THE NORTH EASTERN STATES AND ITS TOURISM PROSPECTS

The north eastern states which comprises Assam,Arunanchal Pradesh, Manipur,Mijoram, Meghalaya, Nagaland,Tripura, and Sikkim has immense tourism potentiality. But this region was not at the tourism map of india because of the insurgent groups which were active in this region in the nineties. But now the scenery is quite different because of the peace talks with the issurgent  groups initiated by the cooperation of government, individuals as well as the insurgents too.Now those days are past. From the last decade it becomes a favorite tourist destination. its vivid scenic beauty, diverse ethnic  taste, and cultural diversity makes it a place of tourist interest. Before giving tourism highlights of the north eastern states let us see some basic facts about the region.

Area:       262,230 km2 (101,250 sq mi)

Population density:         148 /km2 (380 /sq mi)

Time zone: IST (UTC+5:30)

States and territories:         Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura

Largest cities (2008):           Guwahati, dimapur, Agartala, Shillong, Aizawl,

Official languages:  Assamese, Bengali, Bodo, Manipuri, Nepali

Languages Spoken : Hindi, English, Assamese, Garo, Jaintia, Khasi, Bengali, Mizo, Manipuri, Nagamese, Lepcha, Limboo, Bhutia (Sikkimese), Bhutia (Tibetan), and several other local dialects

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ARUNACHAL PRADESH

Arunachal Pradesh attained its statehood on 20th February 1987. It is situated in the North-Eastern part of India with 83743 sq. kms area  and has a long international border with Bhutan to the west (160 km), China to the north and north-east (1,080 km) and Myanmar to the east (440 km). It stretches from snow-capped mountains in the north to the plains of  Brahmaputra  valley  in  the south.It is situated between latitude 26° 30' N  and 29° 30 ' N and longitude 91° 30' E and 97° 30' E. Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh and located at an altitude of 530 meters above MSL. It is named after Itafort meaning fort of bricks built in 14th century A.D.

1	Population of State(2001 Census)	-	1, 091, 117
	Males	-	573, 951
	Females	-	517, 166
2	Literate Persons	-	487, 796
3	Literacy Rate	-	54.74%
4	Sex Ratio	-	901 females to 1000 males
5	Member of Parliament
	Rajya Sabha	-	1
	Lok Sabha	-	2
6.	Member of Legislative Assembly	-	60
7	Educational Institutions
	University	-	1
	Engineering  Institute	-	1
	Polytechnic	-	1
	Industrial Training Institute	-	3
	Forester Training School	-	1
	Farmer's Training Centre	-	1
	Horticulture & Forest College	-	1
	Colleges	-	7
	Higher Secondary Schools	-	68
	High Schools	-	103
	Middle Schools	-	329
	Primary School	-	1280
	Pre-Primary Schools	-	137
8	Major Health Centres
	General Hospitals	-	3
	District Hospitals	-	11
9	Places of Historical & Tourist Interest		Bhismaknagar, Malinithan, Parashuram Kund, Itanagar, Tawang Monastery, Namdapha Wild life Sanctury, Tippi Orchid Centre, Akashiganga.
10	State Bird	-	Hornbill
11	State Animal	-	Mithun(Bos Frontails)
12	State Flower	-	Rhynchostylis Retusa(Fox tail orchid)
13	Major Tribes	-	20
	Adi, Nyishi (including BANGRU & PUROIK), Apatani, Bugun, Galo, Hrusso, Koro, Meyor, Monpa, Tagin, Mishmi (including IDU, TAROAN & KAMMAN), Sajolang, Sartang, Tai Khamti (including KHAMYANG), Tangshang (including MUKLOM, LONCHANG, TUTSA, TIKHAK, HAWOI, LONGRI, MUNGREY,  MUSHAUNG, LUNGPHI, JOGLAI, NGAIMONG, PONTHAI, KHALAK, LUNGHAI, HALLEY, CHELLIM, SHECHU, SHIANGWAL,   RERA, SHIANGTEE, DOHE, MOITAL, HATSENG, GAJEE, GAJA, KOCHONG, LOWCHANG, LAKI, GALLON, CHAMCHANG, RINGKHU, SHOHRA, BOWNGTAI, RONGRANG etc. of Changlang district and NOCTE, WANCHOO and TUTSA of Tirap district), Yobin,  Singpho,   Sherdukpen,  Khamba, Memba.
14	Highest Peak in the State	-	Kangte (7090 mts. MSL), in West Kameng District.
15	Important Minerals
	Dolomite, Graphite, Coal, Quartzite, Limestone, Crude Oil,  Natural Gas, Yello Ochre, Marble.
16	Other Natural Potential
	Abundant forest resources and hydro-power potential.
17	Important Wild Life
	Animals
	Mithun, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, White Browed Gibbon, Red Panthers, Musk Deer.
	Birds
	Hornbill, White Winged Duck, Green Pigeon, Sclater Monal, Bengal Florican, Temminick's Tragopan.

