Anthropology in Arunachal Pradesh: Genesis, Establishments, and Contribution
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.56405/dngcrj.2018.03.01.09Keywords:
Anthropology, Ethnographic, Arunachal Pradesh, Arunachal Tribes, ResearchAbstract
The existence of anthropology as an academic and research discipline in Arunachal Pradesh is at infancy. The traditional ethnographic studies among the tribes were initiated by the early British administrators, missionaries, travellers, explorers,etc. Professor Furer-Haimendorf and Verrier Elwin were perhaps the first professional anthropologist and ethnographer to delve into the various cultural aspects of Arunachal tribes. The official recognition of the discipline took place with the introduction of Arunachal Institute of Tribal Studies (AITS) in 1995 under Arunachal University (Now Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh) which was established in 1984; for which anthropology as a discipline was introduced in 2001. The establishment of the Directorate of Research, Government of Arunachal Pradesh and introduction of Anthropology at the University and College levels significantly count towards the development of this discipline in the state. Research contributions have been witnessed over time in the field of social and cultural aspects of the tribes. Though not completely absent, researches on physical-biological aspects, genetic studies, linguistic and archaeology, growth, nutrition and health have been witnessed but limited. Taking into consideration the broad scope of Anthropology as a discipline of holistic approach, this paper urge for a need of wider coverage of studies in terms of research, projects, and publications in developing tribal state like Arunachal Pradesh. The relevance of Anthropology in the state could be ensured through rigorous research taken up at various levels of standard, support from the government, collaboration between academic institutions and funding agencies. At the same time, its dimension and scope as a relevant research and academic discipline could be broadened and expanded through addressing new research questions, formulation of hypotheses, and through standard conduct of empirical researches.
Downloads
References
Anderson, J. (1871). The stone implements of Yunnan, with a notice of a bronze axe like weapon, from the Sanda Valley: A report on the expedition to Western Yunnan via Bhamo (pp. 410-415). Office of the Superintendent of Government Printing, Calcutta.
Ashraf, A.A. (1990). Prehistoric Arunachal: A report on archaeological exploration and excavation at Kamla River. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Banerjee, B. (1996). The Bokars. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Banerjee, R.D. (1924-25). Neolithic implements from Abor country. Annual Report of the Archaeological Survey of India, p. 102.
Baruah, T.K.M. (1998). The Idu Mishmis. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Basar, J. (2006). Galo house as a cultural space. Resarun, 32, 105-118.
Basar, J. (2007). Women’s movement in Arunachal Pradesh: a case study of APWWS. In: A.K. Danda (Ed.), Social unrest in India (pp. 207-216). INCAA, Kolkata.
Basar, J. (2011). A study of indigenous knowledge system in development policies and programmes with special reference to resource management by the Galo of Arunachal Pradesh (doctoral thesis). Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.
Basar, J., Tok, B.R. (2004, October 29-30). Traditional system of informal education in tribal communities in Arunachal Pradesh: An overview. Paper Presented at the National Seminar on Indigenous Educating Process among the various Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh.
Begi, J. (2007). Education in Arunachal Pradesh since 1947. Mittal Publications, New Delhi.
Behera, M.C. (1997). Development, deforestation, and the status of customary law: A study of the Khampti tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. Himalayan Paryavaran: The Journal of the Environment Protection Society, 5.
Behera, M.C. (1998). Pilgrim centre Parshuram Kund: Articulation of Indian society, culture, and economic dimension. Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi.
Behera, M.C. (1999). Impact of orange cultivation on traditional role of Galo women (minor research project report). University Grants Commission, New Delhi, India.
Behera, M.C. (2000). Tribal religion: Change and continuity. Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi.
Behera, M.C. (2001). Understanding India’s cultural identity: A case study of Parshuram Kund in Arunachal Pradesh. Journal of Indian Anthropological Society, 36.
Behera, M.C. (2002). The legend of Parshuram Kund in the folklore of the indigenous people of Arunachal Pradesh (Translat: Arunachal ki janajatiya lok kathaon main Parshuramkund’ by Dr. D.K. Choubey). Arunprabha, 1, Arunachal University.
