Arunachal
is one of the most sparesely populated states of India, borders China,
Bhutan and Myanmar. There are five major rivers - Kameng, Subansiri, Siang
(later the Brahmaputra in Assam), Lohit and Tirap and the mountain ranges
follow the river systems. Home to a complex mix of communities, its people
are friendly, colourful and simple. Its rich flora ranges from the Alpine to
the subtropical, from rhododendrons to orchids. Its verdant forests,
turbulent streams, lofty mountains and snow clad peaks make it a unique
place.
How to get there
Bomdila
Nearest airport is Tezpur (190kms) with daily flights from Calcutta.
Nearest railway station is Rangapara (100kms), Well-connected by daily bus
service from Tezpur.
Tawang
Nearest airport: Tezpur (345kms)
Nearest railhead: Rangapara (280kms)
Naharlagun & Itanagar
Nearest airport: Lilabari in Assam (56 kms from Naharlagun) (67 kms from
Itanagar)
Naharlagun is also connected by a Helicopter service from Guwahati.
Nearest railway station:
Harmuti (23 kms from Naharlagun)
North Lakhimpur (60kms from Itanagar) in Assam.
Climate
Population
Population of Arunachal Pradesh is 950,000
Tribals
There
are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting this area. Most of
these communities are ethnically similar having derived from the original
common stock but geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst
them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress and customs.
Broadly, the people have been divided into three cultural groups on the
basis of their socio-religious backgrounds. The Monpas and Sherdukpens of
Twang and West Kemeng districts follow the lamastic tradition of Mahayana
Buddhism. Noted for their religious beliefs, the villages of these
communities have highly decorated 'Gompas' . Though largely agriculturists,
many of these people are also pastoral and breed herds of Yak and mountain
Sheep. Culturally similiar to them are the 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.
The second group of people are the Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bungnis, Nishis,
Mishmis, Mijis, Thangsos etc. who worship the Sun and Moon God. Their
religious rituals largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles.
They invoke nature deities and make animal sacrifices. Adis and Apatanis
extensively practice wet-rice cultivation and have a considerable
agricultural economy. Apatanis are also famous for their paddy-cum-fish
culture. They have specialised over centuries in harvesting two crops of
fish, along with each crop of paddy.
The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos, adjoining Nagaland in the
Tirap district. These are hardy people known for their structured village
society in which the gereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The
Noctes also practise elementary form of Vaishnavism.
Faith & Culture
There
are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting this area. Most of
these communities are ethinically similiar having derived from the original
common stock but geographical isolation from each other has brought amongest
them certain distinctive chracteristics in language, dress and customs.
Broadly the people have been divided into three cultural groups on the
basis of their socio-religious backgrounds. The Monpas and Sherdukpens of
Twang and West Kemeng districts follow the lamastic tradition of Mahayana
Buddhism. Noted for their religious beliefs, the villages of these
communities have highly decorated 'Gompas' . Though largely agriculturist,
many of these people are also pastoral and breed herds of Yak and mountain
Sheep. Culturally similiar to them are the 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.
The second group of people are the Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bungnis, Nishis,
Mishmis, Mijis, Thangsos etc. who worship the Sun and Moon God. Their
religious rituals largely coincide with the phases of agricultural cycles.
They invoke nature deities and make animal sacrifices. Adis and Apatanis
extensively practice wet-rice cultivation and have a considerable
agricultural economy. Apatanis are also famous for their paddy-cum-fish
culture. They have specialised over centuries in harvesting two crops of
fish along with each crop of paddy.
The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos, adjoining Nagaland in the
Tirap district. These are hardy people known for their structured village
society in which the gereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The
Noctes also practise elementary form of Vaishnavism.
Flora & Fauna
In
Arunachal's rich flora and fauna, orchids find a place of pride. Out of
about a thousand species of orchids in India, over 500 are to be found in
Arunachal alone. These are colourful, spectacular and some bear exotic names
such as Sita-Pushpa and Draupadi-Pushpa, which are believed to have been
worn by these Goddesses. Arunachal Pradesh Forest Development Corporation
has developed an Orchid Research and Development Centre at Tippi in West
Kameng district for propogation and conservation of these species. In
addition to this Orchidorium at Tippi, two Orchid conservation sanctuaries
have been developed at Sessa and Dirang in West Kameng district.
The Wildlife of Arunachal Pradesh is equally rich and varied. Elephants and
tigers abound, especially in the grassy foothills and leopards and jungle
cats are quite common. The White browed gibbon is found in Tirap and Lohit
districts and red pandas and musk in the higher altitudes.
The 'Mithun' exists both in wild and semi-domesticated form. The
animal has religious significance and has intimate relation with
socio-cultural life of the people. Four wildlife sanctuaries at Pankuli,
Loli, Itanagar and Namdapha had been set up in 1979, covering an area of
3000 sq. kms.
