Shompens

Shompens are a tribe of India. This community lives in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in India. A member of this community is called a shompen. The habitation of Shompens is the Great Nicobar which is the largest among the Nicobar group of Islands.

Like the Nicobarese, they belong to the Mongoloid race. The Shompens have two divisions, the smaller division being known as Mawa Shompens. They inhabit areas very close to the coastal region along the river valleys. They are very shy. They are quite intimate with the Nicobarese and of the major group of Shompens, the hostile Shompens are living in Alexendra and Galathia river areas and also on the east coast of the area in the interior of the Island.

In the past, frequent attacks are believed to have been made on the Mawa Shompens by the hostile Shompens. But now, such hostility has been stopped.

According to Andaman and Nicobar Administration, they have been largely reduced in number due to various diseases. However, others allege administrative apathy. The Mawa Shompens are the victims of diseases and physically very weak. Officials of the administration say that the establishment of the settlement at Campbell Bay in Great Nicobar has have great impact on the lives of these people. Shompens have been visiting the settlers and they are gradually shaking off their shyness and indifferent attitude towards the civilised people, claims the official version.

Nearby pages
Shoo-in, Shore lands, Shore Temple, Shoreditch, Shoreline Management, Short Covering