Enumeration of Andaman and Nicobar Tribes | 14 Jul 2025

Source: TH 

The planned 16^th Census of India (2026–27) will include an enumeration of the six major indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar (A & N) Islands namely Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, Sentinelese, Shompen, and Nicobarese. Except for the Nicobarese, all others are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). 

• Great Andamanese: Once the largest tribe in the Andaman Islands, the Great Andamanese now number just 43 (Census 2001), settled on Strait Island. Their decline began with diseases like influenza post the establishment of the Penal Settlement. 
  • Historically, they are known for resisting British intrusion in the Battle of Aberdeen (1859). 
  • They are no longer nomadic, though occasional hunting and fishing continue. 
• Onges: One of India’s most primitive hunter-gatherer tribes, live in Little Andaman, mainly at Dugong Creek and South Bay. 
  • As per Census 2001, the Onges are a semi-nomadic tribe with a population of 96. Traditionally dependent on nature, they now receive government aid and are known for their canoe-making and crafts. 
• Jarawa: They are a nomadic, hunting-gathering tribe living along the western coast of Middle and South Andaman. As per Census 2011, their population is 380. 
• Sentinelese: A hunting and gathering tribe, inhabit North Sentinel Island and remain hostile to outsiders. Though brief friendly contact was made in 1991, they largely avoid interaction.  As per Census 2001, their population was 39. 
• Shompens: Shompen have Mongoloid features, unlike the other Negroid-featured tribes (like Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese) 
  • Shompens inhabit Great Nicobar, They are divided into Mawa Shompens (coastal, river valley dwellers) and hostile Shompens (interior forest areas).  
  • They are highly isolated, semi-nomadic hunter-gatherers. The estimated population of the Shompen tribe was 229 as per the 2011 Census data. 
• Nicobarese:  Nicobarese live across 19 Nicobar Islands. They are of Mongoloid origin, with a population of over 27,000. Society is organized into six territorial groups and follows a patriarchal joint family system called Tuhet, which collectively owns land and resources.