India’s Island Treasures: Andaman & Nicobar vs Lakshadweep

India boasts two major island groups located in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. The Bay of Bengal is home to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, comprising around 572 islands, while the Arabian Sea houses Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands. These islands hold rich geographical and historical significance for India.

An Overview of India’s Island Treasures

A. Bay of Bengal Islands

• Andaman and  Nicobar Islands: Comprising approximately 572 islands/islets, located between 6°N-14°N and 92°E -94°E;
  • The entire group is divided into the Andaman Islands in the north and the Nicobar Islands in the south. 
  • Only 31  islands are inhabited on a permanent basis.

• Other Important Islets: Ritchie’s archipelago and Labyrinth island
• The Andaman Sea lies to the east and the Bay of Bengal to the west.
• Formation: These islands are believed to be an elevated portion of submarine mountains, with some smaller islands being volcanic. 
• Climate: 
  • Summers: March to May, are warm to hot.
  • Monsoons: (May to September) medium to heavy rain falls. 
    • Average rainfall here is 3000-3500 mm with humidity ranging between 66-85%. 
    • The rains are mainly brought by the southwest monsoon in the months of May to September, followed by tropical cyclones in October and November.
  • Winter (December to February): Not chill and most ideal for sightseeing. most comfortable months and most tourism buds during this season.
• Andaman and Nicobar Islands Topography: About 70% of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands consist of Paleogene sedimentary rocks, which typically yield rough, layered, and brittle terrains. 
  • These rocks mainly comprise sandstone, siltstone, limestone, and shale. 
  • The landscape predominantly features hills with occasional valleys, rather than extensive flat land.
• Nicobar: In terms of land diversity, Nicobar surpasses Andaman. 
  • While islands like Car Nicobar present flat, coral-rich surfaces unsuitable for ship anchoring, others like Great Nicobar are mountainous.
• Mountain Peaks: Barren Island, the only active volcano in India [UPSC 2018]; 
  • Mountain peaks – Saddle Peak  (North Andaman-highest peak on the Islands), 
    • Mount Diavolo (515 m, Middle Andaman), 
    • Mount Koyob (460 m, South Andaman), and 
    • Mount Thuiller (642 m, Great Nicobar).
• The coastal areas have coral deposits.
• Renamed Islands: 
  • Ross Island- Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island; 
  • Havelock Island- Swaraj Dweep; 
  • Neil Island- Shaheed  Dweep
• Equatorial Vegetation: These islands experience convectional rainfall and have equatorial vegetation.
• Indira Point: located at the southern tip of Great Nicobar, is the southernmost point of the entire territory of India. 

B. Arabian Sea Islands

• Lakshadweep and Minicoy Islands: located between 8°N-12°N and 71°E -74°E,  located off the coast of Kerala.
• Climate: Tropical. 

Formation: The entire group was built from coral deposits.

• Formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive, they were renamed Lakshadweep in 1973. 
• Minicoy is the largest island. 
• Other Islands: Amini Island & Cannanore Island
• The eastern seaboard has storm beaches with pebbles, shingles, cobbles, and boulders.
• Area:  32 square kilometers, 
• Ten Inhabited Islands: Single-district Union Territory encompasses Kavaratti, Agatti, Amini, Kadmat, Kiltan, Chetlat, Bitra, Andrott, Kalpeni, and Minicoy. 
  • It also includes 17 uninhabited islands along with attached islets and four newly emerged islets.
• Population: The population is 64,429, according to the 2011 census.
  • Ethnically they are similar to the people of Kerala. 
  • Languages: They speak a dialect of Malayalam except in Minicoy where “Mahl” a form of Divehi is spoken.

• Channels and Passages in Indian Maritime Borders

Conclusion

The Indian islands of Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep hold immense importance for India, boasting unique geographical features, diverse climates, and rich biodiversity. From the volcanic peaks of Andaman to the coral reefs of Lakshadweep, these islands contribute to India’s natural heritage and provide valuable ecosystems for exploration and preservation.