History of Andaman Islands

Long fabled among explorers for their white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and exotic marine life, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are more than just a tropical getaway. Ever wondered about the intriguing history behind this paradise in the Bay of Bengal? From mythological roots to colonial struggles and independence milestones, the islands are a living chronicle of time.

At My Tour Guru, we don’t just take you to the beaches—we take you back in time. Whether you’re planning an immersive cultural trip or a relaxing vacation with our Andaman tour package or Andaman budget package, here’s everything you need to know about the islands’ incredible history.

Mythological Origins: Ramayana to Ancient Travellers

The origins of the Andaman Islands can be traced back to the Ramayana period, where it was referred to as Hanuman or Handuman. Over centuries, the name evolved—“Andaman” is believed to derive from Hanuman, the Hindu monkey god, while “Nicobar” likely stems from the Tamil word Nakkavaram, meaning “land of the naked.”

Several famous travellers noted the islands in their journeys:

Marco Polo (13th century) – Referred to the islands as Angamanian.
Friar Odoric (14th century) and Caesar Fredericke (16th century) – Documented their encounters.
Arab travellers (9th–19th centuries) and Chinese monk I-Ching (7th century) – Mentioned them as significant trade points.

Prehistoric Andamans: The First Islanders

Genetic studies reveal that the Andamanese people were isolated from other human populations for over 30,000 years. Archaeological records suggest human presence dating back at least 2200 years, making them one of the oldest surviving indigenous groups in the world.

The Nicobarese people, however, speak languages from the Austroasiatic family—quite different from the Andamanese—highlighting the diversity of the archipelago.

Legends and Curiosities

Island of Gold? Italian explorer Niccolò de’ Conti described the region in 1440 as the “Island of Gold.”
Wolf-Headed People? The 15th-century French “Book of Wonders” claimed the islands were home to mythical creatures—proof of how mysterious and inaccessible these islands were to the Western world.
Barter for Manipur? A popular (though debated) story says Pandit Nehru traded the islands with Burma in exchange for two districts of Manipur.

The Colonial Era and the Battle of Aberdeen

The colonial history of Andaman is equally riveting. The Battle of Aberdeen on May 17, 1859, marked a clash between British forces and indigenous tribes. A memorial now stands at the Andaman Water Sports Complex to honor those who fought and died.

Later, the British established the notorious Cellular Jail, often called Kala Pani, where many Indian freedom fighters were imprisoned, tortured, and executed.

Japanese Occupation & Subhash Chandra Bose’s Legacy

During World War II, Japanese forces captured the islands in 1942, liberating prisoners and aligning with Indian National Army (INA) led by Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. On December 30, 1943, he hoisted the Indian flag and renamed the islands:

Shaheed Dweep (Martyr Island) – now Neil Island
Swaraj Dweep (Self-Rule Island) – now Havelock Island

This marked the first time Indian soil was under the control of an Indian government.

Despite the early promise, the Japanese rule turned brutal. Over 2000 Indians died, and numerous atrocities were reported. The British recaptured the islands in 1945.

From Independence to Union Territory

After India gained independence in 1947, the islands were officially integrated into the nation in 1950 and declared a Union Territory in 1956. The British plan to use the islands as a separate Anglo-Indian nation never materialized.

Today, the islands are not only a tropical escape but also a strategic military hub and cultural treasure.

Natural Disasters and Resilience

The 2004 Tsunami

On December 26, 2004, a 10-meter tsunami devastated the islands following a massive undersea earthquake. Over 2000 lives were lost, 40,000 homes destroyed, and thousands of children orphaned. Yet, the aboriginal tribes—due to ancestral knowledge—escaped largely unharmed, showcasing their deep connection to nature.

Seismic Activity

The Andaman region lies in Seismic Zone V, the most earthquake-prone area in India. Constant tectonic activity—including seafloor spreading and subduction zones—makes the islands geologically dynamic.

The Active Volcano of Barren Island

One of the most thrilling features of the Andamans is the Barren Island Volcano, South Asia’s only active volcano. First erupting in 1787, its most recent eruption occurred in 2017. The volcanic soil makes nearby waters ideal for scuba diving and marine life exploration.

Renaming the Islands: A Tribute to Freedom

In December 2018, to honor the 75th anniversary of Netaji’s flag hoisting, Prime Minister Narendra Modi renamed key islands:

Ross Island → Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep
Neil Island → Shaheed Dweep
Havelock Island → Swaraj Dweep

Quick Historical Highlights:

Ross Island served as a British and Japanese administrative hub.
Bengali is the most widely spoken language, followed by Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
North Sentinel Island is home to the Sentinelese, one of the world’s last uncontacted tribes.
Leatherback Sea Turtles, the world’s largest, nest on these islands.
The ₹20 Indian currency note features North Bay Island near Mount Harriet, the archipelago’s second-highest peak.

Discover History with My Tour Guru

At My Tour Guru, we believe that every island has a story—and Andaman’s story is one of survival, beauty, and courage. Whether you’re a beach lover or a history buff, our Andaman tour package and Andaman budget package offer a unique mix of relaxation and revelation.

Let us guide you not just to the islands, but through their incredible past. Plan your journey today with My Tour Guru, and experience Andaman like never before.