Andamans Jarawa Tribe

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to many tribes and the Jarawa tribe is definitely one of them. This is basically a tribe related to the actual tribe of the community of Negrito. Situated right in the western section of the Southern and Middle Andaman, this tribe has a lot of amazing activities and practices that most people need to know about. Hence, in this article, we are going to provide some information about the Jarawa tribe. 

History of Andaman Jarawa Tribe 

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are one of the union territories in India. This union territory has many important tribes situated in the area. It is said that there are about 6 different tribal groups in the Andaman. Here we are going to talk a little about the Jarawa tribe. The tribe has been in existence for about 55 thousand years. However, in the present times, the number of people has fairly declined in the tribe. It is speculated that the number of people present these days in the Jarawa tribe is just 380 in total. 

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One of the most important things to keep in mind about India is that it is a really diverse country. Hence, the states as well as the union territories of India boast of a very diverse and rich population. While there are people living in cities and roaming in expensive cars, there are still some people who reside in the village areas. Not to mention that there are also some people who have their residence in primitive locations. One such group of people would have to be the Jarawa tribe in Andaman. 

This is a tribe that tends to still collect food by hunting. Not to mention that the people of the tribe also tend to live in herds. There is a particular location where the Jarawa tribe resides and that location is now properly declared as a unique Tribal Reserve Area. This was done according to the official notification in the year 1979. 

Different Tribes In Andaman 

In order to provide some information about the populations of Andaman Jarawa Tribe, we have provided a list of all the important tribes that tend to reside in the Andaman area along with the population. There are some tribes that tend to have very few people. This is due to the lack of resources that they tend to have. The Jarawa tribe has been around for more than 55 thousand years in total. However, the population of this particular tribe doesn’t really show up to be that much.  

Interesting Facts About Andaman Jarawa Tribe 

In order to provide some more information on the Jarawa tribe and the activities that they participate in, we are going to provide you with a list of interesting facts about the Andaman Jarawa tribe. 

• It is a fact known to most people that this particular Jarawa tribe has been in residence in the Andaman Islands for about 55,000 years in total. 

• The people belonging to the Andaman Jarawa Tribe have their actual origin back in Africa. 

• This particular tribe is one that is considered to be amongst the oldest of the tribes in the entire islands. 

• However, with the decline in the number of people inhabiting the tribe, it can be said without a single speck of doubt that the Jarawa tribe will be extinct in a very short period of time. The total number of people left in the tribe is just 380 according to the 2011 census. 

• The people belonging to the tribe of Jarawa still tend to use bows and arrows when they are hunting for crabs and fish for their food. 

• People belonging to this particular tribe consume pork with relish. The activity of hunting for the meat of the pig is always done in herds. 

• According to the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, it is legally prohibited to take any pictures of the tribe or the members or post any videos about them on the sites of social networking as it is considered an offense. The punishment for such a crime is prison time for about 3 years. 

• According to the Section 3(1) mentioned in the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2016, in case a person tried to enter the area that is reserved by the Jarawa tribe in an illegal manner without permission or takes their photograph without permission or videotapes them without permission, the person will be deemed a criminal and will have to go for trial and accept punishment. There is also a chance that there might be a huge fee of about Rs. 10000 for the punishment. Hence, the Jarawa tribe reserved area is also known as the zone of no entry. 

• According to the history of Andaman Jarawa Tribe, it was provided by different facilities by the government in the local area for the people to live in. However, this offer by the government was rejected by almost all of the people of the tribe. There were a few people belonging to the Jarawa tribe who came right out of the area that they lived in. 

• There is a presence of just 1 trunk road of Andaman across this particular area. To reach the Jarawa reserved area, the vehicles have to pass together and they should stop because that is also not allowed. It might be a bit surprising to know but there is a ‘ban’ that is imposed on the tourists to stay in the area of the Jarawa tribe. 

• Even the people from the army tend to be very careful when they are crossing through the Jarawa area. This is due to the fact that people belonging to the tribe might be able to launch an attack on the tourists with their bows, arrows, and spears basically at any given time. So, it is important to be on alert while visiting the reserved area. 

• The people who are members of the Jarawa tribe have not yet accepted clothes as a part of their culture. Hence, they tend to live without it. However, due to their constant contact with tourists from different parts of the world, it is seen that some of the Jarawas tend to wear some clothes to cover their bodies. 

• It is a very important thing to keep in mind that the people in this particular tribe tend to have a lot of fun singing. Hence, they tend to have their celebrations by singing and dancing in harmony and playing their traditional musical instruments as well. 

• A very essential fact about the Jarawa tribe is that the people residing in this tribe have very high immunity. 

Not to mention that most people tend to have expertise in the knowledge of herbs as well. Hence, they are able to properly live in the forest area without having any medical knowledge or assistance of some kind. These interesting facts about the Andaman Jarawa tribe will help you get an idea about the lifestyle and culture of these tribes in the union territory.