There are about 20 Major tribes with a number of Sub-Tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. All of the tribes have their own way of living. All the tribes are distinct and each of them have their own occupations, customs, costumes and festivals. They inhabit in different parts of Arunachal Pardesh, India.
The Famous Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh :
Adis Tribal Culture
The Adis Tribe have two main divisions - the Bogum and the Bomis. Under both the
tribes there are a number of sub-tribes. The Minyongs, Karkos, Shimongs,
Bomdo, Janbos, Paggis, Pailibos, Bogum, Padams, Milangs and so on from one
group; while the Gallong and seven other groups form another group of Adis.
The Adis by nature are democratic and posses organised village council
called Kebang. Their traditional dance called Ponung is famous in the whole
of Arunachal Pradesh. Adi village tour will take you to the villages mostly located on the spurs of hills.
Polyandy is unknown but polygyny is practised. Adi women are very good
weavers and weave cloth with exquisitely artistic designs.
The Apatanis Tribe are settled agriculturist tribes domesticating the valley
around Ziro - the headquarters of Lower Subansiri district. The older
men-folk tie the hair in top-knots and tattoo the faces. Wearing of circular
nose plugs and tattooing of faces is the most common characteristics of
ornamentation of older Apatani women. However, present generation of
Apatanies have stopped this practice of tying hair knot, nose plugs and face
tattooing since early 1970s. The Apatani are good cultivators and practice
both wet and terrace cultivation. Paddy cum fish culture is very popular
among them. Unlike other tribes of Arunachal their economy is stable.
Mishmis Tribal Culture
Mishmis Tribe form the bulk of the population of Lohit, Upper Dibang Valley and
Lower Dibang Valley districts. There are also the Khamtis, the Singphos and
a few Adi settlement. The Mishmis are divided into three main groups namely
- Idus or Chulikatas, Digarus or Taroan and Mijus or Kaman. A section of the
Idu Mishmi are also called Bebejia Mishmi. Their women are expert weavers
and make excellent coats and blouses. Agriculture is the main occupation of
the people of this community. By nature they are traders. The chief items of
trade are deer musk, wild medicinal plants, animal skins , Mishimi
Monpas Tribal Cultural Tours
The Monpas Tribe are simple, gentle and friendly people. They possess a rich
heritage and culture. They dress well in artistically designed clothes.
Their communal life is rich and happy. Cultural tours of Monpas tribe will
give you an insight of the religious aspect of this tribe. They follow Buddhism and profess
Mahayana Buddhism, which centre round the Tawang Monastery.
Each house has a small chapel attached to it. Worth a visit heritage structure in Arunachal.
The Nyishi Tribe are the largest groups of people inhabiting the major part of
Lower Subansiri district. Their menfolk wear their hair long and tie it in a
knot just above the forehead. They wear cane bands around the waist. The
Sulungs or Puroik are considered to be one of the oldest of the tribes in
the area. Their dress and constumes are simple, and the religion is a form
of the ancient 'spirit culture'.
Singphos Tribal Culture
The Singphos Tribe tour represent a section of the Kachin tribe of Burma. They live on
the banks of Tengapani and Noa Dehang rivers. They are agriculturists and
expert blacksmiths. The ladies are good weavers. They follow the
Buddhist culture but at the same time believe in a host of spirit.
Khambas and Membas Tribal Culture
Khambas and Membas reside in the northern part of West Siang. They are
Buddhist by religion. Polyandry is prevalent among them. But it is more in
vogue among the Membas. A tribal tour will help you understand that why
agricultural activities are common among them.
Millet and Maize are their staple food. They also grow cotton and barle.
Sherdukpens Tribal Culture
The Sherdukpens are a small tribe. They are good agriculturist but their
main interest is in trade. Their religion is an interesting blend of
Mahayana Buddhism and tribal magico-religious beliefs.
Khamtis Tribal Culture
The Khamtis Tribe are believed to have migrated from the Shan states of Burma.
They are the only tribe in Arunachal who have a script of their own. They
are Buddhist (Hinayana cult) by religion, and bury the dead in a coffin.
They include Khamyang tribe.
The Wanchos Tribe inhabit the western part of Tirap district, bordering Nagaland.
They are a carefree, cheerful and hard-working people. Head hunting was
customary with them in the old days. It was connected with many of the
social activities of the tribe. Their society is divided into four classes
the Wanghams ( chiefs ), the Wangpana, the Wangaue and Wangaas. The women
are good weavers but the art is restricted to the members of the chiefs
families only. They are expert in wood carving also.
Noctes Tribal Culture
The Noctes Tribe live the central part of Tirap to the east of the Wanchos. They
are organised under powerful chief-those of Namsang and Borduria. They
profess Vaishnavism and are disciple of the Bareghar Satra of Nazira culture, Assam.
Noctes are famous as salt producers which is their chief item of trade and
barter. They are agriculturists. They also cultivate betel leaves on a
Buguns or Khowas Tribal Culture
The Buguns Tribe or Khowas of Arunachal are gentle, hospitable and affectionate
people. They are agriculturist and perform a number of rituals and
ceremonies for their well-being.
Hrusso or Akas Tribal Culture
The Hrusso or Akas Tribe have a culture of colourig their face with black marks.
They frequently figured in old historical records. They believe that, they
were associated with the Ahom Kings.They are keen traders and trade, mostly
in cloth, blankets, swords etc. They are influenced by both Hindu and
Buddhist rites.Special tours are organised by the Arunachal Pradesh
tourism and travel to experience the life of the famous tribes of in the region.
Tagins Tribal Culture
The Tagins Tribe are main inhabitant of Upper Sunansiri district. Their main
occupation is agriculture. Polygamy is a popular custom among them. Their
dress is very simple consisting of only one piece of cloth.
Yobin Tribal Culture
The Yobin Tribe, also called Lisus, are a small group of people living in the
remote easternmost part of the Tirap district. They are simple and gentle
people having their own culture, religion, faith and beliefs and dialect.