Lets Start with Arunachal Pradesh General Knowledge. Arunachal Pradesh is an Indian state characterized as the “Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains.” The neighboring countries of the state are Bhutan, China (Tibet), Myanmar, and the other two main states of Assam and Nagaland, India. One of the most important places due to its unique culture, rich tribal population, and breathtaking views, Arunachal Pradesh has great historical and geopolitical importance
1. General Geography:
Capital: Itanagar
Largest City: Itanagar
Area: 83,743 km² (32,333 sq mi)
Borders: North: China (Tibet), West: Bhutan, East: Myanmar, South: Assam and Nagaland.
Major Rivers: The Brahmaputra, locally known as Siang in Arunachal, and its significant tributaries like Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit rivers.
Mountain Range: Eastern Himalayas which consists of Kangto and Nyegi Kangsang peaks.
2. District Divisions:
Arunachal Pradesh has been divided into 26 districts. Each one of these districts is unique in its own culture, topography, and administration:
- Tawang
- West Kameng
- East Kameng
- Papum Pare
- Kurung Kumey
- Kra Daadi
- Lower Subansiri
- Upper Subansiri
- West Siang
- East Siang
- Siang
- Lower Siang
- Upper Siang
- Dibang Valley
- Lower Dibang Valley
- Anjaw
- Lohit
- Namsai
- Changlang
- Tirap
- Longding
- Kamle
- Pakke-Kessang
- Lepa-Rada
- Shi-Yomi
- Itanagar Capital Complex (newly formed for better administration)
3. History of Arunachal Pradesh:
Ancient Era: The region is said to be associated with Rukmini, the wife of Lord Krishna, and Bhishma in the Indian epics like Mahabharata. Also, it is said to have links with the Purana legends of Parashurama.
Modern History: Initially, it was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) under British India. It was declared a Union Territory in 1972 and became a full state on February 20, 1987.
4. People and Culture:
Arunachal Pradesh has 26 major tribes and more than 100 sub-tribes. The languages, customs, festivals, and traditions are distinct for every tribe. The main tribes include:
- Nyishi
- Monpa
- Apatani
- Adi
- Mishing
- Tagin
- Wancho
- Sherdukpen
Festivals:
Losar: This is celebrated by the Monpa tribe as the Tibetan New Year.
Solung: Harvest Festival, Adi tribe
Dree: Agricultural Festival of Apatani tribe
Si-Donyi: Nature worship and deities on the part of Tagin tribe
5. Biodiversity and Natural Resources
Arunachal Pradesh forms a biodiversity hotspot with abundant flora and fauna.
Namdapha National Park: it is known for its rich diversity in various ecosystems, species of tigers, clouded leopards, red panda, etc.
Pakke Tiger Reserve: is celebrated for Bengal tigers.
Orchids: Arunachal is called the “Orchid State of India,” with more than 500 species of orchids.
Wildlife Sanctuaries:
- Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary
- Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary
- Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary
6. Major Tourist Attractions:
Tawang Monastery: The largest monastery in India, second-largest in the world.
Ziro Valley: Known for its beauty and the Ziro Music Festival.
Sela Pass: A high altitude mountain pass with breathtaking view.
Bomdila: A scenic town more known for its Buddhist monasteries and trekking routes.
7. Economy:
Agriculture: The state economy is agri-based, in which rice, maize, millet, and pulses are typical crops.
Hydroelectric Potential: The hydropower generating capability is immense in Arunachal Pradesh. Several projects are underway to harness this potential.
Handicrafts: Bamboo and cane craft, weaving, and woodcarving are primary activities in the state.
8. Political Structure and Importance:
Current Chief Minister: Pema Khandu
Current Governor: Lt. Gen. Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik
It holds high geopolitical significance in terms of a long boundary that aligns with China, especially in the Tawang area where border disputes are present.
9. Education and Literacy:
Key Colleges/Universities:
- Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh
- North Eastern Regional Institute of Science and Technology (NERIST), Nirjuli
Literacy Percentage: Nearly 66.95% (Census 2011)
It has shown improvements in education. Most of the remote areas are yet to be able to reach proper schools and above all, universities.
10. Infrastructure Issues:
Road Connectivity: The hilly terrain makes infrastructures, especially roads, a major challenge. In recent years, there have been initiatives like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to improve rural connectivity.
Healthcare: Healthcare accessibility remains a challenge, particularly in rural/remote regions of the state.
11. Language:
Official Language: English
Indigenous Languages: Nyishi, Adi, Monpa, Apatani, Galo, etc.
12. Districts of Arunachal Pradesh:
Tawang: Tawang Monastery.
West Kameng District: Full of colorful landscapes, trekking routes and exercises.
East Kameng District: Rich in culture and possessing numerous tribes.
Papum Pare: The Itanagar, the state capital resides here
Kurung Kumey : Scenic District, recently formed
Kra Daadi: Natural beauty and good old traditional life, rich in tribal culture.
Lower Subansiri: Apatani tribe, Ziro Valley, rich in culture.
Upper Subansiri: Beautiful tourist district, rich in culture.
West Siang: All activities and traditions performed by the tribal.
East Siang: Agricultural produce in abundance.
Siang: Formed recently and high biodiversity.
Lower Siang: Formed recently and it is purely a development-oriented district.
Upper Siang: The district is remote and scintillating with its natural forests.
Dibang Valley: It is poor in population density but rich in biodiversity.
Lower Dibang Valley: Evident for wildlife sanctuary.
Anjaw: Neighbouring China; the district is as beautiful as any similar district.
Lohit: Rich in various tribes and culture.
Namsai: Shown to be distinct in respect of culture and agriculture.
Changlang: The district is evident for Namdapha National Park.
Tirap: Highly rich in cultural heritage, but insurgency within the district has caused it.
Longding: Borders with Nagaland and the Wangcho tribe.
Kamle: Newly constituted district.
Pakke-Kessang: Pakke Tiger Reserve.
Lepa-Rada: Newly constituted district, an emerging focus of development.
Shi-Yomi: Borders with China. Very remote location beautiful.
Itanagar Capital Complex: The state capital
13. Important Facts:
State Animal: Mithun (Bos frontalis).
State Bird: Great Hornbill.
State Flower: Lady’s Slipper Orchid.
State Tree: Hollong.
14. Challenges:
Boundary Disputes with China: Tawang is the region under dispute between India and China.
Recess Locations: Infrastructure, healthcare, and education are some of the challenges that do face the state in the more remote areas.
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