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​There’s A Man Who Managed To Befriend The Isolated Sentinelese Tribe

​There’s A Man Who Managed To Befriend The Isolated Sentinelese Tribe

Indian anthropologist TN Pandit travelled to the island as a regional head for India’s Ministry of Tribal Affairs

Jess Hardiman

Jess Hardiman

Since hearing about the death of American missionary John Chau, the world has become increasingly curious about the Sentinelese tribe that apparently killed him on his arrival.

But one man apparently managed to not only reach the elusive island, but also befriend its tribe.

Indian anthropologist TN Pandit, now 84, travelled to the island over the course of several decades as a regional head for India's Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Pandit believes the tribe are for the most part 'peace loving', and believes their brutal reputation has been misplaced.

"During our interactions they threatened us but it never reached a point where they went on to kill or wound. Whenever they got agitated we stepped back," he told the BBC.

"I feel very sad for the death of this young man who came all the way from America. But he made a mistake. He had enough chance to save himself. But he persisted and paid with his life."

Pandit first visited North Sentinel island in 1967 as part of an expedition group. Initially the Sentinelese hid in the jungle, but on later trips shot at the group with arrows - meaning they later changed tack and brought gifts including pots, pans, coconuts and iron tools, and also hired three men from another local tribe to help interpret the Sentinelese speech and behaviour.

TN Pandit's photo of a gift-giving mission to the Sentinelese tribe.
TN Pandit

After many attempts of contact by leaving the gifts, the group eventually had their first real breakthrough in 1991 when the tribe approached them peacefully in the ocean.

"We were puzzled why they allowed us," Pandit explained.

"It was their decision to meet us and the meeting took place on their terms."

"We jumped out of the boat and stood in neck-deep water, distributing coconuts and other gifts. But we were not allowed to step onto their island."

Pandit was never particularly worried about the threat of being attacked, but did admit to feeling cautious when he was in close proximity with the tribe.

One time, he experienced a particularly tense exchange with a young member of the tribe.

"When I was giving away the coconuts, I got a bit separated from the rest of my team and started going close to the shore," Pandit said.

"One young Sentinel boy made a funny face, took his knife and signalled to me that he would cut off my head. I immediately called for the boat and made a quick retreat.

"The gesture of the boy is significant. He made it clear I was not welcome."

It is thought that North Sentinel Island is home to around 150 people.
Survival International

The Indian government has since abandoned gift-giving expeditions like Pandit's - but he remains adament that the tribe should not be labelled as hostile, telling the Indian Express that it is the 'incorrect way to look at it'.

"We are the aggressors here," he said. "We are the ones trying to enter their territory."

Pandit also told the BBC: "Sentinelese are a peace-loving people. They don't seek to attack people. They don't visit nearby areas and cause trouble. This is a rare incident."

He does, however, believe that gift-giving missions with the tribe could be re-established, if done respectfully, adding: "We should respect their wish to be left alone."

Featured Image Credit: Survival International

Topics: World News, News

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