State Establishment and Overview
* Establishment: Arunachal Pradesh became a full-fledged State of India on February 20, 1987.
* Note: Prior to this, it was the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) until 1972, when it became a Union Territory named Arunachal Pradesh.
* Capital: Itanagar.
* Borders:
* International: It shares international borders with Bhutan to the west, the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north and northeast (a border which is currently disputed), and Myanmar (Burma) to the east.
* Indian States: It borders the states of Assam and Nagaland to the south.
* Population (2011 Census): 1,382,611.
* Population Density (2011 Census): It is the least densely populated state in India, with only 17 persons per square kilometer.
Language and Religion
* Languages:
* The state is home to dozens of distinct ethnic groups that speak approximately 50 languages and dialects, mostly belonging to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.
* Due to the linguistic diversity, English is the official language, while Hindi and Assamese often serve as lingua francas.
* Prominent tribal languages include Nyishi, Adi, Galo, Tagin, Apatani, Monpa, Mishmi, Wancho, Nocte, and Khampti.
* Religion (as per 2011 Census):
* Christianity is the largest religion (30.26%).
* Hinduism (29.04%).
* Donyi-Polo and other indigenous faiths (26.2%)—Many tribal groups practice local, animistic religions (like Donyi-Polo, a reverence for the Sun 'Donyi' and the Moon 'Polo').
* Buddhism (11.77%) is significant, particularly among tribes near the Tibetan border (like the Monpas) and along the Myanmar border (like the Khamptis).
* Islam, Sikhism, and Jainism are present in smaller numbers.
Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh (Since 1975)
Here is a list of the Chief Ministers of Arunachal Pradesh since it became a Union Territory with its own legislative assembly (prior to full statehood in 1987), including the dates they joined and left office:
| Chief Minister | Party | Joined Office | Left Office |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prem Khandu Thungan | Janata Party | Aug 13, 1975 | Sep 18, 1979 |
| Tomo Riba | People's Party of Arunachal (PPA) | Sep 18, 1979 | Nov 3, 1979 |
| Gegong Apang | Indian National Congress (INC) / Arunachal Congress | Jan 18, 1980 | Jan 19, 1999 |
| Mukut Mithi | Arunachal Congress / INC | Jan 19, 1999 | Aug 3, 2003 |
| Gegong Apang | United Democratic Front / Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) | Aug 3, 2003 | Apr 9, 2007 |
| Dorjee Khandu | INC | Apr 9, 2007 | Apr 30, 2011 |
| Jarbom Gamlin | INC | May 5, 2011 | Nov 1, 2011 |
| Nabam Tuki | INC | Nov 1, 2011 | Jan 26, 2016 |
| Kalikho Pul | PPA | Feb 19, 2016 | Jul 13, 2016 |
| Nabam Tuki | INC | Jul 13, 2016 | Jul 17, 2016 |
| Pema Khandu | INC / PPA / BJP | Jul 17, 2016 | Present |
| (Multiple tenures and party changes occurred, the table above simplifies the major changes.) | | | |
President's Rule Imposition
President's Rule (Article 356) has been imposed in Arunachal Pradesh twice so far:
* First Time: November 3, 1979 to January 18, 1980 (Due to the fall of the government).
* Second Time: January 26, 2016 to February 19, 2016 (Due to a political crisis and loss of majority).
Famous Places and Products
Famous Places (Tourism & Culture)
Arunachal Pradesh, often called the "Land of the Dawn-Lit Mountains," is renowned for its natural beauty and cultural sites.
* Tawang Monastery: The largest monastery in India and the second largest in the world after the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. It is a major center for Mahayana Buddhism.
* Ziro Valley: Famous for the unique culture of the Apatani tribe and host to the annual Ziro Music Festival. It's recognized for its stunning rice fields and pine groves.
* Sela Pass and Sela Lake: A high-altitude mountain pass providing the only road access to Tawang, known for its breathtaking snow-covered views and sacred lake.
* Parasuram Kund: A major pilgrimage center located in the Lohit district, believed to be the place where sage Parashurama washed away his sin of matricide.
* Itanagar: Home to the historical Ita Fort (a 14th-15th century fort made of bricks) and the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum.
* Namdapha National Park: A major biodiversity hotspot, famous for its Tigers, Leopards, and Hoolock Gibbons.
Famous Products (Worldwide or in India)
The state is noted for its handicrafts and agriculture:
* Handicrafts and Handlooms:
* Carpet Weaving: High-quality, brightly colored, geometric-patterned woolen carpets, particularly from the Tibetan settlements and Monpa tribe.
* Wood Carving: Intricate carvings, masks, and tribal deities, especially by the Wancho and Konyak tribes.
* Bamboo and Cane Products: Baskets, hats, utility items, and furniture made from locally sourced cane and bamboo.
* Traditional Textiles: Distinctive tribal motifs and vibrant colored shawls, jackets, and skirts woven by various tribes.
* Agricultural Products:
* Kiwifruit: Arunachal Pradesh is a major commercial producer of kiwi in India.
* Oranges and Apples: The state is a producer of temperate fruits.
* Organic Spices: Including large cardamom and ginger.
