Arunachal Pradesh, as the name suggests, is
the land of rising sun- the eastern most state of India. Geographically the largest among the North
Eastern states, it is the most unexplored and inhibited state of India with
around 80% forest cover and the lowest population density in India. Gifted with
wide topographical variations, vegetation and wild life, Arunachal also roots
ancient civilization, traditional practices, folklore and rich culture and
heritage. The very fact that Arunachal is still the most unexplored part of
India makes it an anthropologist’s paradise.
Historical Evaluation
There is very less written or recorded evidence
available regarding the tribal history of Arunachal Pradesh as only few oral
literature and historical ruins lying along Himalayan foothills are obtainable.
Apart from these, a few references in history books of Assam refer to the
relations between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and influence implemented by ‘Ahom’
kings over a few tribal areas.
The People
Ethnic association of Arunachal Pradesh has
been described as Mongoloid, Indo-Mongoloid, Kiratas, Protomongoloid. Major
tribes of the State are Monpa, Miji, Aka, Adi, Nishyi, Apatani, Tagin,
Sherdukpen, Hill Miri, Digaru Mishmi, Idu Mishmi, Khamti, Nocte, Tangsa and
Wancho. Most of these tribes are ethnically alike, having derived from one
origin but due to geographical segregation certain distinctive characteristics
in each tribe in language, dress and customs are apparent. The Monpas and
Sherdukpens follow Buddhism. Other tribes like Adis, Akas, Nishyis, Apatanis,
Mishmis, Tangsas worship sun and moon as their God, Donyi-Polo. The Noctes
practice elementary form of Vaishnavism.
Languages
Linguistically, Arunachal Pradesh is the
richest and most diverse regions in all of Asia, being home to at least 30 to 50
different languages in addition to innumerable dialects and sub dialects. Though
the shifts in tribal identity and alignment over time have helped in the advancement
and evolvement of the languages there are a lot of things to be studied and
discovered.
Religion
The population of Arunachal Pradesh can be
segregated into three groups according to their spiritual belief. The first
group comprising the Monpas and Sherdukpens follow the ‘Lamaistic’ custom of
Mahayana Buddhism. Membas and Khambas are culturally similar to them. The
Khamptis and Singphos follow Hinayana Buddhism. The second group comprises
Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishyis, Mishmis, Mijis, Thongsas etc., who
traditionally worship the Sun and Moon God namely, Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani. The
third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos, and they practise elementary form of
Vaishnavism.
The second group strictly follows Paganism. A
few beliefs commonly shared by Pagans, includes pluralism, pantheism,
polytheism, and it is generally believed that divinity is found in mind and
nature.
The Nishyis are traditionally patriarchal and
they practice polygamy.
Apatanis and the bizarre custom of Nose Plugs
Till 1970, the Apatani women used to follow
the custom of wearing nose plugs and tattooing their face with horizontal lines
from forehead to the tip of nose and five lines on their chin. According to
beliefs this custom was instrumental in order to protect the women of the tribe.
It appears that, Apatani women are considered to be the most beautiful among
the Arunachal tribes, and hence their villages were constantly raided by
neighbouring tribes, and the women were kidnapped, to deter which, the Apatani
women started wearing these repulsive nose plugs and tattooing to make
themselves less attractive.
Festivals
Festivals form an indispensable part of
Socio-Cultural life of the people of Arunachal Pradesh. Each ethnic tribe of
the Arunachal Pradesh celebrate number of festivals related to agriculture,
religion and socio-cultural importance which give them plenty of occasions to
relax, to enjoy, eat and drink. Agriculture being the basic means of livelihood
the festivals having connection with agriculture, harvesting or planting is
celebrated in larger scale, to pray for abundant harvest or to thank for
the either to thank the God for the
luck. People in Arunachal celebrate one festival or other every month and hence
it is also known to be the land of festivals.
Some of the important festivals celebrated by
various tribes are: Lossar (Monpas),
Khan (Mijis), Nyokum (Nishyis), Boori Boot (Hill Miris), Dree (Apatanis),
Si-Donyi (Togins), Mopin (Adis), Solung ( Adis ), Aran (Adis), Tamladu
