Introduction

The enchanting archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not only renowned for its pristine beaches and lush green forests but also for its unique cultural tapestry. The costumes worn by the inhabitants of these islands reflect a fascinating blend of indigenous tribal traditions, influences from early settlers, and the vibrant mainstream culture. The diverse cultural fabric of the archipelago is characterized by the harmonious coexistence of the Negroid and Mongoloid tribes, as well as migrants from the Indian mainland, who have all contributed to the rich tapestry of Andaman and Nicobar Islands` clothing styles.

Costumes of Indigenous Tribes

Deep within the remote and untouched landscapes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the aboriginal tribes thrive, maintaining a connection with nature in their dressing practices. The Sentinelese tribe, for instance, continues to follow their age-old tradition of going completely naked, untouched by the influence of modern civilization. On the other hand, the Jarwas, a predominant tribe of the islands, adorn themselves with necklaces crafted from shells and tree barks, as well as waistbands and armbands. The Jarwas and the Onges are known for wearing minimal clothing, designed to offer maximum comfort in the dense forests and high humidity.

The traditional attire of the indigenous tribes of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands reflects a deep-rooted connection with their environment. Crafted primarily from natural materials, their clothing showcases both practicality and cultural identity, making it a unique aspect of their way of life. The tribes make use of resources readily available in their surroundings such as leaves, bark, and tree fibers including coconut and palm to create garments suited to the humid, tropical climate of the islands. These natural elements not only serve as clothing materials but also underline the tribes’ sustainable lifestyle and harmony with nature.

The Nicobarese community has adopted a slightly different style. They traditionally wear coloured loincloths, made from cotton or bark, which have gradually become a distinctive feature of their attire. These garments are often adorned in vibrant hues, adding an element of identity and tradition to their appearance.

Costume of Shompen Tribe

The Shompen tribe, native to the dense tropical forests of Great Nicobar Island, are among the least-known indigenous groups in India. Known for their nomadic lifestyle and preference for isolation, the Shompens maintain a simple, self-sustained way of life that is deeply intertwined with their natural surroundings.

The everyday attire of the Shompen people is modest and practical, typically consisting of loincloths made from tree bark or large leaves. These materials, readily available in the forest, provide basic coverage and are well-suited for the humid climate and rugged terrain of the island.

 

There is little distinction in clothing between men and women, as both follow a similar style rooted in simplicity and function. However, women may wear slightly more covering garments, perhaps as a mark of modesty or tradition within their community structure. 

Though their clothing is minimal, the Shompens express their cultural identity through natural adornments. During social or communal gatherings, both men and women decorate themselves with ornaments made from cane, beads, and feathers. These handcrafted accessories reflect their resourcefulness and appreciation for the natural world.

Costume of Great Andamanese Tribe

Once thriving in large numbers, the Great Andamanese tribe, one of the oldest indigenous communities of the Andaman Islands, now survives with only a handful of members. Despite their dwindling population, their traditional attire continues to reflect a rich cultural legacy deeply intertwined with nature.

Traditionally, Great Andamanese men wore belts made from hibiscus fiber or bark cloth to cover their waists. These natural materials were not only readily available but also well-suited to the tropical climate. At times, they also made use of animal hides or large leaves, showcasing their resourcefulness and ability to adapt their clothing based on availability and season.

Great Andamanese women typically wore skirts fashioned from plant fibers. Their clothing was complemented by simple yet meaningful accessories such as bead ornaments, often handcrafted from natural elements. Body painting played an important role in their culture, with natural dyes derived from plants used to decorate the skin, not just for beauty, but also as a form of expression and communication within the tribe.

Adornment held cultural significance among the Great Andamanese. Accessories made from shells, bones, feathers, and beads were commonly worn by both men and women. These elements, collected from their surroundings, were skillfully transformed into decorative items that symbolized identity, status, or even specific occasions.

Costume of Nicobarese Tribe

The Nicobarese tribe, primarily residing across the Nicobar Islands, is one of the more settled and modernized indigenous communities of the region. While they have embraced certain contemporary influences, their traditional roots remain visible in the way they dress and present themselves.

