Nature man spirit complex of the Nicobarese of Katchal Island

Abstract

The Nicobarese of Nicobar islands are peace loving people and living in symbiotic relationship with their natural surroundings, i.e., forest, sea and land since their survival is depended on exploitation of both terrestrial and aquatic resources. Their traditional economy, i.e., swidden horticulture and exploitation of forest and sea resources is revolves around the worship of spirits as the practice of fetish worship dominates Nicobarese society. The life cycle and annual rituals, first fruit ceremonies and launching of new canoes, etc., are observed in traditional manner. After Independence, majority of the Nicobarese especially Car Nicobarese embraced Christianity. As a result of this, acculturation of Nicobarese customs and traditions are taken place and many of the started emulating the food habits, dress pattern, beliefs and practices and so on. Despite of this fact, nature and spirit worship is observed in Nicobar Island during crisis situation. It is clearly visible after the attack of natural disaster, i.e., Tsunami and earthquake in 2004 as they lost everything including loss of horticultural plantation, homestead, material culture, livestock, etc. Afterwards, they developed fear psychosis of sea and could not venture for fishing as they witness the rolling of dead bodies in giant tidal waves at that time. Some of the Nicobarese started worshiping their ancestors in traditional manner since they believe that the disaster is the result of the wrath of spirits. Thereafter, the worship of kareava and intukui (fetish worship) and worship of nature is continued simultaneously with their converted faith. With this backdrop, the present paper tries to understand the Nicobarese spirit complex in exploitation of nature. It is interesting to note that despite of their religious conversion to Christianity and Islam, Nicobarese still appease their ancestors through the complex process of ceremonialism.