Protecting Jarawas of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

One of the Adivasi indigenous peoples of the Andaman Islands in India are the Jarawas. As per an estimate today there may be anywhere between 250 to 400 Jarawas left on the island. This is the reason why Jarawas are a designated Scheduled Tribe. As the Jarawas do not communicate much with the outsiders nothing much is known about their society, culture and traditions. Jarawas along with indigenous Andamanese people have inhabited the islands for many thousand years.

andaman and nicobar

Issues faced by Jarawas:

Jarawas had reported 14 cases of ill treatment in the last three years and the current year. This number may be much lower than the real cases of ill treatment that the Jarawas and other native tribes on the Andaman Island face.

Here are some problems that Jarawas and other native tribals on the island have been facing in the recent years:

Tourists who come to visit Andaman Islands and undertake jungle safari make Jarawas and other local tribals dance and pose for food. Poachers mostly from Myanmar have introduced alcohol and drugs into the reserve forests. Poachers at times in barter for alcohol and drugs abuse orphan girls and widows of the tribes. The Great Andaman Trunk Road which was build in the 1970s and which passes through Jarawas’ newer western forest homeland is probably the biggest threat to the Jarawas.

The Great Andaman Trunk Road which was build in the 1970s and which passes through Jarawas’ newer western forest homeland is probably the biggest threat to the Jarawas.

Solutions to solve the problems faced by Jarawas:

Jarawa Tribal Reserve has been created where entry of unauthorised persons has been banned. Traffic on Andaman Trunk Road has been regulated for ensuring protection and welfare of Jarawas. Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) Administration provides financial support to tribals for education and health facilities through Andaman Adim Janjati Vikas Samiti (AAJVS). Scholarships to ST students and implementing Tribal Sub-Plan as a part of UT Plan for socio-economic development of tribals are other measures. A&N Administration has constituted A&N Tribal Research & Training Institute (ANTRI) for research for bringing out possible interventions for tribal development, ethnographic and other research studies, documentation of oral tradition and traditional knowledge. A tribal museum is also planned.

Laws for the protection of Jarawas:

There are many special rules for the protection of tribals inhabiting the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Some policies are also implemented for the protection and welfare of Jarawas and Shom Pens tribes respectively which are classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

These laws are: A&N Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Regulation, 1956; Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocity) Act, 1989 (and Amendment Act, 2015) Policy on Jarawa tribe of Andaman Island, 2004 and Policy on Shom Pens tribe of Great Nicobar Island, 2015 Role of AAJVS: AAJVS functions under the Societies Registration Act, 1860 by A&N Administration to: Protect and preserve Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), Promote social, economic and cultural interests of PVTGs, Conduct research studies to identify specific issues of PVTGs and formulate policies and programmes, and Protect health and prevent extinction of PVTGs.

Continue Reading

Explore the history in the majestic Chennai

Lying on the coast of charismatic Bay of Bengal, Chennai is a colorful city with a rich tradition that have been passed from one generation to another. A modern city, people of Chennai have juggled infrastructure and old traditions really well and maintained a balance between both of them. If you stay in Bangalore and are a history aficionado then Chennai is the place for you as it has some of the oldest temples in the world, traces of history are still present in Chennai and are very well preserved. Just check out Bangalore to Chennai train timings and fare to discover your inner peace in these historical places.

 

  1. Mahabalipuram temple: Though the modern state of Mahabalipuram was established in 1827, the place has has its history rooted from the times of Pallavas. Attracting most of the tourists coming to Chennai, Mahabalipuram keeps them invigorated in the ancient designs and architecture. With a number of hindu temples and monuments in the town, Mahabalipuram has gained a lot of admirers amongst the history, architecture, archaeology and cultural enthusiasts.  The historic town consists of various temples dedicated to Lord Krishna, Shiva and other various gods and goddesses. While in Mahabalipuram don’t forget to visit the beach, Pancha rathas and Krishna’s butter ball. Due to the presence of so many historical monuments and temples, they have been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  1. Jagannath Puri Temple: Devoted to the three gods namely, Lord Jagannath, Baladeva and Subhadra, Jagannath Puri temple is another famous tourist destination amongst pilgrims. The temple is magnificently carved giving it an astonishing beauty engaging tourists in its intimate opulence. Reflecting great art and architectural expertise of ancient times, the temple is built according to the Kalinga architecture. The temple’s stone carvings look more splendid as the granites and white marbles decorate the temple. Tourists can also visit the shrines dedicated to Lord Shiva, Bimala and Ganesha. If you truly want to experience the grandness of this temple then come in the month of July when Rathyatra is in progress.

 

  1. Kapaleeshwarar Temple: One of the oldest temples in Chennai, the hugely significant Kapaleeshwarar temple is located in Mylapore. One of the most visited spot in Chennai, the temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Architecturally sound, it also attracts a large number of arch students. Several deities are worshipped here in several mandapas and halls. If you want to see the ancient artefacts and beliefs, then Kapaleeswarar temple is the place for you. If you visit Chennai, then this temple has to be on your list as the temple is world famous.

 

 

  1. Valluvar Kottam: A traditional monument in Chennai, the memorial was built in the memory of a famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar. A 35 meter tall monument, it is formed in the shape of a chariot as a representation of Thiruvalluvar’s  great work of art.  The giant temple chariot is inspired by the Tamil poet’s main work Thirukkural. You can also see several inscriptions of his famous work Thirukkural written on the monument. All these things make this monument a must visit while you are in Chennai.

With so many historical places to explore in Chennai, the history lover in you will come out with it’s tongue wagging and force you to spend a little more time here. Just keep checking the Bangalore to Chennai train timings and fare so as to save money on travel.

Continue Reading