From Penal Settlement to Prosperity: The Journey of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Pre42 Community

From Penal Settlement to Prosperity: The Journey of Andaman & Nicobar Islands and the Pre42 Community

Introduction

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, today a peaceful tropical Union Territory of India, have a past rooted in struggle, sacrifice, and survival. The foundation of this archipelago’s modern identity was laid in 1858, when the first penal settlers—many of whom were freedom fighters from the Indian Revolt of 1857—arrived. From their lineage emerged a resilient and unique population—the Pre42 Community, also known as the Local Born Community, whose contributions remain central to the islands’ history and development.

Pre-Colonial and Indigenous Roots

Before 1857, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands were home to various Indigenous tribes such as the Great Andamanese, Onge, Jarwa, Shompen, and Nicobarese. These groups had lived in isolation for thousands of years, with rich oral traditions and hunter-gatherer lifestyles. While the Pre42 community formed the modern civilian society, they coexisted with these original inhabitants, though colonial expansion created tensions and displacement.

1858: Arrival of Penal Settlers and Birth of a New Community

After the First War of Independence in 1857, the British sought a remote location to exile Indian freedom fighters. On March 10, 1858, the first batch of 200 prisoners, mostly freedom fighters and rebels, arrived at Chatham Island, Port Blair.

These men were branded as political prisoners or convicts but were in fact patriots fighting colonial rule.

Over time, a penal colony was established under British administration, with prisoners used to clear forests, build roads, and set up the base of what became Port Blair.



The Pre42 Local Born Community is descended from these early penal settlers, especially the freedom fighters and their families who remained after serving sentences. Over generations, they integrated with civilian clerks, jailors, and workers from Bengal, North India, South India, and Burma, forming a distinct and multicultural identity.

They were the first free civilian population of the Andamans, building their homes, traditions, and a strong local society despite colonial oppression.

Struggles and Development (1858–1900)

Living conditions were harsh: dense forests, malaria, forced labor, and isolation. The infamous Cellular Jail was later constructed (1896–1906), housing many notable nationalists.

Key Data:

Approx. prisoner population by 1901: 12,000+

Harsh punishments and poor sanitation led to high mortality.

Yet, these settlers built the island’s infrastructure from scratch.


The Role of Local Borns

While most prisoners were still under sentence, many freed patriots settled down, married, and worked in civilian roles. Their children, the Local Borns, became clerks, traders, guards, and interpreters. This formed the roots of the Pre42 Community—people born before 1942, who are the real settlers of these islands.

Local Freedom Fighters from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

The Cellular Jail is often remembered for housing national freedom fighters, but many local-born individuals from the Pre42 Community also rose against colonial and later foreign oppression—particularly during the Japanese occupation (1942–45).

Notable Local Freedom Fighters:

1. Dr. Diwan Singh Kalepani

A poet, doctor, and patriot who opposed Japanese atrocities during WWII.

Tortured and killed by the Japanese in 1944 at Cellular Jail.

A symbol of local resistance and martyrdom.



2. Penuel Lall

Local Born activist who organized community support post-independence.

Foundational figure in forming the Local Born Association (LBA).



3. Babu Ram Jauhari

Descendant of early settlers, known for advocacy on indigenous and Pre42 rights.



4. Sundari Ram and unnamed women

Local women who helped freedom fighters and protected civilians during the Japanese occupation.



5. Common resistors

Numerous Pre42 residents jailed or executed by Japanese for pro-India leanings.




Origin of the Pre42 Community:

These freedom fighters are commemorated annually by the Local Born Association, preserving their memory for future generations.

World War II and Japanese Occupation (1942–1945)

During WWII, the islands fell under Japanese occupation for 3 years. Most British officials evacuated, but the Local Born Community stayed, enduring surveillance, torture, and executions.

The Japanese regime accused many Pre42 families of espionage.

Despite fear, the community helped maintain social order and survival.


Pre42 Resilience

This period forged a deeper identity for the Local Borns, who saw themselves not as exiled descendants but as rightful owners of the land—builders, protectors, and survivors.

Post-Independence and Identity Formation (1947–1970)

In 1947, India gained independence, and in 1956, the islands were formally designated a Union Territory.

Census 1951:

Total population ~31,000

A significant majority were from the Pre42 Local Born Community


Local Born Association (LBA) Formation

In 1921, the Local Born Association (LBA) was established:

To represent the interests of Pre42 families

To protect land, jobs, and educational rights

To demand recognition for their ancestors’ sacrifices and their own contribution


Modern Development & Ongoing Challenges (1970–Present)

Post-1970s, the islands developed rapidly:

Roads, airports, schools, hospitals, and tourism grew

Migration from mainland India increased, affecting local demographics


Population Growth:

Year Estimated Population

1858 ~200 (initial prisoners)
1901 ~12,000
1951 ~31,000
1981 ~1.88 lakh
2011 ~3.79 lakh
2021 ~4.3 lakh (estimated)


Current Status of the Pre42 Community

Estimated at 60,000–70,000 people

Active in government jobs, education, trade, and civil society

Still fighting for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status, exclusive land rights, and domicile recognition



The 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami devastated several parts of Nicobar and coastal South Andaman. The Local Born Community, along with defense forces and tribal groups, played a critical role in evacuation, rebuilding homes, and restoring order during this humanitarian crisis.

Cultural Identity of Pre42 Community

Speak Hindi with distinct accents and cultural blends

Celebrate Holi, Pongal, Onam, Diwali, and local festivals

Cuisine includes North-South Indian fusion and Burmese-inspired seafood dishes


Timeline of Key Events

Year Event Significance

1858 Penal settlement begins Start of Pre42 roots
1906 Completion of Cellular Jail Symbol of resistance
1942–45 Japanese occupation Local Borns survive wartime oppression
1956 UT status granted Governance transition
1957 Local Born Association formed Political awakening
1975 Rise in migration from mainland Demographic shift
2004 Tsunami hits Nicobar Local Borns contribute to recovery
2011+ Demand for ST status intensifies Ongoing struggle for recognition


Conclusion

From the exile of 1858 to the modern era, the Pre42 Local Born Community has remained the backbone of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Born from freedom fighters and penal settlers, they transformed a dreaded colonial prison into a thriving multicultural society. Yet, their full recognition, rights, and heritage remain an unfinished chapter in India’s postcolonial justice.

๐Ÿ•Š️ Recognizing the Pre42 Local Born Community is not just a tribute to the past—it’s a commitment to justice, heritage, and inclusive nationhood. Their journey from prisoners to pioneers must be honored with protection, preservation, and pride.

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