Behera, M.C. (2003). Social anthropology of sacred centre: Understanding the dimensions of Indian civilization through Parshuramkund. In V.S. Sahay & P.K. Singh (Eds.), Dimensions of research in Indian anthropology (pp. 20-54). Serials, New Delhi.
Behera, M.C. (2003, April 4-7). Fragmented development, crisis and conservation: reflections from Arunachal
Pradesh. Paper presented at the National Seminar on Education and Tribal Development, Changing Phases of Tribal Development and Himalayan Culture-Continuity and Change. Himalayan Buddhist Cultural Association, New Delhi.
Behera, M.C. (2005). Some cases of religious syncretism from Arunachal Pradesh and an understanding of social process. Paper presented at the National Seminar on Cultural Syncretism in Eastern Himalaya at Gangtok.
Behera, M.C. (2008). Understanding forager worldview and changing ideology of human-nature relationship: A study with reference to Sulung, Nyishi, and Khampti tribes of Arunachal Pradesh in north-east India. In P. Mohanty, R.C. Malik, & E. Kasi (Eds.), Ethnographic discourse of the other: Conceptual and methodological issues (pp. 8-38). Cambridge Scholars Publishing, New Castle.
Bhattacharjee, P.N. (1954). Blood group investigations in the Abor (Adi) tribe. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Govternment of India, 3 (1), 51-54.
Bhattacharjee, P.N. (1955). Dermatoglyphics of the Abor People in Assam. Anthropologist, 2, 22-35.
Bhattacharjee, P.N. (1957). A study on ABO, MN blood groups, and the ABH secretion in the Nocte in the NEFA. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Government of India, 6 (1), 77-80.
Blackburn, S. (2008). Himalayan tribal tales: Oral tradition and culture in the Apatani valley. Brill Academic Publishers, Leiden.
Bopardikar, B.P. (1972). Prehistoric Investigations – Daphabum: Scientific Surveys Expedition (N.E.F.A.). In Archaeological Congress Seminar Papers (pp. 1-8). Nagpur University, Nagpur.
Bora, D.K. (2000). Traditional Nishing religion and the change. In M.C. Behera (Ed.), Tribal religion: Change and continuity. Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi.
Census of India 2011. Primary Census Abstract. Office of the Registrar General, New Delhi.
Chakravarthi, M.R., Mukherjee, D.P. (1961). Dermatoglyphic study of tribes and castes of the state of Assam. Science and Culture, 27, 584-585.
Chaudhry, P., Dollo, M., Bagra, K., Yakang, B. (2011). Traditional biodiversity conservation and natural resource management system of some tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Interdisciplinary Environmental Review, 12 (4), 338-348.
Chaudhuri, S.K. (2009). Christianity and culture change among the Wanchos of Arunachal Pradesh. In T.B. Subba, J. Puthenpurakal, S.J. Puykunnel (Eds.), Christianity and change in northeast India (pp. 244-256). Concept Publishing
Company, New Delhi.
Chaudhuri, S.K. (2013). Mijis of Arunachal Pradesh: A small tribe in transition. In Sarthak Sengupta (Ed.), Tribal panorama of north east India. Gyan Books Pvt. Ltd., Delhi.
Chaudhuri, S.K., Tayeng, R. (2015). Growth of anthropological research in Arunachal Pradesh: Limits and possibilities. The Indian Journal of Anthropology, 3 (2), 1-48.
Choudhury, B., Das, P.B. (1974). Frequency of colour blindness in some populations of Arunachal Pradesh. Journal of Gauhati University, 25, 23-25.
Choudhury, B. (1978). Colour blindness among the three tribes of Lohit district, Arunachal Pradesh. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Dibrugarh University, 6, 204-208.
Cooper, T. (1873/1995). The Mishmee hills. Mittal Publications, New Delhi.
Dani, A.H. (1960). Prehistory and protohistory of eastern India. Firma L. Mukhopadhyay, Calcutta.
Das, A.K. (1980). A note on the fingerprints of the Adis of Arunachal Pradesh. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Dibrugarh University, 9, 190-196.
