FACTS & FIGURES

   INTRODUCTION

A river of gold flows through this exotic land of dawn-lit mountains. And that’s only the beginning of the story. Mysterious, powerful and beautiful, with faces and moods that change dramatically ever so often, rivers with distinctive individualities form the colorful lifelines of Arunachal Pradesh-the land kissed by the first rays of the sun. Arunachal Pradesh, earlier known as Northeast Frontier Agency, and largest of the seven sisters of North East India, shares international boundaries with Bhutan, Tibet, China and Myanmar and state boundaries with Assam and Nagaland.

GEOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION

Location

Arunachal Pradesh stretches on the Northeast frontier of India from the foothills of the eastern Himalayas to their peaks. The state extends latitudes 26.42°N-29.30°N and longitudes 90.36°E- 97.30°E. One of the landlocked states of India, Arunachal Pradesh shares its border in the east with Myanmar, Bhutan in the west, China in the north, and Assam in the south.

Physical Features

A part of the Eastern Himalayas, Arunachal Pradesh stretches over 83,000 sq km. Almost 60% of the state area is covered by evergreen forests. Besides the forests, there are rivers, streams, mountains, and peaks, giving the state abundant variations in scenic beauty.

Climate

The climate of Arunachal Pradesh varies with the altitude. The southern part of the state has hot and humid sub-tropical climate. The central region is cooler while there is alpine climate in the higher altitudes. Rainfall is uneven and continues throughout the year though the wettest periods of the year are the months of May to September.

Flora and Fauna

The wide variety of altitudinal and climatic conditions account for the creation of different types of forests whose natural shelter and food harbor a range of fauna, some of which are peculiar to Arunachal Pradesh. It is the only state, which has four major cats-tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, snow leopard-and lesser felines species like the golden cat and marbled cat. More than 500 bird species have been recorded, many of which are highly endangered and restricted to this state like the white-winged duck, sclater monal, Bengal floricans, etc. This is the richest area for pheasants whose species vary with the different levels from the plains to the snow-clad mountains. Besides, there are seven species of primates including takin which is to be found only in Arunachal Pradesh. A large mammal called mithun-a cross between the wild gaur and domestic buffalo-is a majestic animal. Individual wealth is reckoned in terms of the number of mithuns possessed. Mithun counts for cash transactions and is looked upon as a precious part of a dowry. Arunachal Pradesh has an equally rich variety of reptiles, amphibian, and pisces. Pythons and snakes are commonly found in forests in the temperate zone. Arunachal Pradesh also has national parks and sanctuaries where strict rules are followed for the preservation of its rare fauna.

HISTORY

There is not much information available on the history of Arunachal Pradesh. The earliest recorded history dates back to 16th century AD when Ahom rulers of Assam extended their kingdom to this region. The Ahom rulers had a tradition of not interfering in the affairs of the tribes of this region. The British continued this policy, and in 1873, they banned entry of outsiders to this region. The Government of India continued this policy until 1962, when China attacked this region. After 1962, steps were taken to counter future border disputes with China, and roads, electricity, modern democratic institutions, and cash economy were introduced here.

Before 1962, the state was known as Northeast Frontier Agency and was constitutionally a part of Assam. Because of its strategic importance, it was administered by the Ministry of External Affairs until 1965 and subsequently by the Ministry of Home Affairs through the governor of Assam. In 1972, Arunachal Pradesh was constituted as a union territory, and, in 1987, it became the 24th state of the Indian Union.

INTRODUCTION

Ethnicity

There are some 26 main tribal strains among the people of Arunachal Pradesh. They are divided into numerous clans and sub-clans, each with a distinct linguistic, ethical, cultural, and social identity that sets them apart from each other. The population is therefore a mixed conglomerate to the point that one tribe differs from another in marked features such as dress, religious faiths, food habits, language and racial origin. However, the preeminent trait is their identical distinction as a tribal society far removed from the civilization existing in the adjacent parts of Assam, Meghalaya, and Bengal.

There are three belts of religion in Arunachal Pradesh. The tribes such as the Monpas and Sherdukpens in Kameng and Tawang district, who came in contact with the Tibetans in the north, adopted Lamaism of the Buddhist faith while the Khamtis in Lohit district, who are an early migration from Thailand, practice Mahayana Buddhism. There is a small population of the Noctis and Wanchoos in Tirap district whose long association with the Assamese to their south converted them to Hinduism. However, a large majority of the people maintains their ancient beliefs and indigenous religious concepts. They believe in a supernatural being that has different names among different tribes. The High God is considered to have two different existences-one in the Heavens and the other on Earth. Besides, they consider that a variety of spirits and deities, both benevolent and malevolent, determine and human fate. With unquestionable faith, they honor their pantheon of gods and recall them at the time of their fairs and festivals.

Arts and Crafts

The mastery in art and craft in Arunachal are passed down from one generation to the other. The major craft in this state is mask making by the Buddhist tribes, carpets, painted wooden vessels, silver articles, cane and bamboo work, shawls and jackets, and shoulder bags. The womenfolk of the region have a remarkable sense of color, and they use black, yellow, dark blue, green, and scarlet and put them together to create fascinating combinations. Monpas, the Buddhist community, are specialists in carpet weaving, with exotic designs of geometric and floral patterns and dragons. Other crafts include making religious images, figures of dancers, toys, and ornaments like multicolored beads, bamboo bangles and earrings, and papers for religious prayers.

