CENSUS OF INDIA

REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF INDIA -A CARTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

OCCASIONAL PAPERS

SERIES - 1 VOLUME - XXIV &XXX ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS AND LAKSHADWEEP

Planning & Supervision B. K. ROY, M. A., Ph. D. Deputy Registrar General (Map)

General Direction & Editing VIJA Y S. VERMA of the Indian Administrative Service Registrar General & Census Commissioner.. India 2 - A, Mansingh Road, New Delhi Maps included in this volume are based upon Survey of India map with the permission of the Surveyor General of India.

The boundary of Meghalaya shown on the maps is as interpreted from the North-eastern areas (Reorganisation) Act, 1971, but has yet to be verified.

The territorial waters of India extend into the sea to a distance of twelve nautical miles measured from the appropriate base line (applicable to India map only).

The Indo-Bangladesh boundary shown on the maps is the one existing prior to the conclusion of the agreement on May 16, 1974 between India and Bangladesh,

© Government of India copyright 1988. ~~ -tmf ':iff ~-~~ HOME MINISTER INDIA NEW DELHI-110001

Oct. 26, i 988

FOREWORD

Experience has taught us that planning has to be related the situation in the field in orderto better respond to local aspirations and for better utilization of local resources. A lot of planning has, of necessity, to be for larger areas, encompassing an agglomeration of administrative units. Even such macro planning has, in order to be realistic, to be cognisant of the realities at the micro level. Correspondingly, such plans for bigger areas and involving larger outlays have also to be admini­ stered from a suitably high threshold of administrative authority and by a wide network of administra­ tive hierarchy.

Nevertheless, there is a whole corpus of activities which can be and are, in fact, better planned, conducted and financed at the lower or local levels I think the essence of decentralized planning, which for operational convenience is, essentially, District level planning, i.e. planning for the District and its constitue:1t smaller units at those levels, consists of just this: allowing what is best taken care of at the local level to be so taken care of.

But, all planning, from me national to the sub-micro level. does need, as already stated, a careful study of the situation in the field. And this study also calls for a knowledge of the natural regions, demarcated as per the various physiogeographic characteristics, for a proper appreciation of the planning and developmental matrix and for suggesting the appropriate spatial unit for local and higher area planning.

From this point of view, the present study, done by the Indian Census, is extremely useful as it provides a framework, a backdrop and also a ground-plan on which other studies and data-sets can be built. I congratulate Shri Vijay S. Verma, Registrar General & Census Commissioner, India, Dr. B.K. Roy, Deputy Registrar General (Map) and their colleagues for this tine and timely series.

(Buta Singh)

( iii)

PREFACE

Regions can be carved out with varying criteria for varying purposes. Basically, however, we could, perhaps, distinguish between natural regions - areas which nature intended to be or marks out as separate, homogeneous unit - and human intervention regions - areas which have to be or are treated together for different purposes, with varying degrees of consideration for the natural regions.

Thus, special purpose regions mayor may not coincide with natural regions. Administrative units represent special purpose regions of a kind and their boundaries, too, mayor may not be in conformity with those of natural regions.

But there are further elements making for complexity, even confusion: there are regions within regions - there may be fields with different types of soil calling for different types of treatment even within a village - and different natural yardsticks or criteria may not always coverage and coalesce to yield natural regions valid from the point of view of each of the criteria considered or used. Thus, ground water availability and soil texture may not be necessarily indicate the same delineation; in theory an area may be thickly woodod and, in reality, quite denuded.

And then comes the final heartbreak for the region-delineator: all the factors and manifestations of nature may point in one direction but the perceptions and the aspirations of the people inhabiting that region may desire something else: nature may cry out for afforestation, rather reafforestation; the people may want to have more and more area under a marginally remunerative agriculture.

The question then arises: why then try to carve out natural regions? How valid and how usable are they going to be?

As in most areas of human endeavour, no one can hope either for totally foolproof delineation or immediate and whole hog adoption thereof for purposes of administration and development planning. And yet, all such exercises, should, I think, be welcome as contributive to the filling out of the complex scenario which serves as the essential backdrop for the formidable task of development planning in india to which a new dimension and fresh urgency have been added by the current, renewed emphasis on local area planning.

This study of ours seeks to take the work of delineation to reaches lower than hitherto attempted, mutating Districts in terms of natural regions, with the village as the constituent unit of each region. One could, of course, go still lower, carving out regions within Blocks, Taluqs or Thanas, may be with hamlets as the constituent units, and by using the appropriate fine-edged criteria for such sub .. sub­ micro delineation. Obviously, however, such a study will call for a staggered approach and a much deeper acquaintance with the situation on the ground.

Pending this, the present study which covers the whole of India and pOSits a scheme comprising of four levels of delineation is, I think, not an inconsiderable step forward and we may not be wrong, I hope, in deriving some satisfaction from its accomplishment. The Census of India is so multi-faceted anc so prolific in its output that some aspects of its corporate personality can go at times un or under recognized. One such aspect is cartography. Among otherihings, I hope, the present series will lead to a better appreciation of the scale and variety of our cartographic output. The work has been done as a Plan scheme so graciously and thoughtfully sanctioned by the Planning Commission. The foundations of the work were laid under the able stewardship of my predecessor Shri P. Padmanabha. It has been my privilege to steer the work to completion through a time-bound programme. Dr. B.K. Roy, Deputy Registrar General (Map), is one of the stalwarts who have made the Indian Census what it is. This project owes a great deal to him and I have a feeling that he, too, is going to cherish this association. This is not to forget the contribution made by a whole band of able and dedicated officers and cartographers of various ranks at the head-quarters and in our Directorates. This contribution is being acknowledged separately. Shri B.P. Jain, Deputy Director of Census Operations, has ensured speedy printing.

We have been extremely fortu nate in as much as Hon'ble Shri Buta Singh, Home Minister of India, has always been able to spare time for Census-related matters even though the claimants for his attention have naturally been innumerable. By kindly consenting to contribute a perspicacious Foreword to this series he has deepened the debt of gratitude the organization owes to him. As indicated by him, a follow up project could, perhaps, take care of compiling and presenting data-sets, comprising of demographic and other parameters, in terms of the regions herein presented.

I

(VIJAY S. VERMA) New Delhi Registrar General & 2nd of January, 1989 Census Commissioner, India

(vi) Regional Divisions Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep

Planning & Supervision Dr. B.K. Roy Deputy Registrar General (Map)

Progress & Monitoring Smt. Minati Ghosh Assistant Registrar General (Map)

Initial Drafting & Supervision Mohd. Abbas, Research Officer (Drawing)

Cartographic Supervision Mahesh Ram, Research Officer (Map) & Other Associated Work P.S. Chhikara, Map Analyst Avtar Singh, Sr. Geographer Kum. Sarita, Sr. Geographer Dr. R. C. S. Taragi, Cartographer Prem Chand, Geographer Pooran Singh, Cartographer Vishwanath Prasad, Sr. Artist Mohd. Ishaque, Artist Ved Pal Singh, Artist N. K. Nagia, Artist Reprographic Assistance R. R. Chakravorty, Sr. Artist Swetambar Dutt, Hand Press Machine Operator Secretarial Work Smt. C. R. Chithra, Lower Division Clerk Naresh Kumar, Assistant Compiler Printing Arrangement B. P. Jain & Proof Reading Deputy Director & his team.

CONTENTS

Page No. Foreword iii Preface v-vi PART-I

Regional Divisions of India - A Cartographic Analysis-Generai Note 3-6 Brief Characteristics of Regional Divisions 7-12

Statement on Physio-Geographical Regions of India (Regional Divisions) 15-24 PART-II

Regional Divisions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands 27-39 General Maps

Position of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep in India 43 Administrative Divisions of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, 1981 45

Geology 47 Soils 49 Distribution of Population, 1981 51

Density of Population, 1981 (By Sub·micro regions) 53 Photographs 55-59 PART-III District Andamans

(i) District Andamans --- Regional Divisions 63-67 (ii) Data on Regional Divisions of Andamans 71 (iii) Region-wise Village Codes of Andamans, 1981 72 (iv) Statement on Region-wise Physio-Cu!tural Details of Andamans 73-75

District Nicobars

(i) District Nicobars --- Regional Divisions 77-79 (ii) Data on Regional Divisions of Nicobars 83 (iii) Region-wise Village Codes of Nicobars,1981 84 (iv) Statement on Region-wise Physio-Cultural details of Nicobars 85-86

PART-IV

Regional Division of Lakshadweep Union Territory/District 89-95

(1) Data on Regional Division of Lakshadweep 96 (ii) Region-wise Village Codes of Lakshadweep, 1981 97 (iii) Statement on Physio-Cultural Details of Lakshadweep 98 PART -I GENERAL NOTE

REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF INDIA- A CARTOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS

GENERAL NOTE

The regional spatial patterns, variations of re­ in such district boundaries to suit the sub-regional sources, heterogeneous physio-geographic factors planning to the extent possible. This kind of adjust­ and problems in development bring out the necessity ment was worked out methodologically by V.L.S.P. for a regional approach to planning. Delineation of Rao and L.S. Bhat for the old Mysore State. Also, at physio-geographic regions of a country of sUb-conti­ the district level, we have an administrative set-up 2 nental size like India with an area of 3,287,263 km , which is competent to formulate and implement sub­ extending between latitudes 8°4'28" and 37°17' 53" regional plans. Moreover, a reliable statistical data North and longitudes 68°?' 53" and 97°24' 47" East base (both Census and non-Census) is available at and having a great range of geographic environment, the district level for the purposes of sub-regional is a gigantic task. During the past 30 years, the macro planning. level planning at the national level and meso level The Earlier Efforts planning at the state level have been duly empha­ sised. Micro level planning needs, perhaps, to be In regional planning of one type or the other, the further emphasised. For this to happen, one require­ delineation of proper regional boundaries has always ment consists of homogeneous regions, with natural remained a rather difficult task. A number of schemes boundaries, forming viable units of planning. for delineating natural regions in India have been put forward by scholars from time to time during this Thus, there was a need to delineate micro regions century. The first attempt was made by T.H. Holdich to suit the requirements of micro level regional plans in 1904. He made a very brief and sweeping generali­ within the framework of the national plan. To achieve sation and formed rather broad geographical zones of this end, we need micro regions which are valid on India on the basis of geological information only. physio-geographic considerations and also definable Later, during the 1921-31 decade regional deline­ in terms of administrative units and boundaries in ations were done mostly from the pOint of view of orderto facilitate plan formulation and plan execution. geological structure and stratigraphy. During 1922- For carving out such natural regions, the following 24, L.D. Stamp produced a more substantive and well considerations, inter alia, are to be kept in view: known wo rk. Stamp adopted physiog raphy and struc­ ture at the primary level and climate for the second (i) contiguous geographical area, order regions. He divided the country into 3 primary or (ii) homogeneous administrative machinery macro level regions and 22 sub-regions and deSig­ capable of formulating and implementing nated them as 'natural regions'. Almost simultane­ integrated area plans, ously but independent of Stamp's work, J.N.L. Baker, (iii) reliable statistical data base, following the work on natural regions initiated by (iv) existence of nodal regions; and Wood, proposed another scheme of natural regions. (v) amenability of the natural boundaries to It was in close agreement with Stamp's regional marginal adjustments so that the former scheme. Later on, M.B. Pithawala, Kazi S. Ahmad may, by and large, conform to administra­ and O.E. Baker also proposed their schemes of tive boundaries at given pOints of time. regional divisions. O.H.K. Spate gave a more compre­ hensive treatment to this scheme. He was in general In India, the district is the major universal admin­ agreement with the schemes proposed by Stamp and istrative unit below the State level. The administrative Baker. He divided the sub-continent into three para­ boundaries of the districts usually, however, cut mount macro level regions on the basis of geological across those of the homogeneous natural regions structure. The regional scheme proposed by Spate is though some district boundaries do coincide with the empirically derived. He divided India into 35 regions of natural sub-regional boundaries and most of the dis­ the first order (under the three macro regions exclud­ tricts have nodal regions. In cases of extreme hetero­ ing the islands), 74 of the second order with 225 sub­ geneitY,however, we may have to think of adjustments divisions.

3 The traditional divisions of the country into moun­ tions and large number of maps produced by various tains, plateaus and plains, and further regional divi­ national and international organisations, encouraged sions as envisaged by Stamp and later on improved B.K. Roy to revise the then existing framework of by Spate provided a base for the study of regional natural regions. A map of India s:'owing Physio­ physical conditions. During 1931-41, the regional Geographic Regions was included in the National studies so developed could not be elucidated or Volume of Census Atlas, 1971 wherein three tiers of enlarged mainly due to the politically unstable condi­ regional boundaries (Macro, Meso and Micro) have tions of the sub-continent. M.W.M. Yeatts in the been precisely adjusted with the district boundaries. General Report of Census of India, 1941 proposed a The important materials consulted for revising the broad diviSion of the country into four regions demar­ scheme were the maps published by the Geological cated according to economic and geographic prin­ Survey of India, Chief Soil Survey Office of the Indian ciples. However, it was only after 1951 that with the Agricultural Research Institute and the book, 'India-A help of more elaborate geological surveys and geo­ Regional Geography' edited by R.L. Singh. graphical mapping by foreign as weH as Indian geog­ raphers, the work on major natural regions could be The Present Study reoriented. The 1951 Census of India report gave considerable impetus to the progress of studies of The above work was welcomed by scholars, natural regionalisations as for the first time the Cen­ geographers and planners both in India and abroad. SUS data were interpreted in geographical context in To further refine such delin(' ation and 31so to get it some details. The map of major natural regions of done on a comprehensive scale, the Government of India of 1951 Census was rather sketchy in character. India sanctioned a plan scheme to the Census Organ­ However, it served the purpose well and was laudable isation on "Regional Divisions of !ndia-A Carto­ fo r its time considering the resources then available to graphic Analysis". It aim~d at working out a viable the Census Organisation. Subsequently, at the time grouping of Census villages and towns on a large of the 1961 Census, more maps and ideas from scale map keeping in view their physio-geographical foreign as well as Indian geographers were obtained characteristics in order to bring out viable homogene­ in carving out the natural regions of India for develop­ ous regions at the sub-micro level within the districts. ment purposes. S.P. Chatterjee divided India on Broadly, the physio-geographical factors which have the basis of physiography and geological structure. been kept in view while undertaking this exercise are A. Mitra grouped various districts ()f India into four (i) Physiography, (ii) Geological structure, (iii) Forest categories on the basis of their development levels. coverage, (iv) Climatic conditions,and (v) Soils. These Late (Miss) P. Sengupta suggested a scheme of sub-micro regions have been further pulled up on Geographical-economic regions of India which was uniform scale to provide a framework for mapping and utilised in the Census of India monograph entitled cartographic evaluation of Census as well as non­ "Economic Regionalisation of India-Problems and Census data to enlarge the scope of the Census Approaches" and Census of India Atlas of 1961. The Atlases of tho::) country and also to help in the interpre­ baSis for this classification was mainly in the works of tations of population data in terms of sub-micro re­ Spate and Chatterjee as well as in those of the gions which are physio-geographically homogene­ previous scholars referred to above. ous in character and have similar problems and However, all these schemes proposed by the prospects requiring uniform application of planning various scholars did not provide a base for mapping strategies for better utilisation of resources and for and for statistical analysis of the Census data at sub­ providing amenities to the inhabitants. Since each micro level. They did not also provide precise bounda­ sub-micro region has been clearly defined in so far as ries or relate the regions to administrative boundaries. its rural and urban constituents are concerned, the In case a scheme was based on the district as the demographic characteristics and other statistics can basic unit, as was the case with that proposed by Mitra be generated forthe past Censuses also to the extent and Sengupta, it did not take into consideration the to which village-wise/town-wise data are available. intra-district details. The subsequent availability of The sub-micro regions have been delineated within fairly intensive data, specially on the distribution of the distriCt. In case the boundaries of the district soils, forests, geological formations, climatic condi- experience any change in future due to administ~a-

