"PADMA SHREE" FROM NICOBAR - Tribal Code Of Law

THE EXPONENT OF MODERN NICOBAR

3^rd June, 2008 was the 30^th Death Anniversary of Late Bishop John Richardson. He left peacefully for the heavenly abode at his residence at the Mus village, Car Nicobar, on 3^rd June, 1978 leaving behind his dear beloved people of Nicobar.

JOHN RICHARDSON HACHEVKO was born on 6^th June, 1888 at Mus, Car Nicobar, the capital of the Nicobar District, which is the home of the most civilized tribal community in the southern Andaman & Nicobar Islands – The Nicobarese.

When he was a child, his father was mercilessly killed at Chowra Island along with other sailors, to appease the Devil. He was among the first 128 Christians in Car Nicobar Baptized by Rev. Heely in 1901.

The honoUrs:

On 15^th January, 1950 Rev. John Richardson was consecrated at the St. Paul Cathedral, Calcutta to be a Bishop of Andaman & Nicobar Islands. In 1952, he was nominated as the Member of Parliament (M.P.) at New Delhi for the territory of A & N Islands for a term up to 1957. In 1966, the “Doctor of Divinity” was conferred on him by the Colleges of Serampore University (West Bengal) and in the same year, the Government of India conferred on him the prestigious award of “PADMA SHREE” and once again the even more prestigious and dignified “PADMA BHUSHAN” was awarded to him in 1973. He is the only Islander from the Union Territory of A & N Islands who was the recipient of Padma Shree and Padma Bhushan awards.

HIS VISION:

When he came back after completing his higher studies from Mandalay, Myanmar (erstwhile Burma) with a new tongue of English in his mouth, the tribal natives welcomed him with an eye of skepticism – a Foreigner who would snatch their land from them; not to be trusted but to be watched. Patiently, he set an example to them. He moved with them, talked with them, played and ate with them, and gradually the hearts that had hardened for years began to melt for him. Slowly, they began to believe him as their natural leader.

CAPTAINSHIP & TRIBAL CODE OF LAW:

John Richardson was not only a religious head, but was a natural leader, indeed, par excellence. He began to introduce the unwritten Tribal Code of Law amongst the Nicobarese. Thomas Halainypa was appointed as the first Chief Captain of Car Nicobar assisted by seven Headmen. The Court was set up at Big Lapathy (Tokirong Seti). The cases of dispute were settled peacefully without bloodshed. Few more villages were officially formed and named. John Richardson introduced the captainship in every village in Car Nicobar, only to make it united and peaceful, prosperous and beautiful.

COOPERATION – A WAY OF LIFE:

The Nicobarese live as a community; they exist for each other in a commune called “TUHET” headed by a chosen head of the family. And quite logically, John Richardson chose “Co-operation” as a way of life – a potent means for democratic, social and economic development. He started the Co-operative Movement in the Nicobar Islands.

The Christian civilization in the Nicobars is the epic of Bishop John Richardson. Befittingly, he was honoured with the prestigious awards by the Government of India and other institutions of high repute in recognition of his services for his people and for the country, at large. He is, without qualms, the Founder-Father of the Modern day Nicobars.

On this day of condolence, prayer meetings are held in all the Churches in the Nicobar group of Islands. On this day, the entire Nicobarese community together with the rest of the non tribal communities in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands commemorates the invaluable services and contributions of Bishop John Richardson towards the development and unification of the entire social makeup of the archipelago.

Courtesy: Lucas Robert, a member of the Nicobarese Tribal community, who is the Head of the Department of Education in the A & N Administration.

FLORA & FAUNA 0F FORESTS & SEA IN THE ISLANDS

Forests, corals, fishes, flora & fauna

Encounters, up close and personal, with the bountiful treasures of nature in the magical environs of ‘the islands of the marigold sun’ are hard to beat. Strung out in the glittering blue waters of the Bay of Bengal, the sunny islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago allure you with their promise of fun-filled holiday magic.

