Tribes of Lakshadweep: A Cultural Tapestry of the Sea
Introduction Lakshadweep, India’s smallest Union Territory, is a mesmerizing archipelago scattered across the Arabian Sea. Comprising 12 atolls, three coral reefs, and six submerged sandbanks, it spans a modest 32 square kilometers. Despite its size, Lakshadweep is rich in biodiversity, culture, and history. The administrative capital, Kavaratti, serves as the nerve center of this single-district territory. Of the 27 islands that make up Lakshadweep, only 10 are permanently inhabited: Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andrott, Kalpeni, and Minicoy. Each island has its own distinct identity, shaped by centuries of maritime trade, Islamic influence, and tribal traditions. Bitra, the smallest in terms of population, had just 225 residents as per the 1991 Census, while Bangaram, largely uninhabited, recorded a population of 61 during the same period. Tribes of Lakshadweep Lakshadweep society is predominantly tribal, with the Indian government recognizing it...