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Itanagar |
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On the northeast
frontier of India Arunachal Pradesh stretches from the foothills of
the eastern Himalayas to their peaks. The Brahmaputra known here as
the Siang River enters the state from China and flows through a
deeply cut valley. Stretching from the snow-capped mountains of the
Himalaya to the steamy plains of the Brahmaputra valley there is an
extraordinary range of forests from the Alpine to the
sub-tropical-from rhododendrons to orchid’s reeds and bamboo.
The state borders China Bhutan and Myanmar. It is Northeast India’s
largest and most remote state. It has no railways and only three of
their towns have got air links. Because Arunachal Pradesh borders
Bhutan China and Myanmar (Burma) it is politically sensitive and has
been off-limits to foreigners until recently. The state hosts about
65 tribes including the Adi (the largest group) in the along area
the Mishmi in the ranges northeast of Pashighat and the Nishi around
Itanagar.
There are five major rivers – Kameng. Subansiri Silang (the
Brahmaputra) Lohit and Tirap. They nourish and nurture an
extraordinary range of forests from the Alpine to the sub-tropical.
Arunachal Pradesh is an orchid lover’s paradise with over 550
identified species.
Its verdant forests turbulent streams lofty mountains and snow-clad
peaks make it a unique place offering numerous opportunities for
rafting hiking and mountaineering. The wildlife includes elephants,
clouded leopard, snow leopard, tiger, sloth bear, Himalayan black
bear, red panda and musk deer. The Namdapha National Park is near
Miao.
Arunachal Pradesh finds a mention in ancient literature and is
reputed to be the place where Sage Vyasa the author of Mahabharata
mediated. Ruins scattered around two villages in the north of Roing
is considered as the birthplace of Rukmini the consort of Lord
Krishna. The sixth Dalai Lama was born here. Arunachal Pradesh is
also home to innumerable Buddhist treasures.
However the largely untouched tribal heritage and culture is a major
draw to this quaint and exotic state.
History and Culture
Assam’s Ahom dynasty had a non-interesting policy with the hill
tribes. A Policy continued by successive rulers till 1873 when
British troops stopped free movement. The region was largely ignored
till 1962 when China invaded it. They advanced as far as Tezpur in
Assam before withdrawing. India fortified the borders with roads and
military bases. Arunachal Pradesh became a full-fledged state in
1987. The people are its greatest attraction. There are over 115
tribes with their distinct customs languages and rituals. Like for
example the proud warriors of the Nishi tribe can be seen in and
around the capital Itanagar dressed in their hornbill caps bearskin
bags and knives in their monkey skin scabbards. |
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