People & Culture
Total literacy of the State rose to 54.74% from 41.59% in 1991. The number of
literates is 487,796. There are 20 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting
the area. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived from
and original common stock but their geographical isolation from each other has
brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dress
and customs.
THREE CULTURAL GROUPS : Broadly the people may be divided into three
cultural groups on the basis of their socio-religious affinities. The Monpas
and Sherdukpens of Tawang and West Kameng districts follow the lamaistic tradition
of Mahayana Buddhism. Noted for their religious fervour, the villages of these
communities have richly decorated Buddhist temples, locally called 'Gompas'.
Though largely agriculturists practising terrace cultivation, many of these
people are also pastoral and breed herds of yak and mountains sheep. Culturally
similar to them are Membas and Khambas who live in the high mountains along
the northern borders. Khamptis and Singphos inhabiting the eastern part of the
State are Buddhists of Hinayana sect. They are said to have migrated from Thailand
and Burma long ago and still using ancient scripts derived from their original
homeland.
The second group of the people are Adis, Akas, Apatanis, Bangnis, Nishis, Mishmis,
Mijis, Thongsas etc., who worship Sun and Moon God namely, Donyi-Polo and Abo-Tani,
the original ancestors for most of these tribes. Their religious rituals, largely
coincide with phases of agricultural cycles. They invoke nature deities and
make animal scarifices. They traditionally practice jhumming or shifting cultivation.
Adis and Apatanis extensively practice wet rice cultivation and have a considerable
agricultural economy. Apatanis are also famous for their paddy-cum-pisciculture.
They are specialised over centuries in harvesting two crops of fish along with
each crop of the paddy.
The third group comprises Noctes and Wanchos,adjoining Nagaland in the Tirap
District. These are hardy people known for their strictly structured village
society in which hereditary village chief still plays a vital role. The Noctes
also practise elementary form of Vaishnavism.
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