People & Culture in
Arunachal Pradesh
The population of Arunachal is 1,091,117 according to 2001 census and is scattered
over 12 towns and 3649 villages. The State has the lowest density of 13 persons
per sq. km. As against decadal growth rate of 21.34% at the national level,
the population of the State has grown by 26.21% over the period 1991-2001. The
sex ratio of Arunachal Pradesh at 901 females to 1000 males is lower than the
national average of 933.
Total literacy of the State rose to 54.74% from 41.59% in 1991. The number of
literates is 487,796. There are 20 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting
the area. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from
and original common stock but their geographical isolation from each other has
brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress
and customs.
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.
