Latest news with #Sentinelese
The Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
India wrestles with how census can count tribe that shuns contact with outside world
As India gears up for its next national census in 2027, officials in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean are confronting the thorny question of how to count Indigenous people who strongly resist contact with the outside world. At the heart of the dilemma are the Sentinelese, a hunter-gatherer tribe living on the thickly forested North Sentinel Island, who have a long history of repelling intruders using bows and arrows. Now, a government census notice is stirring debate about whether attempts should be made to count them at all. 'Trying to do a census of the Sentinelese is pointless,' says Manish Chandi, a former member of the research advisory board of the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research and Training Institute. 'It's far more important to protect the island's reef, marine resources and the tribe's isolation than to come up with a number,' he told the Hindustan Times. The last time India conducted a census was in 2011. Since then, officials have enforced a 5km exclusion zone around North Sentinel Island. This 'eyes-on, hands-off' policy is aimed at shielding the tribe from diseases to which they have no immunity and protecting their autonomy. Earlier censuses weren't invasive. Officials would travel by boat, circling the shores of North Sentinel Island, close enough to glimpse the inhabitants but far enough to avoid being struck by arrows. RF Lowe, who supervised the census in 1921, wrote that with the Sentinelese 'being uniformly hostile, no attempt was made at direct enumeration'. The 2001 census listed 39 individuals seen on the beach. The 2011 census put the number at 15. Both figures are seen as 'guesstimates' based on offshore observations. London-based Survival International, which advocates for Indigenous peoples' rights, says the population is estimated to be anywhere from 50 to 150. Believed to have migrated from Africa more than 50,000 years ago, the Sentinelese hunt, fish and forage using bows, arrows, spears and stone tools. Some anthropologists believe them to be the most isolated tribe in the world. When the British established a penal colony in the Andamans in 1858, the islands were home to an estimated 5,000 people from various tribes. Within decades, many had died, either killed or wiped out by measles, influenza, syphilis and other diseases brought in by settlers No Indian official has set foot on the 59 sq km island since 2014, not even to retrieve the bodies of four intruders killed by the Sentinelese, including US missionary John Allen Chau, 26. He landed on the island illegally in 2018 and, according to the fishers who ferried him, was shot dead with arrows. Despite the tribe's hostility to outsiders, North Sentinel Island still attracts adventurers. In March, a 24-year-old Arizona YouTuber, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, was arrested after filming himself sailing to the island and bringing a can of Diet Coke and a coconut as offerings, and blowing a whistle to draw attention to himself. 'The government used to land coconut-laden boats on the beach until the late 1990s,' says M Sasikumar, joint director of the Anthropological Survey of India. 'But that was stopped because of the risk of disease. A virus could wipe them out.' With the 2027 census looming, officials have been considering using drones and satellite imagery to estimate the Sentinelese population, but experts warn this could do more harm than good. 'It's hard to imagine that such populations could be accurately assessed using drones, as both the Sentinelese and Shompen live in dense rainforest,' says Jonathan Mazower of Survival International. Using drones 'would just feel intrusive', he adds. Flying drones could also cause panic among the islanders, experts warn. After the 2004 tsunami, the Sentinelese famously fired arrows at helicopters sent to check on their welfare. The Sentinelese are not the only people who defy easy enumeration. Others, such as the Shompen of Great Nicobar and the Jarawa of Middle and South Andaman, have varying levels of contact with outsiders. Some accept medical help or provisions; others live near settled areas and are increasingly exposed to tourism and development. 'The Shompen live very deep inside the forests on the west coast,' says Barnabas Manju, chair of the Little and Great Nicobar Tribal Council. The 2011 census counted 229 Shompen – 141 males and 88 females – but that figure too is seen as unreliable. Access to the Shompen is logistically difficult. Roads were damaged by the tsunami, which means that reaching the Shompen requires days of trekking while many avoid outsiders.
