The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a union territory of India, which consists of 572 islands. Almost 37 of those islands are inhabited. The city of Port Blair is the capital of this territory. Here are 15 unknown facts about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands that everyone should know.
1. ‘Andaman’ And ‘Nicobar’ Originated From The Ancient Malay Language
The names ‘Andaman’ and ‘Nicobar’ are derived from the ancient Malay Language. The name ‘Andaman’ is thought to be derived from Lord Hanuman, who was also known as Handuman to the Malays.
The name ‘Nicobar’ has been derived from the South Indian term ‘Nakkavaram’ which means Land of the Naked.
2. Only Active Volcano In India Is Located In The Andaman Sea
Barren Island, the only active volcano in India, is located in the Andaman Sea, approximately 135 km northeast of Port Blair. It is a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Barren Island is also the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.
3. Commercial Fishing Has Been Banned
Commercial fishing has been banned in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for more than 4 decades. Because of this, the Andaman Islands are one of the very few places in our world where fish get to live their entire lifecycle. It is believed that fish in these waters now die of old age.
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4. First Commercial Seaplane Service In India Was Launched In The Andaman
India’s first commercial seaplane service Jal Hans was launched in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It can travel at a speed of up to 250 km per hour and can take off and land on water as well as on the ground.
5. Bengali Is The Most Popularly Spoken Language
The most widely spoken language in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is not Andamanese or Nicobarese. Bengali is the most popularly spoken language on the islands which is followed by Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
6. Largest Sea Turtle In Our World Are Found In The Andaman
The Leatherback turtles, the largest sea turtle in our world, are found in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These islands have the best nesting beaches in India for other species of marine turtles also.
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7. Dugong Is The State Animal Of Andaman
Dugong, an herbivorous, marine mammal, is the state animal of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These creatures mainly feed on sea grass and other aquatic vegetation. They are also popularly known as Sea Cows.
8. Only Mud Volcanoes In India Are Found On Baratang Island
The only mud volcanoes in India are found on Baratang Island, a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The mud volcano explosion was first observed in March 1983 in Nilambur Village on Baratang Island.
9. The First Sunrise Of The Millennium Was Observed At Katchal Island
The first sunrise of the millennium 2000 was observed at Katchal, a part of the Nicobar Islands.
The Royal Greenwich Laboratory announced that the first sunrise of the new millennium would be visible from Katchal island. Before that, this tiny island was virtually unknown to the rest of the world.
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10. The Largest Land-living Arthropod Lives In The Andaman
The largest land-living arthropod in the world, the Robber crab or the Coconut Crab, lives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. They are mainly found on the South Sentinel Island as well as on some other islands in Nicobar.
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11. A Lot Of Rats And Bats Are Found In Andaman
Approximately 26 different species of rats and 14 species of bats are found in the Andaman Islands.
12. Most Isolated Human Populations In The World
The Sentinelese are one of the most isolated human populations in the world. They live on the North Sentinel Island, one of the Andaman Islands, and are also known as the North Sentinel Islanders.
They have refused to keep contact with the modern world and also fire arrows at any people who come within their range.
13. The Nicobar Pigeon Is One Of The Most Beautiful And Rare Pigeons
The Nicobar pigeon is one of the most beautiful and rare pigeons in the world. They are found in the coastal regions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
14. Malaria Has Been Endemic For More Than A Century
For more than a century, malaria has been endemic to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, in the last few decades, a significant decline in malaria cases has been observed.
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15. The Indian 20 Rupees Note Has A View Of The North Bay Islands
The Indian 20 Rupees note features a view of the North Bay islands, a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, on the reverse side.
This same view can be seen on the way to Mount Harriet, the third-highest peak in the Andaman Islands.
These are 15 unknown and interesting facts about Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
FAQ: 15 Fascinating Facts About Andaman And Nicobar Islands
As many people are interested to know about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, they have lots of questions related to it. Here I have answered some of the most frequently asked questions about the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Q1. What Is The Name Of The Active Volcano In India?
Ans: Barren Island is the only active volcano in India, which is located in the Andaman Sea. Barren Island is a part of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and it is also the only confirmed active volcano in South Asia.
Q2. Which Language Is Most Spoken In Andaman?
Ans: Bengali is the most popularly spoken language in Andaman which is followed by Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Malayalam.
Q3. Which Is The State Animal Of Andaman?
Ans: Dugong, which is popularly known as Sea Cow, is the state animal of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. It is an herbivorous, marine mammal and they mainly feed on sea grass and other aquatic vegetation.
Q4. Are Nicobar Pigeons Rare?
Ans: The Nicobar pigeon is one of the most beautiful and rare pigeons around the world and they are mainly found in the coastal regions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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