Introduction

Arunachal Pradesh ,one of the most sparsely populated states of India, covers an area of 83743 sq. Kms. This region acquired an independent political status in January 20, 1972, when it was declared as Union Territory under the name of Arunachal Pradesh. The state of Arunachal Pradesh Bill was passed by the Parliament in 1986 and with effect from February 20, 1987 Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state of Indian Union.  

It is a land of lush green forests, deep river valleys and beautiful plateaus. The land is mostly mountainous with the Himalayan range along the northern borders criss-crossed with ranges running north-south. These divide the state into five river valleys: the Kameng, the Subansiri, the Siang, the Lohit and the Tirap. All these are fed by snow from the Himalayas and countless rivers and rivulets

History

Uttar Pradesh forms a major area of the Northern fertile plain or the Indo-Gangetic plain. This area is said to have been occupied by the group of people referred to as "Dasas" by the Aryans. Their main occupation of these inhabitants was agriculture. Till BC 2000 the Aryans had not settled in this region. It was through conquest that the Aryans occupied this area and laid the foundations of a Hindu civilization. The regions of Uttar Pradesh was said to have been the ancient Panchala country. The great war of the Mahabharata between the Kauravas and Pandavas was said to have been fought here. Besides the Kurus and Panchalas the Vatsas, the Kosis, Hosalas, Videhas etc formed the early region of Uttar Pradesh. These areas were called Madhyadesa. It was during the Aryan inhabitation that the epics of Mahabharata, Ramayana, the Brahamanas  and Puranas were written. During the reign of Ashoka, works for public welfare was taken up. Having rich resources there was active trade within and outside the country. The rule of the Magadha empire brought Buddhism and Jainism into this region. This period witnessed administrative and economic advancement.

The Kushanas exercised their power over this region till 320AD. The territory passed into the hands of the Guptas during whose rule, the Huns invaded this region. After the decline of the Guptas, the Maukharis of Kannauj gained power. During the rule of Harshavardhana, Kannauj was an important city. After his rule political chaso set it. It was amidst this confusion that the Muslims invaded into Utter Pradesh though the society was dominated by the Rajputs, jats and other local chiefs. In 1016AD Mahmud of Ghazni laid his eyes on the wealth of Kannauj. He was followed by Mohammad Ghori. Throughout the rule of the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, the territory progressed. After the Mughals the Jats, the Rohillas, and the Marathas established their rule. By 1803 the British controlled this region and annexed it by 1856. It was in the Uttar Pradesh (The period between 1857-58) that the first struggle for liberation from the British yoke was unleashed. The revolt was suppressed and from then till independence it remained under British dominance. In 1950 the state was organised and named as Uttar Pradesh.

Tribal Population

Arunachal Pradesh is mainly a tribal society. The tribes make up for nearly 64% of the total population of the state. The tribal population is primarily of the Mongoloid and Tibeto-Burmese stock.
Some of the more important tribes are the Apatanis, the Khamptis, the Padmas and the Miris. Tribal customs bind the tribesmen together into a solid community. Festivals play a big role in their lives. The more important ones are Losar, Khan, Mopin and Mol that are marked by merrymaking and processions, and have all and sundry joining in the celebrations.

Agriculture and Industries

 Being a tribal society,of India Arunachal Pradesh is a rural economy. 88% of the state's population lives in the rural areas. Agriculture is the mainstay of the people. Apart from rice that is the staple crop of the state, maize, pulses, millets, potatoes, oilseeds and sugarcane are also grown. The physical features of Arunachal Pradesh are very conducive to shifting cultivation. The state offers great potential for tourism besides industrial development as it has far-flung forests, hydroelectric resources and huge deposits of minerals. Apart from Tirap, Upper Subansiri and Dibang Valley are rich in coal deposits. The Namchik-namphak mines in the Tirap district have geologically proven reserves of nearly 90 million tonnes. The pretty little town of Rupa in the West Kameng district is rich in dolomite mines. of late, cottage industry in the state has witnessed a remarkable growth. Weaving is the main handicraft of the state.
 
A Desired Tourist Destinatioin

Arunachal Pradesh is endowed with great scenic beauty and has immense potential for tourism. Amongst the places in the state that are of interest to tourists, Bomdila, and the Tawang monastery immediately come to one's mind. Itanagar, the capital of the state, is also an important tourist destination. Malinithan in West Siang district and Bismaknagar in Dibang Valley are significant archeological sites. Namdapha National Park in Changlang is quite a draw for wild life lovers.