Besides the primitive tribes, Andaman and Nicobar Islands are inhabited by the people from all over India. That is why it is called ‘miniature India’. People from all parts of the country live here as a well-knit society in perfect harmony. There are Bengalis, Malayalees, Andhraites, and Tamilians. The Bengalis settled in South Andaman, Neil, Havelock, North Andaman, Middle Andaman, and Little Andaman are the refugees from Bangladesh. The love of the Bengalis for music, dance, other arts, literature and festivals is well known throughout the world. They have Bengali medium schools and clubs in these islands.
There is a sizeable population of Tamilians spread predominantly in and around Port Blair. The Tamil repatriates from Burma settled at Shaolway, Rangachang, and Chiriya Tapu and repatriates from Sri Lanka settled in the rubber plantations of Katchal and Shaitan Khari. The other areas are Rangat, Little Andaman, and Great Nicobar. A large number of Malayalees are also living here. The vegetation and climate of these islands are very similar to
Kerala coast. The Malayalees spread throughout South Andaman and North Andaman. There are many people from other regions also. A large number of them speak in their own language among themselves but with others they communicate in simple
Hindi. All the inhabitants of these islands celebrate their festivals and cultural programs together with a spirit of harmony.
