Islands ( Important for APSC)

India is blessed with two prominent island groups that grace its physiographic landscape, nestled in the azure waters of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. These island clusters consist of a myriad of islands, ranging from small to large, boasting diverse origins, with some born from volcanic activity and others formed from coral growth. Among these jewels of nature, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a prime example, known for their enchanting coastlines adorned with coral deposits and pristine beaches.

These captivating islands are characterized by equatorial vegetation and experience convectional rainfall, making them lush and vibrant havens of biodiversity. Despite their alluring beauty, these islands are primarily flat and rise only a few meters above the sea level, adding to their unique charm.

At the heart of this captivating archipelago lies the city of Port Blair, which serves as the capital of this mesmerizing territory. In total, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands cover an expansive land area of approximately 8,249 square kilometers (3,185 square miles). This territory is administratively divided into three distinct districts: Nicobar, with its administrative center at Car Nicobar; South Andaman, where Port Blair reigns as the capital; and North and Middle Andaman, with Mayabunder serving as its administrative hub.

One of the most remarkable facets of these islands is the presence of the Andaman and Nicobar Command, the sole tri-service geographical command of the Indian Armed Forces, which is headquartered on these very shores. This strategic location underscores the importance of these islands in the defense and security architecture of India.

While the islands boast a rich cultural and ecological tapestry, they are also home to the enigmatic Sentinelese people, an uncontacted tribe living on the Andaman Islands. These indigenous people are known for their isolation from the outside world and may represent one of the few societies that have not progressed beyond a Paleolithic level of technology. Nevertheless, there have been debates and intriguing discoveries, including evidence of metalwork on their remote island, challenging conventional assumptions about their technological advancement.

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand as an embodiment of India’s diverse and captivating natural beauty, cultural heritage, and strategic significance. Their lush landscapes, unique ecosystems, and intriguing human stories continue to captivate the world, making them an integral part of India’s rich tapestry.

Islands of India

Lakshadweep Island

Formerly known as Laccadive, Minicoy, and Amindive, the paradisiacal cluster of islands nestled in the embrace of the Arabian Sea officially adopted the name “Lakshadweep” in the year 1973. This serene archipelago, though relatively petite in size at a mere 32 square kilometers, possesses a wealth of natural wonders and cultural richness.

Two noteworthy channels demarcate the borders of this splendid archipelago. The 8-Degree Channel gracefully separates Minicoy, one of the islands in the Lakshadweep chain, from the Maldives, its tropical neighbor located at 8 degrees north latitude. In addition, the 9-Degree Channel stands as a boundary, distinguishing the island of Minicoy from the main Lakshadweep group, situated at 9 degrees north latitude.

At the heart of this idyllic expanse lies the administrative nucleus of Lakshadweep, residing on the enchanting island of Kavaratti. This central hub coordinates the governance and management of the diverse islands that make up this captivating territory.

Lakshadweep boasts a wide spectrum of lush vegetation and a rich variety of wildlife, painting a vibrant tapestry of ecological diversity. The islands are a testament to the coexistence of unique ecosystems, teeming with both terrestrial and marine life, making them a haven for nature enthusiasts and conservationists alike.

Andaman and Nicobar

Stretching extensively from north to south in the Bay of Bengal, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands form a remarkable archipelago covering a vast expanse.

Spanning approximately 590 kilometers, these islands stretch across latitudes 6° 45′ N to 13° 45′N and longitudes 92° 10′E to 94° 15′E, presenting a wide-ranging and diverse geographical tapestry.

Distinguished by their larger number and greater dispersion, the islands in this group come together to form a captivating mosaic. The northern sector, known as the Andaman Islands, and the southern counterpart, the Nicobar Islands, serve as the two principal divisions of this island paradise. These islands are believed to be the elevated remnants of submerged mountain ranges, lending a unique topographical charm to the region.

Beneath the lush canopies of equatorial forests, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands reveal a rich tapestry of biodiversity. Situated near the equator, these islands experience an equatorial climate and are home to a plethora of plant and animal species, showcasing nature’s abundance.

Notably, the Barren Island, part of this captivating archipelago, is home to India’s sole active volcano, adding an element of geological wonder to the islands.

Spanning the waters between the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the 10-degree channel, which demarcates these two distinct regions. Additionally, the Grand Channel connects the Great Nicobar Island to Sumatra in Indonesia, establishing a notable link between these two landmasses.