The Guardian
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Guardian
India wrestles with how census can count tribe that shuns contact with outside world
As India gears up for its next national census in 2027, officials in the remote Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean are confronting the thorny question of how to count Indigenous people who strongly resist contact with the outside world. At the heart of the dilemma are the Sentinelese, a hunter-gatherer tribe living on the thickly forested North Sentinel Island, who have a long history of repelling intruders using bows and arrows. Now, a government census notice is stirring debate about whether attempts should be made to count them at all. 'Trying to do a census of the Sentinelese is pointless,' says Manish Chandi, a former member of the research advisory board of the Andaman and Nicobar Tribal Research and Training Institute. 'It's far more important to protect the island's reef, marine resources and the tribe's isolation than to come up with a number,' he told the Hindustan Times. The last time India conducted a census was in 2011. Since then, officials have enforced a 5km exclusion zone around North Sentinel Island. This 'eyes-on, hands-off' policy is aimed at shielding the tribe from diseases to which they have no immunity and protecting their autonomy. Earlier censuses weren't invasive. Officials would travel by boat, circling the shores of North Sentinel Island, close enough to glimpse the inhabitants but far enough to avoid being struck by arrows. RF Lowe, who supervised the census in 1921, wrote that with the Sentinelese 'being uniformly hostile, no attempt was made at direct enumeration'. The 2001 census listed 39 individuals seen on the beach. The 2011 census put the number at 15. Both figures are seen as 'guesstimates' based on offshore observations. London-based Survival International, which advocates for Indigenous peoples' rights, says the population is estimated to be anywhere from 50 to 150. Believed to have migrated from Africa more than 50,000 years ago, the Sentinelese hunt, fish and forage using bows, arrows, spears and stone tools. Some anthropologists believe them to be the most isolated tribe in the world. When the British established a penal colony in the Andamans in 1858, the islands were home to an estimated 5,000 people from various tribes. Within decades, many had died, either killed or wiped out by measles, influenza, syphilis and other diseases brought in by settlers No Indian official has set foot on the 59 sq km island since 2014, not even to retrieve the bodies of four intruders killed by the Sentinelese, including US missionary John Allen Chau, 26. He landed on the island illegally in 2018 and, according to the fishers who ferried him, was shot dead with arrows. Despite the tribe's hostility to outsiders, North Sentinel Island still attracts adventurers. In March, a 24-year-old Arizona YouTuber, Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, was arrested after filming himself sailing to the island and bringing a can of Diet Coke and a coconut as offerings, and blowing a whistle to draw attention to himself. 'The government used to land coconut-laden boats on the beach until the late 1990s,' says M Sasikumar, joint director of the Anthropological Survey of India. 'But that was stopped because of the risk of disease. A virus could wipe them out.' With the 2027 census looming, officials have been considering using drones and satellite imagery to estimate the Sentinelese population, but experts warn this could do more harm than good. 'It's hard to imagine that such populations could be accurately assessed using drones, as both the Sentinelese and Shompen live in dense rainforest,' says Jonathan Mazower of Survival International. Using drones 'would just feel intrusive', he adds. Flying drones could also cause panic among the islanders, experts warn. After the 2004 tsunami, the Sentinelese famously fired arrows at helicopters sent to check on their welfare. The Sentinelese are not the only people who defy easy enumeration. Others, such as the Shompen of Great Nicobar and the Jarawa of Middle and South Andaman, have varying levels of contact with outsiders. Some accept medical help or provisions; others live near settled areas and are increasingly exposed to tourism and development. 'The Shompen live very deep inside the forests on the west coast,' says Barnabas Manju, chair of the Little and Great Nicobar Tribal Council. The 2011 census counted 229 Shompen – 141 males and 88 females – but that figure too is seen as unreliable. Access to the Shompen is logistically difficult. Roads were damaged by the tsunami, which means that reaching the Shompen requires days of trekking while many avoid outsiders.