Today let me take you on a journey into one of the most mesmerizing world of forests, corals, fishes, flora and fauna that these islands are a habitat of. Some of these are the rarest and highly sought-after in the world. I’m sure it’s going to be highly useful for the tourists, students and the general readers alike, as these are of utmost significance in today’s world when we are faced with the daunting prospect of global warming.

These islands are blessed with a unique luxuriant evergreen tropical rainforest canopy, sheltering a mixed germ plasm bank, comprising of Indian, Myanmarese, Malaysian and endemic floral strain. So far, about 2200, varieties of plants have been recorded out of which 200 are endemic (common) and 1300 do not occur in the mainland India.

The South Andaman forests have a profuse growth of epiphytic vegetation, mostly ferns and orchids. The Middle Andaman harbors mostly moist deciduous forests. North Andaman is characterized by the wet evergreen type, with plenty of woody climbers. The North Nicobar Islands (including Car Nicobar and Battimalv) are marked by the complete absence of evergreen forests, while such forests form the dominant vegetation in the central and southern islands of the Nicobar group. Grasslands occur only in the Nicobars, and while deciduous forests are common in the Andamans, they are almost absent in the Nicobars. Now, don’t you think, this is pretty outlandish? This atypical forest coverage is made-up of twelve types namely:-

(1) Giant Evergreen Forest

(2) Andamans Tropical Evergreen Forest

(3) Southern hilltop tropical evergreen forest

(4) Cane brakes

(5) Wet bamboo brakes

(6) Andamans semi-evergreen forest

(7) Andamans moist deciduous forest

(8) Andamans secondary moist deciduous forest

(9) Littoral forest

(10) Mangrove forest

(11) Brackish water mixed forest

(12) Submontane hill valley swamp forest.

The present forest coverage is claimed to be 86.2% of the total land area in the islands.

TIMBRE

Andaman Forest is abound in plethora of timber species numbering 200 or more, out of which about 30 varieties are considered to be commercial. Major commercial timber species are Gurjan (Dipterocarpus spp.) and Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides). Ornamental wood such as (1) Marble Wood (Diospyros marmorata), (2) Padauk (Pterocarpus dalbergioides), (3) Silver Grey (a special formation of wood in white chuglam), (4) Chooi (Sageraea elliptical and (5) Kokko (Albizzia lebbeck) are noted for their pronounced grain formation. Padauk, which is steadier than teak, is widely used for furniture making.

Burr and the Buttress formation in Andaman Padauk are World famous for their exceptionally unique charm and figuring. The Largest piece of Buttress known from Andaman was a dining table of 13'x 7'. The largest piece of Burr was again a dining table to seat eight persons at a time. The holy Rudraksha (Elaeocarps sphaericus) and aromatic Dhoop/Resin trees also occur here.

FAUNA

This tropical rain forest despite its isolation from adjacent land masses is surprisingly enriched with many animals.

MAMMALS

About 50 varieties of forest mammals are found to occur in A&N Islands, most of them are understood to be brought in from outside and are now considered endemic due to their prolonged insular adaptation. Rat is the largest group having 26 species followed by 14 species of bat. Among the larger mammals there are two endemic varieties of wild pig namely Sus Scrofa andamanensis from Andaman & S.S.nicobaricus from Nicobar. The spotted deer (Axis axis), Barking deer and Sambar are found in Andaman District. Interview island in Middle Andaman holds a fairly good stock of feral elephants. These elephants were brought in for forest work by a private contractor who subsequently left them loose.

BUTTERFLIES AND MOTHS

With about 225 species, the A&N Islands house some of the larger and most spectacular butterflies of the world. Ten species are endemic to these Islands. Mount Harriet National Park is one of the richest areas of butterfly and moth diversity on these Islands.