4 tive or any other reason, the required scores can be and popular geographic names of local importance obtained by compilation of data as we know their which may be acceptable in view of the regional geo­ constituent .units. The sub-micro regions of the dis­ graphical pattern of the particular region. At times one tricts will play an important role in the implementation could feel that the contours ordrainage deSigns are so of the plan at the grass-root level within the framework complex as to complicate geographical thinking for of the state plan which, in turn, is a part of the overall the regions. In such cases, drainage patterns were National plan. Agricultural development in India is worked out separately to ascertain their alignment in dependent upon the r&gional approach because of the formation of sub-micro regions. Similarly, due to wide areal spread and the resultant contrasts in the complexity of contour lines on topographical cropping patterns arising mainly from the regional maps, profiles were drawn to arrive at a particular variations in physical conditions. Since the landuse conclusion whether the physio-geographical land­ pattern should be adopted as per physical conditions scape of the area was consistent with reference to of the region, the demarcation of physio-geographic valleys or rivulets of the regions at higher altitudes for regions will help in the long-term planning for the zoning of the sub-micro regions. This method pro­ country .It is hoped that this scheme, the first of its kind vided a deCision making criterion to streamline the in the history of the Census in India, besides enlarging regions. the scope of Census ."tiases, would serve as a useful While operating on the above system, step 3 framework for administrators, planners, researchers required the consulting of maps on geology to further and other data users. streamline the region-forming factors in the deline­ ation of sub-micro areas. Where the micro relief and The Procedure Followed the micro physiographic elements on such considera­ tions corresponded fully, the viable region in the The procedure for delineation of the sub-micro district gave a precise zoning. Further, the forest regio ns encompassed t.'le following steps and consid­ spread on the maps helped to reorient the sub-micro erations. regional boundaries. In addition, rainfall (isohyetal) Since the aim was to delineate sub-micro regions maps also helped in the delineation of these bounda­ within the district, the number of sheets covering the ries. Thus, all the factors as envisaged in the pro­ areal spread on standard topographical sheets either gramme have been synthesised judiciously andto the on 1 :50,000 or 1:250,000 scale, as available, were extent possible to carve out the sub-micro regions consulted. These sheets were mosaiced to ascertain within the districts throughout the country. the boundary of the district concerned. In case of change in the district boundaries between the 1971 Code Structure for the Regions and the Scheme and 1981 Censuses, the updated map of the district of the Contents as per 1981 Census was consulted. Similarly Tahsil! Taluk/P.S./C.D. Block/Circle boundaries were reori­ The map 'Regional Divisions of India' included in ented. As the second step, the villages alongwith their the volume depicts 3 digit codes. The first digit stands Census location code numbers were marked on the for the macro regions, the second digit for the meso topographical sheets for evaluation of the environs of regions and the third for the micro regions. The four the group of villages with reference to the physical macro regions have been numbered as: the Northern details. The delineation of sub-micro Le. the fourth Mountains (1), the Great Plains (2), the Deccan Pla­ order regions followed. In this exercise physio-geo­ teau (3),and the Coastal Plains and Islands (4). In the graphicai details of contours, drainage, spot heights, 3 digit code 2.1.1 on the map, the first digit (2) stands bench marks, watersheds as well as the distribution of for the macro region-the Great Plains, second digit high land and low land (land levels in broader per­ (1) for the meso region-the Punjab Plain and the spective) were examined. This gave further suitable third digit (1) stands for the micro region-Ravi-Beas background for the delineation of a group of villages Intertluvial Plain. In this frame, 4 macro, 28 meso and in one viable unit. Simultaneously, names were as­ 1 O~ micro regions are outlined forthe country and the signed to particular zones on the basiS of major and same have been breifly described in the later part. minor rivers/rivulets, names of mountain ranges, for­ Within this frame of micro regions, sub-micro regions ests or on the consideration of bigger Census villages have been delineated within the district under this

5 scheme. These sub-micro regions are given 4th digit tive boundaries of states and districts and there may code and this 4th digit has been repeated, district­ be a legitimate enquiry seeking the total geographical wise, from 1 to the numberof sub-micro regions in the spread of the same region or similar regions across district. and beyond such administrative boundaries but in After finalization of the sub-micro regions and terms of such administrative units. For purposes of their code numbers, lists of villages and towns were planning it is as necessary to know as to what natural prepared for each sub-micro region and basic data regions comprise a state or a district as to know the pertaining to area and population were generated. In position from the opposite point of view as to what addition, some physio-cultural characteristics are state and district or segments thereof comprise one also highlighted. Part II of this volume incorporates region or similar adjoining regions. brief description of physio-cultural aspects supple­ To seNe this latter purpose, we have added to mented by maps and basic data at state level while each state/union territory volume an appendix*which Part III gives information for each sub-micro region presents administrative constituents of similar re­ within each district of the state. gions which extend beyond district and state bounda­ It will be seen that the tables included in Parts II ries. In the case of the adjoining states/union territo­ and III approach the configuration from the point of ries, this exercise is, naturally, restricted to the limits view of the administrative unit i.e. State/DistricVTaluk/ of region/regions transcending the boundaries of the P.S./C.D. Block/Village. In other words, these tables concerned state/union territory to which a particular give the position of these units with reference to the volume in this series is devoted. For getting fuller natural regions in which they fall, as determined at details with regard to these "extended areas" in terms these respective levels. It will be perceived, however, of their constituents the reader is invited to referto the that the same region or a similar region under a volumes dealing with the concerned states/union different name may be transcending the administra- territories.

* Not applicable to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep .

6 BRIEF CHARACTERISTICS OF REGIONAL DIVISIONS

1. The Northern Mountains ing 4 divisions:

The Northern Mountains corresponding with the 1.2.1 Northern Himachal Pradesh Himalayan zone facing the northern frontier of the 1.2.2 Trans-Himalayan Zone sub-continent comprise Jammu and Kashmir, Hima­ 1.2.3 Central Himachal Pradesh chal Pradesh, Northern Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, North­ 1.2.4 Southern Himachal Pradesh ern West Bengal, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya and part of Geologically, it is almost similarto that of Jammu Assam. The Northern Mountains have been divided and Kashmir Himalaya. However, this sub-region is primarily according to the geology and forest cover. characterised by marked variations in the relief fea­ The relief and drainage,however, have also played a tures, mainly on the consideration of micro-relief and dominant role in establishing various sub-divisions little variations in soils. within the Himalayan zone. This macro region has been divided into 5 sub-regions (meso) and 24 divi­ 1.3 Uttar Pradesh Himalaya: sions (micro) on the basis of above mentioned factors. This sub-region has been divided into three divi­ These sub-regions are: sions, viz.

1.1 Jammu and Kashmir Himalaya: 1.3.1 Kumaon Himalaya-North 1.3.2 Western Kumaon Himalaya, This sub-region covers the entire Jammu and Siwalik and Doons Kashmir and is further divided into following three 1.3.3 Kumaon Himalaya-East divisions (micro region): In these areas, the elevation has been taken as 1.1.1 Ladakh the main basis for classification, Geology and forest 1.1.2 Kashmir Valley have also been taken into account. The soils are 1.1.3 Jammu mostly of brown hill type in the sub region with marked differences in the southern Siwalik zone, locally In these divisions the relief presents remarkable known as Tarai and Bhur soils. The Kumaon Hima­ variations. The grouping of the districts has been laya-North has important peaks like Nanda Dev;, made in conformity with the geological structure, Kamet and Badrinath. The Ganga and the Yamuna elevation and forest cover. Other factors do not play have their sources in this region. The Western significant role in delineating these divisions. How­ Kumaon Himalaya, Siwalik and Doons cover Dehra ever, sub-montane soil (Podsolic) is dominant in the Dun, Garhwal and Tehri Garhwal districts and have Kashmir Valley and brown hill soil is seen in the an elevation of 900 to 1000 m. The Kumaon Hima­ southern part of Jammu and Kashmir. Ladakh region laya-East which comprises Almora and Nainitai is fully predominated by mountain meadow soils as districts is marked with some narrow valleys on high well as glaciers and eternal snow. Forest is mostly altitudes. alpine type in the northern regions and sub-alpine in the southern regions. 1.4 NOl1h-Eastern Himalaya:

1.2 Himachal Pradesh Himalaya: This region includes 4 sub-regions extending over Sikkim, Darjiling and Duars area of West Bengal Himachal Pradesh state entirely falls under this and Arunachal Pradesh. The Darjiling section of the sub-region. It has been further divided into the follow· Himalayan zone rises abruptly from Duars plain of

7 West Bengal. Three high peaks, namely, Siwalik Phu 2. The Great Plains (3630 m), Sabargam (3546 m) and Phalut (3596 m) are located in this section of Himalayan zone. Simi­ This is the tnost important zone in view of human larly, the lofty ranges of about 5000 m with intermittent concentration and it stretches from Rajasthan via summits are the chief characteristics of Arunachal Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal Pradesh. Weather is damp and cold and the forests to the eastern section of Brahmaputra Valley. It is an are dense. Annual rainfall ranges between 250 and enclosed vast basin of various small and large rivers 350 cm. The drainage is in evolutionary stage and separated by 'alluvial divides'. immature. This region has been divided into 4 divi­ The western section comprising arid Rajasthan, sions as below: Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh is slightly higher in elevation, over 150 1.4.1 Sikkim Himalaya m, than the eastern section of the plain. However, 1.4.2 DarjiHng Himalaya including Ouars according to elevation, this plain shows three levels of 1.4.3 Western Arunachal Pradesh Himalaya relief configuration, from 0 to 75 m in the eastern 1.4.4 Eastern Arunachal Pradesh Himalaya section, 75 to 150 m in the Central Uttar Pradesh and 150 to 300 m in the western zone with the exception 1.5 Eastern Hill Zone: of a small zone in eastern Jaisalmerdistrict where the elevation is below 75 m. Geologically/the whole region This region represents the eastern section of is made of alluvium brought by rivers from the Hima­ Himalayan zone extending over Nagaland, Manipur, layas and this is a gradational plain formed during Mizoram, Tripura, part of Assam and Meghalaya. This Pleistocene and Recent geological times. On the region is interspersed with plains especially in Silchar, basis of drainage, soils and rainfall, the region has North Cachar Hills and adjoining areas. Topographi­ been divided into 7 sub-regions and 24 divisions: cally it is rugged. The slopes are quite steep. Overthe Tripura region the topography has interspersed 2.1 Punjab Plain ranges and valleys. Consequently/communication is difficult. In this plain 4 divisions as listed below have been The Khasi and Jaintia Hills in Meghalaya is like a delineated on the basis of soils and rainfall. Soils are table land. Geologically, it is an eastward extension of alluvial with variations of bangar and khadar. Agricul­ the massive block of the Peninsular region broken by turally, this is the most important region. the alluvium of Bengal basin. In its long geological history this region is said to have submerged during 2.1.1 Ravi-Beas Interfluvial Plain Mesozoic and early Tertiary times due to marine 2.1.2 Hoshiarpur-Chandigarh Sub­ transgression which was further uplifted at the time of montane Plain Himalayan orogenesis. 2.1.3 Beas-Satluj Doab The region has been divided into 10 divisions as 2.1.4 Punjab-Malwa Plain below:

1.5.1 Nagaland Hills 2.2 Haryana Plain 1.5.2 Manipur Hills 1.5.3 Imphal Valley In this region which also includes Delhi, three 1.5.4 Hill Zone divisions have been delineated on the basis of topog­ 1.5.5 Tripura Plain raphy and distribution of soils which are sandy and 1.5.6 Tripura Hills calcareoLls. 1.5.7 Cachar Plain 1.5.8 Karbi Anglong & North Cachar Hills 2.2.1 Eastern Haryana Plain 1.5.9 Eastern Meghalaya 2.2.2 Western Haryana Plain 1.5.10 Western Meghalaya 2.2.3 Southern Haryana Plain

8 2.3 Arid Rajasthan Plain graphical features. In general, the valley has an elevation of below 75 m. The eastern section is more This meso region receives an average annual undulating. Rainfall is very high and river pattern is rainfall of less than 40 cm. It has been divided into four braided in various sections of the Brahmaputra. The micro regions mainly on the basis of distribution of tributaries joining the main river Brahmaputra dis­ rainfall which are: charge large amount of water during the monsoon period and hence cause floods in the valley region. It 2.3.1 Ghaggar Plain is also covered with luxuriant vegetations throughout. 2.3.2 Rajasthan Bagar Hence, on this basis,this valley has been divided into 2.3.3 Extremely Arid Tract three divisions with definite characteristics. 2.3.4 Luni Valley 2.7.1 Western Brahmaputra Valley 2.4 Upper Ganga Plain 2.7.2 Central Brahmaputra Valley 2.7.3 Eastern Brahmaputra Valley This is the vast stretch of the Ganga Pla!n where tile rivers are playing important role in carrying out definite influence area of their own. In general, the soil 3. The Deccan Plateau is alluvial but variations have developed on the upland and the low land areas. The upper Ganga Plain has The Deccan Plateau represents the whole of been divided into two divisions, viz. South Indian tableland. From the point of view of geology, the whole region is composed of metamor­ 2.4.1 Northern Upper Ganga Plain phiC rocks of pre-Cambrian age. Considering drain­ 2.4.2 Southern Upper Ganga Plain age, elevation, forest cover, soils and rainfall, sub­ divisions were delineated. In general, the elevation 2.5 Middle Ganga Plain rises to over 1000 m in the south while it hardly exceeds 500 m in the north. The rivers of this region This is the transitional zone between the Upper have mostly reached their base level of erosion which Ganga Plain and the Lower Ganga Plain and has have carved out wide valleys in various regions of been divided into two divisions,viz. considerable importance.This region has been ci','id­ 2.5.1 Middle Ganga Plain-West ed into12 sub-regions and 33 divisions: 2.5.2 Middle Ganga Plain-East 3.1 Semi-Arid Rajasthan 2.6 Lower Ganga Plain

This portion of Rajasthan is marked with interven­ The characteristics of the landscape in the Ganga ing valleys where the soils are red, yellow and mixed Plain change abruptly in Lower Ganga Plain red-black in character. The regional characteristics of extending over Bihar and West Bengal due to high this region are different from those of the arid zone of rainfall. It has an elevation of below 75 m and has been further divided into following six micro regions: the Rajasthan (2.3). The annual rainfall here varies from 35 to 45 cm. Besides, the vegetation is partly de­ 2.6.1 North Bihar Plain veloped over the hills and slopes which mostly be­ 2.6.2 South Bihar Plain longs to semi-arid type, while the arid plains are in­ 2.6.3 Barind Tract fested with thorny scrub and bushy vegetation. This 2.6.4 Moriband Delta region has been further divided into three divisions: 2.6.5 Proper Delta 2.6.6 Rarh Plain 3.1.1 Aravalli Range and the Associated Uplands 2.7 Brahmaputra Valley 3.1.2 Semi-Arid Uplands of Eastern Rajasthan The Brahmaputra Valley presents typical geo- 3.1.3 Banas-Chambal Basin

9 3.2 Uttar Pradesh Uplands 3.4.2 Northern Madhya Pradesh Uplands-Central Uttar Pradesh Uplands refJre :;ent well defined 3.4.3 Northern Madhya Prad~th zone of Vindhyan System in the south. The average Uplands--East elevation is SOO-600 m. and slopes towards the plain in the north. The divisions made in this meso region 3.5 Central Madhya Pradesh Plateau are: 3.2.1 Jhansi Uplands The Central Madhya Pradesh Plateau inllerits a 3.2.2 Mirzapur Uplands complex geology. In general, gneisses-Vindhyans and Gondwanas are fairly represented here. Forest is Jhansi Uplands are comparatively dry while the deciduous and presents large varieties of sal. Soils Mirzapur Uplands are wet. are primarily medium black to deep black types. The region has been sub-divided into three divisions: 3.3 Bihar-West Bengal Uplands 3.S.1 Sagar Plateau Bihar-West Bengal Uplands region is one of the 3.S.2 Bhopal Plateau most interesting region for the studies in geomor­ 3.S.3 Ratlam Plateau phology and cultural geography. The whole region belongs to the unclassified crystalline rocks. The 3.6 Southern Madhya Pradesh Uplands elevation of the Bihar Highlands known as Chotan­ agpur Plateau is in the range of300 - 900m. which is The region in general represents black soil. often high above 900 m. at places in the form of Annual rainfall varies between 200 &. 300 em. The rounded hills. Soils in this region are mainly red and whole region is densely forested in general. Accord­ yellow and red sandy. Red and black soils are pre­ ing to the elevation, drainage and micro orographic dominant in Singhbhum region. The drainage is ra­ characteristics the region has bee'n divided into three dial. Forests are dense in Palamu, Ranchi and Hazar­ divisions. ibag areas, while it becomes sparse in Puruliya on account of degenerated soils on the uplands. On the 3.6.1 Narmada Region including basis of elevation and nature of topography the region Flanks of Vindhya and Satpura has been divided into 4 divisions: 3.6.2 Mahanadi Basin 3.3.1 Ranchi Plateau 3.6.3 Madhya Pradesh Dandakaranya 3.3.2 Hazaribag Plateau 3.3.3 Puruliya Uplands 3.7 Northern Maharashtra 3.3.4 Singhbhum Plateau The Northern Maharashtra represents the major 3.4 Northern Madhya Pradesh Uplands soil regions developed over 'Deccan flows'. In this region average annual rainfall ranges'between 40 and The Northern Madhya Pradesh uplands region 80 cm. The altitudinal characteristics are quite pro­ has been sub-divided into three divisions. In general, nounced and hence the delineation of above regions the elevation is between 300& 600mwith numerous is based on the 'Valleys and Divides' concept of hills which are thickly forested. The Northern Madhya orography of the region. It has been further divided Pradesh is typically a ravine and derelict land zone on into following two divisions: account of erosion by the tributaries of Chambal system. The Northern Madhya Pradesh Uplands­ 3.7.1 Tapti -Purna Valley East region represents the Vindhyas with well devel­ 3.7.2 Wardlla-Penganga-Wainganga Plain oped scarps. Three divisions made in this meso region are: 3.8 Maharashtra Plateau

3.4.1 Northern Madhya Pradesh This meso region in general, has an altitude Ravine UplandS-West ranging between 300 and 900 m and extends over

10 basalts. Some high ranges like Ajanta range, Haris­ 3.11 Andhra Plateau chandra range, Mahadeo range and Balaghat range break the monotony and thus form a mosaic of plateau Andhra Plateau is another well-defined plateau with protruded hills. Annual rainfall in general, varies region over the Archaean gneissic rock of Southern between 80 and 100 cm except in the central region India whicl 1 is drained mostly by Godavari, Krishna of Maharashtra Plateau which generally gets less and Penner river systems. Overthe western margins, than 80 cm rainfall. Forest cover, in general, is the soils are mostly medium black with intrusion of sparse and at places dense which is of dry deciduous deep black soils in Krishna valley. The rest of the type. Consequently, two divisions have been made in region is characterised by red sandy soils. The this region, viz. average annual rainfall is below 80 cm in this region. The region is covered with deciduous forests. On the 3.8.1 Eastern Plateau basis of elevation and other considerations, the re­ 3.8.2 Western Plateau with protruded Hills gion has been divided into four divisions and identified as: 3.9 Karn

