Impact of Climate

Change on
Indigenous Tribes
of the Andaman
Islands
By : SANIYA KAPOOR, Class 9
Overview of Andaman Islands
The Andaman Islands are a group of islands in the Bay of
Bengal that are part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands
union territory of India. The islands are located about 850
miles (1,370 km) east of the Indian subcontinent and have a
total area of 2,474 square miles (6,408 square km). The
Andamans are made up of 325 islands, including the main
islands of North, Middle, and South Andaman, which are
collectively known as Great Andaman. Other islands include
Landfall Island, Interview Island, the Sentinel Islands,
Ritchie's Archipelago, and Rutland Island
 Tribes
:
The Jarawa and Sentinelese are two tribes that live in the Andaman Islands
•Jarawa
•This tribe is one of the largest in the Andaman Islands and live on the western coasts of
Middle and South Andaman Islands. Their name means "the hostile ones" or "people of the
earth". They are nomadic hunter-gatherers who eat wild boar, turtles, crabs, sea creatures,
wild pigs, fruits, and honey. They are physically fit for hunting and fishing, with smooth
skin, deep curly hair, and long, sturdy limbs. However, their survival is threatened by illegal
hunting, fishing, and gathering by both local and foreign poachers. The Andaman Trunk
Road (ATR) also brings outsiders into their territory, which has led to "human safaris" where
tour operators drive tourists along the road to spot members of the tribe.

Sentinelese
These people live on the small North Sentinel Island, which is about 60 square
kilometers. They are thought to be the only Paleolithic people still alive today who have no
contact with other groups or communities. They are known to be hostile to visitors and never
leave the island, so very little is known about them. The Indian government and coast guard
protect their right to privacy, and entry to the island is banned by law.
 Traditional way of life :
Jarawa Tribe
Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle
Housing and Settlement
•Hunting: The Jarawa hunt wild pigs, monitor
•Nomadic Lifestyle: The Jarawa are
lizards, and birds using bows and arrows crafted
semi-nomadic, moving within the
from local materials.
forest according to the seasons and
•Fishing: They fish in the coastal waters and rivers,
resource availability.
using spears and nets.
•Temporary Huts: They build huts,
•Gathering: They gather fruits, tubers, honey, and
called "chaddhas," from leaves and
other forest products, which are staples in their diet.
branches, providing temporary
shelter as they move.

Clothing and Adornments

•Minimal Clothing: The Jarawa wear minimal clothing suitable for the tropical climate, often using leaves
and bark.
•Ornaments: They adorn themselves with necklaces, bracelets, and other ornaments made from shells,
bones, and beads.
 Traditional way of life :
Sentinelese Tribe
Hunter-Gatherer Lifestyle
Hunting: They hunt wild pigs, birds, and other Isolation and Protection
animals using bows and arrows, similar to the Isolation: The Sentinelese are one of
Jarawa. the most isolated tribes in the world, with
Fishing: The Sentinelese fish in coastal waters, very little contact with outsiders.
using simple tools like spears and nets. Protective: They are known for their
Gathering: They gather forest products, including defensive stance towards intruders,
fruits, nuts, and honey. protecting their territory from outside
influence.

Clothing and Adornments

Minimal Clothing: The Sentinelese wear minimal clothing, using natural materials from their surroundings.
Body Adornments: They decorate themselves with body paint and ornaments made from shells and other
materials.
Unique art forms:
Jarawa Tribe:
Ornaments and Jewelry:
Body Art:
Natural Adornments: They likely use
Body Painting: The Sentinelese likely use natural
natural materials such as shells, bones, and
pigments for body painting, similar to the Jarawa, for
plant fibers to create necklaces, bracelets,
rituals, camouflage, and personal adornment.
and other ornaments. These adornments
Patterns and designs might carry cultural or
would be worn during special occasions and
symbolic meanings.
possibly daily life.