18	Important Festivals		Mopin, Solung, Nyokum, Lossar, Si-Donyi, Boori-boot, Dree, Reh, Sipong Yong, Chalo-loku, Kshyatsowai, Tamladu, Sarok, Nichido, Sangken, Mopin, Oriah etc..
19	National Parks		-	Namdapha,   Mouling.
20	Main Rivers
	Siang, Kameng, Subansiri, Kamla, Siyum, Dibang, Lohit, Noa - Dihing, Kamlang, Tirap.
21	No. of Districts		-	16
	Tawang, West Kameng, East Kameng, Papumpare, Lower Subansiri, Upper Subansiri, East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang, Dibang Valley, Lower Dibang Valley, Lohit, Changlang, Tirap, Kurung Kumey, Anjaw.
22	District Headquarters
	Tawang, Bomdila, Seppa, Yupia, Ziro, Daporijo, Pasighat, Along, Yingkiong, Anini, Roing, Tezu, Changlang, Khonsa, Laying-Yangte, Hawai
23	No. of Sub-Divisions		-	36
24	No. of Blocks		-	57
25	No. of Circles		-	149
26	Major Towns
	Itanagar, Naharlagun, Tawang, Bomdila, Rupa, Bhalukpong, Seppa, Ziro, Daporijo, Along, Pasighat, Yingkiong, Roing, Tezu, Namsai, Khonsa.

The population of Arunachal is 1,091,117 according to 2001 census and is scattered over 12 towns and 3649 villages. The State has the lowest density of 13 persons per sq. km. As against decadal growth rate of 21.34% at the national level, the population of the State has grown by 26.21% over the period 1991-2001. The sex ratio of Arunachal Pradesh at 901 females to 1000 males is lower than the national average of 933.

Total literacy of the State rose to 54.74% from 41.59% in 1991.  The number of literates is  487,796. There are 20 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the area. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from and original common stock but their geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs.

               

The peoples

THREE CULTURAL GROUPS : Broadly the people may be divided into three cultural groups on the basis of their socio-religious affinities. The Monpas and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the lamaistic tradition of Mahayana Buddhism. Noted for their religious fervour, the villages of these communities have richly decorated Buddhist temples, locally called 'Gompas'. Though largely agriculturists practising terrace cultivation, many of these people are also pastoral and breed herds of yak and mountains sheep. Culturally similar to them are Membas and Khambas who live in the high mountains along the northern borders. Khamptis and Singphos inhabiting the eastern part of the State are Buddhists of Hinayana sect. They are said to have migrated from Thailand and Burma long ago and still using ancient scripts derived from their original homeland.

The second group of the people are Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thongsas etc., who worship Sun and Moon God namely, Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani, the original ancestors for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals, largely coincide with phases of agricultural cycles. They invoke nature deities and make animal scarifices. They traditionally practice jhumming or shifting cultivation.  Adis and Apatanis extensively practice wet rice cultivation and have a considerable agricultural economy.

Apatanis are also famous for their paddy-cum-pisciculture. They are specialised over centuries in harvesting two crops of fish along with each crop of the paddy.

The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos,adjoining Nagaland in the Tirap District. These are hardy people known for their strictly structured village society in which hereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes also practise elementary form of Vaishnavism.

TRIBES

There are about 20 Major tribes with a number of Sub-Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.

Adi | Apatani | Bugun | Galo | Hrusso | Jingpho | Khamba |   Koro | Memba |Meyor |

Mishmi (including Idu, Taroan and Kaman) | Monpa | Nyishi (including Bangru and Puroik) |

Sajolang | Sartang | Sherdukpen | Tagin | Tai Khamti (including Khamyang)   | Yobin |

Tangshang (including Muklom, Lonchang, Tutsa,Tikhak, Hawoi, Longri, Mungrey, Mushaung, Lungphi, Joglai, Ngaimong, Ponthai, Khalak, Lungkhai, Halley, Chellim, Shechu, Shiangwal, Rera, Shiangtee, Dohe, Moitai, Hatseng, Gajee, Gaja, Kochong, Lowchang, Laki, Gallon, Chamchang, ringkhu, Shohra, Bowngtai, Ronrang of Changlang District and Nocte, Wanchoo and Tutsa of Tirap District)