11 the Eastern Ghats and Bay of Bengal in the east. The 4.3 Eastern Coastal Region rainfall varies in the sections which is high (above 300 cm) in the Western Coastal Region and low (100 cm) The Eastern Coastal Region can be distinguished in the Eastern Coastal Region. The Coastal Plain from the Western coast because the basic geographi­ has been sub-divided into 4 sub-regions and 20 cal factors of these two regions vary to a great extent. divisions: The 100 cm. isohyetalline separates the eastern and western coastal areas at the district level at Kan­ 4.1 Gujarat Region niyakumari. The Eastern Coastal Region is wide and tr.3 soils differ appreciably within this region. The big rivers carve out broader valleys or deltas which give This region represents almost the whole of further help in establishing the division in the Eastern Gujarat state. This region is composed of 'Deccan Coastal Region. The Eastern Ghats are broken as Flows' and coastal Tertiary deposits. Gujarat Plain is they do not run as continuous geographical barrier. drained by Sabarmati and Mahi rivers. Eastern Hilly The region has been divided into 8 divisions, viz. Region is comprised of Panch Mahals and the Dangs districts. Kathiawar Peninsula is partly rocky having 4.3.1 Kanniyakumari Coast an elevation of above 75 m. Radial drainage is the 4.3.2 Sandy Littoral chief characteristic feature of this zone. 4.3.3 Coromandel Coast 4.3.4 Southern Andhra Coastal Plain Kachchh Peninsula solely corresponds with 4.3.5 Krishna Delta Kachchh district. The chief characteristic feature of 4.3.6 Godavari Delta the region is the sandy plain with isolated rocky hills. 4.3.7 Northern Andhra Coastal Plain All these regions may typically be said as semi-arid 4.3.8 Mahanadi Delta while the Kachchh Peninsula is arid. The above mentioned four regions are as follows: 4.4 The Islands

4.1.1 Gujarat Plain The Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of 4.1.2 Eastern Hilly Region Bengal and Lakshadweep in the Arabian sea vary 4.1.3 Kathiawar Peninsula between themselves in the geographical location as 4.1.4 Kachchh Peninsula well as in human geography and form two micro regions. 4.2 Western Coastal Region 4.4.1 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are composed of more than 300 named and unnamed The Western Coastal Region lies just bordering islands. Out of them 33 major islands are inhabited, the Sahyadri (the Western Ghats). The width of the while the remaining islands are uninhabited. Geologi­ region is often very narrow in Karnataka Coastal cally, sandstone and shales of Eocene period pre­ Region which broadens further south in Kerala. Rain­ dominate. Due to hot and humid climate, soils are fall is quite heavy over 300 cm. per annum. Six lateritic and degenerated with luxuriant growth of divisions have been demarcated in this region which vegetation cover. Coral formation is the chief charac­ cover portions of Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, teristics of the islands and so the group of islands Mahe district of Pondicherry and Goa district of Goa, forms a definite entity of a region on these considera­ Daman & Diu. The six divisions are: tions. 4.4.2 The Lakshadweep - These islands have 4.2.1 Maharashtra Littoral developed very near to the continental shelf of the 4.2.2 Goa Coast Indian coast. The total number of islands is 27 out of 4.2.3 Karnataka Coast which 10 are inhabited and the remaining 17 are 4.2.4 North Kerala Coast uninhabited. 4.2.5 Central Kerala Coast These two present a particular geographical 4.2.6 South Kerala Coast environment, ecology and culture zone of India.

12 CENSUS OF INDIA MAP i .,' ... ..' 88' .2" 9.' ,s· ,s· INDIA REGIONAL DIVISIONS

BOUNDARY, INTERNATIONAl .•. .• _._._ BOl.IIDIoRY. STNE/UtQOH TERRITORY ..• _ . _._

Ol$TRICT.••• • •••••••• • ••. •• _,_ ....__,.... C' too 50 0 100 200 300 400

N

8 T 2.'

1 MOniPUf Horltl l Monipur £01' 3 MoRipur Cmlrol 4 Monipvr \IIHt !)~South QISTRICTS OF MEGHALAYA 1 Wul Goro Hill> 2 ECls' Goro Hills 3 West KnOsi HillS • 4 Eo.1 Kho li Hills , •• ' . !5 .IOintiG Hills

BAY \. ,.f~-- ~ OF ~ O

.... "_m (JAMMU .... ~) 8ia...... (.-uotAL PRADESH) CHAMOIG4RH J G._ .. (IIAOH'a PRADESH) OCocotL (lUll .... ) -+ ~Qar (GU.lARAT ) G.D.ao.. GOA • OAilltAN a OIU 'to .. Norcondom 1 (_,."... PII.ODESII' ~ , " "'''''' ... I PUNoIA8) Q - -Ko"'~ ;t (P\JrlloIA8' g~,~ " A1'tdornon (J(.N.) (K~""'lh) (~AfC)~1 2!' .8orTetI1 120 ,~ (IMOIA) ,,' (Ks; --(~ ScNtII) (""""_'AM).~) ~, _, (""""""" (' ..,.. M!.>Zotforp,ur (BIHAR ) ""', ." PalhdMI Cm.IpGI''' ( ..... , ,..' l" .,. ""t PurtIo C"-'Pa,. (~) ," t (j 4.4.IA"0.0A" SEA N . _ oc (...... AND. 1ItA!HM) <11 .. V ,.. .. So_ I PtJfIUAB) ~------~ l ·4.2 ( ..AR) '1- -T_. Tllftltw ( ...... , 0 ." WHt DIrtop.- ( wEST 8EM8AL J ." 0 -)"' ~ I en " " en ...

INDIRA POINT

N D A o c E A N 720 EAST OF GREENWICH 84' ... 92·

PHYSIO-GEOGRAPHIC REGIONS OF INDIA (REGIONAL DIVISIONS)

Regions with Code Sub-Regions with Divisons with Code State/Union No. (Macro) Code No. (Meso) No. (Micro) Districts Territory

1 2 3 4 5

1 . The Northern 1.1 Jammu & 1.1.1 Ladakh Ladakh & Kargil Jammu & Kashmir Mountains Kashmir 1.1.2 Kashmir Valley Anantnag (KS), Jammu & Kashmir Himalaya Baramula (KN), Pulwama, Badgam, Kupwara and Srinagar

1.1.3 Jammu Doda. Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir Kathua, Punch, Rajauri and Udhampur

1.2 Himachal 1.2.1 Northern Chamba Himachal Pradesh Pradesh Himachal Himalaya Pradesh

1.2.2 Trans- Kinnau r and Lahul & Himachal Pradesh Himalayan Spiti Zone

1.2.3 Central Kangra, Kullu, Una, Himachal Pradesh Himachal Hamirpur and Mandi Pradesh

1.2.4 Southern Bilaspur, Solan, Himachal Pradesh Himachal Shimla and Sirmaur Pradesh

1.3 Uttar Pradesh 1.3.1 Kumaon Chamoli, Pithora- Uttar Pradesh Himalaya Himalaya- garh and North Uttarkashi

1.3.2 Western Dehra Dun, Garhwal Uttar Pradesh Kumaon and Tehri Gartlwal Himalaya, Siwalik & Doons

1 .3.3 Kumaon Almora and Nainital Uttar Pradesh Himalaya-East

15 1 2 3 4 5

1.4 North-Eastern 1.4.1 Sikkim North District, West Sikkim Himalaya Himalaya District, South District and East District

1.4.2 Darjiling Darjiling and West Bengal Himalaya Jalpaiguri including Duars

1.4.3 Western West Kameng, East Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal Kameng, Lower Pradesh Subansiri, Upper Himalaya Subansiri, West Siang and East Siang

1.4.4 Eastern Dibang Valley, Lohit Arunachal Pradesh Arunachal and Tirap Pradesh Himalaya

1.5 Eastern Hill 1.5.1 Nagaland Hills Kohima,Mokokchung, Nagaland Zone Mon, Wokha, Zunheboto, Phek and Tuensang

1.5.2 Manipur Hills Manipur East, Manipur Manipur·North, Manipur West, Pocket of Manipur Central and Manipur South

1.5.3 Imphal Valley Manipur Central and Manipur Tengnoupal

1.5.4 Hill Zone Aizawl, Lunglei and Mizoram Chhimtuipui

1.5.5 Tripura Plain South Tripura and Tripura West Tripura

1.5.6 Tripura Hills North Tripura Tripura

1.5.7 Cachar Plain Cachar Assam

16 2 3 4 5

1.5.8 Karbi Anglong Karbi Anglong and Assam & North North Cachar Hills Cachar Hills

1.5.9 Eastern West Khasi Hills, rvleghaiaya Meghalaya East Khasi Hills and Jaintia Hills

1.5.10 Western West Garo Hills and Meghalaya Meghalaya East Garo Hills

2. The Great 2.1 Punjab Plain 2.1.1 Ravi-Beas Amritsar and Punjab Plains Interfluvial Gurdaspur Plain

2.1.2 Hoshiarpur- Chandigarh. Chandigart1 & Chandigarh Hoshiarpur and Punjab Sub-montane Rupnagar Plain

2.1.3 Beas-Satluj .Jalandhar and Punjab Doab Kapurthaia

2.1.4 Punjab-Malwa Bathinda, Firozpur. Punjab Plain L!i(i: d;Jna, Patiaia, S;:lnfJfur and F-aricikot

2.2 Haryana Plain 2.2.1 Eastern Arnbala, Haryana Haryana Kurukshetra, Jind, Plain Karnal. Rohtak and Sonipat 2.2.2 Western f-lis.3r. Sirsa and Haryana Haryana Rhiwani Plain

2.2.3 Southern Dflhi, Gurgaon, Delhi and Haryana Haryana tvld!it~!\dragarh and Plain Faridabad

2.3 Arid Rajasthan 2.3.1 Ghaggar Plain Ganganagar Rajasthan Plain 2.3.2 Rajasthan Churu, Jhunjhunun, Rajasthan Sagar Nagaur and Sikar

2.3.3 Extremely Arid Bikaner and Rajasthan Tract Jaisalmer

17 1 2 3 4 5

2.3.4 Luni Valley Barmer, Jalor, Rajasthan Jodhpur and Pali

2.4 Upper Ganga 2.4.1 Northern Bijnor, Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh Plain Upper Ganga Meerut, Moradabad, Plain Muzaffarnagar, Rampur and Saharal")pur

2.4.2 Southern Aligarh, Agra, Uttar Pradesh Upper Ganga Bareilly, Budaun, Plain Bulandshahr, Etah, Etawah, Farrukhabad, Kheri, Mainpuri, Mathura, Pilibhit and Shahjahanpur

2.5 Middle Ganga 2.5.1 Middle Ganga Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh Plain Plain-West Bahraich, Bara Banki, Faizabad, i-atehpur, Gonda, Hardoi, Kanpur, Lucknow, Pratapgarh, Rae Bareli, Sitapur, Sultanpur and Unnao

2.5.2 Middle Ganga Azamgarh, Ballia, Uttar Pradesh Plain-East Basti, Deoria, Gorakhpur, Varanasi, Jaunpur and Ghazipur

2.6 Lower Ganga 2.6.1 North Bihar Pashchim Bihar Plain Plain Champaran, Purba Champaran, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Purnia, Saharsa, Saran, Sitamarhi, Begusarai, Madhubani, Katihar, Samastipur, Vaishali, Siwan and Gopalganj

18 1 2 3 4 5

2.6.2 South Bihar Bhagalpur, Gaya, Bihar Plain Munger, Patna, Bhojpur, Nalanda, Nawada, Rohtas and Aurangabad

2.6.3 Barind Tract Koch Bihar, Maldah West Bengal and West Dinajpur

2.6.4 Moriband Murshidabad and West Bengal Delta Nadia

2.6.5 Proper Delta Barddhaman, West Bengal Calcutta, Hugli, Haora and Twenty- four Parganas

2.6.6 Rarh Plain Bankura, Birbhum West Bengal and Medinipur

'2.7 Brahmaputra 2.7.1 Western Goalpara and Assam Valley Brahmaputra Kamrup Valley

2.7.2 Central Darrang and Assam Brahmaputra Nagaon Valley

2.7.3 Eastern Lakhimpur, Assam Brahmaputra Sibs agar and Valley Dibrugarh

3. The Deccan 3.1 Semi-Arid 3.1.1 Aravalli Range Ajmer, Alwar, Rajasthan Plateau Rajasthan and the Banswara, Associated Chittaurgarh, Uplands Dungarpur, Jaipur, Sirohi and Udaipur

3.1 .2 Semi-Arid Bhilwara, Bundi, Rajasthan Uplands of Kota, Jhalawar and Eastern Tonk Rajasthan

3.1.3 Banas- Bharatpur and Rajasthan Chambal Sawai Madhopur Basin

19 ~ --- _' ..... -_-- 3 4 5

3.2 L:~t3 Pr3desh 3.21 Jhansi Banda, Hamirpur, Uttar Pradesh lJp.:1i lds Uplands Jalaun. Lalitpur and Jhansi

3.2 2 Mirzapur Mirzapur Uttar Pradesh Uplands

.3 3.1 Ranch! Palamu and Ranchi Bihar PI3teau

-::.;).2 Ha~anDag Dhanbad. Bihar Plateau Hazaribag, Giridih and Santhal Pargana

333 Puruliya Puruliya West BO'1(;.i· Uplands

3.3.4 Singhbhum Singhbhum Bihar Plateau

3.4 Northern 3.4.1 Northern Bhind, Datia. Guna. Madhya Pradesr1 Madhya Madhya Gwalior, Morena Pradesh Pradesh and Shivpuri Uplands Ravine Uplands-West

3.4.2 Northern Chhatarpur, Panna Madhya Praccsh Madhya and Tikamgarh Pradesh Uplands- Central

3 4.3 Northern Rewa, Satna, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Shahdol, Sidhi and Pradesh Surguja Uplands-East

35 Central 3.5.1 Sagar Plateau Damoh, Sagar and Madhya Pradesh Madhya Vidisha Pradesh Plateau 35.2 Bhopal Dewas, Indore, Madhya Pradesh Plateau Raisen, Bhopal and Sehore

20 1 2 3 4 5

3.5.3 Ratlam Dhar, Jhabua, Madhya Pradesh Plateau Mandsaur, Ratlam, Rajgarh, Shajapur and Ujjain

3.6 Southern 3.6.1 Narmada Balaghat, Betul, Madhya Pradesh Madhya Region Chhindwara, Pradesh including Hoshangabad, Uplands Flanks of Jabalpur, Vindhya and West Nimar, Satpura East Nimar, Mandla, Narsimhapur and Seoni

3.6.2 Mahanadi Bilaspur, Durg, Madhya Pradesh Basin Raigarh, Rai Nandgaon and Raipur

3.6.3 Madhya Bastar Madhya Pradesh Pradesh Dan- dakaranya

3.7 Northern 3.7.1 Tapti-Purna Amravati, Akola, Maharashtra Maharashtra Valley Buldana~ Dhule and Jalgaon

3.7.2 Wardha- Bhandara, Maharashtra Penganga- Chandrapur, Wainganga Nagpur, Wardha Plain and Yavatmal

3.8 3.8.1 Eastern Maharashtra Aurangabad, Bid, Maharashtra Plateau Plateau Kolhapur, Nanded, Osmanabad, Parbhani, Sangli and Solapur

3.8.2 Western Ahmadnagar, Maharashtra Plateau with Nashik, Pune and protruded Satara Hills

3.9 Karnataka 3.9.1 Northern Belgaum, Bidar, Karnataka Plateau Karnataka Bijapur and Plateau Gulbarga

21 2 3 4 5

3.9.2 Central Bellary, Karnataka Karnataka Chikmagalur, Plateau Chitradurga, Dharwad, Shimoga, Raichur and Pocket of Tumkur

3.9.3 Southern Bangalore, Kodagu, Karnataka Karnataka Hassan, Kolar, Plateau Mandya, Mysore and Tumkur

3.10 Tamil Nadu 3.10.1 Eastern Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu Uplands Flanks of Madurai, Nilgiri and Sahyadri Periyar

3.10.2 Tamil Nadu Dharmapuri, North Tamil Nadu Uplands Arcot and Salem

3.11 Andhra Plateau 3.11.1 Godavari Karimnagar, Andhra Pradesh Depression Khammam and Warangal

3.11.2 Telangana Adilabad, Andhra Pradesh Plateau Hyderabad, Mahbubnagar, Medak, Nizamabad and Rangareddi

3.11.3 Krishna Nalgonda Andhra Pradesh Piedmont Plain

3.11.4 Rayala- Anantapur, Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh seema Cuddapah and Kurnool

3.12 Orissa High- 3.12.1 Northern Dhenkanal, Orissa lands Orissa Kendujhar, Highlands Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Sundargarh 3.12.2 Southern Phulabani, Balangir, Orissa Orissa Ganjam, Kalahandi Highlands and Koraput (Orissa Dan- dakaranya)

22 2 3 4 5

4. The Coastal 4.1 Gujarat Region 4.1.1 Gujarat Plain Ahmadabad, Gujarat, Dadra & Plains and Bharuch, Banas Nagar Haveli and Islands Kantha, Goa. Daman & Diu Gandhinagar, Kheda, Mahesana, Sabar Kantha, Surat, Vadodara, Val sad, Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Daman

