Survival, Continuity and Identity Among the Onge of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Abstract The hunter-gatherer tribes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands with negrito physical features had drawn attention of researchers and administrators because of their unique bio-cultural identity and their migration to the present habitat. Until 1950s, the Onge were sparsely distributed and exploited natural biotic resources of whole Little Andaman Island. Population decrease among them was the major factor for resettlement of this tribe at Dugong creek (1976–1977) and at South Bay (1980) of Little Andaman Island. The then Administration’s attempts to protect Onge was in line with the Government of India’s policy towards tribal societies. Often described as ‘Nehru-Elwin’ tribal policy. After resettlement, supply of ‘free ration’ was introduced which is continuing till date. The whole economy of the Onge has undergone a change. Their physical stamina seems to be ‘greatly reduced’ and the incidence of ‘overweight’ has increased in both men and women. ‘Underweight’ is reported more among men (60%) than women (33%). Longevity of male and female Onge is moderate. 10% of Onge male and female are 50 years and above. Four males and two female Onge are aged 60 years and above. 34% of Onge in the age group of 21–40 years are employed in electricity, education and forest department of Andaman and Nicobar administration, Port Blair. The present generation is more interested in ‘cash economy’ and demands facilities such as housing, electricity, piped water, bicycles and medicines. Challenge for administrators and policy makers lies in the changing socio-cultural attitudes of the present day Onge. Skills such as preparation of baskets, boats and paintings over the body are hardly seen among younger generation. Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANMs) at Dugong creek settlement are instructed to visit Onge families daily to distribute allopathic medicines and also observe/wait until medicine are actually consumed. The authors in the paper discuss the present status of the Onge at Little Andaman Island from the point of view of biological attributes such as demography, nutritional status of adults and Growth and development of Onge children, they opine that ‘survival of Onge’ as bio-cultural ethnic group with certain caveats has been achieved. In conclusion we can state that although many National and International critics seem to think that the pristine cultural has been affected, ‘Survival of Onge’ itself has been the biggest success of this resettlement.