A man buried in India in the Modern era

The Great Andamanese people, who inhabited the Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal, are one of the indigenous groups of the Andaman Islands. When discussing the Great Andamanese around 100 years before present (BP), it's essential to recognize the multifaceted aspects of their culture, lifestyle, and challenges during this period. Here is a detailed description of the Great Andamanese people and their way of life during this era:

Social Structure and Lifestyle

1. Tribal Organization:

   • The Great Andamanese were originally composed of several tribes, each speaking its own distinct language. Traditionally, these tribes were organized around family units, with strong kinship ties forming the basis of their society.
   • Their social structure was likely egalitarian, with decisions made collectively or by respected elders and leaders.

2. Subsistence and Economy:

   • The Great Andamanese were primarily hunter-gatherers. Their diet consisted of a wide range of natural resources, including game like pigs and fish, as well as wild fruits, roots, and honey.
   • Fishing and foraging were vital components of their subsistence economy, with a deep knowledge of their environment allowing them to utilize the diverse resources available.

3. Settlements:

   • They lived in semi-permanent settlements, often near coastal areas for easy access to fishing. Temporary shelters made from natural materials like leaves and wood were commonly used.

Cultural Practices

1. Language:

   • The Great Andamanese people historically spoke several languages which were part of a distinct language family known as the Great Andamanese languages. However, many of these languages were facing decline even by 100 BP due to contact with other cultures.

2. Art and Craft:

   • They were skilled in crafting tools and weapons such as bows and arrows, canoes, and baskets. These items were not only practical but often had artistic and cultural significance.
   • Body art, such as tattooing and body painting, played an essential role in their cultural expression and identity.

3. Religion and Beliefs:

   • The Great Andamanese practiced animism, where they believed in spirits that inhabited natural elements such as the sea, forest, and animals.
   • Rituals and myths were central to their spiritual life, often linked to the cycles of nature and their daily survival.

Challenges and Contact with Outsiders

1. European and Colonial Encounters:

   • By 100 years BP, the Great Andamanese had been significantly impacted by British colonial presence. Initial contact dates back to the 19th century, leading to drastic population decline due to diseases, displacement, and cultural disruption.
   • Colonizers often misunderstood or ignored the subtleties of their culture, contributing to the erosion of their traditional way of life.

2. Population Decline:

   • Disease and violence from encounters with colonizers and other outsiders led to a significant reduction in the Great Andamanese population.
   • Efforts were made by colonial administrations to 'civilize' and settle the Great Andamanese, which further disrupted their cultural and social structures.

Modern Implications

• Cultural Preservation:
  • By 100 BP, there was an urgent need for efforts to preserve what remained of their language, culture, and traditions amidst the overwhelming pressures of modernization and assimilation.
  • Today, the Great Andamanese culture is considered endangered, with ongoing efforts required to document and revitalize their traditions.

In essence, the Great Andamanese people 100 years before present lived a life deeply tied to their environment and rich in cultural traditions. However, they faced immense challenges due to external pressures and colonial influences, leading to significant changes in their way of life. Understanding their history and cultural legacy is crucial for the preservation and respectful acknowledgment of their heritage.