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,
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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
|
.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Yobin, also called Lisus , are a small group of people inhabiting the remote easternmost corner of the
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).
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
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Population of State(2001
Census)
|
-
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1, 091, 117
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Males
|
-
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573, 951
|
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Females
|
-
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517, 166
|
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2
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Literate Persons
|
-
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487, 796
|
3
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Literacy Rate
|
-
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54.74%
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4
|
Sex Ratio
|
-
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901 females to 1000
males
|
5
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Member of Parliament
|
||
Rajya Sabha
|
-
|
1
|
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Lok Sabha
|
-
|
2
|
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6.
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Member of Legislative
Assembly
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-
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60
|
7
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Educational Institutions
|
||
University
|
-
|
1
|
|
Engineering Institute
|
-
|
1
|
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Polytechnic
|
-
|
1
|
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Industrial Training Institute
|
-
|
3
|
|
Forester Training School
|
-
|
1
|
|
Farmer's Training Centre
|
-
|
1
|
|
Horticulture & Forest
College
|
-
|
1
|
|
Colleges
|
-
|
7
|
|
Higher Secondary Schools
|
-
|
68
|
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High Schools
|
-
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103
|
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Middle Schools
|
-
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329
|
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Primary School
|
-
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1280
|
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Pre-Primary Schools
|
-
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137
|
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8
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Major Health Centres
|
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General Hospitals
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-
|
3
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District Hospitals
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-
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11
|
|
9
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Places of Historical & Tourist Interest
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Bhismaknagar, Malinithan, Parashuram Kund, Itanagar, Tawang Monastery, Namdapha Wild life
Sanctury, Tippi Orchid Centre,
Akashiganga.
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10
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State Bird
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-
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Hornbill
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11
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State Animal
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-
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Mithun(Bos Frontails)
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12
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State Flower
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-
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Rhynchostylis Retusa(Fox
tail orchid)
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13
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Major Tribes
|
-
|
20
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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.
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14
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Highest Peak in the
State
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-
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Kangte (7090 mts. MSL), in West Kameng District.
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15
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Important Minerals
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Dolomite, Graphite, Coal, Quartzite, Limestone,
Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Yello Ochre, Marble.
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16
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Other Natural Potential
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Abundant forest resources and
hydro-power potential.
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17
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Important Wild Life
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Animals
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Mithun, Elephant, Tiger, Leopard, White Browed
Gibbon, Red Panthers, Musk Deer.
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Birds
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Hornbill, White Winged Duck, Green Pigeon,
Sclater Monal, Bengal Florican, Temminick's Tragopan.
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18
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Important Festivals
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Mopin, Solung, Nyokum, Lossar, Si-Donyi,
Boori-boot, Dree, Reh, Sipong Yong, Chalo-loku, Kshyatsowai, Tamladu, Sarok,
Nichido, Sangken, Mopin, Oriah etc..
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19
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National Parks
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-
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20
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Main Rivers
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Siang, Kameng, Subansiri, Kamla, Siyum, Dibang,
Lohit, Noa - Dihing, Kamlang, Tirap.
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21
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No. of Districts
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-
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16
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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.
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22
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District Headquarters
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Tawang, Bomdila, Seppa, Yupia, Ziro, Daporijo,
Pasighat, Along, Yingkiong, Anini, Roing, Tezu, Changlang, Khonsa,
Laying-Yangte, Hawai
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23
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No. of Sub-Divisions
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-
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36
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24
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No. of Blocks
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-
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57
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25
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No. of Circles
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-
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149
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26
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Major Towns
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Itanagar, Naharlagun, Tawang, Bomdila, Rupa, Bhalukpong,
Seppa, Ziro, Daporijo, Along, Pasighat, Yingkiong, Roing, Tezu, Namsai,
Khonsa.
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||||
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
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There are about 20 Major tribes with a number of
Sub-Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh.
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Adi | Apatani | Bugun | Galo | Hrusso | Jingpho | Khamba | Koro | Memba |Meyor |
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Mishmi (including Idu, Taroan and Kaman) | Monpa | Nyishi (including Bangru and Puroik) |
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Sajolang | Sartang | Sherdukpen | Tagin | Tai Khamti (including Khamyang) | Yobin |
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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 |
An Apatani tribal lady |
a group of bugun tribal ladies |
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.