Anthropologist Triloki Nath Pandit
In 1967, 20 years after taking over control of the Andaman archipelago following independence, the Indian authorities made the first attempts to contact the sentinels. An expedition led by anthropologist Triloki Nath Pandit arrived on the island, leaving a few coconuts on shore, but to no avail — the sentinels hid in the jungle. The researchers tried again to contact the sentinels in 1970 and 1973, but in both cases, they were met with arrows.
In 1974, Pandit embarked on the expedition again, this time with a film crew, trying to establish a connection with the sentinels. He brought them some presents, some fruit, toys, and even a pig. His attempt was rejected, one of the film crew members choosing with a thigh arrow.
The anthropologist did not give up and continued to bring them coconuts, which are not found on the island, and over time he gained their trust. Finally, after 24 years of effort, Pandit managed to reach the island. On January 4, 1991, the expedition led by Pandit was met by 28 unarmed tribe members. Pandit is the only anthropologist who managed to enter the sentinel culture, shattering many myths conceived by the British and the Indians who colonized the Andaman archipelago.
written by Andrei Tapalaga
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