Local Myths of Andaman Islands

Ross Island, located just a few kilometers from Port Blair, is a place steeped in history and folklore. During the British colonial era, it served as the administrative headquarters of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. However, after the earthquake of 1941, the island was abandoned, and now it is a popular tourist destination. Ross Island is also known for its myths and legends, which add to the intrigue and mystery of this place. In this article, we will explore the myths surrounding Ross Island and try to separate fact from fiction.

Myth 1: Ross Island is Haunted :

The most popular myth surrounding Ross Island is that it is haunted by the ghost of a British officer who died during the earthquake of 1941. According to the legend, the officer was killed when a building collapsed on him during the earthquake. Since then, his ghost is said to roam around the ruins of the buildings on the island.

Several visitors to the island have reported strange sightings and eerie experiences. Some have claimed to have seen the ghost of the British officer, while others have heard mysterious sounds and voices. However, there is no concrete evidence to support the existence of a ghost on the island.

It is essential to note that the island has a tragic history, and the ruins of the buildings can be eerie and unsettling. It is possible that the sightings and experiences reported by visitors are a result of the island’s history and the imagination of the visitors.

Myth 2: Ross Island is Cursed :

Another popular myth surrounding Ross Island is that it is cursed. According to the myth, the curse is a result of the British rule on the island and the inhumane treatment of the local population.

During the British colonial era, Ross Island was a part of the penal colony, where freedom fighters and political prisoners were sent. The prisoners were subjected to inhumane treatment and forced labor. Many locals believe that the island is cursed, and anyone who visits it will face misfortune.

While there is no evidence to support the existence of a curse on the island, it is important to acknowledge the island’s tragic history and the impact of colonialism on the local population.

Myth 3: Ross Island has Secret Tunnels :

One of the more intriguing myths surrounding Ross Island is that it has secret tunnels that connect it to other islands in the Andaman and Nicobar group. According to the legend, the tunnels were built by the British during their rule on the island.

The tunnels were supposedly used for smuggling and other nefarious activities by the British. Some locals believe that the tunnels still exist and are hidden beneath the ruins of the buildings on the island.

While there is no evidence to support the existence of secret tunnels on the island, it is possible that the myth originated from the fact that the British had built underground bunkers on the island. These bunkers were used for storing ammunition and other supplies.

Myth 4: Ross Island is Home to the Lost City of Atlantis :

One of the more far-fetched myths surrounding Ross Island is that it is home to the lost city of Atlantis. According to the legend, the island was once a part of the lost city of Atlantis, which was destroyed by a cataclysmic event.

The myth suggests that the ruins on the island are the remains of the lost city of Atlantis. Some people have claimed to have found ancient artifacts and relics on the island that support this theory.

However, there is no scientific evidence to support the existence of the lost city of Atlantis, and the artifacts found on the island could be from other sources.

In conclusion, the myths surrounding Ross Island are a testament to the island’s rich and diverse history. While some of these myths may be far-fetched and lack evidence, they add to the intrigue and mystery of the island.

Local Myths of North Bay Islands :

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several local myths and legends, and the North Bay Island is no exception. Here are a few popular myths associated with the North Bay Island:

1. The legend of the mermaid: It is said that a mermaid lived in the waters surrounding North Bay Island. According to the legend, she would often appear to fishermen and warn them of impending storms or other dangers at sea. The locals believed that the mermaid was a protector of the island and its people.

2. The curse of the headless soldier: Another popular myth is that of a headless soldier who is said to roam the island at night. Legend has it that the soldier was beheaded during a battle on the island and that his spirit is still seeking revenge. Locals believe that those who disrespect the soldier’s memory or fail to show him proper respect are doomed to suffer his wrath.

3. The mysterious disappearance of boats: There have been several reports of boats and ships disappearing in the waters surrounding North Bay Island. Many locals believe that these disappearances are the work of supernatural beings or sea monsters that inhabit the area.

4. The haunted lighthouse: The North Bay Island Lighthouse is said to be haunted by the ghost of a British officer who committed suicide inside the lighthouse. According to legend, the officer was distraught over a failed love affair and took his own life by jumping from the top of the lighthouse. Locals claim to have seen the officer’s ghost wandering around the lighthouse, and many believe that his spirit is still trapped there.

The Famous Shipwrecks Of North Bay Island : One of the most famous shipwrecks in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands occurred during the British regime, near the North Bay Island. The ship was called the “Vixen” and it sank in 1896.

The Vixen was a British steamship that was used for the transportation of goods and passengers between Calcutta (now Kolkata) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. On the night of 31st October 1896, the Vixen was on its way from Port Blair to Calcutta when it encountered a severe storm near North Bay Island.

The storm was so strong that it caused the ship to run aground on a reef near the North Bay Island. The passengers and crew were stranded on the ship for several hours before they were rescued by a passing ship. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

The wreck of the Vixen still remains at the site where it sank, and it has become a popular destination for divers and tourists who are interested in exploring the underwater world of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The wreck is located at a depth of about 20 meters, and it is home to a variety of marine life, including colorful corals and schools of fish.

Today, the Vixen wreck is a protected site under the Indian government’s laws, and diving is allowed only with special permits and under the supervision of licensed operators. The site serves as a reminder of the rich maritime history of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and the dangers that seafarers faced during the colonial period.

Local Myths of Neil Islands : The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several local myths and legends, and the Neil Island is no exception. Here are a few popular myths associated with the Neil Island:

1. The legend of the Lakshmanpur beach : According to local folklore, the Lakshmanpur beach is named after the Hindu god Lakshman, who is believed to have visited the island during his exile. It is said that Lakshman was so impressed by the beauty of the island that he blessed it with prosperity and abundance.

2. The mystery of the missing fishermen : There have been several reports of fishermen who have gone missing near the Neil Island. Many locals believe that these disappearances are the work of supernatural beings or sea monsters that inhabit the area.

3. The curse of the haunted well : There is a well located near the Sitapur beach on Neil Island, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman. According to legend, the woman was murdered by her husband and thrown into the well. Locals believe that her spirit still haunts the area, and those who disrespect her memory or fail to show her proper respect are cursed to suffer misfortunes.

4. The legend of the sunken city : Some locals believe that there is a sunken city located near the Neil Island. According to legend, the city was once a prosperous trading center, but it was destroyed by a powerful storm or earthquake. Some people claim to have seen the ruins of the city underwater, and many believe that the city is cursed and that those who disturb its remains will face dire consequences.

Local Myths of Havelock Islands : The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are home to several local myths and legends, and the Havelock Island is no exception. Here are a few popular myths associated with the Havelock Island:

1. The legend of the elephant beach : According to local folklore, the Elephant Beach on Havelock Island is named after a majestic elephant that used to roam the area. It is said that the elephant was so large that it could swim across the nearby channel to the neighboring islands.

2. The mystery of the haunted forest : There is a dense forest located near the Radhanagar beach on Havelock Island, which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a British officer. According to legend, the officer was killed by local tribesmen during the colonial period and his spirit still haunts the forest. Locals believe that his ghost can be seen wandering around the area at night.

3. The legend of the hidden treasure : Some locals believe that there is a hidden treasure located on Havelock Island. According to legend, the treasure was buried by a pirate who sailed the waters around the island during the colonial period. Many people have searched for the treasure over the years, but it remains elusive.

These are just a few of the many myths and legends associated with the Havelock Island in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. These stories serve as a reminder of the island’s rich cultural heritage and the importance of preserving its natural beauty and history.