The
Andaman and Nicobar Islands were shrouded in mystery for centuries because of
their inaccessibility. These are the paragon of beauty and present a landscape
full with scenic and picturesque extravaganza. These islands shimmer like emeralds
in the Bay of Bengal. The dense forest which cover these islands and the innumerable
exotic flowers and birds create a highly poetic and romantic atmosphere. "Here
the white beaches on the edge of a meandering coastline have palm trees that
sway to the rhythm of the Sea. The beat of tribal drums haunt the stillness
and technicolour fish steer their way through crystal clear water." This
addition of strangeness to beauty which is responsible for creating the infinite
romantic impact may be described in the following famous lines of Keats.
"Charmed magic casement opening on the foam Of perilous seas in fair
lands forlorn."
The scenic beauty of Andaman & Nicobar Islands, would create a sense
of dissatisfaction and the human mind would rebel against "the whole
mass of the motley facts of life". He would be guided by an irresistible
desire to this paradise on earth, with invincible faith on the philosophy
of Wordsworth:
"Our cheerful faith, that all which we beholds full of blessing".
The unparalleled beauty of these islands, create in men a love of nature
with a caressing tenderness, a wistful fondness for all its delicate nuances.
The enveloping atmosphere with its subtle harmonies of light and shade, fragrance
and exhales the paradise, visionary splendours, and the music of the birds
that defies definition would develop creative and constructive feelings in
the hearts of those people who come here to enjoy the beauty of nature. He
would like to rebel against the stereotyped moulds and forms into which life
is so called 'modernman' is cast. He would be under the impact of the complex
mood of infinite longing and tragic helplessness, "the yearning that
craves for expression, yet defies expression, the inconclusive struggle between
emotional apprehension of life and the articulation that must transcend personal
emotion".
The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have great maritime importance. During the
British period political leaders considered dangerous to the interests of
the Raj and other dreaded criminals were deported from mainland to the Cellular
Jail- the Indian Bastille, situated on the sea coast of Atlanta Point in the
North-Eastern part of Port Blair. Thus these islands were infamously known
as the 'Black Water Prison' or 'Kala Pani'.
