An island refers to a compact area of land enclosed by a markedly varied ecosystem, predominantly water. Within the Indian territory, two expansive clusters of islands exist: one situated in the Bay of Bengal and the other in the Arabian Sea.
- The Bay of Bengal island group comprises approximately 572 islands or islets, with a total of 1,382 islands acknowledged along the Indian coastline.
- The foremost island assemblages are the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea, representing the two most extensive island groups in India.
- India’s most extensive island groups are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
- The formation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands can be attributed to the collision between the Indian Plate and the Burma Minor Plate, both components of the Eurasian Plate, akin to the geological processes that led to the creation of the Himalayas.
- The Arakan Yoma range from Myanmar extends southwest, encompassing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
On the other hand, the Lakshadweep Islands constitute a collection of coral islands situated off the Indian coast.
These islands are associated with the Reunion Volcanic Hotspot.
In addition to these prominent island groups, there are other islands found in the Indo-Gangetic Delta and the expanse between India and Sri Lanka.
ANDMAN AND NICOBAR ISLAND
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, situated in the Bay of Bengal, form a narrow band running from 6° 45′ N to 13° 45′ N, encompassing approximately 265 large and small islands.
- Spanning about 590 kilometers from 6° 45′ N to 13° 45′ N and from 92° 10′ E to 94° 15′ E, the archipelago comprises three main islands—North, Middle, and South—along with additional notable features.
- Little Andaman and South Andaman are separated by the Duncan Passage, while the Ten Degree Channel acts as a demarcation between the Great Andaman group in the north and the Nicobar group in the south.
- The Grand Channel connects Indonesia’s Great Nicobar and Sumatra, and the Coco Strait separates Myanmar’s Coco Islands from the North Andaman Islands.
- The capital of Andaman, Port Blair, is located on South Andaman.
- The Nicobar Islands, part of the South Andaman group, include the largest, Great Nicobar, positioned near Indonesia’s Sumatra, and the northernmost, Car Nicobar.
- Primarily composed of tertiary sandstone, limestone, and shale, with basic and ultrabasic volcanoes as their foundation, these islands feature volcanic entities like the Barren and Narcondam Islands north of Port Blair.
- Coral reefs adorn some shores, surrounded by dense forests, and mountainous terrain characterizes much of the landscape.
- Saddle Peak, towering at 737 meters, is the highest peak in North Andaman.
- The tropical marine climate experiences the influence of seasonal monsoon winds, sustaining thick rainforests and mangrove ecosystems along the shore.
- Coconut serves as a staple food for the inhabitants, supplemented by fisheries and pig farming.
- The islands host unique wildlife, including the Giant Robber Crab, the world’s largest crab, known for its ability to climb coconut trees and crack their tough shells.
- While many islands remain uninhabited, populated ones are sparsely settled.
- The region, located in a significant earthquake zone, is prone to seismic activity.
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are also referred to as the Emerald Islands.
- The Sentinalese, a Palaeolithic people, inhabit the Andaman Islands, making them one of the last communities untouched by modern civilization.
- The dugong, a sea mammal, holds the status of the state animal of the Andaman Islands, being indigenous to the Indo-Pacific coastal regions, particularly the Andaman Islands.
LAKSHADWEEP ISLAND
- The Lakshadweep Islands, situated in the Arabian Sea, form a cluster of 36 islands covering a total area of 32 square kilometers, with a latitude range between 8 to 12 degrees north.
- Comprising several key islands such as Kavaratti, Agatti, Minicoy, and Amini, these islands were previously known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindivi.
- The straits separating these islands are relatively narrow, and the Lakshadweep Islands hold the distinction of being India’s smallest Union Territory.
- Kavaratti serves as the administrative capital and is the largest city in this Union Territory.
- The Lakshadweep Islands consist of 12 atolls, three reefs, five submerged banks, and 10 inhabited islands, forming a single-district Union Territory.
- The term “Lakshadweep” translates to “a hundred thousand islands” in Malayalam and Sanskrit.
- Positioned between 280 and 480 kilometers off the coast of Kerala, these islands are part of the Reunion Volcanic Hotspot, characterized by coral deposits covering the entire island group.
- Fishing constitutes a primary source of income for many residents, and the storm beaches of the Lakshadweep islands feature unconsolidated pebbles, shingles, cobbles, and boulders.
- The largest island in the Lakshadweep group is Minicoy Island, situated to the south of the nine-degree canal.
- Notably, Minicoy is separated from the main Lakshadweep archipelago by the 9 Degree Channel at 9 degrees north latitude, while the 8 Degree Channel separates Minicoy from the Maldives.
- Forests are absent in the Lakshadweep region, and Pitti Island serves as a habitat for sea turtles and various pelagic birds, including the brown noddy, lesser crested tern, and larger crested tern.
- Designated as a bird sanctuary, Pitti Island contributes to the conservation of these species.
The majority of the Lakshadweep islands are low-lying, barely rising more than five meters above sea level. The landscape is predominantly flat, lacking relief features such as hills, streams, or valleys.
OTHER IMPORTANT ISLANDS
New Moore Island (South Talpatti):
- New Moore Island, also known as South Talpatti or Purbasha Island, is a small uninhabited offshore sandbar landform in the Bay of Bengal, off the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta area. Initially appearing in November 1970 after the Bhola cyclone, the island intermittently emerges and disappears.
