Islands in Flux Pankaj SekhsariaCurated by Jaya RamchandaniVenue: CENTRAL LIBRARY, PATTO This installation is Pankaj’s attempt at bringing out the fragility of the state of the Andaman and Nicobar islands, with its land, and the sea surrounding it, in a constant state of flux. Comprising of huge photographic prints, printed on silk, the installation depicts … Read more
The Jarawa have been occupying the Andaman rainforests for years Imagine you wake up and start going about your normal day. Your better half prepares breakfast for your children, and you get dressed for the office. As you open the door to leave to work, you spot a bus packed with tourists parked right on … Read more
The ancient tribal communities that lived here in the Andaman Islands […] have lived and flourished here for at least 40,000 years., but the end could well be round the corner. […] It definitely began with the British and their policies, which have been kept up with clinical efficiency by modern, independent India [which] was … Read more
Ever since the Portuguese travel writers and missionaries decided to describe the vast variety of ethnic and occupational groups and sects of the Indian subcontinent in terms of “caste” and “tribe”, the terms have stuck to society as long-worn masks that start becoming one’s real personality. The result is that today no Indian describes society … Read more
Contact with the outside world has exposed the Jarawas to various dangers. Is isolation the best way to conserve? A debate Numbering around 400, people of the Jarawa tribe occupy the lion’s share of land in South and Middle Andaman Islands, earmarked as Jarawa Tribal Reserve (JTR). This irks leaders of political parties and businesspeople, … Read more