Nicobarese women dress in a style similar to a sarong, using a single length of cloth wrapped around the waist and chest. This traditional form of attire is both elegant and practical, suited to the tropical climate of the islands.

Nicobarese men typically wear lungis or wraparound cloths, often paired with shirts or T-shirts. This blend of traditional and modern clothing reflects their gradual integration with broader Indian society, while still maintaining a distinct cultural identity.

Although modern clothing styles have become common, especially among the younger generation, elements of Nicobarese heritage are still strongly preserved. Handloom fabrics, traditional patterns, and tribal ornaments continue to be a part of ceremonial and festive attire, serving as cultural markers of their indigenous identity.

Costume of Onges Tribe

The Onge tribe, residing on Little Andaman Island, is one of the region’s most distinct indigenous communities. As a semi-nomadic people who live close to nature, their traditional attire reflects both their lifestyle and cultural values.

The Onges wear minimal clothing, designed purely for functional comfort in the island’s warm, humid environment. Both men and women use natural materials such as tree bark, leaves, and cane strips to cover themselves modestly. These elements are skillfully fashioned to create garments that are lightweight and suitable for their forested surroundings, emphasizing survival over adornment.

A striking feature of Onge culture is their use of white clay for body painting, especially during rituals, festivals, and other communal events. These designs go beyond decoration to serve as an expression of cultural identity, spirituality, and social belonging.

For the Onges, clothing is not merely utilitarian. It carries symbolic meaning tied to status, belief systems, and ceremonial practices. Each piece or design holds relevance, marking events in life or the tribe’s spiritual connection to the natural world.

Costume of Jarwa Tribe

The Jarwa tribe, one of the most reclusive indigenous groups of the Andaman Islands, lives deep within the forests of South and Middle Andaman. Isolated from modern influences, their traditional attire remains a reflection of their ancestral way of life and close relationship with nature.

 

Similar to the Onge tribe, the Jarwas wear minimal clothing suited to the tropical climate and dense forest environment. Common garments include skirts made from natural fibers and strips of bark, which are lightweight, breathable, and easy to move in, perfectly adapted for life in the wild. 

Beyond clothing, the Jarwas make use of natural elements such as charcoal, clay, and ash to decorate their bodies. These markings are not just ornamental, they serve ritualistic purposes and also function as camouflage during hunting, fishing, or forest travel, blending tradition with practicality.

Costume of Sentinelese Tribe

The Sentinelese tribe, residing on the remote North Sentinel Island, is one of the most isolated and uncontacted communities in the world. Fiercely protective of their land and way of life, they have consistently resisted all attempts at external contact, making them a living testament to a world untouched by modern civilization.

From distant observations, it appears that the Sentinelese wear no clothing. What minimal attire they do have is believed to be made from natural materials such as plant fibers, serving basic functional purposes rather than decorative ones. Their simplistic dress aligns with their self-sufficient, nature-bound lifestyle. Because of their complete refusal to engage with the outside world. This isolation has allowed their traditions, including their mode of dress, to remain entirely uninfluenced by modern culture. This makes them one of the last tribes to preserve an unaltered way of life.

Costume of Immigrants in Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Following India’s independence, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands became home to a diverse settler population from various Indian states. With them came a range of vibrant traditional attire, turning the islands into a true reflection of India’s cultural and sartorial diversity. Today, the settler community or immigrants on the archipelago showcases a fusion of regional clothing styles, adapted to suit the tropical climate of the archipelago.

Bengali Settlers:
Among the earliest migrants, the Bengali community continues to retain its distinctive traditional wear. Men typically dress in cotton dhotis, lungis, and light kurtas, ideal for the humid weather. Women favor elegant cotton or silk sarees, draped in the traditional Bengali style, often accessorized with simple jewelry during festivals and special occasions.

Telugu and Tamil Communities:
Southern Indian settlers brought with them the customary simplicity of Tamil and Telugu attire. Men usually wear the classic white veshti (a form of lungi) along with a shirt, combining comfort with tradition. Women prefer sarees made of breathable cotton, often draped in regional styles that reflect their cultural heritage.

