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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
Arunachal Pradesh, state of India. It constitutes a mountainous area in the
extreme northeastern part of the country and is bordered by the kingdom
of Bhutan to the west, the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the
north, Myanmar (Burma) and the Indian state of Nagaland to the south and
southeast, and the Indian state of Assam to the south and southwest. The
capital is Itanagar.
Arunachal Pradesh, meaning “Land of the Rising Sun,” long has been a
recognized region of the Indian subcontinent, receiving mention in such
ancient Hindu literature as the Kalika-purana and the epic
poems Mahabharata and Ramayana. Formerly known as the North East
Frontier Agency (from the British colonial era), the area was part of Assam
until it was made the Indian union territory of Arunachal Pradesh in 1972,
and in 1987 it became an Indian state. The region, however, has been the
subject of an ongoing sovereignty dispute between India and China. Area
32,333 square miles (83,743 square km). Pop. (2011) 1,382,611.
LAND
Relief
Tawang Monastery
Most of Arunachal Pradesh’s terrain consists of deep valleys
flanked by highland plateaus and ridges that rise to the peaks of
the Great Himalayas. The state encompasses three broad
physiographic regions. Farthest south is a series of foothills,
similar in type to the Siwalik Range (a narrow sub-Himalayan
belt stretching across much of northern India), that ascend from
the Assam plains to elevations of 1,000 to 3,300 feet (300 to
1,000 metres). Those hills rise rapidly northward to the Lesser
Himalayas, where some ridges and spurs reach 10,000 feet
(3,000 metres). Farther north, along the Tibetan border, lie the
main ranges of the Great Himalayas, where Kangto, the highest
peak in the state, dominates the landscape, reaching about
23,260 feet (7,090 metres).
Drainage and soils
Kameng River
The major rivers of the state are the Brahmaputra and its
tributaries—the Dibang [Sikang], Lohit, Subansiri, Kameng, and
Tirap. The Brahmaputra (known as the Tsangpo in the
Tibet Autonomous Region of China and as the Dihang [Siang] in
Arunachal Pradesh) flows eastward from Mansarovar Lake in
Tibet before dipping south through the Himalayas into north-
central Arunachal Pradesh. The river then winds its way
southward across the length of the state, cutting a narrow, steep-
sided gorge into the mountainous terrain. The Brahmaputra
finally emerges onto the northern edge of the Assam plains—a
finger of which extends into southeastern Arunachal Pradesh—
near the town of Pasighat. It is joined by the Dibang and the
Lohit rivers a short distance beyond Pasighat, just south of the
border between Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. West of the
Brahmaputra, the Subansiri is the only tributary to cross the
main Himalayan ranges. The Kameng and other rivers in the area
rise on the southern flanks of the mountains. The Tirap River
drains the southeastern part of the state.
Soils vary considerably with terrain. Generally, however, they
are acidic and, in mountainous areas, subject to erosion. The
major soil types are inceptisols, entisols, and ultisols. River
valleys are characterized by rich alluvial soils that are highly
suited for agriculture.
Climate
The climate of Arunachal Pradesh varies with topography and
elevation. The foothill zone is subtropical and has a hot and
humid climate; in the lower valleys, summer temperatures in
June, July, and August typically rise into the mid-90s F (mid-30s
C), while winter high temperatures in December, January, and
February usually reach the mid-50s F (about 13 °C). Average
temperatures decrease as elevations increase in the mountains.
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Precipitation in the state generally follows the wet-
dry monsoon pattern. Annual totals average about 130 inches
(3,300 mm), falling mostly between April and September during
the wet southwest monsoon. In the centre of the state, however,
the precipitation figure approaches 160 inches (4,100 mm) or
higher per year.
