Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh

A major part of the population of Arunachal Pradesh comprises of tribes and one can witness around 25 tribal groups inhabiting the hills and the plains of this part of the country. The individual tribe groups have their age-old cultural heritage intact and it has been possible because of the mutual efforts by the Government. Patriarchy and primogenitary lie at the core of the society of Arunachal Pradesh. Since ages they have been following Endogamy and Exogamy. Many follow Polygamy as well. The tribal groups are democratic and the representatives are selected by the people like any other democratic state. Law and Order are imposed strictly and disputes are decided to the end of the welfare of the people as well the villages. Although there are a huge number of tribes inhabiting this region, it doesn’t become difficult to manage them. The tribal population is categorized under various homogenous groups based on social, political or religious associations. Lifestyle, occupation and castelessness are the threads of unity among these tribes. There are chiefs appointed for the management of each group and they are allotted specific social functions which they have to implement wholeheartedly. The instructions and the decisions of the older generation are passed on and implemented by young people belonging to dormitory institutions. Some of the chief tribes are : Adis : The Bogum and the Bomis are the chief divisions of this group which further split into the Karkos, the Bomdo, the Paggis, Padams, Minyongs, etc. Democratic villages, Ponung (famous dance form) and Polygyny are the unique features of this tribe. Apatanis : These tribes inhabit the regions surrounding the lower Subansiri district. They are chiefly agriculturalists and the womenfolk excel in tattooing their bodies and wearing a particular type of nose plug, circular in shape. Mishmis : The Lohit and the districts of the upper and lower Dibang Valley comprise of this tribe who are excellent weavers and agriculturalists. The Mijus, the Idus and the Digarus are the form the major three groups of this tribe. They have gained quite an expertise in trading deer musk, animal skin and medicinal plants. Monpas : These gentle and simple people cherish a rich heritage of culture and tradition of ancient times. The members of this tribe belong to Buddhism. The Wanchos, Buguns. Hrusso, Singphos, Khambas, Nyishis, Sherdukpens, Tagins, Khamtins, Noctens, etc. are the other chief tribal groups that inhabit this land of rich culture and heritage.