Music and Dance

All the tribes have a wide range of dances, which serve varying purpose. By and large, these are community dances and the people have no tradition of individual dances to display excellence for art’s sake. Certain dances have a religious significance, such as in the worship of the gods or at the time of festivals. Others are a thanksgiving for handsome crops and yet others are performed for entertainment. Noctis and Wanchoos have war dances enacted both before launching an attack and to celebrate victory in battles.

Pantomime dances are very popular among the Monpa, Khamba, Mamba, and Sherdukpen tribes. The dancers wear a mask, which has a human, animal, or bird face and, through their movements and gestures, depict a mythical story. Thus, the Deer Pantomime tells the story of a deer chased, caught, and later released. It also provides the moral lesson of compassion towards animals as preached by Buddha. An example of the monastic dances is furnished by the annual Dawa Chukchipah Dance performed in the Tawang monastery to drive away evil spirits and bring prosperity. Such dances are accompanied by music played on trumpets, drums, cymbals, clarion, and conch shell. In other dances, such as the Punnung Dance of the Adis, no musical instruments are used, but the rhythm is provided by a Miri (leader) who uses a sword-scabbard combination to give the beat. In the case of the Nocti and Wanchoo dances, the dancers use spears and daos (steel blades) to enact threatening assault postures in headhunting. These dancers stamp the ground powerfully as they move forwards and sideways making deep sonorous noises providing a beat. The dancers generally wear gay regalia of varying materials, colors, and shapes for the different dances of the different tribes.

Fairs and Festivals

The people enjoy life, are convivial, warm and hospitable with a bubbling urge to make the most of the natural bounty. A rich variety of fairs and festivals provide them with seasonal occasions to get together en masse and enjoy the common brotherhood and a spirit of cooperation. The festivals mirror the people’s culture, their artistic genius, and skill at making music and dance forms. Practically each month of the year witnesses a festival of one tribe or the other. The festivals serve a two-fold purpose-as thanksgiving ceremonies in homage to God and His gift of good crops and freedom from want and disease.

The Losar Festival of the Monpas hails their new year and is celebrated for five days. The houses are cleaned and Buddhist prayers are offered for prosperity and good health. Colorful prayer flags are hoisted atop the temples and dwelling places. The Mopin Festival of the Galo tribe in Siang District lasts for five days when wealth, prosperity, and universal happiness are sought. The festivities of the Idu Mishmi Tribe of Lohit District are devoted to the appeasement of the deities for six days. It ends with a colorful fanfare and dances by the priests. A number of other festivals with religious and seasonal significance fill the days of the people with mirth and merrymaking.

Cuisine

Rice is the staple diet, which is extensively cultivated by all the tribes. It is taken in a boiled form mixed with vegetables, pulses, fish, potatoes, and meat. The people are not familiar with spices nor do they use fat as a frying medium. Poultry, pigs, and goats are reared for domestic use. The meat of the mithun is consumed with relish. The tribals make a light and nourishing drink known commonly as apang (rice beer).

Infrastructure

Industry

The state has witnessed rapid progress in the industrial development front. Considerable efforts have been made to develop medium and small-scale industries in the state. Local entrepreneurs are being encouraged to establish tea plantation in the state.

The important mineral in Arunachal Pradesh is petroleum. Besides, the state also has copper ore, gold and pyrites, limestone, dolomite and graphite located in the state.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the main occupation of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Food grain production is continuously increasing and many cash crops and horticultural crops are also being developed in the state.

Incentives

• Capital subsidy of 25%, up to Rs 25 lakh, of fixed assets in the region
• Special incentives for Hydel & gas-based power projects

TOURIST CENTERS

Arunachal provides a host of sites of tourist interest. Its capital at Itanagar tells the story of the Ita Fort built in the fourteenth century by King Ramchandra of Mayapur. Mallini Than is another unique site that goes back to the 10th and 12th century. It has an ancient temple housing sculptures of gods and goddesses of the Hindu iconographic school. Parasuram Kund and the Brahma Kund in the Lohit district are sacred places that attract thousands of pilgrims to take a dip in their holy waters and purge themselves of their sins. Bismaknagar and its fort in the Dibang valley are memorials to the Bhagwat Gita, story of Lord Krishna’s visit there and his elopement with a local girl, Rukmini.

The Tawang Monastery, constructed in the 17th century, houses a big library of holy books, some of which are written in gold letters. Situated atop a ridge and surrounded by thick clouds and mist, it seems to be hanging in ethereal space.

Such historical sites apart, Arunachal has a large number of beauty spots at various altitudes where one may relax and refresh oneself in a pollution-free environment. There are waterfalls, glades, forest groves where one may picnic, camp, or relax in an available rest house.

The state government has built a large number of circuit houses, guesthouses, forest bungalows, hotels, and tented accommodation for the comfort of visitors. For sheer natural scenic beauty, Arunachal Pradesh is a showcase of Nature.

HOW TO REACH

By Air

There are three airports in Arunachal Pradesh that are connected to Guwahati and Calcutta. There are regular buses from these places to major tourist destinations in Arunachal Pradesh.

By Rail

Arunachal does not have any railway connection at present. The nearest railway station to Itanagar is North Lakhimpur (60 km) in Assam. For other important places, the nearest railway stations are Silapathar for Along, Tinsukia for Tezu, and Margherita for Namdapha.

By Road

Arunachal Pradesh State Transport Corporation and private operators provide intercity and interstate bus connections that are reliable and comfortable. Guwahati is at a distance of around 381 km from Itanagar. Distances of some important places in Arunachal Pradesh from Itanagar are Mallini Than, 162 km; Bomdila, 360 km; Dirang, 403 km; Parasuram Kund, 795 km; Namdapha, 640 km; Ziro, 168 km; Pasighat, 280 km; and Along, 335 km.

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