These included leaving coconut-filled gunny bags in areas inhabited by different tribal groups. Distant contact efforts were made even after India’s Independence in 1947. MC : Since the British colonial days, efforts have been made to interact with the tribes. NI : What efforts have been made to interact with the tribes of Andaman and Nicobar islands? This is also another reason why these tribes in Andaman and Nicobar islands may require isolation. However, any contact with tribes for scientific studies should be non-exploitative and benign.Īndaman Negritos have similarities with negritos of Philippines and Malaysia and this is an important component that could be probed further. Madhumala Chattopadhyay: The importance lies in our desire to understand their genetic makeup, culture, social structure, taboos and dietary habits. Nature India: What is the scientific importance of studying isolated tribes, such as those in the Andaman and Nicobar islands? “The tribes of the islands do not need outsiders to protect them, what they need is to be left alone.Following heated debate around the killing of an American traveler by the fiercely isolated Sentinelese tribe in the Andaman and Nicobar islands, Shubhobroto Ghosh talks to physical anthropologist Madhumala Chattopadhyay on why the genepool of such aborigines need segregated protection. Their troubles started after they came into contact with outsiders,” the anthropologist says. She told National Geographic: “The tribes have been living on the islands for centuries without any problem. It was then decided that they would not return to the island in order to protect the tribe from diseases.Ĭhattopadhyay, who now works in India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, has not returned to the Andaman and Nicobar islands in 19 years and has no interest in returning to North Sentinel. The third trip was spoiled by bad weather. The team returned a month later and, while the interaction began calmly, they left quickly following an altercation. Some tribesmen even came and touched the anthropologist's boat which was regarded as a gesture that they were no longer afraid. While coconuts were not native to their island, they continued to accept the gifts for a few hours. However, to their surprise, when they began floating coconuts to them over the water, they put down their weapons and came into the water to collect the coconuts. The team were initially met with the typical hostility with four men appearing on the shoreline with weapons. If you want me to get actually shot or even killed with an arrow, then so be it. Then the little kid shot me with an arrow, directly into my Bible which I was holding in front of my chest."Īt this point, John admits to feeling fear and one of his harrowing final entries states that he does not want to die. "I was inches from unarmed guy (well-built with a round face, yellowish pigment in circles on his cheeks, about 5ft 5") and gave him a bunch of the scissors and gifts. I figured that this was it, so I preached a bit to them, starting in Genesis and disembarked my kayak to show them that I too have two legs. ![]() "Then the little kid with bow and arrow came down the middle. The islanders saw that and blocked my exit. ![]() "By this time the waves had picked up and the kayak was getting near some shallow coral. I kept waving my hands to say 'no bows' but they didn't get the memo, I guess. "A child and a young woman came behind the two gift receivers with bows drawn. Here's where this nice meet and greet went south. He wrote: "I paddled after them and exchanged more yells. While some dropped their bows and arrows to take the gifts, others attacked John. However, this time, natives entered the water and headed straight towards him. He also took his waterproof Bible, along with other gifts for the islanders, including tweezers, safety pins, fishing line, hooks, cordage, rubber tubing and a towel. On the next attempt, John loaded two fish onto his kayak alongside his multitools, pencils, a first aid kit in case he was shot, picture cards, vitamins and his passport. ![]() I can now say I've been nearly shot by the Sentinelese and I've walked and cached gear on their island."ĭespite this close call, John planned to continue to leave gifts on the shore in a bid to eventually win their favour. "I felt some fear but mostly was disappointed they didn't accept me right away. When they got the fish, I turned and paddled like I never have in my life, back to the boat.
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