Das, B.M., Das, P.B., Das, R., Walter, H., Danker-Hopke, H. (1985). Anthropological studies in Assam, India: Observations on five Mongoloid populations. Anthropologischer Anzeiger, 43 (3), 193-204.
Das, P.B., Choudhury, B. (1975). Hand clasping, arm folding, earlobe attachment, and colour blindness among the Gallong of Arunachal Pradesh. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Gauhati University, 4, 65-70.
Datta, B., Sarma, N., Das, P.C. (1994). A handbook of folklore material of north-east India. ABILAC, Guwahati.
Dawar, J.L. (2003). Cultural identity of tribes of north-east India. Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi.
Deuri, R. (1982). The Sulungs. Research Department, Shillong.
Dollo, M., Samal, P.K., Sundriyal, R.C., Kumar, K. (2009). Environmentally sustainable traditional natural resource management and conservation in Ziro valley, Arunachal Himalaya, India. Journal of American Science, 5 (5), 41-52.
Dondrup, R. (1988). A handbook on Sherdukpen language. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Drema, T. (2001). Emergence of sacred places among the Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh (MPhil dissertation). Arunachal University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.
Duarah, D.K. (1979). Distribution of ABO, MN, Rh blood groups among the Mishmis (Taraons) of Lohit, Arunachal Pradesh. Resarun, 5 (2), 22-28.
Duarah, D.K. (1979, August 8-9). Neolithic celts from Subansiri district. Arunachal News, 13-14.
Duarah, D.K. (1980). A study on ABO blood groups and some genetic traits of the Sulung of Subansiri district, Arunachal Pradesh. Resarun, 6 (2), 19-29.
Duarah, D.K. (1992). The Monpas of Arunachal Pradesh. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Duarah, D.K., Das, P.B. (1978). A study of some genetic traits of Tagins of Arunachal Pradesh. Resarun, 4 (2), 39-47.
Dutta, D. (1973). Fingerprints of Singpho females. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Dibrugarh University, 2, 44-49.
Dutta, D. (1977). A note on the fingerprints of the Daflas of Assam. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Dibrugarh University, 11&12, 47-50.
Dutta, D.K. (2006). The Khambas of Arunachal Pradesh. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Dutta, M.N., Sengupta, S. (1983). Finger dermatoglyphic study of the Wancho of Arunachal Pradesh. Vanyajati, 31 (4), 18-24.
Dutta, P. (1990). The Singphos. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Elwin, V. (1958/1999). Myths of the north east frontier of India (Reprinted edition). Munshiram Manoharlal Publishers, New Delhi.
Elwin, V. (1959). India’s north east frontier in the 19th century. North-East Frontier Agency, Shillong.
Elwin, V. (1991). A new book of tribal fiction. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Ering, O. (1998). Adis’ faith and culture that search of Donyi-Polo. In M.C. Behera & S.K. Chaudhuri (Eds.), Indigenous faiths and practices of the tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. Himalayan Publishers, Itanagar.
Fürer-Haimendorf, C.V. (1955). Himalayan barbary. John Murray, London.
Fürer-Haimendorf, C.V. (1962/2005). The Apa Tanis and their neighbours: A primitive society of the eastern Himalayas (Reprint edition). Routledge, London.
Fürer-Haimendorf, C.V. (1980). A Himalayan tribe: From cattle to cash. University of California Press, California.
Giri, C. (2013). The Lisu of Arunachal Pradesh. Guwahati: Sanskriti- North-Eastern Institute of Culture and Religion.
Goswami, M.C., & Das, P.B. (1990). The people of Arunachal Pradesh: A physical survey. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Goswami, M.C., Sharma, H.C., Das, R.C. (1972). A typological study of some prehistoric tools from the Kameng district of NEFA (Arunachal). Journal of Assam Science Society, 15 (1), 129-135.
IAR- Indian archaeology: A review. Volumes mentioned in the text. [IAR 1969-70; IAR 1994-95; IAR 1995-96; IAR 1996-97: 2-3].
Jaswal, S., Jaswal, I.J.S., Sengupta, S. (1986). Dermatoglyphics of the Apatani of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Anthropologie, 24, 29-35.
