Onge: The tribe is struggling in its homeland

One of the largest tribes residing in the Andaman Islands is the Onge. Their practised beliefs have brought them into the eyes of the outer world. This tribe enjoyed an independent life until the settlers from other areas captured their lands. Since the sharing of land, the quality of life of the Onges has drastically declined.

The Onge tribe of the Andaman and Nicobar islands; Image source- Survival International

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal, have been a hub of indigenous tribes. The ancient tribes have been following the footprints of their ancestors for years. This quality unites them even with their diversified cultures, customs, and languages.

The tribes are classified into two major groups—"The Great Andamanese Group" and another is "The Onge, Jarawa, and Sentinelese Group". However, anthropologists classify them as Negrito people. Among all these tribes, the Onges deserve a special mention in the story. Their culture has been fascinating, but their struggle has been despairing.

The Onge tribe is one of the most primitive tribes that belong to the Negrito racial ancestry. Initially, during the 18th century, they were dispersed over the little island, but later they spread to South Bay and Dugong Creek. Due to their dark appearances, Onge's are regarded as among the darkest people. But, in terms of religion, their beliefs have been quite distinct and fascinating.

They revered the natural world and were dependent on the ocean and the forest for sustenance. Unlike other religions, they do not believe in or follow firm worshipping practices or sacrifices. The Onges claim that changing into a spirit entails several steps, including passing away, dropping weight, and losing one's sense of smell. These spirits have the power to move anything or anyone.

The colour of the teeth has a unique interpretation among Onges, who consider the pearly white teeth as a symbol of death. They continue to chew the bark to impart a red colour to their teeth.

The Onge tribe enjoys adorning their faces and bodies. They may occasionally combine the clay with red ochre, saliva, and turtle fat and apply it all over the body. On special occasions, they place a greater emphasis on body ornamentation.

Surprisingly, the Onge tribe is also one of the world's least prolific and infertile communities. Infertility affects somewhat more than 40% of married couples.

But, along with the fast pace of time, the lives of Onges have become terrible. There has been a considerable decrease in the number of members of the tribe. About 100 Onges remain, who are inhabited in two permanent regions. This is a piece of the Indian development programme disguised as a welfare programme, which has contributed to their relocation. They have become a rapidly declining minority on an island that is now home to an increasing number of rehabilitated refugees from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and other Indian subcontinent populations.

Since relocating, they have faced high rates of starvation, newborn mortality, and dangerously low growth rates. In addition to this, the infant and child mortality rates have doubled.

They are a semi-nomadic group that only relies on the sustenance that Mother Nature provides. They consequently shift from one location on the islands to another. As a result, a visitor to the Little Andaman Islands may see Onge huts (Bera) all across the islands. Despite their challenging living circumstances and unfavourable geographic location, they remain the world's happiest people.