I.

Introduction

Arunachal Pradesh, sparsely populated and mountainous state, north-east India, bordered on the south by Assam State, on the west by Bhutan, on the north and north-east by Tibet, and on the east by Myanmar. The former North East Frontier Agency, the region became the union territory of Arunachal Pradesh (“Land of the Rising Sun”) in 1972, and India’s 24th state in December 1986. Arunachal Pradesh has an area of 83,743 sq km (32,333 sq mi).

II.

Physical Geography

The terrain rises through a series of foothills in the south to the Lesser Himalaya mountains and, on the Tibetan border, to the ranges of the Great Himalaya. The state’s main rivers are the Brahmaputra, known in Arunachal Pradesh as the Siang, and its tributaries—the Tirap, the Lohit, the Subansiri, and the Kameng. The climate of the foothills is subtropical; in the mountains, temperatures decrease rapidly with altitude. Rainfall averages between 2,000 and 4,000 mm (80 to 160 in) a year. The state’s diverse terrain and climate is reflected in its plant and animal life. There are over 500 species of orchid, and the abundant forests range from alpine to subtropical. Animals inhabiting Arunachal Pradesh include tigers, leopards, elephants, red pandas, and deer.

III.

Population

Arunachal Pradesh has a population of 1,091,117 (2001), giving an average density of just over 13 people per sq km (nearly 34 per sq mi). Itanagar, the state capital, has a population of 16,545 (1991). Smaller settlements include Pasighat, Tawang, and Tezu.

Arunachal Pradesh has a largely tribal society, and its people are of diverse origins and distinct cultures. There are 20 main ethnic groups and more than 50 languages; Assamese, Hindi, and English tend to be used as lingua francas. Animism is the dominant form of religion, but there are also strong Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The Tawang Buddhist monastery, dating from the 17th century, is one of the largest in India; the sixth Dalai Lama was born there.

IV.

Economy

The economy is predominantly agricultural and, in many areas, based on shifting cultivation (jhum). The principal crop is rice. Maize, millet, wheat, pulses, potatoes, sugar cane, fruit, and oilseeds are also important. Industry is small scale and includes timber, rice, and oil mills; soap and candle making; sericulture; and handicrafts. The economic potential of Arunachal Pradesh’s forests and rivers, and of its coal, oil, and other mineral deposits (including limestone, dolomite, graphite, and quartzite) remains largely unrealized. Hydroelectric plants are in operation on the Brahmaputra. The terrain makes modern transport difficult and the state has no airport or railway system, although there is a strong trading tradition within the region. In 1992 Arunachal Pradesh was opened up to limited tourism; by early 2003, the tourist industry, in particular ecotourism, was steadily developing and had become a valuable source of revenue for the state’s economy. Popular visitor attractions include the state’s natural resources and wildlife sanctuaries—rare and endangered species, including tigers, snow leopards, binturongs, and slow lorises, can be seen at Namdapha National Park.

V.

Government

Arunachal Pradesh has a single chamber legislative assembly with 60 seats and sends three members to the Indian national parliament—one to the Rajya Sabha (upper house); two to the Lok Sabha (lower house). In the 2004 elections the state’s two Lok Sabha seats were won by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Local government is based on 12 administrative districts.

VI.

History

The region of what is now Arunachal Pradesh is mentioned in the Sanskrit writings, the Puranas, but otherwise little is known of the state’s early history. Part was annexed by the Ahom kings of Assam in the 16th century. In 1826 Assam became part of British India; some 60 years later the first efforts were made to bring Arunachal Pradesh under British administration. In 1912 the region became an administrative unit within Assam, called the North Eastern Frontier Tract (NEFT); in 1954 the NEFT became the North East Frontier Agency. The northern boundary has been disputed since 1913, when China rejected British proposals that the frontier with Tibet should follow the crest of the Himalaya. This proposed border, known as the McMahon line, has served as the de facto boundary since. Following Indian independence in 1947, China laid claim to almost the whole area of Arunachal Pradesh. Between 1959 and 1962 Chinese troops crossed the McMahon line several times, temporarily seizing border posts and capturing Indian troops (see Sino-Indian War). The eastern border of Arunachal Pradesh remains disputed between India and China.