Museums of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Museums of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Museums of Andaman and Nicobar Islands offer unique insights into the region`s history and culture. From the Cellular Jail, a memorial to India`s freedom fighters, to the Smritika Museum`s British colonial artifacts on Ross Island, these museums acts as a rich source of knowledge on the archipelago.

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Museums of Andaman and Nicobar Islands portray those parts belonging to Indian history which has not yet been explored. The museums here along with its presentation of the particulars of the Indian freedom fighters also exposes the primitive local tribes of the place whose progeny can still be marked out in the deeper jungles here. These museums offer a glimpse of the lifestyle of various indigenous tribes such as Jarwas, Shompens, Nicobarese, Sentinelese, etc. Some of the museums of this island group also contain different species of marine life available here. There are several other museums which exhibit the details of local vegetation, forests, fauna, etc. The museums are of great importance both nationally and internationally.

While on a trip to this island group of India, one is not expected to miss visiting some of the museums like the Smritika Museum at Ross Island, Cellular Jail or the National Memorial, Anthropological Museum, Fisheries Museum and Samudrika Naval Marine Museum.

Anthropological Museum
Anthropological Museum is one of the major attractions of this island group where one can get an insight into the aborigines of the land. The Museum, nestled in Port Blair, offers a captivating journey into the indigenous cultures of the region. It showcases an array of artifacts, tools, and artworks, shedding light on the rich heritage of the indigenous tribes. A vital cultural repository, the museum celebrates the unique history and diversity of these remote islands.

Fisheries Museum
One of the major museums in the island group is the Fisheries Museum, which is situated near the Andaman Water Sports Complex. This is an ideal tourist destination for those having interest in marine life. There are about 350 diverse species of marine life preserved in this museum. There are no restrictions to capture the beautiful and rare marine creatures on a camera in this museum. The various types of marine life exhibited in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Fisheries Museum are actually collected from different parts of the Indo-Pacific Ocean and Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal. The variety of marine creatures preserved in this museum is limited to the Andaman Islands. Some of them are sharks, starfish, live coral and polyps which are there to be seen in the museum. In order to pay a visit to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Fisheries Museum, it is required to take a trip to the Andaman Islands which can be visited by taking the sea route as well as the road ways. It is however preferred to choose a sea voyage since the trip will unfold the mysterious beauty of the island by sea. Passenger ships can be availed from Chennai, Kolkata and Visakhapatnam on a regular basis to Port Blair. Flights from Chennai and Kolkata to Port Blair are also available regularly.

Museums of Andaman and Nicobar Islands Samudrika Naval Marine Museum
Another significant museum of Andaman and Nicobar Islands is the Samudrika Naval Marine Museum. This museum is situated in the opposite direction of the Andaman Teal House, Delanipur. This museum was founded with an aim of developing a common interest in the marine environment of the place. It is anticipated that the awareness will help in the conservation of aquatic life, especially the corals, on a large scale. This museum exhibits various significant items that help in getting deep into the history and geography of the Andaman Islands. More specifically, the various items of this museum are classified into five divisions according to their significance. These divisions are the geography of the Andaman Islands, the marine life of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, the history of these islands and the people of the island group. One of the attractions of the Samudrika is a huge relief map of these islands.

This museum is well-known for its wonderful collection of corals, shells and other significant specimens of marine life belonging to these islands. Apart from corals and shells, visitors can take delight in watching a very large collection of differently colored fishes. Samudrika is under the supervision of the Indian navy and it is for this reason that the museum is referred as the Naval Marine Museum.

Kala Paani Museum
Commonly referred to as the Cellular Jail of Andaman, the Kala Pani Museum holds historical significance as a former incarceration site for Indian freedom fighters during British colonial rule. Today, it serves as a dual-purpose memorial and museum, preserving the memory of those valiant individuals who fought for India`s independence. The museum stands as a testament to their sacrifices, offering insight into the harsh conditions endured by the inmates and highlighting their unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

Smritika Museum
Situated on Ross Island, the Smritika Museum is a modest yet significant institution. It houses a collection of artifacts and historical remnants from the era of British dominance under the East India Company. The museum`s exhibitions elucidate the pivotal role that Ross Island played in the strategic plans of the British administration. By preserving and presenting these exhibits, Smritika Museum sheds light on the island`s historical significance during the British colonial period.

The Science Center
Founded in 2003, The Science Center in Port Blair stands as a repository of educational enrichment. It houses a diverse range of exhibits, encompassing subjects such as volcanic phenomena, island origins, and oceanic sciences. Notably, the center features contemporary technology and science galleries, offering insights into modern advancements. A particular highlight is the display of the world`s most recent rock formation, accentuating the museum`s significance in geological research and education.

Other Museums of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Some of the other major museums of Andaman and Nicobar Islands are the Forest Museum, Zoological Survey of India Museum, National Memorial etc.

The museums of Andaman and Nicobar islands are thus large storehouses of a large variety of marine life along with several items of the ancient period of the island group. A glance into the ancient tribal population of the Andaman and Nicobar islands is possible by just a visit to the museums of this island group of the Indian union.