Other Spellings / Synonyms:
Arunachali, Arunachal People, Arunachalis
Religion: Majority of Aurnachali people follow Buddhism. The
other religions followed are Hinduism, Islam, Christianity.
Language: Main languages spoken in the state are Assamese,
Bengali, Hindi, English, Adi, Nishi, Monpa
Regional Spread: Mainly Arunachal Pradesh – north east
state in India
Population: 1,091,117 (according to 2001 census)
Food Habits: Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian
Marriage Preference: Seek marriage alliance within their own
caste and community.
Famous Personalities:
- Gegong Apang (CM of Arunachal Pradesh)
- Mukut Mithi (Ex-CM of Arunachal Pradesh)
- Rajani Kanta Patir (administrator)
- Mrinal Miri (scholar)
History and Origin:
bout 65% of the Arunachalis belong to 20 major-collective tribes and
82 tribes, who had a heritage of a diverse and rich culture,
language and beliefs. Most of them are either of Tibetan or of
Thai-Burmese origin. Another 35% of the population are immigrants
including Bangladeshi, Bodo Hajong and Chakma expatriates, and
immigrants from other parts of India, notably Assam and Nagaland.
Most notable tribes include the Adi, Nishi Monpa and Apa Tani.
Broadly the Arunachal 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 Lamaism tradition of Mahayana Buddhism.
- Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishis, Mishmis, Mijis,
Thongsas etc. 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 sacrifices.
- The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos,adjoining
Nagaland in the Tirap District. The Noctes also practise
elementary form of Vaishnavism.