Plant and animal life
Arunachal Pradesh’s diverse terrain, climate, and soils are
reflected in its fauna and flora. About two-thirds of the state is
forested, with a wide belt of swampy rainforest lying along the
foothills. Forests of tropical evergreens and subtropical pines (as
well as subtropical mixed broad-leaved and pine forests) are
found in lower elevations. As elevation increases, the woodlands
give way to mixed and coniferous temperate forests. Subalpine
and alpine vegetation, with rhododendrons predominating,
appears on the higher slopes. A great variety of medicinal plants,
including ginseng and yew, also grow in Arunachal Pradesh, and
they are used by much of the population for the treatment and
cure of various ailments.
Animal life includes tigers, clouded and snow leopards,
elephants, wild buffalo, serow and goral goats, many species of
deer, and primates such as hoolock gibbons, slow lorises,
macaques, and capped langurs. Animals found at higher
elevations include bharals (wild sheep), black bears, and red
pandas. The rare musk deer and takin (Budorcas taxicolor) also
are found in the state. Moreover, Arunachal Pradesh has an
abundance of fish, many varieties of snakes, and hundreds of
species of birds.
PEOPLE IN A.P
There are 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. The twelve
tribes listed are:Adi (Abor), Aka, Apatani, Nyishi, Tagin, Galo, Khampti, Mishmi, Momba
(Monpa), "any Naga tribes", Sherdukpen, Singpho.
Arunachal Pradesh, the land of the rising sun, is rich in cultural and ecological sense.
There are 24 districts in the north-eastern state of Arunachal Pradesh. The total
number of tribes residing in the state includes more than 26 major tribes and more
than a hundred sub-tribes. The state’s remote location provides the perfect scenario
for the growth of tribal culture of Arunachal Pradesh, keeping it exclusive of the other
regions in India.
People of Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Rita Willaert/Flickr
Arunachal Pradesh assumes tremendous anthropological richness. The state is home to
various tribes and indigenous groups. The prime cultural groups of Arunachal Pradesh
categorize into three subheads. First, the Monpas and Sherdukpen of Tawang and
West Kameng districts. This group identifies and associates itself with Mahayana
Buddhism. Second, the Apatanis, Adis, Galos, Mishmis, Nyishis, Tagins, Akas, and
Thongas worship the Sun and Moon God. Lastly, the third group
includes Noctes, Wanchos, and Khampti, who follow Vaishnavism and Buddhism. This
group follows a stringent hereditary rule to maintain villages. Each tribal distinction
in Arunachal Pradesh made its place in the cultural strata of the state. They have
distinct traditions and customs.
Language of Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Wikimedia
Did you know that Arunachal Pradesh found a place in the list of Asia’s most
linguistically diverse states? There you can observe more than 50 dialects of the
Tibeto-Burman language. The primary language structure sought to originate from the
Tibeto-Burman language, but tribes have different dialects. The Tani dialect includes
languages like Nyishi, Apatani, Bokar, Galo, Tagin, and Adi. In the eastern part
of Arunachal Pradesh, you would observe the Mishmi language. Some languages like
the Digaru, Idu, and Miju, of the Mishmi dialect, amount under the endangered
languages, and researchers predict that they might become extinct in the coming
years. Bodic language is the common language in the western and northern districts of
the state.
Most people are comfortable with the Assamese language. The reason for this is the
prolonged influence of the Ahom dynasty rule in Arunachal Pradesh. Hindi and English
too form a part of the daily use language. Most people in the state can understand
Hindi and English and converse in the language.
Architecture of Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Wikimedia
The holy Tawang Monastery, also known as the Tawang Ganden Mangyal Lhatse,
which roughly translates to ‘the heavenly paradise of the divine place chosen by the
horse,’ is the world’s second biggest monastery. The monastery is said to be about 400
years old and is in charge of 17 gompas in the area. This monastery, which houses over
300 monks and is built amidst the Himalayan ranges with fascinating views of the
Tawang-Chu valley, is built amidst the Himalayan ranges with hypnotic views of the
Tawang-Chu valley.
