“Forgotten Custodians: The Pre42 Community and the Changing Soul of Andaman & Nicobar Islands”

🧭 Introduction: A Land Shaped by Pain, Pride, and People

When we think of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, we often picture serene beaches and lush jungles—but hidden in its soil is a story of sacrifice, resilience, and injustice. The Pre42 community—descendants of convicts and political prisoners exiled by the British before 1942—were the first true Indian settlers in the islands. They survived torture, cleared forests, built homes, and protected the islands even during the horrors of World War II.

And yet, today they find themselves suppressed, outnumbered, and often forgotten, overshadowed by a flood of settlers and opportunists from mainland India.

📜 Colonial Beginnings: Birth of the Pre42 Community

After the 1857 revolt, British authorities created a penal colony in Andamans to exile rebels and criminals. The first penal settlement began in 1858 at Viper Island, later moving to Ross Island and Port Blair. Over decades, prisoners were allowed to settle, marry, and build a new life here.

This gave birth to the Pre42 community, a multi-ethnic group made of Bengalis, Punjabis, Tamils, Telugus and others—who transformed the islands from prison grounds into towns and villages.

🔗 Freedom, But At What Cost? Post-Independence Transitions

When India gained independence in 1947, the Pre42 community was already established—farmers, builders, teachers, and caretakers of the land. But the Indian government, seeing the islands as underpopulated and strategically important, began settling refugees from East Pakistan, ex-servicemen, and others from mainland India.

Migration Arrows of Mainland Settlers

While the settlers were promised land, jobs, and rations, the Pre42 community received little to no support, despite being foundational citizens. Their lands were sometimes taken without proper compensation, and their voices diluted by increasing migrant population

Population Growth of Pre42 & Total Population (1858–2011)

Year       Population Community

1858 ~500 Pre42 emerging
1901 ~10,000 Pre42 growth
1941 ~24,000 Pre42 strong presence
1961 ~63,500 Settlers rise
2011 ~380,000 Pre42 minority

📆 Timeline of Historical Milestones

Year                     Event

1857     -        First War of Independence
1858     -     Penal Colony established
1921     -     Local Born Association formed
1942     -     Japanese Occupation begins
1945     -      Japanese defeated
1947     -        India gains independence
1950s–70s - Mainland settlers brought in large numbers

😞 Suppression & Exploitation of the Pre42 Community

Despite their legacy, many Pre42 families were denied government jobs, land rights, and even historical recognition. Worse, they faced targeted exploitation:

Marriage for Property: Many mainlanders married Pre42 women only to acquire family land, and later abandoned them or took legal control of assets.

Political Erasure: No political reservation or dedicated representation exists for the Pre42 community today.

Cultural Loss: Original Pre42 festivals, dialects, and traditions are now diluted or forgotten amidst dominant migrant cultures.


Their identity has been swallowed by waves of economic migration, often in silence.


🧠 Why the Pre42 Community Still Matters

They are living links to India's penal freedom struggle.

They are guardians of multicultural roots in Andamans.

Their history ensures India’s rightful claim over the islands.

📣 Conclusion: A Cry for Recognition

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are Indian today because the Pre42 community suffered, settled, and stayed. But history has rewarded them with silence. They face the risk of cultural extinction, overwhelmed by settlers who came for land, profit, or opportunity—not legacy.

It's time India recognizes the Pre42 community, not just as a footnote—but as the spine of Andaman’s Indian identity.





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