UncategorizedIntroduction
The Andaman & Nicobar Islands lie in the Bay of Bengal, part of India. These islands aren’t just beautiful—they’ve seen ancient tribes, colonial prisons, wartime struggles, and more. Their history is full of surprises worth exploring.
1. First People: Ancient Tribes
For around 30,000 years, local tribes like the Great Andamanese, Jarwa, Onge, Shompen, and Sentinelese lived here. They hunted, fished, and stayed mostly isolated, keeping their own languages and traditions.
2. Early Mentions in Ancient Travel Records
As early as the 1st century CE, these islands appear in traveling records like the Periplus. Marco Polo, in the 13th century, called them “Necuverann.” This shows the islands were known to traders long ago.
3. Cholas & Marathas: Strategic Outposts
Around 1050 CE, the Chola king Rajendra I used the islands, calling them “Ma‑Nakkavaram,” for naval operations. Later, in the 17th century, the Maratha navy briefly used them as a shipping base.
4. European Efforts: Danish, Austrian, British
In 1755, the Danish East India Company tried to settle in the Nicobar Islands, calling them New Denmark. Their efforts failed due to disease. In 1789, the British set up a prison settlement near Port Blair, though illness forced them to leave by 1796.
5. British Prison Colony: Cellular Jail
After the 1857 revolt, the British sent hundreds of Indian prisoners to the islands. From 1896 to 1906, they built the infamous Cellular Jail (Kala Pani) in Port Blair—a harsh prison for freedom fighters.
6. World War II: Japanese Rule & Netaji
During 1942–45, Japan occupied the islands. In December 1943, Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose hoisted the Indian flag and renamed some islands “Shaheed” and “Swaraj” as symbols of freedom.
7. Becoming Part of India
After India gained independence in 1947, the islands became part of India. In 1956, they were officially named a Union Territory. People from mainland India, like Bengalis and Tamils, settled here in the following years
8. 2004 Tsunami & Modern Life
On 26 December 2004, a massive tsunami hit the islands, causing widespread damage and loss. Since then, the islands have recovered and now balance tourism, military importance, and tribal protection.
Conclusion
Andaman & Nicobar isn’t just about beaches and clear water—it’s a place with ancient tribes, colonial history, wartime stories, and natural challenges. Next time you think of these islands, remember the deep history beneath the beauty.
