Shompen

The Shompen are an indigenous people of India who inhabit the interior forested regions of Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory. They are among the territory’s designated particularly vulnerable tribal groups, a status that recognizes their small population, isolation, and distinctive cultural traits.

Population estimates for the Shompen are uncertain and vary widely, with most sources describing the group as very small, possibly numbering in the low hundreds or fewer. Because of their remoteness and limited contact with the outside world, precise census data are scarce, and access to communities is often restricted.

Traditionally, the Shompen have led a hunter-gatherer lifestyle, with seasonal movements through forested areas and reliance on forest products, game, and wild plants. Their language, known as Shompen, is poorly documented and is of uncertain linguistic classification, sometimes described as distinct or related only loosely to neighboring Nicobarese languages. Social organization and cultural practices are shaped by a deep connection to the island’s interior and a long history of limited interaction with non-indigenous communities.

Protective measures and policy frameworks are in place to safeguard the Shompen’s way of life. They are protected under national and regional regulations aimed at preserving tribal communities and limiting incursions that could threaten their health and autonomy. The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami and subsequent development have heightened concerns about preservation, health, and access, prompting ongoing government and scholarly attention.

The Shompen remain one of the most secluded indigenous groups in India, with continued emphasis on careful stewardship, documentation, and culturally sensitive engagement.