4.1.2 Eastern Hilry Panch Mahals and Gujarat Region The Oangs

4.1.3 Kathiawar Amreli, Bhavnagar, Gujarat and Goa, Peninsula Jamnagar, Daman & Diu Junagadh, Rajkot, Surendranagar and Diu

4.1.4 Kachchh Kachchh Gujarat Peninsula

4.2 Western 4.2.1 Maharashtra Greater Bombay, Maharashtra Coastal Littoral Raigarh, Ratnagiri Region and Thane

4.2.2 Goa Coast Goa Goa, Daman & Diu

4.2.3 Karnataka Uttar Kannad and Karnataka Coast Dakshin Kannad

4.2.4 North Kerala Cannanore, Kerala and Coast Kozhikode Po ndicherry Wayanad and Mahe

4.2.5 Central Ernakulam, Kerala Kerala coast Kottayam, Malappuram, Palghat, Trichur and Idukki

4.2.6 South Kerala AIJeppey, KeraJa Coast Trivandrum and Quilon

4.3 Eastern 4.3.1 Kanniya- Kanniyakumari Tamil Nadu Coastal Region kumari Coast

23 2 3 4 5

4.3.2 Sandy Ramanathapuram Tamil Nadu Littoral and Tirunelveli

4.3.3 Coromandel Chengalpattu, Tamil Nadu and Co.ast Madras, Thanjavur, Pondicherry Tiruchchirappalli, South Areot, Pudukkottai, Karaikal and Pondieherry

4.3.4 Southern Nellore and Andhra Pradesh Andhra Prakasam Coastal Plain

4.3.5 Krishna Guntur and Krishna Andhra Pradesh Delta

4.3.6 Godavari East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh Delta West Godavari and and Pondicherry Yanam

4.3.7 Northern Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh Andhra Vizianagaram and Coastal Plain Vishakhapatnam

4.3.8 Mahanadi Baleshwar, Cuttaek Orissa Delta and Puri

4.4 The Islands 4.4.1 Andaman Andaman and Andaman and and Nieobar Nieobar Nieobar Islands Islands

4.4.2 Lakshadweep Lakshadweep Lakshadweep

24 PART - II

REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS

The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar As regards the ongln of the Andaman and Islands is constituted by a group of big, small, Nicobar Islands it is argued that once the mountain Inhabited and uninhabited islands numbering more ranges of Arakan Yomas of Burma in the north were than 300. In addition, there are over 260 named and extended upto Sumatra in the south and in course of unnamed rocks islands. However, only 33 islands are time, due to violent movement in the earth crust, the inhabited, of these 20 are in Andaman and 13 are in mountain ranges submerged in the surrounding sea Nicobar group of islands. These islands and rocks leaving the summits, peaks and ridges above the sea extend between 6° and 14° North latitudes and 92° level which took shape of these chains of islands and 94° East longitudes and are lying in the south during the geological evolution due to tectonic activi­ eastern part of Bay of Bengal, stretching from north ties in this part of the region. However, this hypothe­ to south in an arc shape. The two groups of islands sis of origin of the islands was not accepted by the known as the Andamans and the Nicobars are sepa­ scientists. Some recent studies hypothesised coral rated from each other by the 10° channel with a depth origin of some of the Nicobar group of islands. of 400 fathoms and a width of about 130 kms. The Andamans have 257 islands while the Nicobars have The islands of Andaman and Nicobar are char­ only 62. The islands of Andaman and Nicobar stretch acterised by hills interspersed with small and narrow over a distance of 757 kms from Landfall island in the valleys. The terrain and general configuration of the north to the Pygmalion point (now Indira point) in the islands are usually rough. Flat lands are generally south with the maximum width of about 50 kms. The confined to valleys and few smaller islands. total area of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is 8 249 km2 of which 6 408 km2 is occupied by the The entire coastline of the Great Andamans Andamans and 1 841 km2 by the Nicobars. Port Blair, consisting of five major islands have irregular and the capital of union territory, the only urban centre in deeply indented rocky shores, which at places ex­ the isla'lds, is situated on the south eastern coast of tended upto a kilometre. These five major islands are South Andaman at a distance of about 1 250 kms from separated by narrow straits. The other major island, Calcutta and about 1 190 kms from Madras. Little Andaman is located further south at a distance of about 50 kms. There are a number of good In Andamans, the major islands are the North harbouring conditions around these islands. Almost all Andaman, Middle Andaman, Baratang, South Andaman, the estuaries have mangrove swamps varying from a Rutland and Little Andaman while in the Nicobars they few metres to over a kilometre. However, there are are Car Nicobar, Teressa, Katchall, Kamorta, Trinket, inlets and creeks penetrating to the inner settlements. Nancowry, Little Nicobar and Great Nicobar. The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar islands has The Andaman islands are mostly comprised of been divided into two districts, viz., Andamans and forest clad hill ranges forming a skyline of double Nicobars in 1974. Prior to this, the Aandaman and domes running parallel in north-south direction. Ridges Nicobar islands constituted a uni-district territory. The and spurs are also seen as off shoots of main ridges, Andamans district was further sub-divided into 5 running in all directions. It is further noted that the tehsils known as Diglipur, Mayabunder, Rangat, Port three major islands also have ranges like ghats in the Blair and Ferrargunj, while the Nicobars district into eastern and western coasts particularly in the Middle two, viz., Car Nicobar and rJancowry tehsils for and South Andaman. The hill ranges on the eastern administrative purposes. coast are higher than those on the western coast.

27 Mt.Diavalo(560 m.) in Middle Andaman, Mt.Koyab Calcareous deposits are also found on the Interview (460 m.) and Mt.Harriet (365 m.) in South Andaman Island and Ritchie Island. Calcareous sandstone Inter­ and Fords Peak (473 m.) in Rutland are located on spersed with intercalcated clays and conglomerates these ranges. The highest peak lies on the range in occur In almost all the islands predominantly In the the eastern coast of North Andaman Island and is North Andaman. In general, Andaman and Nicobar known as saddle peak having an elevation of over 750 Islands fall In the scismlc zone of South East Asia. m. above the mean sea level. In Nicobar islands, Volcanic muds and hot springs are found on the vol­ Mt.Thulier (641 m.) in Great Nicobar island is the canic Islands of Barren and the Narcondam. lagoons highest peak. The other important peaks, Mt.Deoban are also seen around the islands having coral origin (428 m.) and Empress peak (426 m.) are located In In the Nicobar group of Islands. Evidence of some Little Nicobar. changes in the sea level have also been established in these islands at some places. The drainage pattern in the Islands of Andaman and Nicobar is generally radial, though large number According to various literature it is observed that of seasonal streams originate on the hills and flow in the geological structures in the major portions of North all directions. The moderate to steep slopes of hills Andaman and Middle Andaman are comprised of in the islands drain out the rain waters rapidly causing Mitakharl group and Unclassified Palaeogene with significant erosion and consequently rugged relief is patches of Ophiolites. Volcanic formation is found in the outcome. Oiglipur river is the only worth mention­ Narcondam and Barren islands. In South Andaman, ing river in Andamans. Other streams and rivulets of the western part is composed of Andaman Flysch, Andamans are mostly non-perennial. Consequently, while Mitakhari group and Unclassified Palaeogene there is scarcity of fresh water in these Islands through­ and Acid Plutonic rocks are seen in the eastern part out the year. Unlike the Andamans, there is no scarcity of the island. The North Sentinel island and the of fresh water In the Islands of Nicobar because southern portion of Little Andaman have alluvial for­ perennial streams and rivulets of varying significance mations. The islands of Nicobar also have Mitakhari are found In almost all the islands. The Boko and Tuby group and Unclassified Palaeogene with Alluvial for­ streams in Little Nicobar, the Jubilee, the Dagmar, the mation in the north-eastern Katchall island and western Galathea and the Alexandra of Great Nicobar are and southern parts of Great Nicobar. Ophiolites are important. largely found in Car Nicobar, Teressa and Tillanchong islands. Some of their characteristics have been Another significant feature of Nicobar islands is represented in the map on geology presented in this the extensive stretches of coral banks, particularly volume. near Choura, Car Nicobar, Bompoka and Trinket islands. These banks are made of compact coral lime­ In the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar stone and vary in width from a few metres to a couple Islands, the soils generally vary from island to island. of kilometres. However, similar to the Andamans, the The hill ranges have forest soils with stiff clay whereas coast of Nicobar islands have many creeks, bays and the valleys and low lying plains along the hills have harbours. The Expedition Harbour in Kamorta Island heavy clay to clayey loams, gravelly loam and sandy is one of the best harbours which provides shelter to loam. The coastal areas have sandy soils containing large ships during storm. shingles and corals. Humus or organic matters are generally found lacking as washed away by heavy As regards geological structure, the islands of rainfall on steep slopes having loose texure of soils. Andaman and Nicobar are composed of thick Eocene However, there are some pockets in low lands where deposits sedimented on the pre-Tertiary sandstones, soils contain humus and are fertile. According to the shales and limestones. These sedimentary rocks have classification of N.B.S.S. & L.U.P.(ICAR), Nagpur, the Intrusions of basic and ultra basic igneous rocks. sub-order associations of soils found in this union

28 territory are Udalfs-Ochrepts, Fluvents-Psamments­ per cent of the total revenue of the union territory. Orthents, Ochrepts-Fluvents-Orthents, Psamments­ TImber extraction in Andaman dates backs to 1883 Fluvents-1\quepts and Orthents-Ochrepts as shown in when the first saw mill was established; later in 1929 the map. a match splint factory was also installed. Forestry further developed by 1930-31 in Andaman and Nicobar The Islands of Andaman and Nicobar have with the growth of match and plywood industries in tropical climate. As the islands are surrounded by the country. Keeping in view the major contribution warm sea, the climate may be classified as warm and of forestry in the economy of the union territory, humid. The extremes of winter and summer are research works in forestry are undertaken particularly unknown in these islands. The temperature usually pertaining to silviculture and social forestry programme remains around 25° to 28°C throughout the year. and centres are established in the islands. Though the high temperature and high humidity during the summer become oppressive and uncomfortable Andaman and Nicobar islands thOUgh surrounded particularly in Nicobars but such conditions were by the sea and luxuriant growth of trees are devoid tempered to some extent by the cool sea breezes. The of wild life but these islands have large number of birds humidity in the islands is high (80 per cent) throughout and unique marine species. In these islands over 250 lhe year. The average annual rainfall in Andaman and species of birds, 70 species of reptiles, 55 species of Nicobar islands varies between 200 and 260 cm and mammals and about 400 species of fishes and 7 received from the south-west as well as north-east species of amphibians have been identified. After the monsoons though the south-west monsoon brings promulgation of the 'The Wild life {Protection} Act comparatively more rain to these islands particularly 1972' four wild life sanctuaries and an area of about during May-June and September-October, at the onset 8 000 hectares have been declared as National parks and withdrawl of south-west monsoon. The north-east in these islands. monsoon begins in November and continues till February. During the transitional period often cyclonic The shallow and deep sea and the bays,shoals storms accompanied by thunders bring rain. Thus, and creeks around the islands of Andaman and these islands get rain almost throughout the year. Nicobar have variety of fishes in abundance and therefore fisheries constitute an important natural The islands of Andaman and Nicobar have resource in these islands and serve as an Important temperature around 25°C and rainfall over 200 em with item of diet of the Andamanese and the Nicobarese. almost no dry season, therefore, these islands are Though the potential fishery resources is over bound to have luxuriant growth of tropical ever green 500 000 MT per annum, the present level of catch is forest though deciduous forest and mangroves in the about 4 300 MT. The common varieties available are coast are also found. Forests are the most important bottom perches, seers, tunnies, sardines, maokerels, natural endowment of this union territory and cover anchovies and silver bellies. an area of 6 672 km2 (about 86 per cent) of the total area of the union territory. The forests of Andamans The land available for cultivation is limited in an and Nicobars have more than 200 species of trees area of about 4 800 hectares {1982-83} and almost of which about fifty are of commercial value. Some entirely confined to paddy crops. Among plantation of the important species are pad auk, kokko, chulgam, crops, coconut is largely grown. Fruits are the other marblewood, satinwood, pyinma, bombaway, chool, important product of the islands. Cultivation of pulses, Iakuch, lalchim, pongyet, thitmin, mouha, khaya, gangaw, spices, vegetables have recently been introduced. dldu, gurjan etc., Bruguiera mangrovewood, palms Rubber plants are also being grown. The area under and canes are also important. Padauk Is the main paddy crop is significantly increased during last two source of timber and is famous for excellence. Forestry decades but the production is not sufficient to meet is the main source of income and con~r'ibutes over 70 the local requirements due to considerable increase

29 in population during the last two decades. As the In these islands is spread over 491 inhabited villages islands are deficient in food grains, cereals, sugar, and one town. As regards growth of population In edible oil and consumer goods are supplied from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, It Is exceptionally hIgh mainland. when compared to the all India average during 1951-81. The population In this union territory has The Industries In the islands of Andaman and Increased by over six times during the last three Nicobar are forest based. It has already been dis­ decades and has gone up from 30 971 In 1951 to cussed that about 86 per cent of the union territory 188 741 In 1981. During 1971-81, the growth of of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is covered by forests, population was recorded as 63.93 per cent. The over therefore, the forests of these islands are categorised all density of this union territory as per the 1981 as the highest potential productivity zone for timbers Census is 23 persons per km2 as against 216 persons and other forest products in the country with an for the country as a whole. In the districts, the estimated area of about 5 000 km2 due to favourable variability in density is appreciable measuring 25 climatic conditions prevailing in these islands. Though persons per km2 in Andamans to 15 in Nicobars. The some wood-based industries were established on density in urban area is very high and works out at these islands long ago, yet due to inadequate infra­ 3 510 persons per km2. structural development and geographical isolation of the islands from centres of consumption, the growth This union territory is deficient in female popu­ of these industries could not make much headway. lation. The sex ratio, i.e., females per thousand males Lack of transportation facilities and high transportation is only 760 as compared to 934 for the country in 1981. cost are the major constraints in the development of Nicobars district has favourable sex ratio of 811 in forest based industries. comparison to Andamans which has 750 females per thousand males. The sex ratio in urban area is The Islands, particularly in Andaman group provide compartively low (720). The population of this union an arterial route from north to south for surface territory as divided in broad age-groups, reveal that transport. However, the roads in the specific islands 39,7 per cent is claimed by the age-group 0-14, while serve the interior areas in a limited way mainly from 57.4 per cent is in working age-group of 15-59 and the ports or jetties to the neighbouring villages and 2.9 per cent in 60 + category. settlements. Among the islands, South Andaman and Middle Andaman have larger network of roads. Port Blair is Important from the point of view of population in contrast to the rural population. This The water transport for Andaman and Nicobar town has a population of 49 634 (26.30 per cent) to Islands is most important. The ships and boats plying the total. Port Blair claimed significant growth as its between mainland and Port Blair have major contri­ population increased from 7 789 in 1951 to 49 634 bution in the transportation system. The maritime in 1981 responsible for 537.23 per cent increase. The transport system has three categories : (1) Mainland Nicobars district is entirely. rural. Literates in the - Island service, (2) Inter Island service, and (3) Ferry Islands account for 97 321 persons (51.56 per cent) service covering short distances along the coasts. of the population In 1981 against average of 36.23 per cent for the country as a whole. In the districts, Port Blair is linked by airways. Bi-weekly air Andamans has 53.95 per cent of literates against 39.16 services operate from Calcutta as well as from Madras per cent in Nicobars. The literacy rate among the to Port Blair. males is 58.72 per cent whereas among the females it is 42.14 per cent. I n urban area of Port Blair the The union territory of Andaman and Nicobar literacy rate is 65.54 per cent while in the rural area Islands is Inhabited by 188 741 persons in an area it is only 46.58 per cent. of 8 249.0 km2 as per the 1981 Census. The population

30 The proportion of working population is low. It constitute only 0.75 per cent of the total population. is 33.21 per cent main workers as a whole whereas The sex ratio among the scheduled tribes is 930 in the districts of Andamans and Nicobars, the per­ females per 1000 males against 760 for the union centages are 33.60 and 31.17 respectively. The proportion territory as a whole. The literacy rate among the of male main workers is significantly high (54.59 per scheduled tribes is 30.11 per cent which is rather low cent) in comparison to female main workers (5.07 in comparison to union territory average of 51.56 per per cent). Out of 62 680 main workers in the union cent. Among the scheduled tribes, literacy rate of territory, 17 798 or 28.4 per cent are urban main males is 38.43 and females 23.24 per cent. workers. The percentage of marginal workers as a whole is 3.67. It is higher in Nicobars district claiming In this union territory 26.33 per cent of scheduled 10.21 per cent of the total population engaged in tribe population has been categorised as main workers marginal work as against 2.42 per cent in the An­ against 33.21 per cent for the union territory as a oamans district. The proportion of female marginal whole. Their proportions among males and females workers (5.17 per cent) is higher than the male characteristically are 42.40 and 9.06 per cent respec­ marginal workers (2.12 per cent) in this union territory. tively. The proportion of marginal workers among the Major proportion of the main workers are engaged in scheduled tribe population is 13.55 per cent which is other services (22.35 per cent). Cultivators and agri­ significantly high if compared to the average of 3.67 cultural labourers together constitute 20.11 per cent per cent for the total population. The proportion of in agricultural activities. Proportion of workers en­ female marginal workers among scheduled tribes is gaged in forestry, fishing, plantation etc. is significantly more than double of the males. nigh (16.90 per cent) due to forestry and plantation which has generated comparatively more employ­ In passing, it is mentioned that no caste has been ment. categorised as scheduled by the Government of India in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. As amended by the Among the major religious communities in the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders union territory of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. (Amended) Act, 1976 (108 of 1976) the scheduled Hindus are predominant with 64.53 per cent followed tribes in relation to this union territory are (1) Andama­ by Christians (25.58 per cent) and Muslims (8.58 per nese, Charians, Chari, Kora, Tabo, Bo, Yere, Kede, cent) Bea, Balawa, Bojigiyab, Juwai, Kol; (2) Jarawas; (3) Nicobarese; (4) Onges; (5) Sentinelese; (6) Shorn In Nicobar, Christians are predominant with their Pens. population of 71.17 per cent followed by Hindus (21.55 per cent) and Muslims (2.95 per cent). The Jarawas and Sentinelese tribes still lead isolated life. They could not be contacted and enu­ in the union territory of Andaman and Nicobar merated in the past censuses. However, an attempt Islands. 22 361 persons or 11.85 per cent of the total was made in 1981 Census and 31 members of population are scheduled tribes and 94.69 per cent Jarawas tribes (21 males and 10 females) were of them are concentrated in Nicobars district while enumerated. However, it may be relevant to give the only 5.31 per cent live in Andamans district. Their historical data on these tribes for perception for 1901- proportions to the total population in Nicobars district 1981 as follows: is 69.52 per cent whereas in the Andamans they

31 Tribal population In Andaman and Nlcobar Islands

SI. Tribes 1901 1911 1921 1931 1941 1951 1961 1971 1981 No.

