Arrival of 12 Families of Karen in Andaman: Adaptation and Present Status of the Karen Community

Abstract

The arrival of twelve Karen families in the Andaman Islands during the British colonial period marks a significant historical event in the cultural and demographic evolution of the region. The Karen, an indigenous group from Myanmar, faced immense challenges in adapting to a new environment, shaping their socio-economic practices, cultural traditions, and integration into the broader Andaman society. This research paper aims to explore the origins of the Karen migration, the factors influencing their adaptation in the Andaman Islands, and the present socio-economic and cultural status of the Karen community in contemporary times.