Fading Footprints: The Lasting Legacy of British Colonialism and Indian Influence on the Great Andamanese Tribe

Abstract

Documented in literature and research, the five distinct languages spoken by the Great Andamanese tribes have largely receded, if not entirely extinct as a result of British colonization, followed by increasing Indian dominance. Adding to the cultural conundrum, the Indian government faces the challenge of preserving these disappearing languages while ensuring the community's survival in contemporary society. Juxtaposing the contemporary status of the Andamanese people with their pre-colonial years elucidates the profound paradigm shift induced primarily by the remnants of British colonialism and escalated by the Indian influence. The Great Andamanese tribe, once a lively group with thriving diversity in language and traditions, stands at the brink of losing its distinct identity, linguistics, and cultural richness. Dismantling centuries-old cultures and languages never fails to leave a profound vacuum within societies. While British colonization has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the Andaman Islands, the continuous imposition of the dominant Indian societal norms further jeopardizes the remaining traces of the tribe’s distinct identity. Established as part of the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located southeast of the Indian subcontinent in the Bay of Bengal, the community finds itself under Indian jurisdiction and isolated by the Andaman Sea from the Malay Peninsula. The islands’ remoteness influences their linguistic and cultural diversity, making them a haven for multiple distinct languages. However, under the imposing influence of Indian society, Hindi has become an essential element for survival, contributing to the dilution of linguistic diversity. Therefore, this paper aims to analyze the enduring impact of British colonialism on the culture, language, and traditions of the disappearing Great Andamanese tribe residing on these islands. British colonialism, coupled with later geopolitical changes, saw a significant and concerning decrease in the Great Andamanese population, leading to the inevitable erosion of their unique cultural identity.