SHELLS

Shells are perhaps the most colourful and fascinating objects known to man other than Gems since time immemorial. They served as money, ornaments, musical instruments, drinking cups, in magic and in the making of fine porcelains. They were also the symbols in rituals and religious observances, and the returning pilgrims wore them as a token of divine pardon.

These islands are traditionally known for their shell wealth specially Turbo, Trochus, Murex and Nautilus. Earliest recorded commercial exploitation began during 1929. Shells are important to these islands because some like Turbo, Trochus & Nautilus etc are being used as novelties supporting many cottage industries producing a wide range of decorative items & ornaments. Shells such as Giant clam, Green mussel and Oyster support edible shellfishery; a few like Scallop, Clam and Cockle are burnt in kiln to produce edible lime.

The Univalve or one shell group belongs to the class Gastropoda having more than 80,000 species. Sacred Chank belongs to this group. Their body, in the course of development, goes through a complicated process, 'torsion' i.e. the visceral mass is twisted through 90 degree together with the shell that covers it. Under mysterious circumstances many a time this process proceeds in the reverse direction thus creating an abnormal shell which otherwise lives like a normal shell. A classic example is the most wanted left-handed chank or “SHANKH” as called in Hindi.

The Bivalve or Pelecypoda has about 20,000 living species. Majority of them burrows in sand or mud such as Pearl Oyster, Wing oyster, Giant clam etc.

A third group, which is comparatively smaller, is called Cephalopoda, which includes Octopus, Squid, Nautilus etc.

The soft body animal, which lives inside the shell, is covered with a thick layer of specialized epithelium cells known as mantle, which in turn secretes a two tier shell material making the shell. The outer layer having a different colour pattern is organic in constitution, technically called 'periostracum'. Calcium ions from the environment are absorbed into the blood and deposited evenly under this layer. The next inner layer is called 'nacre' or 'mother of pearl' responsible for the pearly lustre common to many shells.

CORALS

I have talked about corals in this Blog earlier, as well, but this time, I am providing you with a scientific insight into these fabulous creatures found under the sea.

Corals belong to a large group of animals known as Coelenterata (stinging animals) or Cnidaria (thread animals). Corals grow slow; they have type wise site specific growth rates. The massive forms may grow up to 2 cm in diameter and up to 1 cm in height a year, whereas, delicate branching forms grow between 5 to 10 cm per annum.

A true reef building stony coral may be unisexual or bisexual. They breed together once in a year at a pre-determined time after dusk. This process, at places is so intense that the water stays pinkish till next morning. What a truly exotic and romantic spectacle, isn’t it? A large number of baby corals are released in the open ocean this way. After sometime these baby corals settle over a suitable substratum and start forming new colonies through asexual reproduction. Their morphological features change with the environment in which they settle. Due to this peculiar character they are often called 'Plastic animals'.

Stony corals could be broadly divided into reef builders and non-reef builders. The reef builders are called hermatypic whereas others are known as ahermatypic corals. The reef builders possess hard calcareous skeleton and need sunlight like plants to survive. On the other hand, the non-reef builders are devoid of a true stony framework and can live well without sunlight. A few among them are capable of making protein based solidified skeleton.

FISHES

Each life form in the sea is confined to its own particular zone, where pressure, light, temperature and salinity are more or less constant. In this stable environment, some creatures have remained unchanged throughout their entire history. The now famous Coelacanth, one of the groups of fishes thought to have been extinct for 60 million years, has remained essentially like its relatives as they appear in fossils. Fishes are the masters of water world.

For more than 360 million years they have inhabited it. Today we have about 40,000 varieties of fishes known to science. They range in size from 10 mm (Philippine Gobie) to 21m (whale shark). Some are flattened, others inflated, many spindle shaped, a few snakelike, still others are compressed depending on the environment in which they live or particular way of life.