Musical Instruments and Dance:

Drumming and Singing: While specific details are scarce, it is plausible that the Sentinelese engage in
drumming and singing, similar to other indigenous tribes, as part of their cultural practices.
Dancing: Traditional dances likely play a role in their ceremonies and communal activities, involving rhythmic
movements and possibly mimicking the natural world around them.
Unique art forms:
Sentinelese Tribe:
Ornaments and Jewelry:
Body Art
•Necklaces and Bracelets: Made from
•Body Painting: The Jarawa use natural pigments
natural materials like shells, seeds, bones,
from plants, charcoal, and clay to paint their bodies.
and beads. These are often worn during
These designs often have cultural significance and
special occasions and ceremonies.
can be used for rituals, celebrations, and personal
•Ear and Nose Ornaments: Crafted from
adornment.
shells and bones, these ornaments are part
•Tattooing: Traditional tattoos, though less common
of their everyday attire and hold cultural
now, have been a part of Jarawa culture, often
significance.
signifying social status or achievements.

Musical Instruments and Dance:

•Drumming: The Jarawa use simple drums made from hollow logs and animal skins. Drumming is a vital part
of their musical expression, especially during communal gatherings and celebrations.
•Dancing: Traditional dances are performed during various ceremonies, including harvest festivals,
communal gatherings, and rites of passage. These dances often involve rhythmic movements and are
accompanied by singing and drumming.
Overall existence are being
threatened by the effects of global
warming and environmental
degradation:
 Effects on Jarawa Tribe:
Rising Sea Levels
•Coastal Erosion: Rising sea
levels lead to coastal erosion,
threatening the Jarawa's coastal
hunting and fishing grounds.
•Loss of Habitats: Mangroves
and other coastal ecosystems,
vital for their food sources and
protection from storms, are at
risk.
Changes in Forest Ecosystems
•Biodiversity Loss: Climate change can alter the
forest ecosystems, affecting the availability of fruits,
tubers, and animals that the Jarawa rely on.
•Wildlife Displacement: Changes in temperature
and precipitation can force wildlife to migrate,
disrupting the Jarawa’s hunting patterns.
Extreme Weather Events
•Increased Storms: More frequent
and severe storms can damage
their shelters, disrupt their food
sources, and increase the risk of
injury and death.
•Flooding: Heavy rains and
flooding can destroy temporary
settlements and contaminate fresh
water sources.
Health Impacts
•Disease Outbreaks: Changes in climate can
increase the spread of diseases, such as malaria
and dengue, to which the Jarawa have limited
immunity.
•Water Scarcity: Altered rainfall patterns can lead
to water scarcity, affecting their health and hygiene.
 Effects on Sentinelese Tribe:
Extreme Weather Events:
•Storms and Cyclones: Increased
frequency of cyclones can
devastate the island, destroy
shelters, and deplete food
resources.
•Flooding: Heavy rainfall and
flooding can disrupt their living
conditions and contaminate water
sources.
Isolation and Vulnerability:
Limited Adaptation Options: The extreme
isolation of the Sentinelese limits their ability to
adapt to rapid environmental changes.
Health Risks: As with the Jarawa, climate change
can exacerbate health risks through the spread of
diseases and limited access to medical help.
Changes in Marine Ecosystems:
Coral Reef Degradation: Coral reefs
around North Sentinel Island, which are
crucial for fishing, are threatened by
warming oceans and acidification.
Fish Population Decline: Changes in
sea temperature can affect fish
populations, impacting the Sentinelese’s
primary food source.
Rising Sea Levels:
•Island Submersion: The low-lying North Sentinel
Island is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels,
which could lead to submersion of parts of the
island.
•Saltwater Intrusion: Saltwater intrusion into
freshwater resources can affect the availability of
drinking water and damage crops.
Common Challenges and Adaptation
Limited Contact and External Help
•Protective Isolation: Both tribes have
limited contact with the outside world,
making it difficult to provide timely
assistance and implement adaptation
measures.
•Health Vulnerabilities: Introduction of
external aid must be carefully managed to
avoid disease transmission, given their
vulnerability to outside pathogens.
Cultural and Environmental
Preservation
•Traditional Knowledge: Both tribes
rely on traditional knowledge to
manage their resources. Climate
change threatens these practices,
requiring efforts to integrate indigenous
knowledge with modern adaptation
strategies.
•Conservation Efforts: Protecting the
natural habitats of these tribes is
crucial. Conservation efforts need to
focus on preserving both the
environment and the cultural heritage
of the tribes.
 Conclusion:

The Jarawa and Sentinelese tribes are facing significant challenges

due to climate change. It is crucial to develop strategies that respect
their autonomy, protect their environment, and integrate their
traditional knowledge with modern scientific approaches to ensure
their survival and the preservation of their cultural heritage.
THANK YOU