1. Andamanese 625 455 209 90 23 19 24 26

2. Jarawas 468* 114* 114* 70* 50 500* 31

3. Sentinelese 117* 117* 117* 50* 50*

4. Onges 672* 631* 346* 250* 150 129 112 97

5. Nicobarese 5 962 7 991 8 248 9 589 12 252 11 902 13 903 17 874 21 685

6. Shorn Pens 348* 375* 375* 200* 20 71 92 223

* Estimated population.

It seems on the basis of the above table that tribes, particularly, the Andamanese, the Jarawas, the ethnic composition of the Andaman and Nicobar Sentinelese and the Onges are rapidly decimating. islands has become heterogeneous by now In addition With the advent of the civilised people in the islands, to the ancient aboriginal inhabitants, viz., the Andama­ the aboriginals receded in deep forests to live a nese, the Onges, the Jarawas, the Sentinel ese, the secluded life in natural environment with their own Shorn Pens and the Nicobarese, the population of ancient culture. In the recent past, little was known islands consists of ex-covicts (Bhantus) and their about the islands of Andaman and Nicobar and their descendents, the Burmese, the Bengalese, the Karens, people. A statement showing historical/contemporary the Mappillas and other migratory population from the association of tribes in the SUb-micro regions has been main land. The population of the ancient aboriginal outlined to portray the tribal association in the past.

32 CENSUS OF INDIA MAP 2 ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS CENSUS CODE 24 REGIONAL DIVISIONS

o 93 9-'• Km 40 20 o 40 Km

« o w

o (/) o 13 93

..J ~ [0 I] (!) o z 9 w o CD

4 . 4 . 1. 1 lI­ 0 ..J o ~ (!) Q [0 2] o 0 } 12 12 Z ~ W w >­ (J) CD ~ CV ­ ~ BOUNDARY, DISTRICT ... " :" -._.- « • ~ . .. " TEHS I L .~ DISTRICT CODE 1981 CD o [01] c II REGIONAL DIVISIONS MACRO .. . MESO .. . MICRO .. . •.~ " SUB-MICRO o 7 [Rea d the Sequ ence of Req ional Divisions with refer ence to all Ind io map codes upto 3 tier)

_- _. _ • .,.._. ~'-'--O _._. _. - • _. _. _._.._ INDIAN OCEAN East of Greenwich 93 94°

33

Details of Sub-Micro Regions of And3man and Nicobar Islands

Micro Region with District with Sub-Micro Region with Code Number Code Number Code Number (Fourth Tier regions)

1 2 3

4.4.1 Andaman and Andamans 4.4.1.1 The Northern Region Nicobar Islands 01 4.4.1.2 The Central Region

4.4.1.3 The Southern Region

Nicobars 4.4.1.1 The Nicobarese Region 02 4.4.1.2 The Shom Pens Region

35 Macro Region Meso Region Micro Region District Sub-micro with Code No. with Code No. with Code No. with Code No. Region with Code No.

2 3 4 5

4. The Coastal 4.4 The 4.4.1 Andamans 4.4.1.1 Plains & Islands Andaman & 01 The Northern Islands Nicobar Region Islands 4.4.1.2 The Central Region

4.4.1.3 The Southern Region

Nicobars 4.4.1.1 02 The Nicobarese Region

4.4.1.2 The Shorn Pens Region Constituents Area in Km2 Population (1981 Census)

Villages Towns Total Rural Urban Total Rural Urban

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

64 1490.70 1490.70 20781 20781

134 2056.40 2056.40 37935 37935

136 2712.20 2698.06 14.14 99571 49937 49634

169 1337.10 1337.10 30269 30269

13 503.90 503.90 185 185

Note : - The total of col. 8 in the table may not tally with the total area as reported in this volume because the physical entity of the uninhabited islands, although considered in the relevant regions without their area.

37 Historical/Contemporary association of tribes in the sub-micro regions

District Name: Andamans Census Location Code No.01 Union Territory: Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Code No. Name of region Tehsil Major Islands Historical/Contemporary associated tribal-zone

1 2 3 4 5

4.4.1.1 The Northern Diglipur(full) 1. Narcondam Island Andamanese Region Mayabunder(Part) 2. East Island and Jarawas 3. North Andaman island 4. Smith island 5. Stewart island

4.4.1.2 The Central Mayabunder(Part) 1. Interview island Andamanese Region Rangat(Full) 2. Middle Andaman Island and Jarawas Port Blair(Part) 3. Prolab island 4. Long island 5. North Passage Island 6. Strait island 7. Baratang Island 8. Aves island

4.4.1.3 The Southern Port Blair(Part) 1. Peel Island Andamanese, Region Ferrargunj(Full) 2. Havelock Island Jarawas, 3. Neil island Onges, 4. South Andaman island Sentinelese and 5. Rutland Island Nlcobarese 6. Little Andaman 7. Viper island

38 Historical/Contemporary association of tribes In the sub-micro regions

District Name: Nlcobars Census Location Code No.02 Union Territory : Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Code No. Name of region Tehsil Major Islands Historical/Contemporary associated tribal-zone

2 3 4 5

4.4.1.1 The Nlcobarese Car Nlcobar(Full) 1. Car Nlcobar Island Nicobarese and Region Nancowry (Part) 2. Choura Island Shorn Pens 3. Teressa Island 4. Bompoka Island 5. Katchall Island 6. Nancowry Island 7. Kamorta Island 8. Trinket Island 9. Pulo Milo Island 10. Little Nicobar Island 11. Kundul Island 12. Great Nlcobar Island (Part) 13. Tillanchong Island

4.4.1.2 The Shorn Pens Nancowry (Part) 1. Great Nicobar island Shorn Pens Region (Part)

39

GENERAL MAPS

CENSUS OF INDIA MAP3 71" 7.' .0' ". ,2" AFe; "N'S~':'s-'''''''''\, .I t!" '-,"" POSITION OF )6 ... ' "f \'':1..../,....1'\'''\ ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS ..., , AND ~ .1" JAMMU AND KASHMIRr/ LAKSHADWEEP \. . i Sri nagar f} IN INDIA,1981 Boundary. State/Union Torritory.. _._._ l, ,.~. C'7 Boundary, International. "" 1"" .... /\ "\ Capital of India Capital of $nte/Union T.rritory.. . \- ·... 1HIMACHALlt'I..,..· .. .'" ( , • Kilometres ( \ PRADESH) /'~ PUNJAB~ .Sh~m~~\ 100 o 100 200 )00 40C • C"~f'ldi'.Irh 4"- J "'"' '( CH .. NDIG"RI-(::J ',. "'-, ,. , .--1 -l-.... ",.J./ /""'J'_ " • I'~ ... , .'" I J r> .I ,,"l}.~RYANAI J ...... N ...... J.""?, ~ ..... ) I. IV \/"1 8 !' } I ! .. DELHI Q, Oelhl" ' ~ E T ( •.J"~UNACHAL ",.", ,,', / ... c.."'D-. +-. J: ...... ·1 ~,,'I I ._._, >... ., '\ i .... '..... 511(.1(.IM .,...... P"-ADESt;, 1'" • " I > "\ p ',,_..... A');' ._...... _' ") (! I ," V ~ -._. '" ' ... ·.1·, /' ( r ./" ~ _'..:, I I 1...... J UTI AR PRADESH ..... ,r.'("'. ".n,to' ~\i, BH UT AN', It.n.,,,., ..J. - ". i } JalpUI. ~_ \ I., l. ~''''''' _.~" - - ./ J.:' I I ( RAJAStHAN ,:r _ \ • Lucknow '1- -.._.. ~ ..._.'y ...... ASS A 1-1 r'+--i;NA"ALAND '~ , .... -.> ~ " ...... :..,>'~\ j' Olspur.,. Koh,m.,. I " I / . r l ,. J "\-'~"._ r • . . " J ;:: ~ "\ • !; Shillo",. I V \ \.._, .''-~. . / ~...... M~Gt-W."Y")~·"r'- . I C--.-.-.~ ''''1- t'_' >1 .. ·,..... r ),... " 0" ·Pa'", ) ,J• .j ..... _._.--,:1. l'mph,' ''''ANIPUR !".-.'-'. ...,~ "-I l _.\ ~. ( ., , ~.J '-\. \ B 1 H A R \, BANGLADESH· ! ~ .~, I t:' .~. . r'" I. ./". 1. \r'~ )" ~'. /)(, i' ~ . Gandhinagar \1 ? <..,-?.J N'" - D) j A '1 T"'PUAA~...i··' ,,,...J • ,,~.1 ...... /'\ J'~ ( .4,IJ;;,. r-! • t' \./ • Bhopal \'1 (,.,. WEST MIZOAAM / .~ '~.j l:"iZl~ fo' MADHYA PRADESH > "\l,BcEl\GA~" ~~ \~ L- f... ._.~ <", 1 alcutls .~ ... .,f r' i 1"'" - .(, ...... ,,) ''''t\.' , ~.~ ...... , ._...... ~ l,\" \ .J _._ 1...... / !::.._ ..... _f"~ ~ ~~>,( r~ BUR M A ( /- ORISSA • 'ID,L 'G. D.' D J, . , i O"'D"-" , NAGA" HAVEll 10' I M A H A R A S 11 T :~A ~ (.-1, Bhubanesw.r • BAY ! ,; Y'_.-. ) \ o F r, ~/ I ·A .. I J ... ·l. ./.f '-..i BE.r-:GAL ._.i'.~,' 'r'l.. (~IV" I _",' ...1, L. .... I" ARABIAN t~_ 1 ; ., I, ~.-J (.Hyderabed SEA ("'.... c~ i"l 'oJ) KARNAT~_( I ' , ; I I \. The edministralive headquarl91S of Chand'garh, Halyanl and Punjab are at Chandigarh.

G. D.' D. GOA, DAMAN. DIU J PONDICHERFY I I

; ,. -~SRI N D A N LAl'iKA ~ 0 C E A N II j____ _. ~ _j '0' ... IND'RA ~OINT

43

MAP4 Ct::NSUS OF INDIA

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA AOIMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS 1981

km .. 0 20 o "0 km

o .. 93 94 CJ,Landfall I. BOUNDARY, DISTRICT I UR o Norcondam r. 0 " TAHSIL ( INDIA> UT HEADQUARTERS DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS @

'N'~r'th' A'~c:i~mon I TAHSIL HEADQUARTERS UNDER • N leo BARS U) ~MALACCA ~Cor Nicobar I.

ANDAMANS o 9 ·· ..z··· .. · ..... CAR NICOBAR

UJ R I) CD ~ ~ . . . . Long I......

..J ~ ':'~'"'''' .... ~ ..... 0 Tillonchong I. Barren I. « (INDIA) o C> )~~Oo a o 12 Z Teressa I. 12 ~ UJ >­ ~ Havelock I. m ~~ « CO ~Kamorto I CD o Andaman I. 0 8 KAMORTA ~~ ~ ,.a BLAIR U. Q Katchell L~ ~NOn~OlNry ~ 0 « N A NC OWRYO >­ z « « m o ' " I' U.T. HEADQUARTE~S IS ALSO THE C;ttle N;cobo< I. ANDAMAN DISTRICT HEADQUARTERS V' .

Little Andamon I. o Great Nicobar I ('\, _' 7 . l , "

---·-0 INDIAN OCEAN \j\... 9...

45

MAP 5 CENSUS OF INDIA ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA GEOLOGY

o 93 ,-4•

Norcondam I. &I (Indlal

0 V· 13

(I) ...l -< C) .. o Z

&1.1 (J III

~-"Y. _. u.. . 'i?;:; . . ~ Barren I. ~ 0 (Indio) (!) I) 'b -< ,~\t· 0 0 .,US 12 t 12 (/) > , ~() -< IIII:D.. CD Z ~~ 0 B I&. ~v-~ '"' () o ~ «

.~ a > z .• c( « ,0 ~ m

f INDIAN Eut of Greenwich 93°

mm Alluvium, Older Alluvium, Barren Is. &; Norcondam Is. Volcanics RECENT PLEISTOCENE 111111111111111 Archlpelo9~ Graup MIOCENE E-d Andoman flysch UPPER EOCENE OUGOCENE ~ Mltokhorl Group and Unclassified Pololloljlene of Andom(1n ond Nlcobar Islands. EOCENE II [ [ I i III Acid plutonic rocks J CRETACEOUS [---I++~l-- =t+=t Ophiolites; Volcanics. (basic Int!lrmedlotel J

I'· : : : : : :1 Barotanljl Group UPPER JURASSIC-LOWER CRETACEOUS

47

CENSUS OF INOlA MAP6

ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA SOILS

km 40 20 o 40 ~m

o 93 9.. •

0 13

...J (I') < 38'~

(!) 0 9 Z LIJ III 0

...J LL 0 < 0 (!) Q 38-1 ~ 0 0 12 12 Z .LIJ ,.. I.&J en c{ III l;; ~ CD z c~_~~ c( e0 ~~ o ~ < 0 ,.. z < '\'" c( Nci~ Sub-Order Associations II)

38-

;oscmf'lents _Fluvents_Aquents

,>'lrepts _ f' ,u\ents_ Orlhents o INDIAN OCEAN East of Greenwich 93

49

CENSUS OF INDIA MAP7 ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS DISTRIBUTION OF POPULAilON 1981 o 93 9.. • BOUNDARY, DISTRICT...... _,_,_

Km 40 20 0 40 Km Narcondam I. 0 1:::1::=±I ::==±I ::==:::~::=:::!

0 13

_J

0 _J ll.. Barren I. <:t 0 (India) (!) Q .~ - CD ­ Z

I. Each dot (.) represents 200 Populqtion 2 In Islands, which have 100 8. below Population) dots rove not been shown on the mop .

.

.

_.Q _____ · __ 0_· ______---- INDIAN OCEAN East af Greenwich 93

51

CENSUS OF INDIA MAP e ANDAMAN AND NICOBAR ISLANDS, INDIA DENSITY OF POPULATION,1981 ( BY SUB-MICRO REGIONS)

o 93

BOUNDARY, SUB- MICRO REGION." ......

0 V· 0 13 93 ..... ~ ~ C) 0 9 0 Z 9 UJ 0 CD "

<7 ..... IL >J. · ..... 0 .... ~ -< 0 C) .~ ~ • •.•.. :·~·~OO"t@ 0 • 0 12 12 Z ~I&J fI) > au ~ CD l~ -< IIQ ~ CD 0 0 Z 8 0 ~ (; U. () ~~. ~- 0 < a >- z c( c( .. ~ 2 CD Persons per km 0 II ~ 25 and Above

§IE 15 24

0 7 ~ 5 14

D. 4 and below 0 0 INDIAN East of Greenwith ~3 94

53

Members of Andamanese tribes posing for photograph with Shri P. Padmanabha, the then Registrar General and Census Commissioner, India and other members of the team at the time of their visit to Strait Island in April, 1980.

Sri P. Padmanabha a!ongwith the Nicobarese at Choura Island. A photograph taken in April, 1980.

55 Men, women and a child of Nicobarese tribe stancJ ing near their hut alongwith the members of visiting party. A photograph taken at Kondul Island at the time of 1981 Census.

Enumeration of some of the members of Shom Pen cribes.

56 A view of a hut constructed by A & N Administration at Dugong Creek (Little Andaman) alongwith its occupants. A picture taken at the time of 1981 Census.

An Onge man busy in making of a small canoe from the trunk of a tree.

57 Posture of two Onge women a/ongwith one female child. A photograph taken during the 1981 Census.

Members of official contact party alongwith Jarawas stand­ ing near one of their fleet. Photograph taken some times jn 1983.

58 Jarawa men and women are seen with the members of official contact party who had been successful in enjoying the confidence of this hostile tribe. Photograph taken some times in 1984.

A view of the House types of the Sham Pen tribes somewhere in the interior of the Great Nicobar Island. A photograph taken in April, 1981.

