Andaman & Nicobar Islands: A Journey Through History And Names

The enchanting Andaman Islands have a history that stretches back to the times of Ramayana. As centuries passed, the name evolved, with mentions of 'Angademan' by Ptolemy, the great Mathematician, in the 1st century. Arab travellers in the 19th century also documented its existence.

Even renowned explorer Marco Polo had something to say about this place. In the 13th century, he referred to it as ‘Angamanian’ in his travelogue. Friar Odoric in the 14th century and Caesar Fredericke in the 16th century also left accounts mentioning this captivating island.

The British made their mark in the 17th century when Lieutenant Archibald Blair established the Royal Indian Navy. In his honour, the capital 'Port Blair' came into existence.

But the most significant transformation occurred after the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 when Dr. Frederic John Movat established the first colony on the Andaman Islands as a penal settlement. It was a place of exile for the rebels who took part in the mutiny. By 1858, the penal settlement was fully operational.

Superintendent James Pattison Walker 's account reveals the grim reality of the place known as ‘ Kala Paani ’. The name itself was a curse, as it meant a land where escape was impossible. Surrounded by water, the jail proved inescapable, and many convicts met a grim fate in their desperate attempts.

To develop the settlement, the British forced prisoners to clear the jungle, leading to clashes with the native inhabitants, whose livelihood depended on the forests. This conflict is remembered as the ‘Battle of Aberdeen’ in 1859.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are part of an island arc formed by plate tectonics and above-sea extensions of the Patkai Mountain ranges and Mentawai mountains, which also extend to Indonesia.

The name 'Nicobar' has Tamil origins, 'nakkavaram', meaning the land of the naked, referring to the native people of the island. Unlike Andaman, Nicobar offers a diverse cultural experience. However, during colonisation, the culture was misrepresented as 'savag' and 'primitive' through an orientalist gaze.

The history of these islands dates back to the Chola Dynasty, which called it 'nakkavaram'. Danish missionaries also inhabited the islands. During World War II, the Japanese army, led by Subash Chandra Bose , occupied both Andaman and Nicobar. Bose renamed them as ‘ Shaheed Dweep ’ and ‘ Swaraj Dweep ’, respectively. While the power was still in Japanese hands, the islands were used by the Indian National Army, although Indian power remained nominal.

The exercise of power by the Japanese and Bose was brutal, leading to resentment among the locals. The debate to rename the islands to honour Bose faced opposition from the locals who viewed him negatively. Despite this, the rich history and diverse culture of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands continue to fascinate and enchant visitors from around the world.