The Emerald Islands Chapter Notes | Communicative English for Class 10 PDF Download

Key Points of the Story

• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a beautiful group of 572 islands located east of the Indian mainland.
• These islands have a rich natural environment with dense forests, exotic flowers, and many types of birds.
• The islands offer stunning sandy beaches lined with coconut palms and clear waters, perfect for enjoying nature.
• Visitors can enjoy various water sports and adventure activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and trekking.
• The islands are historically significant because many freedom fighters were sent to the Cellular Jail during the British rule.
• Different tribes live in the Andaman Islands, including the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, and Sentinatese, while the Nicobars have the Nicobarese and Shompens.
• People of different religions and cultures live together in harmony, making the islands a mini-version of India.
• The Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park is a popular spot for viewing marine life and coral reefs.
• Chidiya Tapu and other locations near Port Blair offer beautiful views, beaches, and opportunities for outdoor activities.
• The Nicobar Islands are known for their unique wildlife, including the Giant Robber Crab and other rare species.
• Annual festivals, like the Island Tourism Festival, showcase the culture and development of the islands, promoting eco-friendly tourism.

Detailed Summary

The Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located east of India, comprise 572 islands, islets, and rocks, forming a stunning green paradise. This Union Territory stretches over 700 kilometers from north to south, with 36 of the islands inhabited. Historically, these islands were part of a mountain range extending from Myanmar to Indonesia, characterized by tall hills and dense forests rich in flora and fauna. The beautiful sandy beaches, lined with coconut trees, enhance the islands' charm.

A notable landmark is the Cellular Jail, which commemorates the bravery of India's freedom fighters against British rule. The jail symbolizes the struggles during the First War of Independence in 1857, where many revolutionaries were imprisoned to prevent their return to society. Today, the jail features a Sound and Light Show narrating the story of these young prisoners.

The islands are inhabited by various tribes, including the Great Andamanese, Onges, Jarawas, and Sentinelese, of Negrito origin, while the Nicobar Islands are home to the Nicobarese and Shompens tribes, who are of Mongoloid descent. The British first settled on these islands in 1789, but their presence solidified in 1858 when the islands became a convict prison after the First War of Independence. Over time, immigrants, including refugees from East Pakistan, have settled here.

The Andaman Islands are a melting pot of cultures, where people of different religions—Hindus, Muslims, Christians, and Sikhs—coexist harmoniously. The predominant languages spoken include Hindi, Bengali, and Tamil, creating a vibrant cultural tapestry often referred to as "Mini-India."

One of the islands' highlights is the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park, situated 29 kilometers from Port Blair, covering 281.5 square kilometers of marine and land ecosystems. Visitors can explore this park through glass-bottom boat rides, snorkeling, and scuba diving to witness its rare corals and marine life. Gandhi Park in Port Blair features rides, safe water sports, and a Japanese temple.

Chidiya Tapu, 25 kilometers from Port Blair, is known for its mangroves, diverse birdlife, and picturesque beaches, offering breathtaking sunset views. Collinpur, just 36 kilometers away, features beautiful beaches for swimming and sunbathing, while Madhuban is ideal for trekking, showcasing unique wildlife.

The Nicobar Islands are characterized by coconut palms and stunning beaches, with notable sites like Indira Point, the southernmost tip of India, and Car Nicobar, known for its unique stilt huts. Katchal Island is famous for welcoming the first sunrise of the new millennium.

Every year, the Andaman and Nicobar Administration hosts an Island Tourism Festival from December to January, featuring cultural performances and water sports competitions. The Science Centre in Port Blair educates visitors about the islands' formation and biodiversity.

In summary, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are a captivating destination rich in history, natural beauty, and cultural diversity, attracting visitors eager to explore their unique landscapes and vibrant traditions.

Theme/ Message

• The theme of the story highlights the natural beauty and cultural diversity of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Another important theme is the historical significance of the islands during India's struggle for independence.
• The narrative encourages respect for nature and the importance of preserving the environment.
• It also emphasizes the value of harmony among different cultures and religions living together peacefully.
• The message of the story is that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not only a paradise for nature lovers but also a place of deep historical importance.
• It teaches us the importance of protecting our natural resources and heritage for future generations.
• By visiting these islands, people can experience the beauty of nature and learn about the rich history and culture of its inhabitants.
• Overall, the story encourages everyone to appreciate and enjoy the wonders of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

Difficult Words

• Archipelago - A group of islands.
• Exotic - Unusual and attractive or interesting because it is from a distant country.
• Topography - The arrangement of the natural and artificial physical features of an area.
• Tranquility - A state of calm and peacefulness.
• Indigenous - Originating or occurring naturally in a particular place; native.
• Settlement - A place where people establish a community.
• Revolutionaries - People who work to bring about political or social change, often through force or activism.
• Fauna - The animals of a particular region, habitat, or geological period.
• Coral - A marine invertebrate that often forms reefs in ocean waters.
• Cultural - Relating to the ideas, customs, and social behavior of a society.
• Eco-friendly - Not harmful to the environment.
• Heritage - The traditions, achievements, beliefs, etc. that are part of the history of a group or nation.
• Tribes - Social divisions in a society, consisting of families or communities linked by social, economic, religious, or blood ties.
• Amusement - A state of being entertained or having fun.
• Festivals - Special events celebrated by a community with activities, performances, and cultural displays.