• 59

PART - III REGIONAL DIVISIONS OF DISTRICTS

DISTRICT ANDAMANS

REGIONAL DIVISIONS

The district of Andamans is constituted by 257 The Northern region (4.4.1.1) is constituted by islands and lies between 10° and 14° North latitudes the North Andaman and 4 other populated islands, and 92° and 94° East longitudes in the Bay of Bengal. viz., East island, Smith island, Narcondam island and This district is comprised of 5 tehsils, viz., Diglipur, Stewart island and a number of uninhabited islets and Mayabunder, Rangat, Port Blair and Ferrargunj and rocks and is covered by Diglipur and part of Mayabun­ has 320 inhabited and 14 uninhabited villages accord­ der tehsils with an area of 1 490.90 km2 and inhabited ing to the 1981 Census. The major islands in this by 20 781 persons in 64 villages. district are North Andaman, Middle Andaman, Bara­ tang, South Andaman, Rutland and Little Andaman. This region is undulating, hilly and rugged with The only town and capital of the union territory, Port dense vegetal cover. Saddle peak, located in south­ Blair is located in South Andaman with a population eastern part of the region has the highest elevation of 49 634. The Andamans district has an area of of 750 metres. The coasts are broken and surrounded 6 408.0 km2 and inhabited by 158 287 persons of by sheet rocks. There are a number ot bays around which 90 446 are males and 67 841 are females. This the North Andaman island. The Cadell Bay, Blair Bay, district has a growth rate of 69.35 per cent during Aerial Bay, Taralait Bay are located in the eastern 1971-81. The density of Andamans is 25 persons per coast while Duncan Bay, Cold stream Bay, Hudson km 2. About one third of the population of the district Bay, Casuarina Bay, Pam broke Bay are located in the is concentrated in the urban centre of Port Blair with western coast. Elizabeth Bay, Beele Bay and Pine Bay 2 a density of 3 510 persons per km . The rural areas are in the north and Bacon Bay and Pluto Bay are of the district have a density of only 17 persons per in the south. Most of these bays and estuaries of tidal creeks have mangrove swamps. Port Cornwallis, one of the best natural harbours, is located in the eastern The physio-geographical conditions of the coast of the region which can provide shelter to Andamans have been discussed in Part II earlier. It severa! ships during the storm. The region is sepa­ has been stated that the islands constituting An­ rated from the Central region {4.4.1.2} by Austen strait. damans district are mostly comprised of successive domed shaped hill ranges running in north-south Diglipur is the important river of the region which direction parallel to each other. There are spurs and flows trom south to north and passing through the ridgss spreading in almost all directions from the main mangrove swamps culminates in the Andaman sea. ridge. Flat lands are tew and contined to large valleys. River Terapa flowing in west to east direction also The depression and narrow valleys between the hills, drains in Andaman sea. The agricultural plain land is· extended in the sea are forming bays. With the confined to Diglipur valley which attracted to the early limitations of area and configurations of the landscape settlers hence over 50 per cent of the population of here the district has been divided into three sub-micro the region is concentrated in 15 revenue villages of regions, viz., the Northern region (4.4.1.1), the Central this valley. Small patches of cultivable land are seen region {4.4.1.2} and the Southern region {4.4.1.3} on along the Kalara creek, in the east of Gudi Nala, west the basis of proximity and accessibility of the island of Taralait Bay and in the eastern coast near the and islets at three main and major islands of the North Craggy island. Patches of agricultural land are also Andaman, the Middle Andaman and the South An­ found in the west and north-west of Blair Bay and in daman. the Smith island. Villages are mostly located in these

63 agricultural areas. In recent years, 25 villages settled of other roads. The inter island traffic is served by in the encroached forested areas. All these villages are ships and boats. The region Is deficient in food scattered and have a total population of 3 836. Eight products and depends for supply from the main land. villages are either police posts or APWD or forest camps. Out of 64 villages in the region only three, viz., The Central region (4.4.1.2) is comprised of the Diglipur, Ramakisht'Jagram and Sitanagar have popu­ Middle Andaman and seven populated Islands, viz., lation over 1 000 and are located In Diglipur valley. Baratang, Interview, Prolab, Long, North Passage, Diglipur also serves as tehsil headquarters. Aves and Strait islands and a number of uninhabited islets covering Rangat and parts of Mayabunder and Geologically, the region Is composed of Port Blair tehsils. This region is separated by Austen Mitakhari group and Undassnied Palaeogene of Eocene Strait from the Northern region and by Andaman and Ophiolites of Creataceous period. Volcanic rocks (Middle) Strait from the Southern region. The area of are also found in Narcondam island. The sub-order this region is 2 056.40 km2 and is inhabited by 37 932 association of soils, as classified by NBSS and LUP persons. (ICAR), Nagpur, Is Udalfs-Ochrepts. The region has tropical climate with luxuriant vegetal growth. About The topography of the region is hilly and clad 90 per cent of the region is, therefore, covered by with dense mixed forests similar to the Northern region dense mixed jungles and a very limited 'area Is (4.4.1.1). The highest mountain of this region, Mount available for cultivation. Paddy, coconut and fruits are Diavalo, with an altitude of 560 metres, Is located in the main crops produced in the region. the eastern range of the region. The coast, particularly in the north-west and south-east are broken and The region has a population of 20 781 of which heavily indented which provides natural harbours and 11 304 are males and 9 477 are females with a sex bays. Seaward Bay, Paikat Bay, Cuthbert Bay and ratio of 838. The density of population in the region Rangat Bay are in the eastern coast while Robert Bay is only 14 persons per km2. In the total population, and Foul Bay are located in the west. The longitudinal 42.66 per cent are literates. Among the males and bays are mostly covered by mangrove swamps. There females the literacy rates are 51.34 and 32.31 per cent are a number of tidal creeks which provide inlets to respectively. The region has 30.43 per cent of its the Inner settlements. Betapur river is the only impor­ population in the category of main workers. Males pre­ tant river flowing in the region. Other streams are dominate in the working population as 58.12 of males seasonal and non-perennial. As regards geological are main workers, while the proportion among the formations, major portion of this region is composed females is only 3.39 per cent. The population of of Mitakhari group and Unclassified Palaeogene. Archi­ scheduled tribes in this region is very low. Only 12 pelago group, Baratang group and Andaman Flysch persons were enumerated as scheduled tribes during as well as patches of Ophiolites and Volcanics are also the 1981 Census. All of them are males. found in this region. Volcanic formation is also seen in Barren island. The economy of the region is based on forestry. Timber and fuel wood are the major forest products. The sub-order associations of soils, as classified Other minor products include bamboo, canes, dhup, by the NBSS and LUP (lCAR) are Udalfs-Ochrepts in resin, etc. There are only three wood based industries the Middle Andaman and Interview island and Ochrepts­ in this region. Of them one is saw mill and two are Fluvents-Orthents in Baratang, North Passage and Co­ engaged in production of cane furnitures. As regards lebroke. islands. The climate and vegetation of this transport and communication, the region is served by region is similar to the Northern region. About 85 per roads in a limited way from jetties to the villages and cent of the area of the region is covered by dense settlements via tehsil headquarters of Diglipur and mixed forest and only a small area is available for covers only 15 kms as trunk road and about 36 kms cultivation. Paddy, coconut, fruits etc. are the main

64 cropS grown in agricultural land available in Betapur The Central region has about 135 kms of trunk valley and west of Rangat Bay. The production of road which links Mayabunder, the tehsil headquarters, cereals is not sufficient to meet the local requirement, in the extreme north with the southern most village hence it is imported from the main land. The settle­ of Uttarpara in the Middle Andaman. The inter-island ments are largely concentrated in Betapur valley and and ferry services are available in the coastal areas. west of Rangat Bay. With the development and The inner settlements are linked through the creeks. construction of trunk road which links the northern and southern ends of the Middle Andaman and passes The Southern region (4.4.1.3) is comprised of through the plain lands, the settlements have grown South Andaman, Rutland, North Sentinel, Little An­ up all along this road. The forested western portion daman, Havelock, Peel, Neil and Viper islands and of the region is reserved for the aboriginals, hence the several uninhabited islands and islets which constitute settlements are limited to the Bush camps established Ferrargunj and part of Port Blair tehsil. The region has around these forests. an area of 2 712.20 km2 and is inhabited by 99 571 persons. Out of 134 villages of the region 11 are unin­ habited. Among the populated villages 65 are revenue The relief,drainage pattern, coastlines and vegetal villages, 13 are encroached forested area settlements, cover of the Southern region are similar to those found 45 are either police posts, forest camps or APWD in the Northern and the Central regions of the district. Camps. Nine villages have population of 1 000 and The mountain ranges follow the eastern and western above, 11 between 500 and 999, 37 in the range of coast lines and between the ranges undulating terrain 200 to 499 and the remaining 66 have less than 200 and flat lands are found which often consist of persons. impermeable clay beds. The eastern ranges are higher than the hills lying along the western coast. Mount The region has a density of 18 persons per km2 Koyab (460 metres) and Mount Harriet (365 metres), which is slightly higher than the Northern region the highest peaks, are located in the eastern ranges (4.4.1.1). There are 21 544 males and 16 389 females, while the Cholunga (322 metres) and Jirkatang (330 hence the sex ratio in this region is 761 females per metres) in the middle range. In addition to Port Blair, 1000 males. In this region 48.01 per cent of the small ports like Port Meadows, Colebroke Passage, population is literate. The proportions among the Elphiniston Harbour and Shoal Bay are located in the males and females are 65.41 and 34.59 per cent eastern coast while Port Mount lies in the west. Most respectively. Of the total popUlation, 32.33 per cent of the bays and estuaries of tidal creeks, particularly are main workers. Males constitute 95.05 per cent of the Shoal Bay, Flat Bay and Constance Bay are the working population while females have a share of covered with mangrove swamps. Sheet rocks are only 4.95 per cent. There are only 66 scheduled tribes more prominent in the eastern coast of South An­ in the region as per the 1981 Census, of them 40 are daman. These are also seen around the Little An­ males and 26 are females. They constitute only 0.17 daman, Havelock and Neil islands. Streams in the per cent of the total population. region are generally seasonal and non-perennial and therefore there is scarcity of fresh water. To meet the The region has forest wealth in abundance and requirement, rain water is stored in Dhani Khari therefore forest plays an important role in economic reservoir to provide water to urban centre of Port Blair. development of the region. Timber and fuel wood are Between the hilly terrains there are pockets of flat the major products while the minor products include agricultural lands. These are located in the south-west bamboo, cane, dhup, resin etc. Two large scale wood of Mount Harriet and passing through Hope Town, based industries are located in the region. In addition, Bamboo Flat and Shore Point extends upto Wim­ there is one furniture manufacturing unit. beleyganj.

65 Patches of agricultural lands are also seen in the density of 18 persons per km 2 in rural areas and south-west and south-east of Cholunga range particu­ 3 510 in urban areas. The literacy rate is significantly larly along the Hazaribagh Nala which extends upto high in the region at 58.46 per cent. In rural and urban Ferrargunj. Large stretches of agricultural lands are areas it is 51.42 and 65.54 per cent respectively. The also seen along the Flat Bay towards its north, west percentage of main workers is 34.75. In rural areas, and south. Some small patches are also found near it is 33.64 per cent while in urban areas it is 35.86. Wandur, Hashmatabad, Guplapara and Manglutan The participation rate among the males is 56.44 per villages. Out of 31 villages having population about cent while among the females it is only 4.97 per cent. 500, 26 are located in these agricultural lands of South Andaman. The hills along the wesl.,e,rn coast have The population of scheduled tribes in this region dense mixed jungles and are almost inaccessible and is 1 095 which constitute 1.10 per cent of the total reserved for hostile Jarawa tribes and therefore the population of the region. settlements are largely confined to the south -eastern and eastern parts of the region. The economy of this region is non-agricultural and more developed than the Northern and the Central As regards geological formation, the region has regions. This is because of the early development of Mitakhari group and Unclassified Palaeogene in the Port Blair by the British towards the end of last cen­ north - eastern parts of South Andaman and Little tury. A penal colony and free settlements were estab­ Andaman islands. Andaman Flysch is found in major lished after clearing the Chatham and Ross islands, portion of South Andaman and north-western parts Haddo Point and Atlanta Point and roads were of Rutland. Acidic Plutonic rocks are found in the south­ constructed with the help of convicts and labourers eastern parts of South Andaman. Alluvium and Older brought from the main land. The ex-convicts and their Alluvium are confined to Little Andaman and North dependents were provided land who settled in Aber­ Sentinel islands. Volcanic formation and Ophiolites are deen, Middle Point, Junglee Ghat, South Point, Haddo seen in Rutland island while Archipelago group in Point, etc. which are now the wards of Port Blair town. Havelock, Peel and Neil islands. The sub-order asso­ As the major portion of the region Le., over 75 per ciations of soils, as per classification of NBSS and LUP cent is covered by forest and considerable area is not (I CAR) are Ochrepts-Fluvents-Orthents in South cultivable, very small area is left for cultivation. Though Andaman and Psamments-Fluvents-Aquents in Rut­ paddy, coconut, fruits are grown, the production of land, Little Andaman, North Sentinel and Fluvents­ rice is not sufficient to meet the local requirement, Psamments-Orthents in Havelock, Peel and Neil islands. hence people have to depend on the imports from the main land. Fish is an important part of diet of the About 50 per cent of the population of this region people and there is vast potential area for marine is concentrated in Port Blair which is the only urban fishing around the region but so far this resource has centre as well as capital of the union territory. The not been adequately tapped for export purposes. rural population is inhabited in 133 villages and most of these villages are located in the agricultural lands As the region has vast forest resources, the around the urban centre of Port Blair in a semi-circular economy is based on forest products and timber and pattern. Out of 136 villages in the region only 81 are fuel wood are the main source of revenue. In addition revenue villages and 13 are encroached forested area minor products such as bamboo, cane, dhup, resin settlements according to the 1981 Census. Among etc. are also produced. A number of forest based other settlements 39 are police posts, forest camps, industries have grown up in Port Blair. The Chatham APWD camps etc. and 3 are uninhabited. According Saw Mill at Port Blair and Andaman Timber Industries to the population ranges 10 villages have 1 000 and Ltd. at Bamboo Flat are major ones. Another industrial above, 21 have 500 to 999, 40 between 200 and 499 unit of Western India Match Company produces match and 62 have below 200 persons. The region has a splints. There are 17 small scale wood based indus-

66 tries. Of them 14 are located in Port Blair and 3 are is 87 kms of trunk road in South Andaman island and in rural areas of the region. Other small scale indus­ 73 kms of other roads in Port Blair. The rural area tries located in Port Blair include manufacture and also has a good net work of other roads covering 124 repair of foot wear, tanning of leather, extraction of kms which connect almost all the villages having 500 coconut oil, rice hulling and wheat grinding, manufac­ or more population. The other mode of transport In ture of utensils, confectionary and bakery products the region is water borne. This falls in three categories, etc. (i) Main land - Island services which link Port Blair with Calcutta and Madras, (ii) Inter island services within The transport and communication in this region the union territory, and (iii) Ferry services covering is comparatively developed than the other regions of short distances along the coast and near the creeks the union territory. The South Andaman island has a and shallow sea. The region is also linked by Calcutta good network of roads particularly in the southern por­ - Port Blair and Madras - Port Blair air services. tion considering the distribution of settlements. There

67

CENSUS OF INDIA MAP 9

~ Rae~ ANDAMAN 8. NICOBAR ISLANDS LandTol1 I V-- \J Reer' O EastL DISTRICT ANDAMANS West I. C? White Cliff 1. .. CENSUS CODE 0 I o Reen. ngrove REGIONAL DIVISIONS p t L Swamp":) Nor-condom l age 0 0 ~oo.Tablels , a DIGLlPUR TEHSIL ~orth~ ~olJ;m;th Is. ------:------72~~~~o West coral re.t' ' 0 J)~ ...... _•• DIGLIPUR ___ • _ .. _ .. _ S.ITANAC."'U~''''''''4-4·1-1 ~!,,~~~":~R.A!!...

NReefl\?

~ Stewart I

'" .. 'y!.. ~"3.ynd I. Interview ,_,."'<..<'--_?~\ °Serketey MAYABUNDER TEHSIL

RANGAT TEHSIL w z

U') w Barre n 1.0

z V Neil I.