The beautiful construction may be accessed from the north via the ‘Kakaling’ gate,
which is a stone-walled hut-like structure. Tawang Monastery is an exemplar of
traditional Buddhist architecture, having various structures on its grounds, the most
notable of which is a three-story assembly hall known as the ‘Dukhang.’ The inner
sanctuary is dominated by an opulent 8-meter high figure of Lord Buddha, amid the
gorgeous interiors featuring paintings, murals, carvings, sculptures, and rich textiles.
Image – Rita Willaert/Flickr
A typical village has fewer and more compact houses. The dwellings are constructed in
accordance with the humid subtropical environment. The dwellings have a rectangular
shape, a long slanted roof, and an open platform linked to the main building. A slanting
roof usually dominates the primary residential unit. The home has short walls and,
most significantly, no windows. As a result, the rooms lack natural light and have a
smokey feel. For them, the home is not just a structure that protects them from hard
rains, loud storms, and humidification, but it is also a living thing.
Traditional Dresses of Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Rita Willaert/Flickr
Shawls, wraps, and skirts are common in Arunachal Pradesh’s traditional attire.
Though the tribes are all of the same ethnicity, the way they dress varies depending on
where they live. Arunachal Pradesh residents are known to be born weavers. The
majority of their dress styles are derived from their forefathers. In Arunachal Pradesh,
the handloom industry is a growing sector. The tribal people choose to wear only
natural organic jewellery. Goat hair, human hair, tree bark, and other materials are
used as raw materials. Dark blue, green, yellow, black, and other dark colours are
desired. Natural dyes produced from plants, barks, flowers, and seeds are the source
of these colours.
Image – Rita Willaert/Flickr
In most tribes in Arunachal Pradesh, girls and women are required to wear
accessories. Earring, silver rings, bamboo pieces, red beads, and gorgeous turquoises
are worn by Monpa ladies. Another well-known clothing item is the hat, which is
embellished with a magnificent peacock feather. The attire is stunning and draws
attention to itself. The Hill Miris are a group of people that dwell in the Kamla valley
and dress in brilliant garments. Women also wear ‘crinoline of cane rings,’ which are
quite attractive.
Suggested Read – The Mesmerizing Traditional Dresses of Arunachal Pradesh!
The Sherdukpen live in Bomdila’s southern section, close to the Buddhist community.
The men in this village dress in sleeveless silk garments with two pinned edges at the
shoulder area. Clothing is often knee-length. Skullcaps coated with yak hair are its
distinguishing feature. Sherdukpen ladies wear sleeveless, collarless clothing. They
cover it with a full-sleeved jacket and mushaiks (waist cloth).
Religion of Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Wikimedia
The indigenous religion of Arunachal Pradesh is highly inclined towards nature and
makes the culture of Arunachal Pradesh even more rich. The people of the state are
close to nature; they are practically dependent on Mother Nature. They worship nature
in various forms, like folklores, dance, etc.
Buddhism is the dominant religion in the state. The tribes of the districts of West
Kameng and Tawang profess Tibetan Buddhism. At the same time, the people in the
region near the Burmese border follow Theravada Buddhism. Christianity is also a
major religion in the state, following the indigenous religion. About 30% of the
population of Arunachal Pradesh practice the Christianity religion. While a tiny
proportion of the people also practice Hinduism.
Food in Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Wikimedia
The fertile land of Arunachal Pradesh enables access to an abundant amount of rice
and vegetables. The staple food of Arunachal Pradesh includes Rice and Meat. Lettuce,
green chilies, and coriander are the main ingredients in most recipes. A platter in
Arunachal Pradesh is incomplete without these three elements. The people of
Arunachal Pradesh prefer mild flavors with fewer spices and a sober taste. If you ever
get a chance to visit Arunachal Pradesh, you must try boiled rice cakes, thukpa, and
Apang. Thukpa and momos are the traditional dishes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Another thing you would find in Arunachal Pradesh is rice beer. There are many forms
of rice beers in the state, and get a hold of one while you get a chance.
Festivals of Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Wikimedia
The culture of Arunachal Pradesh, observes many festivals throughout the year. The
celebrations are broadly classified into religious festivals, socio-cultural festivals, and
agricultural festivals.
