Arunachal Pradesh means "land of the dawn lit mountains" in Sanskrit. It is also known as "land of the rising sun"("pradesh" means "state" or "region") in reference to its position as the easternmost state of India. Most of the people native to and/or living in Arunachal Pradesh are of Tibeto-Burman origin. A large and increasing number of migrants have reached Arunachal Pradesh from many other parts of India, although no reliable population count of the migrant population has been conducted, and percentage estimates of total population accordingly vary widely. Part of the famous Ledo Burma Road, which was a lifeline to China during World War II, passes through the eastern part of the state.
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.
Courtesy
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