OSi r Hugh Ro se l.

l.l... PORT BLAIR TEHSIL

4·4·1· 1 THE NORTHERN REGION o 4-4 · 1-2 THE CENT RAL REGION 4-4-1-3 THE SOUTHERN REGION z o,Passage L INDEX o The Sisters Is BOUNDARY, DISTRICT >- «

R O AD ~~~SI~J . a North Brother I. <{ .0 South Sentinel I. RIVER/STREAM

VILLAGE HAVING 1000 AND ABOVE W I MBE RLVC.UN J POPULATION WITH NAME • CD URBAN AREA WITH POPULATION SIZE . . e

MICRO SUB-MICRO

DISTRICT NICOBARS

LRead the sequenc e of Regi onal Divisions with

Kilome tres 10 0 10 2 0 30 40 K ilo tn e t re s reference to the a ll India codes upt o 3 tier] ~~~~==~~~===~~. Miles 10 0 to 20 Mlies

DATA ON REGIONAL DIVISIONS

District Name: Andamans Census Location CocJe No. 01 Union Territory: Andaman & Nicobar Islands

SI. District Region No. No. of No. of Area in km2 in Population In No. & name Villages in towns in region region each region region as evolved T R U T R u

1. Andamans 4.4.1.1 64 1490.70 1490.70 20781 20781 The Northern Region

2. -do- 4.4.1.2 134 2056.40 2056.40 37935 37935 The Central Region

3. -do- 4.4.1.3 136 2712.20 2698.06 14.14 99571 49937 49634 The Southern Region

71 REGION-WISE VILLAGE CODES, 1981

District Name : Andamans Census Location Code No. 01 Union Territory : Andaman & Nicobar Islands

SI. Region Tehsil Location Code Total No. Total No. Area of Remarks No. number No. of Census of villages of villages regional & name villages as of tehsil in division division per 1981 in Km2

1. 4.4.1.1 Diglipur 1--39 39 The Northern Region Mayabunder 1--25 25 64 1490.70 35 villages of (Part) Mayabunder tehsil are in region No. 4.4.1.2

2. 4.4.1.2 Mayabunder 26--60 35 25 villages of The Central (Part) Mayabunder tehsil Region are in region No. 4.4.1.1 Rangat 1--70 70

Port Blair 1--3, 5--30 29 134 2056.40 57 villages of Port Blair tehsil are in region No. 4.4.1.3

3. 4.4.1.3 Port Blair 31--34, 36--45, 57 29 villages of The Southern (Part) 47--89 Port Blair tehsil Region are in region No. 4.4.1.2

Ferrargunj 1--79 79 136 2712.20

72 STATEMENT ON REGION-WISE PHYSIO-CULTURAL DETAILS

District Name Andamans Census Location Code No. 01 Union Territory: Andaman & Nicobar Islands Region Name of Geology Soils Physio-cultural number & administra- characteristics name tive divisions

2 3 4 5

4.4.1.1 Diglipur Mitakhari group Udalfs- The region is comprised of North Andaman, The and Maya­ and Unclassified Ochrepts East Smith, Narcondam and Stewart islands Northern bunder Palaeogerie, Ophi- and a number of uninhabited islands and Region tehsils olites and Volcanics islets and constitute Diglipur and part of Mayabunder tehsils. North Andaman is the major island of the region. This has undulat­ ing hilly and rugged topography and covered by dense forests. The coasts are generally broken with sheet rocks. There are several bays and rocks. Most of the bays and estu­ aries are covered with mangorve swamps. Saddle Peak (750 metres) which is the highest peak of the Great Andaman is located in the eastern range of this region. Digfipur is the only major river in the region. Geologically, the region is covered by Mitakhari group and Un­ classified Palaeogene, Ophiolites and Volcanic formation. The sub-order association of soils found in this region is Udalfs-Ochrepts. The region has tropical climate with luxuriant growth of forest and therefore cultivation is done in a very small area. The economy of the region is based on forest products. As regards trans­ port and communication, the region has very limited roads. The jetties are connected with the major settlements by roads. Inter-islands and other ferry services are availalje in coastal areas and in some of the creeks. The region was inhabited by the Andamanese and the Jarawas in the past.

73 2 3 4 5

4.4.1.2 Mayabunder, Mitakharl group Udalfs­ The region is constituted by Middle Andaman The Rangat and and Unclassified Ochrepts and seven populated and a number of un­ Central Port-Blair Palaeogene, and inhabited islands which cover Rangat and Region tehsils Baratang group, Ochrepts­ parts of Mayabunder and Port Blair tehsils. Archipelago Fluvents­ The relief and general topography of the re­ group, Andaman Orthents gion Is similar to the Northern region. The flysch, hill ranges are covered by dense forests. Ophiolites and Mount Diavalo (560 metres) Is the highest Volcanics mountain In the region. The coast line particul­ arly In the north-west and south-east Is heavily indented and provide bays and harbours. Most of the bays are covered with mangrove swamps. Betapur is the main river of the region. Major portion of the region is covered by Mitakhari group and Unclassified Palaeogene. Baratang group, Archipelago IJroup, Andaman flysch, Ophiolites and Volcanic formation are also found In the region. The sub-order associations of soils found in the region are Udalfs-Ochrepts and Ochrepts-Fluvents-Orthents. The climate and vegetation of the region are similar to those found in the Northern region. The agricultural production is limited and the economy of the region is based on forest products. The region has the trunk road which links the northern and southern ends of Middle Andaman pass­ ing through the major settlements as well as tehsil headquarters of Rangat. In this region also the Andamanese and Jarawas lived in the past. Now the Andamanese are confined to the Strait island while the hostile Jarawas shifted to the dense forests in the west.

74 2 3 4 5

4.4.1.3 Port Blair Mitakhari group Ochrepts­ This region is formed by South Andaman The and Ferrar­ and Unclassified Fluvents­ and seven populated islands and several Southern gunj tehsils Palaeogene, Orthents, uninhabited islands and islets which constl- Region Andaman flysch, Psarnments- tute Ferrargunj and part of Port Blair tehsil. Acid Plutonic Fluvents- The relief and drainage, coast lines and rock, Archipel- Aquents vegetal cover of the Southern region are ago group, and similar to those found In the Northern and Alluvium, Older Fluvents- Central regions. The mountain ranges follow Alluvium, Ophiolites Psamments- the coast lines. The eastern ranges are and Volcanics Orthents higher than the western ranges. Mount Koyab (460 metres) is the highest peak and located in the eastern range. Similar to other regions, the bays and estuaries are generally covered with mangrove swamps. The streams are mostly seasonal and non-perennial. The only urban centre Port Blair, which is also the capital of the union territory is located in the region. Geologically, the region is composed of Mitakhari group and Unclassified Palaeogene, Andaman flysch, Acid Plutonic rocks, Archipel­ ago group, Alluvium and older Alluvium. Ophiolites and Volcanic formation are also found in this region. The sub-order associa­ tions of soils found in the region are Ochrepts­ Fluvents-Orthents, Psamments-A uvents-Aquents and Fluvents-Psamments-Orthents.The econ­ omy of the region is non-agricultural and largely based on the forest products. Timber and fuel wood are the main products. There are a number of wood based industries. Saw mills and match splint factory are important. The region has a good network of roads. The urban centre of Port Blair has state bus services as well as other vehicles. The coastal areas are linked by steamer and ferry serv­ ices. Port Blair is linked with the main land by ships as well as air services. Prior to the advent of the civilised people, this region was inhabited by the Andamanese and Jarawas. After the establishment of Port Blair, the Jarawas shifted to the dense reserved forests in the west and Andamanese are almost extinct in this region.

75

DISTRICT NICOBARS

REGIONAL DIVISIONS

The Nicobars district is constituted by 62 islands to more than a kilometre. Similar to Andaman group which lie between 6° and 10° North latitudes and 92° of islands, the Nicobar islands also have many creeks, and 94° East longitudes in the south-eastern portion bays and harbours and most of the estuaries and bays of Say of Bengal. This district is comprised of two are covered by mangrove swamps. The Expedition tehsils namely Car Nicobar and Nancowry and has 182 Harbour in Kamorta island is one of the best harbours villages of which 11 are uninhabited. The major and which can provide shelter to large ships during the important islands in this district are Car Nicobar, storm. The Car Nicobar and Katchall islands are al­ Teressa, Katchall, Kamorta, Trinket, Nancowry, Little most flat. In Nancowry, Kamorta, Teressa and Bompoka Nicobar and Great Nicobar. This district has an area islands the slopes are gentle but due to slow disin­ of 1 841 km2 and a population of 30 454 of which tegration of clay there is thin layer of soiis in the plains. 16 815 are males and 13 639 are females. Nicobars The hills with sandstone formations are covered with district is entirely rural which has attained a decadal forests. growth rate of 40.57 per cent during 1971-81. The density of population in this district is 17 persons per Over 60 per cent population of the district is

km2• The Nicobars district is primarily inhabited by two concentrated in the two islands. This is because the distinct groups of native population; the Nicobarese agricultural lands of Car Nicobar and Katchall islands and the Sham Pens. The Sham Pens live in the interior are most suitable for raising coconut palms. Paddy, parts of the Great Nicobar island while the Nicobarese vegetables, fruits are also grown in these islands. The in the coastal areas. They are in majority in all the Little Nicobar has hilly and undulating terrain. Mount islands except in Tillanchong and Great Nicobar Deoban (428 metres) and Empress Peak (426 metres) islands. On the basis of habitation of two groups of are the highest peaks of this island. The streams natives and the geographical environment the Nicobar originating in the hills Grain in all directions Patches district has been divided into two sub-micro regions, of agricultural lands are seen in the north along the viz., The Nicobarese region (4.4.1.1) and the Shorn coasts. The estuaries of the streams, particularly ill the Pens region (4.4.1.2). north are covered with mangrove swamps. The Boko and Tuby are the important streams of the Little The Nicobarese region (4.4.1.1) is constituted by Nicobar island. The Great Nicobar is the largest island all the populated and uninhabited islarlds and islets of the Nicobars district of which the coastal areas have except interior forested region of Great Nicobar island been included in the Nicobarese region (4.4.1.1). The which is occupied by the Shom Pens. In other words, coast of Great Nicobar island has several bays. Among the entire district of Nicobar has been treated as the them Campbell Bay in the east, South Bay in the south Nicobarese region except the forested areas of Great and Casuarina Bay in the west are worth mentioning. Nicobar which is inhabited by the Shorn Pens. Thus. The southern most place of the country, the Indira the physio-geographic condition of the region is more Point also lies in this region. The streams originating or less similar to that of the district. The physio­ In the hills of the Great Nicobar flow in all directions graphical c.ondition of the region varies from the island which led to alluvial deposits in the low lands along to island. However, the significant feature of the the coasts. These low lands are suitable for agriculture, Nicobar islands is the extensive stretches of coral hence the villages are located in the coastal areas banks, particularly near Choura, Car Nicobar, Bom­ particularly in the south-eastern and southern coasts. poka and Trinket islandS. These banks are made of Among the important rivers draining through the coralline limestone and vary in width from a few metres coastal areas of the Great Nicobar Le., the Nicobarese

77 region (4.4.1.1) are the Galathea, the Jubilee, the with 8, sex ratio of 811 females. The density of 2 Alexandra and the Dagmar rivers. The Galathea flows population in the region is 22 persons per km • Among towards south while the Jubilee towards north and the all the islands Car Nicobar is the most populous with Alexandra and the Dagmar towards south-west. a density of 122 persons per km2. This Is because at t~,e di5trict headquarters, Malacca, a number of trading As regards geological formations, eastern Car companies, high schools, workshops, airport etc. are Nicobar, southern and northern parts of Teressa located on this island. Out of 9 villages having and whole of Tillanchong islands are composed of population above 1 000 in tha region, 6 are located Ophiolites. Major portions of Kamorta, Katchall, in Car Nicobar and one each in Katchall, Kamorta and Nancowry, Great Nicobar and the whole of Little Great Nicobar islands. Similarly out of 10 villages Nicobar island are covered by Mitakhari group and falling in the population range of 500-999, 8 are in Car Unclassified Palaeogene. Alluvium is found in mid­ Nicobar island. Car Nicobar is the most developed ~~m~oo~~~~clbG~N~~ among all the islands from the point of view of literacy. The literacy rate in the region is 39.40 per cent which The soils of the region vary from island to island. is higher than the national average (36,23 per cent). Sandy loams are found on the coastal areas while Among the males and females this rate is 47.41 and thick loam is seen in the interior. The river banks are 29.51 per cent respectively. The percentage of main generally covered by alluvium mixed with humus and workers in this region is 31.22. The participation rate are quite fertile. The sub-order associations of soils, among the males is 49.91 while among the females as classified by NBSS and LUP (ICAR) are related to it is only 8.17 per cent. The Nicobarese region has Psamments-Fluvents-Aquents in Car Nicobar, Teressa, 20 987 scheduled tribes which constitute 69.33 per Bompoka, Tillanchong and Little Nicobar island while cent of the total population. Car Nicobar has the Fluvents-Psamments-Orthents are found in Kamorta, largest proportion of scheduled tribes among all the Katchall, Nancowry, Trinket and northern half of Great islands with 87.27 per cent. Nicobar island. Orthents-Ochrepts are confined to the southern part of Great Nicobar island. The economy of the region depends on agricul­ ture but it is not based on cereal production. The main The Nicobar islands have wet tropical climate occupation of the Nicobarese is, therefore, raising and fertile soils, hence there is luxuriant growth of plantation crops particularly coconut palm and areca­ forest covering about 78 per cent of the area but the nut trees. In addition, vegetables, fruits, yams are also nature and types of vegetation vary from place to grown. Paddy cultivation has also been introduced. place. Coconut groves and beach forests with patches Fishing, tending of pigs, extraction of copra, etc. are of mangrove forests are seen in the coastal areas while the other activities of the people. Road transport is tropical forests are found in the interior. The Central very limited in this region. Only Car Nicobar island has and Northern islands particularly Car Nicobar and a good net work of roads which links all the large Choura have grass lands. The timber trees found in villages particularly along the coasts. In Great Nicobar Nicobar islands are generally inferior in quality than island the coastal area from Campbell Bay in the east those found in the Andamans. Coconut palm is the to Shastrinagar in the south are connected by road. most valuable tree grown in the Nicobar islands. In other islands roads are limited to the settlements Arecanut, betel nut palms are other important trees around the jetties. Since this region is comprised of which grow on thick soils. Pandanu trees are grown isolated islands, the main source of transport and near the shores. Cane, bamboo etc. are also found communication is water borne. There are inter-island in some of the islands. services as also ferry services covering short distances along the coast and serving the settlements near the The Nicobarese region has a population of creeks and shallow sea. There is an airport in Car 30 269 comprising 16 716 males and 13 553 females Nicobar but there is no regular service.

78 The Shorn Pens region (4.4.1.2) is confined to this region. As regards geological formation, the Shom the central portion of the Great Nicobar island which Pens region is composed of Mitakhari group and is the largest in the Nicobar group and falls in Unclassified Palaeogene. Nancowry tehsil. It is gathered that the Shorn Pens living in the coastal areas of the island became hostile The sub-order associations of soils, as classified towards the immigrating Nicobarese in the past. As by NBSS and LUP (ICAR) found in this region are the Nicobarese were well armed and stronger, the Fluvents-Psamments-Orthents in the northern portion Shom Pens withdrew themselves from the coastal while Orthents-Ochrepts in the southern portion of the regions and settled in the interior of the forests. Sham region. The entire region is covered by dense tropical Pens of inaccessible northern forests still continue to forests. attack the outsiders as well as the Nicobarese. Thus, the Shorn Pens region is isolated in the midst of The Sham Pens region is inhabited by the natives ~orested areas, which are mostly intersected by steep in 13 villages and comprised of 165 persons, of them ridges with narrow valleys, rendering the exploration 99 are males and 86 are females The Sham Pens of these areas a difficult task. tribes lead a primitive and nomadic life and they are totally ignorant of reading and writing, hence all the Large number of rivers and streams originate on Shorn Pens enumerated are illiterate. The numbers of the hills of this region and flow in criss-cross manner male and female workers are 35 and 9 respectively. in all directions. The major rivers originating in this The Sham Pens use primitive and crude method of region are the Jubilee, the Golathea, the Alexandra cultivation. They grow yams, edible roots, coconuts. and the Dagmar river which flow towards north, south pandanus, plantain, areca and betel trees. Fishing and and south-west. The highest peak of Nicobar group hunting of pig are their other activities. of islands, Mount Thulier (641 metres) is located in

CENSUS OF INDIA MAP 10

ANDAMAN 8. NICOBAR ISLANDS TEHSIL DISTRICT NICOBARS CENSUS CODE 02 REGIONAL DIVISIONS

Kilometre 10 0 10 2 0 30 40 K ilometre ~~I~==~±====~I~~~I====~I~~I Mi les 10 2) 10 ~O Mi les C. Botti Malv I .

_ .- . _.Y_._.- .-._._. _ . _. _. _ ._. _. _. _._._. -' _. _. _ . _. _ . -' - ' _

Cora l reef . .' Tillanchang I. D Chauro I .

• Isle of Man I. w esso I . o \\ '. .... '-1 Bompoka I. (/)

K omodo I. '~" Trinkat I.

