India has a total of 247 islands (distant islands) of which 204 lie in the Bay of Bengal and remaining in the Arabian Sea. The Bay islands consisting of Andaman and Nicobar group of islands have a crescendo shape and denote the peaks of submerged Tertiary mountain ranges-a continuation of the Arakan Yoma fold axis.
Their surface is covered with thick tropical forests. The Arabian Sea islands have a coral origin and are surrounded by fringing reefs (over the volcanic peaks). Besides there are a number of off shore islands along the Ganga-mouth, eastern and western coasts and in the Gulf of Mannar.
(a) Arabian Sea Islands
The Arabian Sea islands (8°-12° 20′ N and 710 45′-74°E) comprise 36 islands (only 10 inhabited) of Lakshadweep Group with an area of 108.78 sq. km (average elevation of 3-5 m) and population of 60,595 (2001). Only 25% of the area is inhabited. The shortest distance from the mainland (Calicut) is about 108.78 km. Kavaratti, located on the island of this name, is the capital of Lakshadweep.
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The southernmost island (Minicoy) is separated from the rest of the group by the 9° Channel. The northern most group is collectively known as Amindivi Islands (Chetlast, Bitra, Keltan, Kadmat and Amini). Similarly the central group is collectively called as Laccadive Islands (Androth, Kavaratti, Agathi and Kalpeni). In the south the Lakshadwecp is separated from Maldive Islands by Eight Degree Channel.
Lakshadwecp Islands are of coral origin which has been developed around volcanic peaks. The reef deposits have formed shallow lagoons which provide protected harbour for native crafts. In general, the lagoons are on the western (windward) side and relatively steep slopes predominate along the eastern margin. Hills and streams are absent on these islands. The Minicoy is the largest (area 4.53 sq. km) and relatively more advanced which has a light house and a weather observatory. The region enjoys muggy climate with relative humidity above 72%. Fishing is the main occupation and coconut trees are abundant, although threatened by rat-menace.
(b) Bay of Bengal Islands
The Bay Islands (6° 45′-13° 45′ N and 92° 10′- 94°15’E) extend for about 590 km with a maximum width of about 58 km in a crescent shape (maximum elevation at Saddle Peak 750 m). The total area of these islands is about 8,326.85 sq. km supporting a population of 3, 56,265 (2001). The Andaman and Nicobar group of islands are separated from each other by the 10° Channel (depth 400 fathom, width 128 km).
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The shortest distance from the mainland (the Bay head) is about 220 km and the extreme southern most point is Indira Point (Pygmalion Point or La Henching) at 6.7° N and 93.8° E).
The Andaman Group of Islands includes 204 islands the major among them being the Great and little Andamans. The Great Andamans arc separated by narrow creeks into the North Andaman. Middle Andaman, South Andaman. Baratang and Rutland islands. In addition there are two volcanic islands, e.g Barren and Narcondam situated within 80 km cast of the Andamans. Andaman Islands have been formed by the extension of the Tertiary mountain chain of Arakan Yoma.
The main rocks are sandstone, limestone and shale. These islands have humid climate, enjoy rainfall throughout the year and support thick growth of vegetation.
The Nocobar Group of Islands comprises 18 islands of which (Car Nicobar, Chowra, Tercssa. Bompoka, Camorta, Trinkat, Nancowry, Katchall, LitlleNicobar(PuloMilo), Great Nicobar and Kondul) arc inhabited and remaining seven (Batti Malav, Tilangchong. Meroe. Trak. Trais, Menchal and Kabra) are uninhabited.
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These are separated from the Andaman group of islands through 10° Channel which represents a fracture zone. There is distinct difference in the physiography of the two groups. Some of the Nocibar islands like Chowra, Car Nicobar and Pulo Milo are essentially coral, while Katchall. Nancowry and Great Nicobar are hilly as are the Andaman’s.
The sandstones and shales of the southern islands are similar to the Port Blair series which is embedded with lignite coal. These islands also enjoy hot humid climate and are covered with thick forests and coconut groves.
(c) Offshore Islands
Besides these Arabian Sea and Bay islands India has a number of islands along the Western, Eastern coasts, in the delta region of Ganga and in the Gulf of Mannar.
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Among Western Coast islands mention may be made of Piram, Bhaisala (Kathiawar); Diu, Vaida, Nora, Pirtan, Karunbhar( Kachchh coast); Khadiabet, Aliabet (Narmada-Tapi mouth); Butchers, Elephanta, Karanja, Salsette, Cross (near Mumbai); Bhatkal, Pigeoncock, St. Mary (Mangalore coast); Anjidiv (Goa coast); Vypin (near Kochi coast); Pamban, Crocodile, Adunda (Gulf of Mannar); Sri Harikota (mouth of Pulicat lake); Parikud (mouth of Chilka lake); Short, Wheeler (Mahanadi-Brahmani mouth); and New Moore and Sagar (Ganga delta). Many of these are uninhabited and are administered by the adjacent states.