India.com
22-07-2025
- India.com
From Volcanoes To Tribes: 10 Wild Facts That Make Andaman And Nicobar The Coolest Place In India
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are more than just a group of beautiful islands in the Bay of Bengal. They are a treasure trove of nature, history, and culture. Whether you are planning a trip or simply curious, these islands hold stories and secrets that make them truly unique. Here are 10 facts about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands you must know before you explore this paradise. 1. A Remote Tropical Paradise with Rich Biodiversity The islands are home to dense forests, coral reefs, and rare wildlife. From the colorful coral gardens under the water to the tropical birds and animals on land, the islands are a haven for nature lovers. The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park near Wandoor is a famous spot for snorkeling and spotting marine life. 2. Indigenous Tribes Living in Harmony with Nature The islands are home to some of the world's oldest indigenous tribes like the Jarawa, Sentinelese, and Onge. These communities have lived in isolation for thousands of years, maintaining their traditional ways. Visitors are reminded to respect their privacy and the laws protecting their habitats. 3. Cellular Jail – The Historic Prison of Freedom Fighters Known as Kala Pani, the Cellular Jail in Port Blair is a symbol of India's struggle for independence. Many freedom fighters were imprisoned here during British rule. Today, it stands as a museum and memorial, offering guided tours that reveal stories of courage and sacrifice. 4. Stunning Beaches That Rival Any Tropical Destination Radhanagar Beach on Havelock Island is often listed among the best beaches in Asia. With its white sand and clear blue water, it is a perfect spot to relax or watch a sunset. Other popular beaches include Elephant Beach, Vijaynagar Beach, and Lalaji Bay. 5. Adventure Activities for Every Explorer Whether it's scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, or sea kayaking, the islands offer something for every adventure seeker. Neil Island and Havelock Island are especially famous for underwater adventures where vibrant coral reefs and exotic fish await. 6. The Unique Mangrove Ecosystem of the Islands Mangroves cover large parts of the islands' coastlines. These coastal forests protect the islands from erosion and provide breeding grounds for fish and birds. The mangrove creeks near Diglipur are peaceful spots where you can enjoy boat rides and birdwatching. 7. The Tropical Climate That Keeps the Islands Green Year-Round Unlike many other beach destinations, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands enjoy a tropical climate that keeps the forests lush and the seas warm throughout the year. This makes it a great destination no matter the season, though the winter months from October to May are most popular for travel. 8. The Islands Are Geographically Unique Formed millions of years ago, the islands sit on an underwater mountain range called the Andaman Sea Ridge. This explains their dramatic landscapes of hills, beaches, and coral reefs. They also lie near a major tectonic plate boundary, which causes occasional earthquakes and undersea activity. 9. A Melting Pot of Cultures and Communities Besides the native tribes, the islands have settlers from mainland India, Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and even Nicobar islands. This mix has created a unique culture visible in local festivals, cuisine, and languages. Seafood dishes with coconut and spices dominate the island menus. 10. Limited Connectivity for Pristine Preservation The islands maintain strict controls on tourism and development to protect their fragile environment. Only a certain number of visitors are allowed at a time, and certain areas remain restricted. This balance helps keep the islands pristine and their wildlife safe. Why Explore Andaman and Nicobar Islands? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not just another tropical getaway. They offer an experience where history meets nature and adventure meets tranquility. The Cellular Jail tells tales of resilience, while the coral reefs invite you to discover hidden underwater worlds. From the peaceful mangroves to vibrant markets, the islands invite every traveler to slow down and immerse in their charm. What To See and Do Visit Port Blair's Cellular Jail and attend the evening light and sound show for a moving history lesson. Relax at Radhanagar Beach and soak in the stunning sunset views. Dive or snorkel at Havelock Island to see colorful corals and marine life. Take a boat ride through mangrove forests near Diglipur and enjoy birdwatching. Explore the limestone caves in Baratang Island formed over thousands of years. Travel Tips Plan your visit between October and May for the best weather. Respect local rules especially near tribal reserves. Book accommodations early during peak season as the islands have limited hotels. Carry sunscreen and mosquito repellent. Try local seafood but stay hydrated and eat from trusted places. Final Thoughts The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a jewel in India's crown — a place where every corner tells a story and every beach offers peace. Whether you want to dive deep into history, explore vibrant underwater life, or just relax on pristine shores, these islands have it all. So pack your bags, respect the islands' natural beauty, and prepare to be amazed.
