The Onge tribe of the Andaman Islands.
Why in News
The arrival of a newborn baby boy in the Onge tribe of the Andaman Islands marks a significant moment for the tribe. With the baby’s birth, the tribe’s total population now stands at 136, according to official sources. This event sheds light on the unique cultural and social dynamics of the Onge, one of the indigenous hunter-gatherer groups of the Andaman archipelago.
About the Onge Tribe:
The Onge are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) native to the Andaman Islands. They have traditionally been hunter-gatherers and fishers, while also practicing cultivation. The Onge population has significantly decreased over time, from 672 in 1901 to around 100 today. The Onge practice a form of animism, with ancestor worship being a significant aspect of their belief system. They traditionally make decisions through group consensus. Currently, the surviving Onge members are confined to two reserve camps on Little Andaman: Dugong Creek in the northeast and South Bay.
Genetically, the Onge are distantly related to East Asian populations and show affinities with Southeast Asian Negrito ethnic groups. They are one of the four distinct hunter-gatherer tribes that occupy different islands of the Andaman archipelago.
Threatened by Changing Dynamics:
The Onge’s traditional way of life and social structure are under threat due to the influx of mainland culture and the displacement and marginalization of their society. The distinct gender relations and the special status traditionally given to women in Onge society are facing challenges.
Gender Dynamics and Onge Cosmology:
According to Onge cosmology, woman was created first, and only later was man created. This belief system has shaped the Onge’s view of gender relations, with women holding a prominent role in the community. Men are seen as “seekers of spirits,” while women are “those who are sought by the spirits.” This distinction between the sexes within the Onge universe has allowed women to hold much independence and the final decision on matters pertaining to the community. However, the experience of colonization and the sharp exclusion of women from the domain of ‘official’ politics and decision-making bodies have challenged and shaken the basis of Onge women’s traditional authority.
Resistance and Resilience of Onge Women:
Despite the changing dynamics, Onge women have demonstrated a remarkable resilience and unwillingness to succumb to the imposition of mainstream Indian gender norms. They assert their autonomy and independence, drawing strength from their cultural traditions.
The Onge women’s behavior, such as their insistence on communicating in their native language and their control over domestic and community decisions, exemplifies their resistance to the encroachment of external influences. They actively challenge the attempts to undermine their traditional status and have emerged as the guardian of Onge cultural identity.
The Struggle for Power and Collusion:
The clash between Onge and Indian perceptions of gender roles and relations has led to emerging contradictions. Onge men have sometimes colluded with the welfare staff and the administration, seeking access to alcohol and seeking to assert a masculinity that aligns with the Indian patterns of gender behavior.
However, this collusion has not gone unchallenged by Onge women, who feel strongly about being excluded from decision-making processes, particularly regarding the community’s resources. The women have remained steadfast in their efforts to maintain their traditional authority and autonomy.
The Onge’s struggle to preserve their cultural identity and the distinct gender dynamics in the face of changing social and political landscapes is a testament to their resilience. As the Onge population continues to face challenges, the role of Onge women in safeguarding their traditions and asserting their independence remains crucial.
Conclusion:
The story of the Onge tribe and the resilience of their women serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of preserving the cultural diversity and autonomy of indigenous communities. The Onge’s struggle to maintain their traditional gender dynamics and decision-making processes in the face of external influences is a powerful example of the ongoing battle for the preservation of cultural identity and the rights of marginalized communities.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several indigenous tribes, each with their own unique characteristics and challenges.
- The Great Andamanese Tribe
The Great Andamanese tribe, once one of the largest tribes in the region, now resides on the Strait Island under the Andaman & Nicobar Administration. Their population has dwindled to just 43 individuals due to diseases and other hardships. To support their livelihoods and well-being, the administration provides housing, coconut plantations, and rationing.
- The Jarwas Tribe
The Jarwas tribe inhabits the Western coast of the Middle and South Andaman Islands. They have a reputation for being hostile, but have shown some openness to friendly contact expeditions since 1974. With an estimated population of 250–400 individuals, the Jarwas are nomadic hunters and gatherers, relying on traditional methods like bows and arrows for hunting and fishing.
- The Sentinelese Tribe
The Sentinelese tribe resides on the small North Sentinel Island and maintains a cautious approach towards outsiders. Despite initial skepticism, contact expeditions have made some progress since 1991, although with great caution.
It’s important to note that the Shompen Tribe is native to the Nicobar Islands.
| Who are the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?
These groups are some of the most at-risk segments of our society due to their small population and lack of significant social and economic development. They typically live in remote areas with inadequate infrastructure and government support. There are 75 such groups identified and classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). Origin of the concept The Dhebar Commission (1960-1961) observed that there was uneven development among Scheduled Tribes. During the fourth Five Year Plan (1969-74), a sub-category was created within Scheduled Tribes to identify groups that were considered to be at a lower level of development, called “Primitive tribal group.” In 2006, the government of India proposed to rename PVTGs. Features of PVTGs The characteristics of such a group include: · A pre-agricultural way of life · Engagement in hunting and gathering · Zero or negative population growth · Extremely low levels of literacy compared to other tribal groups Groups that met any one of these criteria were considered PTG. |
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Previous Year Question [2019] Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India: 1. PVTGs reside in 18 States and one Union Territory. 2. A stagnant or declining population is one of the criteria for determining PVTG status. 3. There are 95 PVTGs officially notified in the country so far. 4. Irular and Konda Reddi tribes are included in the list of PVTGs. Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1, 2 and 3 (b) 2, 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4 |
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