12 Interesting Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

12 Interesting Facts About Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal Pradesh is a beautiful state located in the northeastern region of India, bordered by Bhutan, China, and Myanmar. The land is of stunning mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and mesmerizing waterfalls! This state is renowned for its natural beauty, diverse flora and fauna, and unique cultural heritage.

In addition,  Arunachal Pradesh is home to several tribes and ethnic groups, each with its unique customs, traditions, and festivals. So, let’s embark on a virtual tour of this beautiful state and learn more about its history, culture, and tourism. Here are 12 interesting facts about Arunachal Pradesh that will give you a glimpse into its rich history and culture.

  • The Monpa Kingdom of Monyul held the north-western regions of Arunachal Pradesh from 500 BCE- 600 CE. The remaining territories of the state were under the rule of the Chutia Kings of Assam.
  • The British Indian governance made contracts with the indigenous people of the Himalayas of Northeastern India during 1912-1913 to form the North-East Boundary Tracts.
  • These tracts were divided into three areas: Ballipara Frontier Tract, Lakhimpur Frontier Tract, and Sadiya Frontier Tract.
  • During 1913-1914, the representatives of the de facto autonomous state of Tibet and Britain met in India to represent the borders of ‘Outer Tibet’. Sir Henry McMahon pulled the 550 miles McMahon Line between British India and Tibet, but the Chinese representative did not concur. The Simla Accord denies other advantages to China while it denies to concurrence to the Accord.
  • The Chinese standing was that Tibet was not Independent of China and could not sign covenants, so the Accord was invalid, like the Anglo-Chinese and Anglo-Russian conventions.
  • The North-East Frontier Agency was imprisoned in Arunachal Pradesh by Bibhabasu Das Shastri, the head of Research, & K.A.A. Raja, the Chief Commissioner of Arunachal Pradesh on 20th January 1972

List of the 12 Interesting facts about Arunachal Pradesh

1. The Land of the Rising Sun

Arunachal Pradesh is also known as the “Land of the Rising Sun” as it is the easternmost state of India. The sun rises first in Arunachal Pradesh and spreads its golden rays. This title is aptly given to the state, as the first rays of the sun hit the easternmost tip of the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh. Making it the first place in India to witness the sunrise.

2. Home to Over 100 Tribes

The tribal population of Arunachal Pradesh makes up more than 60% of the state’s population. These tribes have lived in the region for centuries, preserving their cultural heritage and way of life. Some of the major tribes of the state are Adi, Apatani, Nyishi, Galo, Tagin, and Monpa.

The Adi tribe is the largest in Arunachal Pradesh, and they are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditions. The Apatani tribe is known for its unique practice of wet rice cultivation, where they use terraced fields to cultivate rice. The Monpa tribe is the largest in the Tawang district of Arunachal Pradesh and is known for its traditional way of life, Tibetan-influenced culture, etc.

3. A Cultural Melting Pot

Due to the presence of so many tribes, Arunachal Pradesh is a cultural melting pot. The state celebrates many festivals, including Losar, Mopin, and Solung, which showcase the diverse traditions and customs of the people. Due to the presence of so many tribes, Arunachal Pradesh is a cultural melting pot. 

The state celebrates many festivals, including Losar, Mopin, and Solung, which showcase the diverse traditions and customs of the people. The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are known for their vibrant and colorful festivals celebrated throughout the year. The celebrations are a reflection of the tribal customs and traditions and provide a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the state.

One of the most significant festivals of Arunachal Pradesh is the Ziro Music Festival, which is held annually in the Ziro Valley. The festival attracts music lovers from all over the world and celebrates the state’s diverse musical cultures. Another significant festival of Arunachal Pradesh is the Tawang Festival, which is held in the Tawang district.

4. Land of the Monpas

Tawang is known for its rich cultural heritage, with the Monpa tribe being the predominant community in the region. The Monpas are known for their unique customs, traditions, and way of life, making Tawang a cultural destination in India.

The Monpas are a small but vibrant community that has been living in the region for centuries, preserving their cultural heritage and way of life. They are known for their colorful festivals, unique traditional practices, and delicious cuisine.

One of the most significant festivals of the Monpas is Losar, which marks the beginning of the Tibetan New Year. The festival is celebrated enthusiastically and is a time for family reunions, feasting, and exchanging gifts.

5. The Birthplace of the Brahmaputra

The Brahmaputra river, one of the largest in Asia, originates in Tibet and flows through Arunachal Pradesh before entering India. The river is known as the Siang in Arunachal Pradesh and is a major source of water for the state.

The Brahmaputra River is not just a natural wonder. It also has immense cultural and religious significance for the people. For the indigenous tribes of this state, the river is a source of life. It is also a source of spirituality. Many of the tribes believe that the river is inhabited by powerful deities who watch over them.

