Road to Extinction: Can Palaeolithic Africans survive in the Andaman Islands?

The Jarawa, one of the world's oldest tribes, is facing extinction due to a road through their pristine forests in the Indian-administered Andaman Islands. Tourists take selfies with them, tempting them with biscuits and trinkets, making it difficult for them to survive. Jonathan Lawley's book explores the responsibility of colonial administrators and the Indian government in protecting them.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 192 pages
\n Publication date: 10 December 2020
\n Publisher: EnvelopeBooks
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The Jarawa, one of the world's oldest tribes of human beings, is facing extinction due to the construction of a road that traverses pristine forests in the Indian-administered Andaman Islands, located in the Bay of Bengal. Despite the road's impact on the tribe's way of life, there seems to be a lack of concern and action from the authorities and the general public. Tourists, driven by the desire to capture selfies with the Jarawa, flock to the area daily, treating them as exotic attractions in a human safari park. This situation is causing the Jarawa to struggle and jeopardize their survival.

In his captivating book, Jonathan Lawley delves into the history of what was once a penal colony established by the British to house Indian mutineers. He explores the question of what responsibility colonial administrators, such as his grandfather, may have had in the tragic fate of these palaeolithic hunter-gatherers. Lawley also raises the crucial question of what the Indian government should be doing to protect and preserve the Jarawa and their unique way of life.

The Jarawa, who have a rich cultural heritage and deep connections to their land, have been subjected to various forms of exploitation and marginalization over the years. The construction of the road, which cuts through their ancestral territories, has further exacerbated their situation, leading to loss of habitat, disruption of their traditional practices, and increased exposure to modern diseases.

The Indian government has recognized the urgency of the situation and has taken steps to address it. However, more needs to be done to ensure the Jarawa's survival and protect their rights. This includes implementing measures to reduce the impact of tourism on the tribe, providing them with access to healthcare and education, and protecting their ancestral lands from further development.

Furthermore, it is essential to raise awareness about the Jarawa and their plight among the general public and the international community. The Jarawa's story is a testament to the devastating consequences of human actions on indigenous cultures and the importance of preserving their unique heritage.

In conclusion, the Jarawa's extinction is a tragedy that highlights the need for greater respect and protection for indigenous cultures and their way of life. The Indian government must take urgent action to address the challenges faced by the Jarawa and ensure their survival for generations to come.

\n Weight: 224g\n
Dimension: 127 x 202 x 21 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781838172015\n \n