MARINE AQUARIUM

Marine fish and animal keeping still has a certain mystique attached to it. This is one of the most complicated aspects of live stock management. The animal husbandry involved in it is mainly nurtured through water chemistry and microbiology. The tropical coral reef inhabitants are generally maintained in glass boxes known to us as marine aquariums. These animals turn 'fragile' under captive atmosphere because the natural system to which they belong is so heterogeneous, complex and dynamic with every tide bringing in a different condition that is so difficult to create artificially.

However, since May l853 when the first tropical marine aquarium was made public in London, much has been understood and we are now able to practice a system where these animals are acclimatized and taught to be happy in their new environs.

Scientific details, courtesy- Fortress Commander, A & N Islands

SCUBA DIVING IN ANDAMANS

Diving in Andamans

Diving in Andamans is a unique lifetime experience. The coastal water surrounding these islands is the abode of one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world.

Here the coral reefs and underwater formations are undamaged by human activity and miraculously even the tsunami of 26^th December 2004 could not damage them fully.

There is no greater adventure than diving. Whether you are a novice or an experienced proficient diver, there is always something new, fascinating or challenging about venturing into the underwater world. Your mind may be mesmerized by clouds of colorful fish, your curiosity raised by the mysterious remains of sunken ships or your creativity awakened by the art of underwater photography. Your diving interests may range from a casual pastime pursued on vacation, to a constant passion, or even a career. Diving has something new to offer for everyone.

Diving in Andamans is a unique lifetime experience. The coastal water surrounding these islands is the abode of one of the richest coral reef ecosystems in the world. The specialty is that, here the coral reefs and underwater formations are undamaged by human activity and miraculously even the tsunami of 26^th December 2004 could not damage them fully. The best season for diving is from December to April.

Many of the islands are surrounded by fringing reefs, often several hundred meters wide and separated from the shore by a lagoon of similar width. There are also more steeply sloping reef walls, and coral pinnacles or knolls. Divers can follow around steeply undulating hills of raven volcanic lava, which makes for some very unusual diving experience. There are plenty of steeply sloping and shallow reefs suitable for snorkeling.

Large pelagic beings are plentiful in these waters, as are a variety of sharks. Large schools of hammerhead often patrol the waters away from the reefs and Grey, Whitetip, Nurse and leopard sharks are found closer inshore. Silvertip and ocean Whitetips also sometimes appear out of the deep blue beyond. Enormous manta Rays are also often seen.

Few Dive Sites near South Andaman Island/Port Blair:

● Cinque Island – One of the best dive destinations in the island, it has clear emerald water with a visibility of up to 80 feet. The deep dive offers a terrific variety of marine life, including black coral, sightings of sharks and is ideal for the experienced diver.

North Point: This site at Cinque Island is mostly highlighted by sponges and small corals and offers good diving because of the abundance and diversity of fish life.

SOUTHEAST REEF at Cinque Island is a good site for novices. The southeast part of the reef consists of hard and soft corals and these are very dense on the rocks down to about 16m (53 ft.).

● FISH ROCK near Passage Island offers an extremely colorful dive. The topography consists of rocky slopes, boulders and drop-offs, featuring large fan of corals and plenty of sponges. Below 25m, the rocks are covered in small bushy soft corals in numerous hues. Hard corals are not so evident. Grey and Whitetip Reef Sharks are almost always in the vicinity as are Nurse Sharks.

Among the rest of the marine life are Eagle Rays, Potato Cod, large coral groupers, fusiliers, sweetlips, turtles, batfish, bumphead, Parrotfish, Squirrelfish, curious and friendly oriental sweetlips, surgeonfish, yellow Tangs, Triggerfish, Tuna, Rainbow runners and many species of trevally.

● BALA REEF: On the western side of Little Andaman, Bala Reef spreads over 4-5 sq. km and is said to be one of the best sites in the Andamans for coral- with vibrant colours.

● CORRUPTION ROCK: Corruption Rock sticks out between Chidiyatapu and Rutland Island. The dive site is on the western side of the rock and is made up of big underwater boulders. The corals are not brilliant but the craggy undersea landscape of boulders is stunning. A fantastic wonderland of gullies, channels, ridges and canyons. Look out for giant napoleons and eagle rays, huge snappers, schooling fusiliers, banner and unicorn fish. Dolphins, tuna and reef sharks have also been sighted here.

