Origin
Due to absence of collective memory it is not possible to
trace Nicobarese past link, both ethnic and cultural. "Bonington"
(1932) referred to them as a branch of the Mon race. They
are believed to have been living in the Archipelago of Nicobar
from time immemorial. Later migrating people from Malaysia,
Indonesia, Burma, greater India and China in ancient days
settled there and they integrated with the indigenous people
they found on the island. But with regard to the origin
of the Nicobarese, each island possesses folklore of its
own.
Historical Significance
Since time immemorial these beautiful Islands have been
part of India. Scholars connect early history of Andaman
and Nicobar as the land of Ramayan's Hanuman. Lord Ram,
the hero of the epic Ramayana is believed to have passed
through these islands during his period of exile. Many of
the Voyagers referred Nicobar Islands as the 'Land of the
Naked'. In Indian term it was called 'Nakkavar'.
In recent Indian history, an archeological inscription
dated AD 1059 says that Nicobar was part of overseas kingdom
of Tamil Chola Kings of Tanjore. In 1869, British took possession
of the Nicobar Islands from the Danes and they became part
of modern India.
The Isolated Land
According to history Nicobar Islands have experienced all
kinds of external influences for centuries, because they
are located along an ancient international trade sea route
and have been known to voyagers and scholars from ancient
times. So it proves they have been witness to fusion of
blood and fusion of culture as well.
It was on 2nd April 1957 for some practical reasons to
stop economic exploitation of the islanders that the Government
of India declared Nicobar Islands as Aboriginal Tribal Reserve
Area and Nicobar Islands became inaccessible to the people.
Even Indian people from the mainland need a special tribal
pass to land on different islands.
Prime Attraction
The Great Nicobar (Distance 540-km. By Sea
From Port Blair)
The Great Nicobar is 865-sq-kms
in area and is the largest of the Nicobar group. Its southern
most point, the Indira Point (Formerly known as Pygmallion
Point) is also the southern most point of India. The northern
half of the Great Nicobar Island has hills and mountain
ranges while the rest of the Island is fairly flat. The
Great Nicobar is the only Island in Andaman and Nicobars,
which has perennial rivers - the Galathea, Alexandria, and
Doyma. The beach near Galathia is the nesting ground for
Giant Leather Back Turtles. The island also houses the biosphere
reserve area.
Great Nicobar is a 60-hour
journey by ship from Port Blair. One has to rely on government
guesthouses at the Great Nicobar Island and reservations
should be made well in advance.
Car Nicobar (Distance 270-km. By Sea
From Port Blair)
A flat fertile Island, the Car Nicobar is covered with a
cluster of coconut palms and some enchanting beaches with
a roaring sea all around. It is also the headquarters of
Nicobar district. The houses in the Island are especially
unique and fascinating. The Nicobarese built their houses
on stilts about 2m off the ground, which have entrances
through the floor. Some of these huts look like beehives.
Car Nicobar is a 16-hour journey from Port Blair by sea.
One can check out the Ship Schedules available at the Shipping
Office at Port Blair. One has to rely on government guesthouses
at Car Nicobar and reservations should be made well in advance
before starting from Port Blair.
Nancowry Group of Islands
Nancowry Group of Islands is considered to be the most beautiful
islands in the Nicobar group. There are no hotels to stay
and one has to make one's own arrangements at the circuit
house or village schools present over here.
Katchal Island (425-km. By Sea from Port Blair)
Katchal is a tiny island in the Nicobar group. It was this
island, which heralded the new millennium with the first
sunrise on 1st January 2000. This island has beautiful beaches
at East Bay Jhula and West Bay.
How to Get There
Sea:
Ferries are available to reach Nicobar Islands via sea from
Port Blair, Car Nicobar and Katchal Island.
Places to Stay
Government guesthouses and circuit houses are avilable at
Great Nicobar, Car Nicobar and Katchal Island, but one has
to make reservations in advance.
