History of Andaman and Nicobar

The history of Andaman is still a mystery to many. No one actually knows when and how the first inhabitants came to the island. The earliest archeological evidence yet documented goes back some 2,200 years. However, genetic and cultural studies suggest that the indigenous Andaman people may have been isolated from other populations since the middle Paleolithic (old stone age). In that time, the Andamanese may have diversified into distinct linguistic, cultural and territorial groups, now known as tribes.

The fist empire to list the islands under its territory was the Maratha Empire. Rajendra Chola one of the Chola dynasty kings, conquered the islands to use it as its strategical navy base against the Sriwijaya empire (located in Indonesia). They called the islands Tinmaittivu or the impure islands.

Andaman and Nicobar have rich history dating back since 800 BC. These Islands are one of the famous Islands in the world and they have the best beaches in India. This must visit destination is a good place for vacationing but let us learn a thing or two about this paradise. The indigenous population called Andamanese and Nicobarese inhabit these Islands. The Islands of Andaman and Nicobar have five indigenous tribes that are still living in these parts like Jharwas (Jarawas), Onges, The Great Andamanese, Shompens, Sentenelese. The common languages they spoke were Onge, Andamanese, Sentinelese, Jarawa and Nicobarese.

In addition to the tribal’s of the Island, it was believed that the Andaman Islands were descendants of African slaves that arrived in this Island after a shipwreck while being carried on board on a Portuguese ship, however, most of the anthropologist's sum-up with the fact that they are not Negros but Negritos. For years, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have seen many faces from India’s First War of Independence that took place in the year 1857 to the Japanese Invasion during the 2nd World War. But with the coming of Indian Independence in the year 1947, these islands Andaman and Nicobar were united with the Indian mainstream.

Today, you will find, its past relics, artefacts and ruins around the Island, in the museum of Cellular Jail in Andaman. For ages, the Andamans have been nicknamed as Kala Paani because of its cellular Jail. Earlier, Andaman used to be a prison central to take away the prisoners far from the mainland. Today, this Cellular Jail sources as a prime attraction for tourists.