<h4>Geographical Location and Terrain</h4><p>The <strong>Nicobarese tribe</strong> inhabits the <strong>Nicobar Islands</strong>, situated in the <strong>Bay of Bengal</strong>. These islands form a crucial part of India’s <strong>Andaman and Nicobar Islands Union Territory</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li>The <strong>Nicobar Islands</strong> comprise a total of <strong>19 islands</strong>.</li><li>Key islands include <strong>Car Nicobar</strong>, <strong>Kamorta</strong>, <strong>Nancowrie</strong>, and <strong>Great Nicobar</strong>.</li><li>The terrain varies, featuring both <strong>hilly</strong> and <strong>flat landscapes</strong> across the archipelago.</li></ul></div><p><strong>Great Nicobar</strong> holds the distinction of being the <strong>southernmost</strong> and <strong>largest island</strong> within the Nicobar group. Its strategic location is significant.</p><h4>Ethnic Identity and Population</h4><p>The <strong>Nicobarese</strong> are recognized as belonging to the <strong>Mongoloid ethnic group</strong>. This classification highlights their distinct anthropological characteristics.</p><div class='info-box'><ul><li>Current estimated population: <strong>Over 27,000 individuals</strong>.</li></ul></div><p>Although not fragmented into multiple distinct tribes, the <strong>Nicobarese</strong> are organized into <strong>six primary territorial groups</strong>. This organizational structure reflects their geographical distribution and cultural variations.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The six territorial groups are:</p><ul><li><strong>Car Nicobar Group</strong></li><li><strong>Chowra Group</strong></li><li><strong>Teressa with Bompoka Group</strong></li><li><strong>Central Group</strong></li><li><strong>Southern Group</strong></li><li>The <strong>Shompen</strong> (a distinct inland tribe primarily found in <strong>Great Nicobar</strong>)</li></ul></div><h4>Social Organization: The Tuhet System</h4><p>The foundational unit of <strong>Nicobarese</strong> society is the <strong>patriarchal joint family system</strong>. This traditional structure plays a central role in their social and economic life.</p><div class='key-point-box'><p>This unique family system is formally known as <strong>Tuhet</strong>. The <strong>Tuhet</strong> typically comprises multiple generations living together under the authority of a male elder.</p></div>