Nikkei Asia
21-07-2025
- Politics
- Nikkei Asia
Isolated Sentinel tribe in focus as India readies census
A Sentinel tribesman aims his bow at an Indian Coast Guard helicopter as it flies over North Sentinel Island in December 2004. © Reuters KIRAN SHARMA NEW DELHI -- As India gears up for its next census after a delay of six years, the government faces a difficult task trying to account for the small Sentinelese tribal population on the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The indigenous people, called the world's most isolated, fiercely resist all contact with outsiders. The nationwide, once-a-decade census was slated for 2021 but postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak. The count will start for most parts of India in March 2027, while for a few states and territories in the country's north, it will begin early in October next year. Besides recording population data, the exercise includes caste details on all Indians for the first time since the South Asian nation's independence from British rule in 1947.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Fears isolated tribe could be wiped out by Indian efforts to carry out census... or KILL anyone trying to count how many villagers dwell on their island
A remote island tribe known for killing outsiders on sight could be at risk of being wiped out as India prepares to carry out its first national census in over a decade. The Sentinelese people of North Sentinel Island, considered the most isolated tribe on Earth, have long resisted contact with the outside world. But now officials are facing the dilemma of counting those who reside on the island without sparking violence or exposing the tribe to diseases they have no immunity to. Experts have warned that even attempting to tally the population of the world's most reclusive tribe could end in bloodshed or spark a humanitarian catastrophe. In 2006, two Indian fishermen paid with their lives after their boat accidentally drifted too close to the island which is protected by India. According to witnesses on a nearby fishing boat, the two men were brutally hacked to death with axes. A few days after the killings, their bodies were reportedly hooked up on bamboo sticks like 'a kind of scarecrow', according to an Indian police chief who shared details of the incident. And after the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the tribe made international headlines when one lone warrior fired an arrow at a military helicopter conducting a welfare check. Now, with the next census due in 2027, enumerators in India face the difficult - and potentially life-threatening - task of attempting to count those who do not want to be found. After the devastating Indian Ocean tsunami in 2004, the tribe made international headlines when one lone warrior fired an arrow at a military helicopter conducting a welfare check The job becomes even more fraught in light of India's 2014 decision to leave the Sentinelese entirely undisturbed, formally recognising their right to live in isolation. To safeguard their isolation and protect them from contracting potential diseases from outsiders to which they have no immunity, the Indian government has imposed strict prohibitions on approaching the island. Delhi has declared the island and its surrounding waters an exclusion zone enforced by Navy patrols, to which unauthorised entry is illegal and contact with the tribe is forbidden. Violating these restrictions can have deadly consequences, as the Sentinelese are legally permitted to defend their territory - even to the point of killing trespassers. Now, India are considering the use of drones or satellite imagery to attempt to count the population from afar. But even this raises ethical alarms. 'There have been talks of using certain technology to map their population but it is not clear if this will give an accurate estimate or whether it is even ethical to conduct such an exercise,' said Dr M Sasikumar, joint director of the Anthropological Society of India. Survival International's Jonathan Mazower added: 'Any contact with such peoples, who lack immunity to common outside diseases, could well be deadly for them'. The Sentinelese aren't the only tribe in the crosshairs. On Great Nicobar Island, the elusive Shompen people - a semi-nomadic tribe believed to number just over 200 - also pose a census conundrum. Delhi has declared the island and its surrounding waters an exclusion zone enforced by Navy patrols, to which unauthorised entry is illegal and contact with the tribe is forbidden Deep in dense jungle, far from the reach of modern life, they too risk being swept into the government's data drive. Plans to develop the island with a vast airport and port sparked outrage earlier this year, with dozens of genocide experts branding the project a 'death sentence' for the Shompen in an open letter to India's president. In 2011, officials managed only a partial count of the Shompen, and the Sentinelese were never tallied at all, with officials relying on glimpses from a safe distance at sea to guess at their numbers. At the time, they estimated just 15 people - 12 men and three women. Contact with the tribe has proven fatal. In 2018, American missionary John Allen Chau was killed after a brazen attempt to convert the Sentinelese to Christianity. On his third secretive approach to the island - after offering gifts and speaking in what he believed was a friendly tone - the tribe turned to violence. The fisherman who had been aiding the Christian missionary said that they had watched in horror from a distance as the tribesmen dragged his body away with a rope around his neck. His body was later buried by islanders. It has never been recovered. Even this year, another American adventure had to be arrested after making an illegal nine-hour voyage to a restricted reserve on North Sentinel Island and leaving behind a can of Coke as an 'offering' for the world's most isolated tribe to try. Experts branded Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov's attempted visit as 'deeply disturbing', and warned that not only did he put himself in danger, but also put the entire Sentinelese tribe at risk of being wiped out were they to contract a common disease, such as measles or influenza. The 24-year-old was seized by police when he returned to land - but this outcome may have been far kinder than the deadly consequences he could have faced had he had fallen into the hands of the dangerous tribe.