Among the fascinating human stories that unfold on the Andaman Islands is the presence of the Sentinelese people, an uncontacted tribe that has remained isolated from the outside world. It is a subject of intrigue whether the Sentinelese may be one of the few known civilizations to have not progressed beyond Paleolithic technology, although recent discoveries, including evidence of metalwork on their island, have sparked debates on their technological advancements.

 The Andaman and Nicobar Islands stand as a testament to the awe-inspiring diversity of nature, geography, and culture that thrives in this tropical paradise.

Types of Islands

Continental Islands

Continental islands are landmasses that were originally connected to the mainland but gradually became detached, often due to factors like the rise in sea levels or land subsidence. This separation could occur through the formation of shallow lagoons or deep channels, creating a physical divide between the island and the continent.

The striking similarity in physical characteristics, plant life, and wildlife on both sides of this channel serves as evidence that these islands once had a close connection to the neighboring continent. Over time, various natural processes and human activities may bring about changes in the island’s surface features. However, the underlying structural elements generally remain consistent and reflect their continental origins.

Continental islands encompass various categories:

• Individual Islands: These are situated just off the continent’s coast and closely mirror the characteristics of the adjacent mainland, from which they originally emerged.

• Archipelagos or Island Groups: These consist of clusters of islands that come in various sizes and shapes. Examples include the British Isles, the Balearic Islands in the Mediterranean, and the islands dotting the Aegean Sea.

•  Festoons or Island Arcs: These island chains form archipelagos resembling circles along the continental edge, often extending the mountain ranges found on the continent itself.

Oceanic islands

• Volcanic Islands: The majority of oceanic islands are actually the peaks of submerged volcanoes that have risen above the ocean’s surface. They are widely distributed throughout the world’s oceans, with notable examples including the Pacific Ocean’s Hawaii, Galapagos Islands, and South Sea islands, as well as the Indian Ocean’s Mauritius and Reunion.

• Coral Islands: In contrast to volcanic islands, coral islands are notably lower in elevation, barely protruding above the water’s surface. Composed of diverse coral organisms, they can be found both near continental coastlines and in the open ocean. Prominent instances include the Laccadives and the Maldives, which grace the Indian Ocean with their presence.

Oceanic islands, located in the vast expanses of oceans, are typically small landmasses entirely isolated from the mainland. They boast unique ecosystems distinct from those found on continents and often support only sparse human populations due to their remote locations, far from major trade centers. These islands generally fall into one of two categories:

Some Important Islands of India

India boasts a total of 1,382 identified offshore islands, encompassing both inhabited and uninhabited ones. However, among this vast archipelago, a select few hold special significance for the country.

Majuli:

• Majuli is the largest inhabited riverine island globally, situated in the Brahmaputra River in Assam, India.
• Originally spanning 1,200 square kilometers, the island has undergone significant erosion and now covers less than 500 square kilometers.
•  The residents of Majuli primarily rely on agriculture for their livelihoods, cultivating the fertile lands of the island.
• Majuli is renowned as the epicenter of neo-Vaishnavite culture, hosting numerous religious and cultural institutions known as “Sattras.”
•  These Sattras play a vital role in preserving and promoting the unique cultural heritage of Majuli.
• Majuli is not only a geographical marvel but also a cultural treasure trove, contributing significantly to the rich cultural fabric of the region.

Sriharikota:

• Sriharikota is a barrier island situated off the coast of the Bay of Bengal in the state of Andhra Pradesh, India.
•  It occupies a strategic location between Pulicat Lake and the Bay of Bengal.
• Sriharikota is prominently known as one of the satellite launch sites utilized by the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
• ISRO conducts various satellite launches and space missions from Sriharikota, making it a critical hub for India’s space exploration endeavors.

New Moore Island:

•  Also known as “Purbasha” and “South Talpatty Island,” New Moore Island is situated near the mouth of the Haribhanga River in the Bay of Bengal.
• It is an uninhabited island and has been a subject of territorial dispute between India and Bangladesh, primarily due to speculation about potential oil and natural gas reserves in the region.
• A significant ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2014 determined that India would retain administrative control over the island, despite it being submerged below sea level.
• New Moore Island features a delicate ecology and is home to valuable mangrove vegetation, highlighting its environmental significance.

Phumdis or Floating Islands in Loktak Lake, Manipur:

•  Phumdis are a unique natural feature consisting of floating islands found exclusively in Loktak Lake, located in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur.
• The largest single mass of Phumdi covers a vast area of 40 square kilometers, primarily situated in the southeastern part of Loktak Lake.
• This extensive Phumdi mass forms the foundation of the Keibul Lamjao National Park, recognized as the world’s largest floating park, making it a crucial habitat for various species and a significant ecological site.

Read more