● RUTLAND ISLAND: The shallow waters near the island have a good representation of most of the smaller fish and coral, and a good place for training open water divers. There is a ship wreck site also.

● SNAKE ISLAND off Corbyn’s Cove beach offers awesome rock faces and spectacular dive landscape. Marine life includes Trigger fish, Grunts, Goatfish and Rays.

● HAVELOCK ISLAND: This is located approximately 50kms from Port Blair by inter-island ferry. There is a wide range of largely unexplored dive sites rich in underwater marine life.

DIVE SITES NEAR THE HAVELOCK ISLAND:

MAC POINT: Mostly hard corals and their inhabitants are found. Usually good visibility dugongs have been spotted here.

AQUARIUM: It is a fringing reef with lots of ‘fish-traffic’. Usually good visibility hard corals are found here.

BARRACUDA CITY: Tons of fish, sometimes turtles, mostly hard and some soft corals. Rather suitable for experienced divers.

TURTLE BAY: This is an easy pleasant dive site not exceeding 14 meters. Rays are found in the sand and with luck turtles.

SEDUCTION POINT: A huge rock with different kind of aquatic life. Napoleons can be seen. The shallow part is full with staghorn corals and its inhabitants.

LIGHTHOUSE is a huge dive site, suitable for any kind of dives. Huge variety of soft and hard corals is found here. It is perfect for night-dives.

THE WALL is a huge submerged rock. The Wall drops down to a maximum of 55 meters and is full of life. Huge forests of soft corals and schools of fish circling you, makes it always a memorable dive.

PILOT REEF near Havelock is a huge block of pristine hard corals. At the bottom (max 24 meters) ‘canyons’ are stretching out. Leopard and Whitetip Sharks have been sighted.

MINERVA LEDGE at Havelock is an even bigger block of hard corals. Tons of fish, usually good visibility and the possibility of seeing sharks makes it one of the top dive sites.

● CAMPBELL SHOAL OFF NORTH BUTTON ISLAND: The bottom of this site is covered in mainly hard corals, with sporadic sandy patches and hosts a multitude of reef animals. The marine life includes Whitetip Reef Sharks, large cod and groupers, Coral Trout, Blue and Golden-banded fusiliers, Giant Trevally and a host of colourful reef-fish.

● MAHATMA GANDHI MARINE NATIONAL PARK, WANDOOR: Hundreds of colourful varieties of coral reef fishes can be seen in the park. Some of these are clownfish, butterfly fish, surgeon fish, angel fish, parrot fish, bat fish and groupers. Whitetip shark, hammer headed shark, Manta Ray, and blue fin jack are also occasionally seen. More than 50 types of corals are found in the fringing type of coral reefs in the park. Some important coral varieties found here are Acropora, Pocillopora, Montipora, Leptoseris, Fungia, Portis, Tubipora and Gorgonians.

TIPS FOR DIVE TOURISTS (inserted as per the instructions of the A & N Administration):

• Best season for diving – December to April.

• Dive only in the areas opened/permitted for scuba diving by the Andaman and Nicobar Administration.

• Do not dive with unqualified/unregistered dive operator for the same may be dangerous for your life. Avail the services of Scuba Dive Instructors certified by the international professional organizations such as PADI, CMAS, NAUI, BSAC or SSI for safe diving experience.

• Details about approved scuba dive centres, list of areas/sites permitted by the administration for scuba diving and the terms and conditions for operating scuba dive centres in Andamans can be obtained by

Email: ipt@and.nic.in

• The Recompression Chamber facility is available at Clearance Diving Unit, Navy, Port Blair. Tel: +91 3192 232871

Technical details-courtesy: Directorate of Tourism – A & N Administration.