1. The Negritoes

Most probably, the Negritoes were the earliest arrivals in India. These are characterised by short stature (150 cm), frizzy-hair, bulbous forehead, flat nose, slightly protruding jaws, small chin, black skin colour, weak hands, and long arms. Their representatives are the Andamanese, Nicobaris, and the Irulas, Kadars, Kanikkars, Muthaiwans, Paniyans, Puliyans, Uralis living in the hills of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The Angami-Nagas have also been considered as having some of the traits of the Negritoes. Their arrival in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands (Jarawa, Ongs, Sentinelese, Shompen, etc.) is believed to be from the 1’eninsula of Malaysia. In appearance, culture, and traditions, they are very close to the Semangs and Sakais tribes of Malaysian Peninsula.