The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a striking example of how geography shapes not only the environment but also the cultural and strategic identity of a region. Located in the southeastern part of the Bay of Bengal, these islands form a Union Territory of India, stretching over hundreds of kilometers. Their location is not only important from a physical geography standpoint but also from a geopolitical and ecological perspective. Surrounded by water, isolated yet connected through sea lanes, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands occupy a unique position in the Indian Ocean region that has fascinated explorers, traders, and governments alike for centuries.
Geographical Coordinates and Position
Exact Location
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands lie between 6°45²N and 13°41²N latitudes and 92°12²E and 93°57²E longitudes. This north-south elongated archipelago covers a distance of nearly 800 kilometers, making it one of the longest chains of islands under a single administration in the world. The northernmost point of the territory is located near Landfall Island in the Andaman group, while the southernmost tip of India, known as Indira Point, lies in the Nicobar group.
Proximity to Mainland India and Neighboring Countries
The islands are located roughly 1,200 kilometers away from the Indian mainland. Port Blair, the capital of the Union Territory, lies about 1,255 kilometers from Kolkata and 1,200 kilometers from Chennai. Geographically, they are closer to Southeast Asia than to mainland India. The islands lie near countries such as Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, and Indonesia, making them a key maritime location in the eastern Indian Ocean.
Divisions of the Archipelago
Andaman Islands
The Andaman group consists of about 325 islands and islets, most of which are located north of 10°N latitude. The major islands in this group include North Andaman, Middle Andaman, South Andaman, and Little Andaman. Port Blair is situated in South Andaman and acts as the administrative center of the entire Union Territory.
Nicobar Islands
Situated south of the 10°N latitude, the Nicobar group contains around 24 islands. These are more sparsely populated and less developed compared to the Andamans. The major islands in the Nicobar group include Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar, Car Nicobar, and Katchal. Indira Point, on Great Nicobar Island, is the southernmost point of Indian territory.
Surrounding Waters and Maritime Importance
Bay of Bengal and Andaman Sea
To the west of the islands lies the Bay of Bengal, while to the east is the Andaman Sea. The Andaman Sea is a part of the eastern Indian Ocean and is bounded by the coastlines of Myanmar and Thailand. This dual exposure to two significant water bodies enhances the islands’ importance in regional maritime dynamics.
Strategic Location
The islands are located near the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes. This proximity makes them strategically valuable for maritime security and trade monitoring. India has recognized this strategic value by developing naval and air bases in the region, especially in Car Nicobar and Great Nicobar.
Geological and Topographical Features
Volcanic Origins
The islands are part of a submerged mountain range that connects the Arakan Yoma range of Myanmar to the Sumatran region of Indonesia. This geological formation is of volcanic origin. In fact, Barren Island in the Andamans is home to the only active volcano in India.
Landscape and Elevation
The terrain of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is primarily hilly and mountainous, with dense tropical forests. Saddle Peak in North Andaman is the highest point in the entire territory, rising to an elevation of 732 meters. In the Nicobar group, Mount Thullier in Great Nicobar stands out as the highest peak.
Climatic Conditions
Tropical Climate
The islands experience a tropical climate, with high humidity and moderate to heavy rainfall throughout the year. The temperature ranges between 23°C to 31°C. Monsoons, especially from the southwest, bring significant rainfall between May and October, while the northeast monsoon affects the islands from November to January.
Cyclones and Natural Disasters
Due to their location in the Indian Ocean, the islands are occasionally affected by cyclones and tsunamis. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami had a significant impact on the Nicobar Islands, particularly on Great Nicobar, which experienced severe damage and geographical shifts.
Biodiversity and Ecosystems
Unique Flora and Fauna
The isolation of the islands has resulted in a rich and unique biodiversity. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to many endemic species of birds, reptiles, and plants. The coral reefs surrounding the islands are among the most diverse in the world, making the region a hotspot for marine biodiversity.
Protected Areas
- Mount Harriet National Park (Andaman)
- Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve
These protected zones are crucial for conserving endangered species and maintaining ecological balance in the region.
Population and Settlements
Human Habitation
Despite the islands’ geographical isolation, several of them are inhabited. The total population of the territory is over 400,000. The majority of the population resides in the Andaman group, particularly in and around Port Blair. The Nicobar Islands are less densely populated and primarily inhabited by indigenous tribes and Nicobarese communities.
Tribal Communities
The islands are home to six recognized tribes, including the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarwa, and Sentinalese in the Andamans, and the Nicobarese and Shompens in the Nicobars. Some of these tribes, such as the Sentinalese, are completely isolated and live without contact with the outside world.
Connectivity and Accessibility
Sea and Air Transport
The primary mode of reaching the islands from mainland India is either by air or sea. Flights operate from major Indian cities like Chennai, Kolkata, and Delhi to Port Blair. Regular passenger ships also sail from Chennai and Kolkata, taking approximately 3 to 4 days.
Inter-Island Transport
Within the island groups, connectivity is facilitated through ferries, boats, and small aircraft. However, transportation to some remote islands is restricted due to ecological sensitivity or tribal protection laws.
The geographical location of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands adds to their uniqueness and importance in multiple dimensions. From a navigational and strategic standpoint, their position near vital sea routes makes them crucial to India’s maritime interests. Their natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural heritage enhance their significance further. Understanding their physical setting and environmental features provides valuable insights into their role not just within India, but in the larger Indian Ocean region. As interest in the Indo-Pacific continues to grow, the importance of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is likely to rise even more in the years to come.