About Arunachal Pradesh - History Geography Festival Culture

History of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is also known as the Orchid State of India or the Paradise of the Botanists. When the name is literally translates it means "land of the dawn-lit mountains". According to Kalika purana and Mahabharata, this region was known as Prabhu Mountains where sage Parashuram washed away sins, King Bhishmaka founded his kingdom, the sage Vyasa meditated and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini. During British rule, they were many border issues, Sir Henry McMahon, gave a 550 miles boundary line as solution which was later rejected by the Chinese. Arunachal Pradesh was formerly known as North-East Frontier Agency. It got it present name on 20th January 1972 and it became Union Territory, which later became state on 20th February 1987.

Geography of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is situated on the most north-eastern position in India. It is neighbouring Assam and Nagaland. It shares international borders with Bhutan, Burma and China. The Kameng, the Lohit, the Subansiri, the Siang and the Tirap are the important rivers in the state. Arunachal Pradesh is spread in an area of 83743 sq kms making it the 15th largest state in the country.

Government and Administration of Arunachal Pradesh
For administration purpose Arunachal Pradesh is divided into 19 districts. All India Trinamool Congress is one of the major political parties in the state. The first Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly consisting of 33 members was formed on 4th March 1978, which lasted not more than 20 months. Arunachal Pradesh legislative assembly consists of 60 seats. Arunachal Pradesh contributes two members to the Indian Assembly.

Language and Culture of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh people are very polite and friendly. Most of them are either of Tibeto-Burman or indigenous tribal origin. They are 20 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes across the state. Music plays a major part in all the important occasion in the state. Most of the songs’ themes are based on stories related to creatures and animals. Pailibos and Baryi are the important folk songs in the state. People generally prefer group dances, in which men and women coordinate their steps. Aji Lamu, Roppi, Buiya, Hurkani, Ponung, Rekham Pada are some of the famous folk dances from Arunachal Pradesh. The Buddhist tribes are experts in making amazing masks. Silverwares, beautifully painted wooden vessels, carpet, paper makings, carpentry, pottery, weaving, smithy work, ivory work are some of the famous crafts in the state. Arunachal Pradesh is the home of at least 50 languages, which made it get a unique position in terms of linguistic diversity in Asia. Nishi is widely spoken in the state followed by Adi, Bengali, Nepali, Hindi, Monpa, Assamese, Wancho, Tangsa, Mishmi, Mishing, Nocte.

Educational Status of Arunachal Pradesh
Literacy rate of the state is approximately 67%. Rajiv Gandhi University, Indira Gandhi Technological and Medical Sciences University and Himalayan University are the important universities in the state. Arunachal Pradesh houses two polytechnic institutes, one law college and the College of Horticulture and Forestry. NIT is one of the premium colleges in the state.

Economy of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh’s GDP was 93.57 billion in the year 2012. Agriculture is the main driving factor of economy in the state followed by forest products. Wheat, pulses, sugarcane, rice, maize, millet, ginger, and oilseeds are the major corps in the state. State is suitable for horticulture and fruit orchards. Rice mills, fruit preservation and processing units and handloom handicrafts are the major industries in the state. Sawmills and plywood trades are prohibited under law within the state.

Tourism of Arunachal Pradesh
Itanagar has a historical fort from where the city got its name. Bombila has an elevation of 8500 feet and it houses many tribes making it one of the ideal Himalayan destinations. Tawan is one of the major tourist attractions in the state. It houses 400 year old Tawang monastery and it is also the birth place of Dalai Lama. Malinithan has old temple site in ruins which is 7-8 centuries old. They are 7 Wild Life Sanctuaries and 4 National Parks which are adding more to the tourist attractions of Arunachal Pradesh.

Festivals Celebrated in Arunachal Pradesh
The Siang River Festival is celebrated in the month of December and it is celebrates the communal harmony in the state. Pangsau Pass Winter Festival is celebrated in the month of January for three days. They celebrate the festival by performing folk dances and singing folk songs. Solung is an agriculture festival celebrated for 10 days in the month of July/August. Lossar Festival is celebrated for 8 to 10 days in the month of February/March to welcome the Monpa New Year. Apart from these they are many local festivals celebrated in the state.