Punjabi Migrants:
The Punjabi community adds a touch of vibrancy to the island's fashion scene. Men often wear kurta-pajama or salwar-kameez, especially during religious and festive celebrations. Women are known for their colorful salwar suits or sarees, adorned with intricate embroidery and vibrant patterns, bringing northern flair to the islands.

Malayali Population:
Hailing from Kerala, Malayali settlers typically maintain their traditional clothing styles. Men wear the mundu, a variant of the lungi, paired with a shirt. Women opt for Kerala-style sarees, usually with golden borders or shift to salwar-kameez for everyday wear, striking a balance between tradition and practicality.

Adaptation to Modernization in Costumes

Over time, significant changes have swept through the lifestyle and culture of various communities residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The Car Nicobar islanders, for instance, have gradually moved away from their traditional attire, such as coconut-leaf petticoats, and embraced modern clothing. Similarly, the Onges, who once followed a no-dress culture, have now adopted the clothing styles of the land. The Shompen people, although still limited in their coverage, now use clothes below their waist. These transformations reflect the evolution of the people of Andaman, as they have embraced new cosmetics and garments in recent times.

Influence of Mainland Culture on Costumes

The islands are home to a diverse population, including Hindus, Sikhs, Christians, and others, who have brought with them their distinct cultural practices and traditional costumes. The Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians living on the islands continue to exhibit their religious and cultural identities through their attire. Traditional garments like sarees, salwars, skirt-blouse combinations, dhotis, kurtas, pajamas, pants, trousers, and shirts are commonly worn by individuals belonging to these communities. However, it is worth noting that the influence of modern fashion has also reached the remote islands of Andaman and Nicobar, leading to a gradual shift from traditional clothing made from plant leaves to more contemporary attires.

Sea-Shells and Natural Elements in Designing Costumes

One of the captivating aspects of the costumes in Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the use of sea-shell ornaments and natural materials, which lend a distinct charm to the dressing styles. The costumes of the islands seamlessly blend with the blue romance of the sea and the sylvan ambience, creating an aesthetic that is truly unique. The creative artistry of the indigenous tribes is evident in their craftsmanship, as they skillfully fashion beautiful items from shells and tree barks to create necklaces, waistbands, and arm bands. These natural elements add an element of allure to the overall attire.

Preservation of Indigenous Practices

While modernity has seeped into various aspects of life in Andaman and Nicobar Islands, some isolated tribes have remained detached from mainstream influences, holding steadfast to their traditional practices. The Sentinelese people, for instance, continue to live a life free from clothing, maintaining their unique cultural identity. Similarly, the semi-civilized Shompen tribe restricts their clothing to the area below the waist. These tribes serve as a reminder of the diverse and vibrant cultural landscape of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where ancient traditions and contemporary influences coexist.

Diversity in Attires

The attire of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is a fascinating contrast to the dressing norms found in other regions of India. While the rest of the country upholds the expectation of dressing in a civilized manner, the islands present an entirely different scenario. The indigenous tribes, untouched by the touch of modernity, continue to roam the islands without any clothing. For them, clothing is not a necessity but rather a reflection of their close relationship with the natural environment.

The traditional dress of Laccadivian women, who are part of the islands` population, showcases a distinct style. Known as the Kachi, it resembles a lungi and is typically black or white. Along with the Kachi, women adorn themselves with long headdresses called Thattam. Additionally, jewelry plays a significant role in the attire of Laccadivian women, with ornaments inspired by the creatures of the sea, particularly seashells, enhancing their overall appearance.

As the world continues to evolve, the costumes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also subject to change. Modernity, globalization, and increasing connectivity have undoubtedly influenced the dressing patterns of the islanders. However, it is essential to strike a balance between embracing new styles and preserving the rich cultural heritage that defines these islands.

The costumes of Andaman and Nicobar Islands embody the fascinating mix of indigenous cultures, influences from early settlers, and the impact of mainstream Indian traditions. It is crucial to preserve and appreciate the traditional costumes while embracing the changes brought about by modernity.