Arunachal Pradesh is a state in the northeastern part of India, bordering Bhutan, China, Myanmar, and the Indian states of Assam and Nagaland. It is known for its scenic beauty, rich biodiversity, and diverse culture. It is also one of the most disputed regions in Asia, as both India and China claim sovereignty over it. In this article, we will explore how this state got its name and some of the major events that shaped its history.
The name Arunachal Pradesh means "the land of dawn-lit mountains" in Sanskrit. It is derived from the word Aruna, which refers to the sun god in Hindu mythology, and Achal, which means mountain. The state is also called the "land of the rising sun" because it receives the first rays of the sun in India. The state was formerly known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which was a part of Assam until 1972.
The history of Arunachal Pradesh is shrouded in mystery and legend. It is believed that the region was inhabited by people of tribal origin since ancient times. Some of these tribes are mentioned in the Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, as well as other ancient texts such as the Kalika Purana and the Tantras. According to some legends, Lord Parashurama, King Bhismaka, and Princess Rukmini were from this region.
The earliest historical evidence of Arunachal Pradesh dates back to the 7th century CE, when a Tibetan king named Srongtsen Gampo built a temple at Tawang in the western part of the state. The temple was dedicated to Avalokiteshvara, a bodhisattva of compassion in Buddhism. The temple later became a monastery and a center of Tibetan Buddhism in the region.
In the 16th century, the Ahom kings of Assam extended their influence over parts of Arunachal Pradesh. They established trade and cultural ties with some of the tribes, such as the Monpas, Sherdukpens, Apatanis, and Mishmis. They also introduced their own script and language to these tribes. However, they faced resistance from other tribes, such as the Noctes, Wanchos, Tangsas, Singphos, and Khamtis, who were allied with the Burmese.
In the 18th century, the British East India Company began to explore and survey the region. They encountered fierce opposition from some of the tribes, especially the Abors (now called Adis), who attacked their expeditions several times. The British also had conflicts with the Tibetans and the Burmese over the region. In 1826, after defeating the Burmese in the First Anglo-Burmese War, the British acquired Assam and parts of Arunachal Pradesh under the Treaty of Yandabo.
In 1912-13, the British Indian government made agreements with some of the indigenous peoples of Arunachal Pradesh to set up four frontier tracts: Balipara tract in the west, Sadiya tract in the east, Abor and Mishmi hills tract in the south, and Tirap tract in the southeast. These tracts were collectively known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which was administered by the Governor of Assam.
The NEFA came under direct control of the Indian government in 1954, when it was placed under the Ministry of External Affairs. In 1965, it was transferred to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The NEFA also became a bone of contention between India and China, as both countries claimed sovereignty over it. The dispute escalated into a war in 1962, when Chinese troops invaded and occupied large parts of the NEFA. The war ended with a ceasefire and a unilateral withdrawal of Chinese forces to the McMahon Line, which was drawn by a British official in 1914 as the boundary between India and Tibet.
In 1972, the Indian government passed the North-Eastern Areas (Reorganization) Act, which led to the creation of the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The new state consisted of the entire NEFA region that was formerly part of Assam, and it became the 24th state of the Indian Union on February 20, 1987. The capital of Arunachal Pradesh was initially Shillong, which was also the capital of Assam and Meghalaya. In 1974, Itanagar was chosen as the new capital of Arunachal Pradesh.
The history of Arunachal Pradesh is not only a story of political changes and territorial disputes, but also a story of cultural diversity and social development. The state is home to more than 26 major tribes and numerous sub-tribes, who speak different languages and dialects belonging to the Tibeto-Burman and Tai-Kadai families. The state also has a rich heritage of art, literature, music, dance, religion, and folklore. The state has made significant progress in education, health care, infrastructure, tourism, and environmental conservation. The state also celebrates its foundation day every year on February 20 with various cultural programs and events.
