Settlements

The Jarawa are very economical in the usage of space for their dwellings. As they are nomadic in nature their settlements are not permanent and the settlements do not have a regular pattern. It usually contains about 16 huts in two rows with a central open space for cooking or dancing. The settlement sites are known as chadda. The usage of these chaddas is based on the kin group relationships. These huts play an important role in usage of resources in a particular area without overexploiting it. Halting or staying at a chadda and movement to a different location is based on density and utilization of the resources. To the Jarawas these huts also symbolize their past because it is the same place where their ancestors also lived their lives.

The small lean-to-type temporary hut used by a single family is called a tutime chadda and is 4.5ft by 5ft by 5ft in size. It is made from branches of locally available trees and the roof is thatched with long cane or palm leaves. The roof is sloping and usually touches the ground. It can be built in two hours. The chadda is divided into different areas for eating, sleeping and cooking. The residents usually keep wooden buckets with roasted meat, honey, jackfruit seeds, small tools and weapons. Pig skulls and other ornaments are hung from the roof.

A semi permanent hut is oval in shape can be of two sizes medium for 4-5 families and large for 20 or more families. They are also used as dormitories for unmarried girls and boys. These are known as chadda de huthu. The boys dormitory is known as thorkalang chadda and the girls dormitory as abile chadda. Within it there is demarcated space for each family called thula. There is common fireplace for cooking and keeping articles like food. This hut is also decorated with pigs skulls and fishing nets.

Tutime Chadda

Chadda de Huthu