About Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh, situated in the Northeastern part of our nation, is nearly 84,000 Sq. Kms. in the area and has a long international border with China to the North and North-East, Bhutan to the West, and Myanmar (Burma) to the East. It stretches from snowcapped mountains in the North to the plains of Brahmaputra Valley in the South. This State is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys, and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with Himalayan ranges along northern borders cress-crossed with mountain ranges running north-south.
The high mountains and dense forests have prevented intercommunication between tribes living in different river valleys. The isolation imposed by geography has led to over 26 major tribes with several dialects to live and flourish with their distinct identities.
The present Arunachal Pradesh was part of Assam and was known as the ‘North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)’. It gained union territory status in 1972 and was renamed “Arunachal Pradesh”.It became a full-fledged State in 1987. Administratively the State is divided into 16 districts. The capital of the State is Itanagar in papumpare district. Arunachal Pradesh finds mention in the literature of Kalika Purana and Mahabharata. This place is the ‘Prabhu’ mountains of the Puranas. It was here that Sage Parasurama atoned for his sin, sage Vyasa meditated, king Bhishmaka founded his Kingdom and Lord Krishna married his consort Rukmini. The widely scattered archeological remains at different parts of the state bear testimony to its rich cultural heritage.
The population of Arunachal Pradesh is10,91,117 according to the 2001 census and is scattered over 12 towns and 3649 villages. The population is predominantly tribal (Janajati). The Literacy Rate is 54.74% (64.07% of males and 44.24% of females). There are 26 major tribes and a number of sub-tribes inhabiting the area. Most of these communities are ethnically similar, having derived an original common stock. But their geographical isolation from each other has brought amongst them certain distinctive characteristics in language, dresses, and customs.
The Overall Literacy Rate of the State is 54.74%.
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