The Siang River Festival honours this beautiful state’s community peace. It was once a
component of the Brahmaputra darshan event. The Siang River Festival is now
celebrated in Turing, Yingkiong, and Pasighat. This event aims to promote ecotourism
while also providing a variety of entertaining activities. Elephant races, river rafting,
culinary festivals, and other activities are among the games available. This is one of
Arunachal Pradesh’s most well-known festivities.
The Pangsau Pass Winter Celebration, which began in 2007, is a modern winter
festival organised by the residents. This three-day event is held in Nampong,
Changlang district, by the people. Every year in the month of January, this festival
takes place. They perform traditional dances and songs as part of the ethnicity
celebration. A stand with a variety of artworks from throughout the firm is set up here.
Even Myanmar has a chance to show off its culture on this platform. The event brings
together tribes from the Northeast and Myanmar to showcase their cultures and
customs. This is a celebration that should not be missed while visiting Arunachal
Pradesh.
Image – Wikimedia
Losar Celebration, Arunachal Pradesh’s most important festival, commemorates the
Tibetan New Year. In Tibet’s pre-Buddhist time, the celebration was originally called
as the Agrarian Festival, and it was held to commemorate the blossoming of apricot
trees. Today, the Monpa tribe of Arunachal Pradesh celebrates the Losar Festival in
the month of February or early March to fend off evil and welcome happiness and
wealth into the new year. This well-known Arunachal Pradesh festival provides visitors
with the ideal opportunity to sample locally produced beverages and traditional
cuisine. Remember to tell each other “tashi delek,” which means “good luck,” when
you run across each other at the Losar Festival.
Nyokum of the Nyishi tribe, another well-known celebration in Arunachal Pradesh, is
held every year on February 28th. Nyokum is known for bringing wealth and peace to
the people. Nyokum is a local dialect term that may be split down into two parts: Nyok,
which means land, and Kum, which means people. Nyokum is a two-day festival in
which the Nyishi tribe meets to sing and dance. The festival’s primary rites are done
by the high priest, who also offers prayers to the spirits in order to help everyone and
every household achieve peace and prosperity.
Music and Dance of Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Erikmeldrum/Flickr
The extant dance traditions in Arunachal Pradesh are an important part of the socio-
cultural history of this small Indian state in the northeast. The natives like dancing and
having a good time. They dance for pleasure as well as for festivals and ceremonies.
The many dance genres are enjoyed by both men and women.
The dancing forms differ in accordance with the tribe’s diversity. Igo dance is
practised by Mishmi priests, battle dance is practised by Adis, Wanchos, and Noctes,
and ceremonial dance is practised by Buddhists. All of these dancing genres are mostly
male-dominated and female participation is prohibited.
Aji Lamu, Roppi, Hurkani, Popir, Rekham Pada, Chalo, Ponung, Buiya, Lion dance, Pasi
Kongki, and Peacock dance are some of the most prominent folk dances in Arunachal
Pradesh. The majority of dances are choreographed to the beat of chorus tunes. While
the songs are being sung, cymbals and drums are played in the background.
Art and Craft of Arunachal Pradesh
Image – Rita Willaert/Flickr
The art and craft of Arunachal Pradesh represent the state’s diverse culture and
customs. Various inhabited tribes produce a variety of bamboo and cane handicrafts,
as well as wood carving and carpet weaving. People in the areas of Tirap, Upper &
West Siang, Lohit, and Tawang carve exquisite wood sculptures. East Kameng,
Papumpare, Changlang, Upper and Lower Subansiri, East and West Siang, Lohit, and
Dibang Valley, on the other hand, produce high-quality cane.
Handloom is an important element of the state’s rich art and craft tradition, and it is
the principal source of income for the majority of women in the state. In Arunachal,
women from 20 tribes and 100 sub-tribes strive to make skirts (Gale), shirts (Galuk),
cotton shawls, side bags, and curtain fabric in a variety of patterns, quality, traditional
value, motivation, and design. Another prominent art form that Arunachal Pradesh is
proud of is painting. In Buddhist-dominated parts of the state, including as Tawang,
West Kameng, and Upper Siang Districts, a specific form of painting known as
Tangkha is common.