6. A Hub for Biodiversity

Arunachal Pradesh is a biodiversity hotspot and is home to many rare and endangered species of flora and fauna. The state is also known for its orchids, with over 600 species found here. The state has over 5000 plant species, including several rare and endangered ones. Arunachal Pradesh is also home to several medicinal plants, which have been traditionally used by the local communities for their healing properties.

The state is also rich in animal diversity, with over 600 species of birds, 100 species of mammals, and many reptiles, amphibians, and fish. Some of the iconic species include the clouded leopard, the Asiatic black bear, the red panda, and the hoolock gibbon.

7. A Land of Adventure

The state is a land of adventure. It is known for its rugged terrain, snow-capped peaks, and pristine natural beauty. This attracts adventure enthusiasts from all over the world.

It offers a range of adventure activities, such as trekking, mountaineering, river rafting, kayaking, and camping. Some of the popular trekking routes in the state include the Dibang Valley trek, the Mechuka trek, and the Talle Valley trek. These treks take you through some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes in the state.

Arunachal Pradesh is also home to several peaks that are popular among mountaineers. The state has several unexplored peaks, as well as some of the highest peaks. They are the Kangto, Gorichen, and Nyegi Kangsang.

8. A Strategic Border State

Arunachal Pradesh shares its borders with Bhutan, China, and Myanmar, making it a strategically important state for India. The state is heavily guarded by the Indian army. It is an important line of defense for the country. The state is rich in natural resources such as hydroelectric power, minerals, and timber. Its location makes it an important gateway for trade between India and Southeast Asia.

The state has several military bases and outposts, which play a crucial role. The Indian Army has a significant presence in the state, with several battalions deployed in the region. The state has also been a subject of territorial disputes between India and China, with both countries claiming parts of the state as their own.

9. A Haven for Buddhism

Arunachal Pradesh, a state located in the northeastern region of India, is a haven for Buddhism. The state is home to several important Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites, which attract Buddhist devotees from all over the world.

The state has a rich history of Buddhism, with the religion being introduced in the region by Tibetan monks in the 7th century. Over the years, Buddhism has become an integral part of the state’s culture and traditions.

One of the most important Buddhist sites in the state is Tawang Monastery, which is located in the town of Tawang. The monastery, which is over 400 years old, is one of the largest in India and is home to several precious Buddhist scriptures and artifacts.

10. The Only Indian State with a Majority of Followers of Indigenous Religions

While India is known as a Hindu-majority country, Arunachal Pradesh is unique in that. It has a majority of followers of indigenous religions. The indigenous religions of Arunachal Pradesh are animistic and are based on the worship of nature and ancestors. The local communities believe in the existence of spirits. These are believed to inhabit natural elements such as rocks, trees, and rivers.

The state’s indigenous religions have been able to withstand the influence of external religions, such as Hinduism, Buddhism, and Christianity. This is in part due to the remote and inaccessible nature of the region, which has allowed the local communities to preserve their traditional beliefs and practices.

11. Unique Cuisine

The state’s cuisine is primarily based on rice, meat, fish, and vegetables. The local communities use a variety of herbs and spices in their cooking, such as ginger, garlic, coriander, and chilies. One of the most popular dishes in the state is the bamboo shoot pickle, which is made by fermenting bamboo shoots with mustard oil, salt, and spices. The pickle is served as a condiment with rice and meat dishes.

Another popular dish in the state is the thukpa, which is a type of noodle soup. The thukpa is made with meat, vegetables, and noodles, and is flavored with ginger, garlic, and chilies. The state is also known for its smoked meats, such as pork, beef, and fish. The meats are smoked over a fire of juniper wood, which gives them a unique flavor and aroma.

12. A Haven for Botanists

The state’s diverse terrain, which includes mountains, valleys, and forests, provides a range of habitats for different plant species.

One of the most notable plant species found in the state is the Himalayan rhododendron, which is found in the high-altitude forests of the state. The state is also home to several species of orchids, which are found in the lower-altitude forests and valleys.

The state’s forests are also home to several medicinal plants, which have been used by the local communities for centuries to treat various ailments. These plants include the Indian gooseberry, Himalayan yew, and Himalayan nettle.

Wrap Up

The 12 interesting facts about Arunachal Pradesh are just a glimpse into the many wonders this state has to offer. From being the “Land of the Rising Sun” to having the largest monastery in India, Arunachal Pradesh is a unique and culturally rich state that has something for everyone.

With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and diverse culture, Arunachal Pradesh is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. So, if you’re looking for a new adventure, pack your bags and head to Arunachal Pradesh to experience all that this state has to offer.

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