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 Tribes are :
Adis
The Adis 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 villages are 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. Apatanis
The Apatanis 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
Mishmis 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 – tita etc.
Monpas
The Monpas 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. They follow Buddhism and profess Mahayana Buddhism, which centre round the Tawang Monastery. Each house has a small chapel attached to it. Nyishi
The Nyishi 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
The Singphos 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 are the followers of Buddhism but at the same time believe in a host of spirit.
Khambas and Membas
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. Agricultural activities are common among them. Millet and Maize are their staple food. They also grow cotton and barle.
Sherdukpens
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
The Khamtis 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. Wanchos
The Wanchos 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 chief’s families only. They are expert in wood carving also.
Noctes
The Noctes 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, 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 commercial scale.
Buguns or Khowas
The Buguns 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
The Hrusso or Akas have a custom 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.
Tagins
The Tagins 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
The Yobin, 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.