The subject matter of these paintings is mostly religious or traditional in nature.
Carpet weaving, like painting, is mostly practised in Arunachal’s rural areas. The
state’s carpets have been praised as being of national and international renown,
putting another feather in Arunachal’s crown. Apart from carpets, the state also
produces wall hangings, cushion pads, telephone pads, and floor coverings.
The Wangcho Bag, which is produced by the women of the Wangcho tribe of Tirap
District, is one of Arunachal’s most distinctive products. The colourful geometrical
pattern on the bag is woven using cotton and acrylic yarn. Apart from the distinctive
bags, weavers are also developing a variety of utilitarian items such as women and
gents waistcoats and costumes. The Wangcho women also manufacture grass
necklaces out of seasonal reed found around river banks. In addition, the Tirap area
produces necklace wristbands, waistbands, headgear, and earrings.
Air[edit]
Itanagar Airport, a Greenfield project serving Itanagar is being constructed at Holongi at a cost of ₹6.5 billion.[84] Alliance Air operates
the only scheduled flights to the state flying from Kolkata via Guwahati to Pasighat Airport. This route commenced in May 2018
under the Government's Regional Connectivity Scheme UDAN following the completion of a passenger terminal at Pasighat Airport
in 2017.[85] State-owned Daporijo Airport, Ziro Airport, Along Airport, and Tezu Airport are small and not in operation, but the
government has proposed to develop them.[86] Before the state was connected by roads, these airstrips were used to distribute food.
Roads[edit]
The road from Tinsukia to Parshuram Kund
Hunli Signboard
The main highway of Arunachal Pradesh is the Trans-Arunachal Highway, National Highway 13 (1,293 km (803 mi); formerly NH-
229 and NH-52). It originates in Tawang and spans most of the width of Arunachal Pradesh, then crosses south into Assam and
ends at Wakro. The project was announced by then Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2008 for completion by 2015–16, but only
became operational in 2018.
NH-15 through Assam follows the southern border of Arunachal Pradesh. Access to central Arunachal Pradesh has been facilitated
by the Bogibeel Bridge, an earthquake-resistant rail and road bridge over the Brahmaputra River in Assam, opened for public use
on 25 December 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A spur highway numbered NH-415 services Itanagar.
State-owned Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Services (APSTS) runs daily bus service from Itanagar to most district
headquarters including Tezpur, Guwahati in Assam, Shillong in Meghalaya, and Dimapur in Nagaland.[87][88][89][90]
As of 2007, every village is connected by road, thanks to funding provided by the central government. Every small town has its own
bus station with daily bus service. Connections to Assam have increased commerce.
In 2014, two additional east–west highways were proposed: an Industrial Corridor Highway in the lower foothills, and a Frontier
Highway along the McMahon Line.[91][92][93][94] The proposed alignment of the Frontier Highway has been published.[95]
Railway[edit]
Arunachal Pradesh got its first railway line in late 2013 with the opening of the new link line from Harmuti on the main Rangpara
North–Murkongselak railway line to Naharlagun in Arunachal Pradesh. The construction of the 33-
kilometre 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad-gauge railway line was completed in 2012, and the link
became operational after the gauge conversion of the main line from Assam. The state capital Itanagar was added to the Indian
railway map on 12 April 2014 via the newly built 20-kilometre Harmuti-Naharlagun railway line, when a train from Dekargaon
in Assam reached Naharlagun railway station, 10 kilometres from the centre of Itanagar, a total distance of 181 kilometres. [96][97]
On 20 February 2015 the first through train was run from New Delhi to Naharlagun, flagged off from the capital by the Indian prime
minister, Narendra Modi. India plans to eventually extend the railway to Tawang, near the border with China.[98]