- Despite lacking permanent inhabitants or installations, both India and Bangladesh claimed sovereignty over the island, fueled by rumors of oil and natural gas in the vicinity.
- Disputes over the maritime border between the two countries, determined by the Radcliffe Award technique, further escalated the disagreement.
Diu Island:
- Situated off the Kathiawar coast in the Gulf of Cambay, Diu is a small offshore island in the Junagadh district.
- Separated from the Gujarat Coast by a tidal brook, it features limestone cliffs, rocky coves, and sandy beaches.
- Notable attractions on Diu Island include the old Diu fort and picturesque beaches, with Nagoa and Ghoghla Beach being among the most beautiful.
- The imposing fort, constructed by the Portuguese, dominates the skyline of Diu.
Majuli Island:
- Majuli, a significant river island in Assam, is located on the Brahmaputra River.
- Formed by the river and its tributaries, particularly the Lohit, changing course, it was once situated between the Brahmaputra River (north) and the Burhidihing River (south).
- Earthquakes in medieval times caused a shift in the Brahmaputra river stream, leading to the formation of Majuli.
- Besides its geographical significance, Majuli is the spiritual home of Assamese neo-Vaishnavites.
Abdul Kalam Island (Wheeler Island):
- Abdul Kalam Island, also known as Wheeler Island, is a small island off the coast of Odisha.
- It serves as India’s state-of-the-art missile testing facility, contributing to the nation’s defense capabilities.
Sagar Island:
- Located in the Ganga delta of the Bay of Bengal, Sagar Island is a sizable landmass and a significant Hindu pilgrimage site.
- It holds cultural and religious importance and attracts pilgrims from various parts of the country.
Halliday Island:
- Part of the Sundarbans area in West Bengal, Halliday Island is situated in the Malta River. Designated as a wildlife refuge, it showcases the unique biodiversity of the Sundarbans.
Phumdis (Floating Islands) – Keibul Lamjao National Park, Manipur:
- The state of Manipur is home to Phumdis, or Floating Islands, within the Keibul Lamjao National Park.
- Renowned for its Eld’s deer, also known as Sangai, these unique ecosystems are a distinctive feature of the region.
Munroe Island:
- Situated in Kerala, South India, Munroe Island is an inland island group located at the confluence of Ashtamudi Lake and the Kallada River.
- The island offers scenic beauty and is known for its tranquil surroundings.
Significance of India’s Island Groups:
- Strategic Naval and Military Bases:
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the Lakshadweep Islands serve as crucial naval and military bases, enhancing India’s strategic security.
- Surveillance and Communication Hubs:
- Positioned in oceans and seas, these islands play a vital role in surveillance and communication, contributing to maritime domain awareness.
- Naval Ports for Trade:
- Functioning as naval ports, especially in the oceans, these islands facilitate maritime trade, boosting economic activities.
- Tourism and Job Opportunities:
- Development as tourism destinations creates additional job opportunities, fostering economic growth and supporting local communities.
- Launch Platforms in Battles:
- In both symmetric and asymmetric battles, the islands can serve as launch platforms, strategically positioning India in conflicts.
- Key Entry and Exit Points:
- The Andaman and Nicobar Islands act as crucial ‘entry’ and ‘exit’ points to the Pacific Ocean from the Indian Ocean, influencing regional geopolitics.
- Lookout Posts in Arabian Sea:
- The Lakshadweep Islands serve as lookout posts, monitoring vessel activities in the Arabian Sea and ensuring maritime security.
- Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ):
- These islands provide a vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) with natural resource reserves, contributing significantly to India’s economic interests.
- Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs):
- Due to their proximity to important choke points, these islands play a critical role in managing Sea Lines of Communication (SLOCs) during wars or crises, safeguarding vital maritime routes.
In summary, India’s island groups not only bolster national security but also offer economic advantages and contribute to the country’s maritime influence in regional and global contexts.
FAQs – Indian Island Groups
1. What are the two major island groups within the Indian territory?
A: India has two expansive clusters of islands: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands in the Bay of Bengal and the Lakshadweep Islands in the Arabian Sea.
2. How many islands make up the Bay of Bengal island group, and what is its total count along the Indian coastline?
A: The Bay of Bengal island group comprises approximately 572 islands or islets, with a total of 1,382 islands recognized along the Indian coastline.
3. How were the Andaman and Nicobar Islands formed, and what geological processes are they linked to?
A: The collision between the Indian Plate and the Burma Minor Plate, components of the Eurasian Plate, led to the formation of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This process is analogous to the geological forces that created the Himalayas.
4. What is the geographical connection between the Arakan Yoma range and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands?
A: The Arakan Yoma range from Myanmar extends southwest, encompassing the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
5. What is the significance of the Lakshadweep Islands, and how are they associated with the Reunion Volcanic Hotspot?
A: The Lakshadweep Islands, composed of coral islands, are associated with the Reunion Volcanic Hotspot.
6. Which channels separate the islands of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago?
A: The Duncan Passage separates Little Andaman and South Andaman, the Ten Degree Channel demarcates the Great Andaman group from the Nicobar group, and the Coco Strait separates Myanmar’s Coco Islands from the North Andaman Islands.
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