The Shompens are the vulnerable tribal group of

The Shompens are a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) residing in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands [5]. Specifically, they are indigenous to the interior forests and coastal areas of Great Nicobar Island [7]. As nomadic hunter-gatherers, they represent one of the most isolated aboriginal populations in India, with a population estimated at approximately 229 according to the 2011 Census [7]. The Shompens are one of five identified PVTGs in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago, alongside the Great Andamanese, Jarawas, Onges, and Sentinelese [3]. Unlike the Nicobarese, who have largely adopted horticulture and modern religions, the Shompens maintain a traditional lifestyle dependent on the island's natural resources [6]. Their unique linguistic and genetic profile suggests they are a distinct group within the Austroasiatic language family, potentially representing a language isolate [4].

Sources

1. [3] https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1577166
2. [5] https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/great-nicobar-linguicide/article70420227.ece
3. [4] https://www.thehindu.com/elections/lok-sabha/great-nicobars-particularly-vulnerable-tribal-group-shompen-cast-their-vote-for-the-first-time/article68084943.ece
4. [7] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-68347360
5. [2] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 15: Regional Development and Planning > The Union Territory of Andaman and Nicobar (Population: 380,581–2011) > p. 90
6. [6] https://www.nature.com/articles/jhg200633