Mount Harriet National Park UPSC (Mount Manipur National Park UPSC)
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) is a national park located in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands of India. It is situated on Mount Harriet, which is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago. The park covers an area of approximately 46.62 square kilometers and was established in 1979.
Mount Harriet National Park is known for its diverse flora and fauna, scenic beauty, and trekking opportunities. The park is characterized by dense evergreen forests, rolling hills, and picturesque views of the surrounding islands and the Bay of Bengal. It is home to a wide variety of plant species, including orchids, ferns, and medicinal plants.
The park is also rich in wildlife, and visitors may come across various animal species during their visit. Some of the notable wildlife species found in Mount Harriet National Park include the Andaman wild pig, Andaman hill myna, Andaman imperial pigeon, Andaman serpent eagle, saltwater crocodile, and reticulated python, among others. It is also home to several endemic bird species that are found only in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
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Mount Harriet National Park Location
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) is located in the Ferragunj tehsil of South Andaman district in Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India. Specifically, it is situated on Mount Harriet, the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
The park is on the South Andaman Island, approximately 55 kilometers by road from Port Blair, the capital city of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
Mount Harriet National Park Nearest Airport:
- Veer Savarkar International Airport, Port Blair.
Mount Harriet National Park Nearest Railway Station:
Andaman and Nicobar Islands are not connected to the mainland Indian railway network. Therefore, there are no direct train services to Port Blair or Mount Harriet National Park.
Mount Harriet National Park History
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) has a rich history that dates back to the colonial era. Here is a brief overview of its history:
British Era: During the British rule in India, the Andaman and Nicobar Islands served as a penal colony for convicts. Mount Harriet, being one of the prominent peaks in the archipelago, was used by the British as a watchtower to keep an eye on the activities of the prisoners and to monitor the surrounding islands.
Establishment of Mount Harriet National Park: After India gained independence from British rule, efforts were made to conserve the natural heritage of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In 1979, Mount Harriet National Park was established to protect the diverse flora and fauna found in the region. The park covers an area of approximately 46.62 square kilometers.
Mount Harriet National Park New Name:
Renaming: The park was originally named Mount Harriet National Park after a British officer's wife, Harriet Tytler. However, in 2021, the Government of India decided to rename the park as Mount Manipur National Park to honor the memory of freedom fighters of Manipur.
Note- Harriet Tytler is remembered for her work in documenting the monuments of Delhi and for her notes at the time of the Revolt of 1857 in India.
What is Manipur’s connection to Mount Harriet?
After the Anglo-Manipur War of 1891, several Manipuris who had fought the British in the war, including Maharaja Kulachandra Dhwaja Singh, were exiled to the British penal colony in the Andaman Islands. Since the cellular jail (Kalapani) was yet to be built, Kulachandra and the prisoners were kept on Mount Harriet, a hillock in what is now the Ferragunj tehsil of South Andaman district.
According to a British-era document from the Manipur State Archives, 23 men, including King Kulachandra and his brothers, were “transported for life” to the Andamans. While some died there, Kulachandra was released and shifted elsewhere before his death.
Anglo-Manipur War in 1891
The Anglo-Manipur War of 1891 was a conflict between the Kingdom of Manipur, a princely state in northeastern India, and British colonial forces. The war resulted in the defeat of Manipur and its subsequent incorporation into British India.
Mount Harriet National Park Area
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) covers an area of approximately 46.62 square kilometers (18.00 miles) and it is proposed to increase by 25.55 sq. km by adding Mount Harriet peak and other surrounding areas to the park.
This area includes the forests, hills, and diverse ecosystems found within the boundaries of the national park. It offers a range of natural landscapes, including dense evergreen forests and scenic viewpoints overlooking the surrounding islands and the Bay of Bengal.
Mount Harriet National Park Hills
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) is situated on Mount Harriet, which is itself a hill. Mount Harriet (383 meters (1,257 feet)) is the third-highest peak in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago next to Saddle Peak (732 metres (2,402 ft)) in North Andaman and Mount Thullier (568 metres (1,864 ft)) in Great Nicobar.
Mount Harriet National Park River
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) does not have a river within its boundaries.
Mount Harriet National Park Tribe
The tribal community living in the tropical forest of the Mount Harriet National Park are the Negrito people, who are hunter-gatherers.
The Negrito people are one of the indigenous groups in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and are considered to be one of the earliest inhabitants of the region. They have a distinct cultural identity and lifestyle, traditionally practicing a hunter-gatherer way of life.
The Negrito communities in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, including those in the vicinity of Mount Harriet National Park, have a deep connection with the land and the surrounding forests. They rely on the forest resources for their sustenance, including hunting, fishing, and gathering edible plants.
