumented spiritual systems.

Modern Influence and Challenges

The increasing interaction with the mainland has brought both benefits and concerns:

Positives:

Improved education and healthcare access.
Exposure to new opportunities and better infrastructure.

Challenges:

Cultural erosion among tribes.
Threats to indigenous languages.
Environmental degradation due to tourism and modernization.

Efforts by the Indian government, NGOs, and anthropologists continue to balance development with cultural preservation.

FAQs: Culture of Andaman and Nicobar

1. What are the major tribes in Andaman and Nicobar?
The major tribes include Great Andamanese, Jarwa, Onge, Sentinelese, Shompens, and Nicobarese.

2. Is the culture of Andaman and Nicobar influenced by other parts of India?
Yes, settlers from Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and other states have blended their cultures into the islands’ lifestyle.

3. Are tribal people in Andaman and Nicobar friendly to outsiders?
Some tribes like the Nicobarese are welcoming, but others like the Sentinelese are protected and isolated by law.

4. What language is spoken in Andaman and Nicobar?
Hindi and English are official, but Tamil, Bengali, Malayalam, and tribal dialects are also spoken.

5. What festivals are celebrated in the islands?
Island Tourism Festival, Diwali, Durga Puja, and tribal festivals like the Ossuary Feast are celebrated.

6. What kind of food is popular in the islands?
Seafood dominates, along with South Indian, Bengali, and tribal dishes.

7. Are there traditional dances in Andaman and Nicobar?
Yes, tribal and mainland folk dances are performed during festivals and events.

8. What are the main occupations in the islands?
Fishing, agriculture, tourism, and government jobs are common.

9. How do tribes preserve their culture?
Through language, rituals, traditional attire, and isolation in some cases.

10. How is the culture of Andaman and Nicobar protected?
Through government policies, tribal welfare programs, and controlled tourism.

Final Thoughts

The culture of Andaman and Nicobar is a hidden gem that offers a rare glimpse into the soul of India’s untouched heritage. Its tribal communities, vibrant festivals, linguistic diversity, and fusion cuisine make it a fascinating destination for culturally curious travelers.

While modernization has touched the islands, the essence of its ancient traditions remains intact — reminding us of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. For those looking to experience a blend of the primal and the contemporary, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are truly a cultural treasure trove.