A colonial haunt
A family visits Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, formerly known as Ross Island, reflecting on its history as a British administrative hub built by convict labor. The narrative contrasts the island's colonial past with its current state of natural reclamation and historical significance.
Why it matters
It highlights the intersection of colonial history, human rights, and the resilience of nature in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
“W ow! Amma, did you see the deer? So many!” Taran pointed to a herd of spotted deer, as he got off the boat at the jetty. A board said: “NSCB Island”.
“Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island, as it known today. It was called Ross Island by the British,” said Appa.
“Taran, the deer you see running around were brought here by the British. When they eventually abandoned the island in 1943, the deer and the buildings stayed,” pointed out Amma.
“The deer seem to be thriving; not sure about the buildings,” observed Taran. They had stopped at the Chief Commissioner’s Bungalow, which had been almost completely swallowed up by large ficus roots and foliage. Taran walked around what was left of the massive opulent bungalow. “What were the British doing here?”
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