Due to their cultural significance and vulnerability, the Indian government has implemented protective measures and regulations to ensure the preservation and well-being of the Negrito communities. As a result, access to their territories and interactions with them are strictly regulated to respect their way of life and maintain their cultural integrity.
Mount Harriet National Park Flora
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) is renowned for its diverse flora, which includes a variety of tropical rainforest vegetation, mangroves, and coastal plant species. Here are some notable flora you may find in the Mount Harriet National Park:
(1) Evergreen Forest:
The evergreen forest in Mount Harriet National Park is characterized by its dense foliage, with trees that retain their green leaves throughout the year. These forests thrive in the Andaman Islands due to the region's high humidity and rainfall. The canopy of tall trees provides shade and shelter for a diverse range of plant and animal species. The evergreen forest contributes significantly to the park's biodiversity and is home to various endemic and rare species.
Evergreen Forest subtype in Mount Harriet National Park:
- Giant Evergreen Forest
- Andaman Tropical Evergreen Forest
- South Hilltop Tropical Evergreen
- Crane Brakes
- Bamboo Brakes
(2) Andaman Semi-evergreen Forest:
The semi-evergreen forest represents a transitional forest type, blending characteristics of both evergreen and deciduous forests. In this forest type, some trees shed their leaves during specific periods, while others maintain their foliage throughout the year. The Andaman Semi-evergreen Forest showcases a mix of evergreen and deciduous tree species, creating a unique habitat for a wide variety of flora and fauna.
(3) Andaman Moist Deciduous Forest:
The moist deciduous forest in Mount Harriet National Park experiences distinct dry and wet seasons. During the dry season, a significant portion of the tree species shed their leaves to conserve water. As the name suggests, this forest type is found in areas with relatively higher moisture content and rainfall. The Andaman Moist Deciduous Forest hosts a diverse array of tree species that provide habitat for a range of wildlife.
(4) Littoral Forest:
The littoral forest, also known as the coastal forest, refers to the vegetation found in the coastal areas and along the shorelines of Mount Harriet National Park. These forests thrive in the challenging coastal conditions, with exposure to salt spray, strong winds, and periodic flooding during high tides. The littoral forest is characterized by specialized plant species such as mangroves, salt-tolerant shrubs, and palms. They play a crucial role in stabilizing coastal ecosystems, protecting against erosion, and providing habitat for unique coastal wildlife.
Mount Harriet National Park Fauna (Mount Harriet National Park Animals)
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) is home to a diverse range of fauna, including various species of mammals, birds, reptiles, and marine life. Here are some of the notable fauna species you may encounter in the Mount Harriet National Park:
Mammals:
- Andaman Pig
- Shrew
- Bats
- Asian Elephant
- Chital
Birds:
- Indian Pond Heron
- Black Naped Oriole
- Oriental Magpie Robin
- Purple Moorhen
- Scarlet Minivet
- Eurasian Golden Oriole
- Stork Billed Kingfisher
- Andaman Wood Pigeon
- Andaman Cuckoo-dove
- Andaman Scops-owl
- Andaman Boobook
- Andaman Woodpecker
- Andaman Drongo
- Andaman Treepie
- Andaman Coucal
- White-headed Starling
Reptiles:
- King Cobra
- Andaman Cobra
- Reticulated Python
- Saltwater Crocodiles
Turtles:
- Green Sea Turtle
- Olive Ridley Turtle
Amphibian:
- Andaman Bull Frog
- Andaman Paddy Field Frog
Butterflies:
The Mount Harriet National Park is also a butterfly hotspot. The picture on the back side of ₹ 20 banknote has been taken at the park.
Top Things to do in Mount Harriet National Park
Mount Harriet National Park (Mount Manipur National Park) offers a diverse range of activities and attractions for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Here are some of the top things to do in Mount Harriet National Park:
- Trekking
- Birdwatching
- Wildlife Safari
- Sunset Views
- Visit the Mahatma Gandhi Marine National Park
- Picnic and Relaxation
- Visit the Lighthouse
- Nature Photography
Mount Harriet National Park UPSC Questions
Q. Where is Mount Harriet National Park located?/Mount Harriet National Park is placed in which state?
A. Mount Harriet National Park is located in the Ferragunj tehsil of South Andaman district in Andaman and Nicobar Islands union territory of India.
Q. What is the new name of Mount Harriet National Park?
A. Mount Manipur National Park is the new name of Mount Harriet National Park.
Q. Which island is Mount Harriet on?
A. Mount Harriet is located on the South Andaman Island, which is part of the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago.
Q. Why is Mount Harriet National Park famous for?
A. Mount Harriet National Park is famous for several reasons:
- Scenic Beauty
- Wildlife Diversity
- Trekking Trails
- Historical Significance
- Birdwatching
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