Sri Vijaya Puram, May 18: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration on Saturday commemorated the 166th anniversary of the Battle of Aberdeen, paying tribute to the Great Andamanese who lost their lives during the historic conflict fought against British colonial forces in 1859.
A solemn function organised by the Department of Art and Culture was held at the Battle of Aberdeen Memorial located at the Water Sports Complex in Sri Vijaya Puram, where senior officials, members of the Great Andamanese community and members of the public gathered to honour the indigenous fighters.
Chief Secretary Dr. Chandra Bhushan Kumar led the ceremony by placing a wreath at the memorial in remembrance of the Great Andamanese who were killed during the battle fought on May 17, 1859. Floral tributes were also offered by Sri Vijaya Puram Municipal Council Chairperson Vasantha, senior officers of the Andaman and Nicobar Administration, representatives of the tribal community and citizens present at the event.
The observance marked one of the few official commemorations dedicated to the indigenous communities of the islands and their resistance during the colonial period.
The Battle of Aberdeen is regarded as a significant chapter in the history of the Andaman Islands, symbolising the resistance mounted by the Great Andamanese against British expansion and settlement activities following the establishment of the penal colony in the islands during the 19th century.
Historical records indicate that tensions escalated after the British established their presence in the islands, leading to repeated conflicts with indigenous communities inhabiting the region. The confrontation at Aberdeen in 1859 emerged as one of the major clashes during that period.
Saturday’s ceremony reflected continued efforts to preserve and acknowledge the historical and cultural legacy of the indigenous tribes of the islands, many of whom witnessed severe population decline and social disruption during the colonial era.
Following the tribute ceremony, the Chief Secretary interacted with members of the Great Andamanese tribe present at the memorial. Officials said the interaction focused on acknowledging the community’s historical significance and participation in the commemorative programme.
Members of the tribal community participated in the event alongside government officials and local residents, lending the ceremony a symbolic connection between the islands’ past and present generations.
The event was organised at the memorial site overlooking the historic Aberdeen area, which today forms part of the urban landscape of Sri Vijaya Puram but continues to hold historical importance linked to the colonial and indigenous history of the islands.
The observance also comes amid broader efforts in the islands to preserve tribal heritage and document the history of indigenous communities through museums, archival projects and cultural initiatives.
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several indigenous tribes, including the Great Andamanese, Jarawa, Onge, Sentinelese, Nicobarese and Shompen communities. Among them, the Great Andamanese community witnessed one of the steepest demographic declines over the past century due to disease, displacement and colonial encounters.
Officials present at the programme reiterated the importance of recognising the contribution and struggles of indigenous communities in shaping the history of the islands.
The Department of Art and Culture has been organising annual commemorative functions related to the Battle of Aberdeen as part of efforts to preserve historical memory and create awareness among younger generations about the islands’ colonial past and tribal history.
Residents and visitors attending the event were seen offering floral tributes and observing moments of silence at the memorial site dedicated to the indigenous fighters.
The programme concluded with officials reaffirming the Administration’s commitment towards preserving the cultural identity and historical heritage of the indigenous communities of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
