ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses upon the individual ‘at the axis of his self,’ that is, at the complete life cycle of the Nicobarese. It also delineates the interaction between and interdependence of nature, man, and the spirit-world. How are all the three components of the Nicobarese life interwoven? The chapter has a long list of subheadings, such as Conception, Diet and precautionary measures during pregnancy, Childbirth and infancy, Naming, suckling, weaning, bathing, Early childhood, Late childhood, Adolescence and puberty, Pre-marital relationship, Sex as a basic need, Marriage, Roles of Captain, Rani, and Bishop in marriage, Marriage rituals and celebrations, Extramarital relationship, Adulthood, deathbed and rituals, Death rites and burial, Open burial in Chowra, Wrapping of the corpse (Ulao), Stick fight, Burying of dead (Kuala), first purification (Intinhoi), second purification (Tunkannire), third purification (Intuing), reburial (Kindrak), initiating Kindrak (Imphang), Baking of canoe on mild fire (Suing), Second part of Kindrak (Himanse), Removal of skeleton from grave (Laniatla), Burning of coconut (Ukranyiniak). Thus, this chapter on the life cycle of the Nicobarese clearly demonstrates a Nicobarese man, his association with nature on the one hand and with the spirit on the other.