Here is a brief description some of these tribes :

ladies of the Adi Tribe with traditional dress

The Adis have two main divisions, (the Bogum and Bomis) and under each there are a number of sub-tribes. The Minyongs, Karkos, Shimongs, Bomdo, Janbos, Paggis, Pailibos, Bogum, Padams, Milangs and so on from one group ; while the Gallong and seven other groups constitute another group of Adis. The Adis by nature are democratic and organised village council called Kebang. Their traditional dance called Ponung is famous in the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. Dances are very popular among them. Adi villages are situated generally on the spurs of hills. Polyandy is unknown but polygyny is practised. Adi women are very good weavers and weave cloth with highly artistic designs.

An Apatani tribal lady

The Apatanis are settled agriculturists inhabiting the valley around Ziro-the headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. The older men-folk tie the hair in top-knots and tattoo the faces. Wearing of circular nose plugs and tattooing of faces is the most characteristic aspect of ornamentation of older Apatani women. However, new generation of Apatani men and women have stopped this practice of tying hair knot, nose plugs and face tattooing since early 1970s. The Apatani are good cultivators and practice both wet and terrace cultivation. Paddy cum fish culture is very popular among them. Unlike other tribes of Arunachal their economy is stable.

a group of bugun tribal ladies

The Buguns or Khowas  are gentle, hospitable and affectionate people. They are agriculturist and perform a number of rites and ceremonies for their welfare.

The Hrusso or Akas have a custom of painting their face with black marks. They figured frequently in old historical records. Their popular belief is that they were related with the Ahom Kings.They are keen traders and trade, mainly in cloth, blankets, swords etc. They have come to some extent under both Hindu and Buddhist influence.

The Singphos represent a section of the Kachin tribe of Burma. They live on the banks of Tengapani and Noa Dehang rivers. They are agriculturists and expert blacksmiths. The ladies are good weavers too. They follow Buddhism but at the same time believe in a host of spirit.

Khambas and Membas inhabiting northern part of West Siang are Buddhist by religion. Polyandry is prevalent among them. But it is more in vogue among the Membas. Agricultural activities are popular among them . Millet and Maize are their staple food . They grow cotton and barle also.

Mishmis form the bulk of the population of Lohit, Upper Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley districts. There are also the Khamtis, the Singphos and a few Adi settlement. The Mishmis are divided into three main groups namely- Idus or Chulikatas, Digarus or Taroan and Mijus or Kaman. A section of the Idu Mishmi are also called Bebejia Mishmi . Their women are expert weavers and make excellent coats and blouses. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. By nature they are traders. Since very early days the Mishmis had relations with the plains of Assam. The chief items of trade are deer –musk, wild medicinal plants, animal skins , Mishimi – tita etc.

The Monpas are simple, gentle and courteous people. They are friendly and possess a rich heritage of culture. They dress well in artistically designed clothes. Their communal life is rich and happy. They follow Buddhism and profess Mahayana Buddhism which centre round the Tawang Monastery. Each house has a small chapel attached to it.

The Nyishi are the largest groups of people inhabiting the major part of Lower Subansiri district. Their menfolk wear their hair long and tie it in a knot just above the forehead. They wear cane bands around the waist. They believe that after death the spirit of a dead travels to the 'village of the ancestors'. The Sulungs or Puroik are considered to be one of the oldest of the tribes in the area. Their dress and constumes are simple, and the religion is a form of the primitive ' spirit culture'. 

The Sherdukpens are a small tribe. They are good agriculturist but their main interest is trade. Their religion is an interesting blend of Mahayana Buddhism and tribal magico-religious beliefs.

The Tagins are main inhabitant of Upper Sunansiri district. Their main occupation is agriculture. Polygamy is customary among them. Their dress is very simple consisting of only one piece of cloth.

The Khamtis are believed to have migrated from the Shan states of Burma . They are the only tribe in Arunachal who have a script of their own, They are Buddhist ( Hinayana cult) by religion, and bury the dead in a coffin. They include Khamyang tribe.

The Wanchos inhabit the western part of Tirap district, bordering Nagaland. They are a carefree, cheerful and hard-working people. Head hunting was customary with them in the old days. It was connected with many of the social activities of the tribe. Their society is divided into four classes the Wanghams ( chiefs ) , the Wangpana , the Wangaue and Wangaas . They have a strict sense of discipline and the law and order of the society is maintained by a village council. The entire tribe is divided into about forty confederacies of villages. Tattooing is a social custom among them . They believe in the existence of two powerful deities, Rang and Baurang. The women are good weavers but the art is restricted to the members of the chief’s families only. They are expert in wood carving also.