MILDERA. ~KAMORTA

Katooa" L~' ~ ~~~;~~RY TEHSIL INDEX 4 .4 .1. 1 NICOBARESE REGION

4 .4 .1.2 SHOM PENS REGION Coral reef z

4.4. 1.1

BOUNDARY, TEHSIL • . ROADS . .. . , . ... .~ Meroe Is. ..,:. .) ., Treis Is. RIVER/STREAM

VILLAGE HAVING 1000 AND ABOVE • . D Menchal I. « CAMPBE LL BAY Pula . .M, ,'10 I. '.' " POPULA TION WITH NAME • REGIONAL DIVISION • . . . . Little Nicobar . L . ~' ,. .. :.' Cabra I . , ) .' o MACRO •. . :',\.. " MESO MICRO z SUB-MICRO WITH BOUNDARY •. Great Nicobar I. « y C AMPBELL BAY [ReOd the sequence of Regional Divisions with reference to '. Cerberus R ock the 011 India map codes upto 3 tie~

N D A N o c E A N

DATA ON REGIONAL DIVISIONS

District Name: Nicobars Census Location Code No. 02 Union Territory: Andaman & Nicobar Islands

SI. District Region No. No. of No. of Area in Km2 in region Popul3tion in region No. &,name villages towns in in each region T R U T R IJ region as evolved

1. Nicobars 4.4.1.1 169 1337.10 1337.10 30269 30269 Nicobarese Region

2. -do- 4.4.1.2 13 503.90 503.90 185 185 Shom Pens Region

83 REGION-WISE VILLAGE CODES, 1981

District Name: Nicobars Census location Code No. 02 Union Territory: Andaman & Nicobar Islands

SI. Region Tehsil Location Code No. of Total Total Area of Remarks No. number & census villages as No. of No. of regional name per 1981 villages of villages in division tehsil division in Km 2

1. 4.4.1.1 Car 1-16 16 Complete tehsil Nicobarese Nicobar Reglon Nan- 1-133,135,136, 153 169 1337.10 13 villages cowry 138-153, 163-166 in region (Part) No. 4.4.1.2

2. 4.4.1.2 Nan- 134,137,154-162, 13 13 503.90 153 villages in Shom Pens cowry 164, 165 region No. Region (Part) 4.4.1.1

84 STATEMENT ON REGION-WISE PHYSIO-CULTURAL DETAILS

District Name: Nicobars Census Location Code No. 02 Union Territory: Andaman & Nicobar Islands

Region Name of Geology Soils Physio-cultural number & administra- characteristics name tive divisions

2 3 4 5

4.4.1.1 Car Mitakhari group Psamments- The Nicobarese region (4.4.1.1) is comprised Nicobarese Nicobar and Unclassified Fluvents- of Nicobars district except the hilly and Region and Nan­ Palaeogene, Aquents, forested central portion of Great Nicobar cowry Ophiolites and Fluvents­ island. The region !:las no town. The relief tehsils Alluvium Psamments­ and drainage pattern in this region vary Orthents from island to island. The Car Nicobar and and Orthellts­ Katchall islands are almost flat while Ochrepts Nancowry, Kamorta, Teressa, Bompoka islands have gentle slope with forest clad hills. The little Andaman has hilly and undulat­ ing terrains with dense forests. Mount Deoban (428 metres) located in Little Nicobar, hasthe maximum height in this region. There are several bays and harbours along the coast. Mangrove swamps are generally found in the back waters and along the creeks. The coastal areas of Car Nicobar, Great Nicobar, Little Nicobar and most of the islands of Central group have fertile soil and are suitable for raising coconut trees. The region is com­ posed of Mitakhari group and Unclassified Palaeogene. Ophiolites and Alluvium are also found in some of the islands. The sub­ order associations of soils found in this re­ gion are Psamments-Fluvents-Aquents, Fluve­ nts-Psamments-Orthents and Orthents­ Ochrepts. The Nicobarese region has wet tropical climate and fertile soils,hence major portion of the region is covered by forest. Co­ conut is the important agricultural product of the region. As regards transport and commu­ nication, road transport is very limited in the region. Only Car Nicobar island has a good net work of road. Major islands have roads in the coastal areas. The main source of

85 2 3 4 5

transport in this region is water borne. There are inter island and ferry services in the c.oastal areas.

4.4.1.2 Nancowry Mitakhari group Fluvents­ The Shom Pens region is confined to the Shom Pens tehsil ai1d Unclassified Psamments­ central portion of Great Nicobar island Region Palaeogene Orthents and and is surrounded by the Nicobarese Orthents­ region except in the north-eastern portion. Ochrepts The region is hilly having longitudinal ranges with steep slope and narrow valleys and cov­ ered by dense tropical forests. A number of streams originate in this region and flow in different directions. The Galathea. the Alax­ andra and the Dagmar are the important riv­ ers originating in this region. The region is composed of Mitakhari group and Unclassi­ fied Palaeogene. The sub-order associations of soils. as per classification of NBSS and LUP (leAR). found in this region are Fluvents­ Psamments-Orthents and Orthents-Ochrepts. The region is entirely rural and inhabited by the Shom Pens tribes who still lead a primi - tive life.

The region is undeveloped because of undu­ lating topography and dense forest which made the exploration in the region very diffi­ cult. Barring a few forest roads. the region is devoid of transport and communication facilities.

86 PART IV REGIONAL DIVISION OF LAKSHADWEEP

REGIONAL DIVISION OF LAKSHADWEEP

The union territory of Lakshadweep is comprised when the Govt. of India reorganised the states/union of a group of 27 scattered islands and a number of territories in 1956 which later on renamed as it shows sunken banks, open reefs and sand banks are asso­ today. ciated with them. This is a uni-district union territory which lies between 8°0' and 12° 30' North latitudes Out of the 27 islands constituting Lakshadweep, and 71°0' and 74° 0' East longitudes at a distance of only 10 are inhabited. These are (from north to south) about 200 to 400 kms from the Malabar Coast in the Chetlat, the Bitra, the Kiltan, the Kadmat, the Amini, Arabian Sea. The waters within the jurisdiction of these the Andrott, the Kavaratti, the Agatti, the Kalpeni and islands Is known as the Lakhsadweep Sea. These the Minicoy. On the basis of administrative conven­ islands are scattered in about 77000 km2 but their total ience, the islands have been combined into four 2 area is approximately 32 km • This union territory was groups and each forms a tehsil, viz., Minicoy, Andrott, known as the Laccadive, Minicoy and Amindivi islands Kavaratti and Amini.

Tehsil Island Tehsil Island

1. Minicoy 1. Minicoy 3. Kavaratti 1. Agatti 2. Viringili 2. Bangaram 3. Tinnakara 2. Andrott 1. Kalpeni 4. Parali (i) 2. Cheriyam 5. Parali (ii) 3. Kodithala 6. Parali (iii) 4. Tllakkam (i) 7. Kalpitti 5. Tilakkam (ii) 8. Suheli Valiyakara 6. Tilakkam (iii) 9. Suheli Cheriyakara 7. Pitti (i) 10. Pitti (Birds Island) 8. Pitti (ii) 11. Kavaratti 9. Andrott 4. Amini 1. Amini 2. Kadmat 3. Kiltan 4. Chetlat 5. Bitra

The islands of Lakshadweep exhibit similarity in to the open sea. The islands break the monotony of their physical formation and geological structure in their location in the sea from the point of view of general. From the point of view of their shapes and elements of physical features by the presence of lay-out, the Andrott island spreads in an east-west vegetal cover and ecologica! system. The local relief position while other islands have north-south layout. variations are caused by the shapes of sand dunes. Th8 islands of Kalpeni, Kiltan, Kavaratti and Chetlat The islands vary in width from a few metres to 2 to have lagoons in the west and are encircled by coral 3 Kms. None of the islands measure more than 6 rocks visible at low waters with one or more outlets metres above the mean sea level.

89 The islands of Lakshadweep were formed as a humidity, therefore, is quite high in Lakshadweep result of coral growth on the sub-marine platform which varies between 70 and 75 per cent. which is the continuation of Aravalli system of rocks of Rajasthan and Gujarat extended in the Arabian Sea The islands of Lakshadweep are devoid of forest througf, the Gulf of Khambat. of any type. The flora of these islands are not much variegated. The most common crop raised on these The coral reefs belong to the warmer sea and islands is coconut palm. Lime trees, drumstick, bread are almost confined to the zone between latitudes 30° fruit trees, tamarind, areca are also important. North and 30° South. They generally grow at a depth of 30 fathoms on the tops of plateaus and hills which As the islands are devoid of forest and luxuriant rise from the sea floor to the depth of about 30 growth of trees, no wild life exists in Lakshadweep. fathoms. The surface temperature required for the However, two species of rats are very common. Some growh should not fall more than one or two degree varieties of birds are seen on these islands. Seasonal from 70° F (21.1° C) and there should be sediment migratory birds are also noticed. The birds varieties free clear water. The sea around Lakshadweep has are limited and consist mostly of marine type. The temperature around 80° F (26.6° C) throughout the Birds island (Pakshi Pitti) near Kavaratti has been year and also fulfil other conditions for coral growth developed into a game sanctuary. The surrounding resulting in formation of coral islands. sea of the islands have varieties of fishes in abun­ dance. The common varieties are tuna, skipjack, The soils of Lakshadweep islands are particularly seerfish, sailfish, garfish, kingfish, crQaker, streaker, sandy and developed from weathering of coralline parrotfish, triggerfish etc. rocks and hence they are calcareous and porus. The existance of phosphate in soils and mixed up with The cultivable lands in the union territory of calcium carbonate and porosity cause shortage of Lakshadweep are associated with coconut. The plan­ humus; this deters the growth of flora .. Thus, inspite tation of coconut trees and making copra is the main of heavy rains and a prolonged rainy season, the economic activity of the people of the union territory. vegetation in the islands dries up and withers away Fruits Le. banana, pappaya, guava, sapota and soon after that. However, some patches of cultivable vegetables like tomato, chilli, drumstick etc. as re­ land with good soils occur on the islands of Kavaratti, cently introduced are being cultivated. Kadmat, Andrott and Kalpeni. The trees and vege­ tables that can sustain on porus soils are grown but The water around the islands of Lakshadweep no food crops are cultivated. The sub-order associa­ is rich in its fishery resources as stated earlier and tion of soils found in these islands as per classifica­ therefore fishing is the major occupation of the people tion of NBSS & LUP (ICAR), Nagpur is Psamments next to the coconut plantation. Fishery has significant which are traditionally known as sandy soils or recent. contribution in the economy of the union territory. Fish and copra also constitute the staple diet of peoples Lakshadweep islands have a warm tropical cli­ of the islands. mate. In these islands, the number of rainy days vary between 85 and 95 per annum. During June to Sep­ Since no cereals are grown on the islands of tember, the northern islands get 70 per cent of annual Lakshadweep, rice and other commodities are ob­ rainfall, while the southern islands receive about 60 tained from the main land in exchange of coconut per cent. The temperature in Lakshadweep varies products, particularly coiro between 24° and 32° centigrades. The months of April and May are the hottest and during these months Lakshadweep is one of the industrially backward sultry conditions prevail due to high humidity. The sea territories of India. Development of industries has not breezes keep the islands always humid. The relative received attention due to lack of infrastructure in the

90 islands. However, a few small industrial units such as migrants (723) than males (397) as revealed by the boat building, tuna canning, coir yarn spinning, hosiery 1981 Census figures. The broad age-groups of the factory, bakeries, oil and flour mills etc. have been set population reveal that 39.55 per cent are children in up. the age-group 0-14; the working age-group of 15-59 constitutes 53.91 per cent while 6.49 per cf>nt people Lakshadweep had no regular transport facilities attained age in 60 + category. till the end of the fifties. Now this union territory is linked with the main land through services of ships In the 1971 Census, the entire area of La­ which are not adequate to cater to the needs of the kshadweep was rural. In the 1981 Census the urban islands. The traditional means of transport (odams and areas have been classified in three major islands, viz., bandodies) are used for transporting coir, copra and Minicoy, Kava ratt i and Amini for the first time and fish during fair weather. Kutcha roads passing through hence 46.28 per cent of the total population was the coconut mangroves are available in islands. Main recorded as urban. roads from embarkation jetties are concreted in the main Islands. In Lakshadweep, 22 165 persons or 55.07 per cent of the total population are literates according to The union territory of Lakshadweep comprising the 1981 Census. The proportions of literates in rural 27 islands, is inhabited by 40 249 persons in an area and urban areas are 51.98 and 58.65 per cent respec­ of 32 Km 2 as per the 1981 Census. Out of 27 islands, tively. The percentage of literates among males is only 10 are inhabited. These are Minicoy, Kalpeni, An­ 65.24 while among the females the percentage is drort, Agatti, Kavaratti, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat 44.65. The female literacy has attained a remarkable and Bitra. progress from 10.98 per cent in 1961 to 30.56 per cent in 1971 and 44.65 in 1981. The remaining 17 islands are small and uninhab­ ited and are located around the inhabited islands. The over all improvement in literacy rate in These uninhabited islands are ViringjJi, Cheriyam, Lakshadweep indicates that much attention is paid in Kodithala, Tilakkam (i), Tilakkam (ii), Tilakkam (iii), Pitti these islands. Ttlis union territory had nine primary (i), Pitti (ii). Bangaram, Tinnakara, Parali (i). Parali (ii), schools in 1956 wtlietl !lave gone up to 47 in 1981. Parali (iii). Kalpitti, Suheli Valiyakara, Suheli Cheri­ A number at adult centres were opened for spreading yakara and Pitti (Birds island). of education among the women of the islands. The number at high schools has also increased from one During the decade 1971-81, the population of in 1961 to eight in 1981. A junior college has also been these islands increased by 26.53 per cent which is established. Moreover, the education is free in this near to the national average of 25.00 per cent. The union territory at all levels and scholarships, books and density of population in this union territory is heavy writing materials are also provided to the students free which measures 1 258 persons per km 2 against 216 of cost. for the nation as a whole. The per capita land available is very small and limited while the population is According to the 1981 Census, 7 974 persons increasing at a higher rate in this union territory. or 19.75 per cent are main workers in the union territory of Lakshadweep as against 36.76 per cent in Since the begining of this century, Lakshadweep the country as a whole. Of the total main workers in had a favourable sex ratio except in 1911 and 1931. this union territory 51.38 per cent are in rural areas This position continued till 1961 with 1060 females per and 48.62 per cent in urban areas. The proportions 1000 males, thereafter it declined to 978 in 1971 and of main workers among males and females are 33.56 further to 975 in 1981. One of the reasons of decline and 5.58 per cent respectively. Only 1869 persons or in sex ratio may be attributed to more female out 4.64 per cent of the total population are engaged in

91 marginal work in this union territory. Of the total India being a vast sub-continent has, in addition marginal workers, 73.63 per cent are in rural areas and to various heterogeneous physical features. e.g. 26.37 per cent In urban areas. The proportions of mountains, plains. plateaus. coastal plains. a number marginal workers among males and females are 5.68 of islands isolated In the sea. Keeping In view, the and 3.58 per cent respectively. Influence of coastal regions on the islands, they have been tagged with coastal plains (4). The Islands (4.4) In Lakshadweep Islands. Malayalam language is have variation between themselves In geographical spoken with some differences In pronunciation, idiom location as well a& human geography and thus form and vocabulary except in Minicoy where Mahl is the two micro regions, viz.. The Andaman and Nicobar spoken language. As regards religion, over 94 per cent Islands (4.4.1) and The Lakshadweep (4.4.2). Since the of the population are foliONers of Islam in Lakshadweep. Lakshadweep islands are scattered in a wide expanse in Arabian Sea with a small area, they have been In the union territory of Lakshadweep, no caste retained as a single SUb-micro region as the has been scheduled. therefore, there is no scheduled Lakshadweep Region (4.4.2.1) for the study of the caste population In this union territory. According to region (Refer Map-11) and hence any development the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes list effort may be needed in view of the need of the is­ (Notification order 1956) the Inhabitants of Lakshadweep lands to enable them to contribute to the national who and both of whose parents were born in those economy. islands. are treated as scheduled tribes. In Lakshadweep, the scheduled tribes constitute 93.82 per cent of the Further details of the region are presented in the total population while the general population is only statements appended at the end. 6.18 per cent.

92 = ..

:.

il,

~Zwo w- ~~ z 00 1 i «...J ~ " x

93

Constituents Area In km2 Population (1981 Census)

Villages Towns Totai Rural Urban Total Rural

5 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

24 3 32.0 21.4 10.6 40249 21620

95 DATA ON REGIONAL DIVISIONS

District Name: Lakshadweep Census Location Code No. 30 Union Territory: Lakshadweep

District Region Name of Number of Area In KJn2 In region Population In region tehsll & towns In number of region T R U T R U villages In each tehsll

1 2 3 '" 5 6 7 8 9 10 Lakshadweep 4.4.2.1 Mlnlcoy-1 4.4 4.4 6658 6658

Andrott-9 7.6 7.6 10355 10355

Kavarattl-1 0 8.1 4.5 3.6 10715 4111 6604

Amini .... 8.4 5.8 2.6 12521 7154 5367

24 3 28.5@ 17.9® 10.6@ 40249 21620 18629 (32.0)* (21.4)*

• According to the Surveyor General, India. @ According to the Lakshadweep Administration.

96 REGION .. WlSEVILLAGE CODES, 1981

District Name: Lakshadweep Census Location Code No. 30 UnionTerritory: Lakshadweep

51. No. Region TehsU' Location code No. Total Total, Area of Remarks number of census villages number of number regional & name as per 1981 census villages of villages division and towns in km2 In division

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

4.4.2.1 Mlnlcoy 1 1 + 1 4.4 laksha;. dweep Andrott 1 t09 9 9 7.6 Region Kavarattl 1 to 10 10 10+1 8.1

Amini 1 to 4 4 4+1 8.4

24 24+3 28.5

97 STATEMENT ON REGION-WISE PHYSIO-CULTURAL DETAILS

District Name :Lakshadweep Census Location Code No. 30 Union Territory: Lakshadweep

Region Name of Geology Soils Physio-cultural number & administra- characteristics name tive divisions

2 3 4 5

4.4.2.1 Minicoy. N.A. Psamments Lakshadweep region (4.4.2.1) is comprised Laksha- Andrott. of a group of 27 coral Islands, located at a dweep Kavaratti distance of about 200 to 400 kms from the Region and Amini Malabar Coast. in Arabian Sea. The Islands constitute the tehsils of Minicoy, Andrott, Kavaratti andAminl and have width from a few metres to 2 to 3 kms. The maximum height In the Islands is 6 metres above the mean sea level. The soils of the region are sandy. As per classification of NBSS & LUP (ICAR). the sub­ order aSSOCiation of soils found in the region is Psamments. The roads are not developed and are limited to the areas locatad near the jetties. Main source of transport in the region is water borne. The islands are connected with the main land through ships. Odams and banded/es are also used for transportation in fair weather. The economy of the region Is based on coconut plantation and fIshery. The Islands have to depend on maIn land for cereals and other commodities.

98