The Noctes inhabit the central part of Tirap to the east of the Wanchos. They are organized under powerful chief-those of Namsang and Borduria,They profess Vaishnavism and are disciple of the Bareghar Satra of Nazira, Assam, Naga Narottam who was a close friend of  Shri Ram Dev Ata, the founder- satradhikar of the Brehar satra, , become his first disciple, Noctes are famous as salt producers which is their chief item of trade and barter. They are agriculturists. They also cultivate betel leaves on a commercial scale.

The Yobin, also called Lisus , are a small group of people inhabiting the remote easternmost corner of the

Social and Cultural Heritage:

The whole population of Arunachal can be divided into three cultural groups on the basis of their socio- politico religious affinities.There are three kinds of religions practiced here. The Monpas and Sherdukpens in Kameng and Tawang district, who met the Tibetans in the north, adopted Lamaism of the Buddhist faith, while the Khamptis in Lohit district practice Mahayana Buddhism. The second group, Noctes and Wanchos in Tirap district, whose long association with the Assamese in the south, converted them to Hindus.

They are associated with the practice of head hunting. The third group comprises of Adi, Akas, Apatanis, Nishings, etc.- a large majority of the total population, who maintain their ancient belief and indigenous concepts of nature and worship- the  Donyi-Polo (The Sun & Moon). 

Apatanis, Hill Miris and Adis make attractive articles in cane and bamboo. The Wanchos are famous for their wood and bamboo carved figurines.

Economy:

For about 35% of the population of Arunachal Pradesh, agriculture is the main occupation. 17% of total cultivated area is under irrigation. The main crop is rice, grown on valley bottoms and on some terraced slopes. Maize, millets, pulses, potatoes, wheat and mustard are the other important crops. About 62% of the total area of the state is under forests. There is no large scale manufacturing industry, though some coal and lignite are mined. The principal industries are forest based. Forest products, especially bamboo, are vital resources. Saw mills, plywood and veneering mills, rice mills, fruit preservation units, soap and candle manufacturing, steel fabrication, oil expellers are in the medium and small industrial sectors.

  

Deposits of dolomite, ore, limestone, graphite, quartzite, kyanite, mica iron-ore, copper ore have also been reported. Weaving is the universal craft, highly coloured fabrics being made largely by women. The multi coloured masks, fine wood-carving, cane, bamboo and fibre works bear eloquent testimony to the fine artistic temperament of the people. There is a steady export market for Monpa carpets, Adi skirts and Mishmi bags and shawls with a view to develop the traditional handicrafts of the people. The government has established a number of Cottage Industries, Training- cum- production centres, where local boys and girls are trained in various crafts to enable them to earn their livelihood by practicing these crafts. The craft centres are also helping the people in finding markets for their products.

Festivals:

Festivals are an essential part of the socio- cultural life of the people. The festivals are usually connected with agriculture and are associated with ritualistic gaiety either to thank God or to pray for bumper harvest. Some of the important festivals are  Mopin and  Solung of Adis,  Lossar  of Monpas & Sherdukpens and  Boori-Boot of the Hill Miris, Dree of the Apatanis, Si-Donyi of Tagins,  Nyokum of Nishing,  Reh of Idu Mishmis,  Tamladu of Mishmi,  Loku of Nocte,  Mol of Tangsa,  Sanken of the Khampti and Singpho, Khan of the Miji,  Nechi Dau of the Akase of the Tagins,  Ojiale of the Wancho,  Kshyat-Sowai of the Khowa,  Longte Yullo of the Nishing,etc.       

Places of Interest:

Along, Annini,  Bhismaknagar (archaeological sites),  Bomdila (at a height of 2530 mts provides a panoramic views of the Himalayan landscapes and snow clad ranges),  Changlong,  Doparijo, Itanagar  (capital, with excavated ruins of historical Ita Fort and attractive Ganga lake [Gekar Sinyi]),  Pasighat,  Malinithan (archaeological sites),  Sessa (orchid park),  Namdhapha (wildlife sanctuary in Changlang district),  Parasuramkund (place of pilgrimage),  Tawang (at a height of 12,000 ft, 400 year old Buddhist Monastery, associated with the famous Torgva festival, is the largest of its kind in the country and is the birth place of the 6th Dalai Lama.),  Ziro, Tipi (orchidarium with over 7500 orchids),  Akashiganga ( bird’s eye view of the Brahmaputra),  Talley Valley ( eco tourism),  Roing and  Miao.