Kach, T. (2002). Growth of Baptist churches and impact on socio-culture life of Nyishi Tribe in Arunachal Pradesh. Amar-Jyoti Printers, Guwahati.
Kar, R.K. (1975). The Rh blood group among the Adi of Pasighat, Arunachal Pradesh. Eastern Anthropologist, 28 (2), 165-168.
Kotal, M., Barus, P., Sengupta, S. (2003). Genetic study among the Digaru Mishmis of Arunachal Pradesh. Anthropologist, 5 (3), 193-195.
Kumar, N. (1955). Taste, mid phalangeal hair, and occipital hair whorls among the Nocte Nagas. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Dibrugarh University, 4, 61-67.
Kumar, N. (1975). Blood group and secretor frequency among the Gallong. Bulletin of the Department of Anthropology, Dibrugarh University, 4, 5-70.
Limbu, D.K. (1990). Dental eruption and oral pathology among the Gallong (MPhil dissertation). North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, Meghalaya.
Limbu, D.K. (1996). Eruption of permanent teeth among the Gallong of Arunachal Pradesh. Journal of Human Ecology, 7 (3), 221-222.
Lubbock, J. (1867). The stone age in Upper Assam. Anthenaeum, 2069, 822.
Megu, A. (2003). Aashing language guide. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Mibang, T. (1995). Adi Dooying (pp. 15-17). Adi Agom Kebang, Pasighat.
Mibang, T., Abraham, P.T. (2002). Indian folk tales of north-east. Farsight, Delhi.
Mibang, T., Abraham, P.T. (2003). Arunachal women and education. Himalayan Publishers, Itanagar/New Delhi.
Mibang, T., Behera, M.C. (2007). Tribal studies: Emerging frontiers of knowledge. Mittal Publications, New Delhi.
Mibang, T., Chaudhuri, S.K. (2003). Ethno medicines of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Himalayan Publishers, Itanagar.
Mibang, T., Chaudhuri, S.K. (2004). Folk culture and oral literature from north-east India. Mittal Publications, New Delhi.
Mihu, M. (2004). Rangfra: A study on the institutionalization of indigenous faiths (MPhil dissertation). Arunachal University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.
Miso, R. (2005). Priesthood among the Idu Mishmis: A case study of Idu Mishmis of Arunachal Pradesh (MPhil dissertation). Arunachal University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.
Pandey, B.B. (1997). Status of women in tribal society. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Pangging, G., Arunachalam, A., Mawphlang, I.S.L., Biswas, S. (2011). Traditional management practices of natural resources of forest dependent communities in Arunachal Pradesh: A case study of fringe villages in Banderdewa forest range. Indian Journal of Traditional Knowledge, 10 (2), 269-275.
Pangging, G., Sharma, M., Sharma, C.L., Sharma, A.S. (2016). Natural resource management in eastern Himalaya: A case study of fringe villages of Shergaon forest division, Arunachal Pradesh. Current World Environment, 11 (3), 800-807.
Patnaik, S.M. (2006). Reconstructing cultural identity among the Idu of Arunachal Pradesh. In R.K. Bhadra & M. Bhadra (Eds.), Ethnicity and social structure in north east India. Rawat Publications, Jaipur.
Phukan, J. (2000). Spiritual belief and practices among the Arunachalees: A glimpse into the process of conversion and its effects. Resarun, 26.
Potom, P. (2005). A study of Nyibu in Galo faiths and beliefs (master’s dissertation). Arunachal University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.
Raikar, Y.A., & Chatterjee, S. (1980). Archaeology in Arunachal Pradesh (p. 11). Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Ramakrishnan, P.S. (1997). Scientific basis of traditional wet rice cultivation by northeast Indian hill tribes. In M.C. Behera & N.C. Roy (Eds.), Trends in agrarian structure in the hills of north east India. Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi, pp. 233-247.
Ramya, T. (2011). An ethnographic study of Bangrus of Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh (MPhil dissertation). Rajiv Gandhi University, Doimukh, Arunachal Pradesh.
Ramya, T. (2012). Bangrus of Arunachal Pradesh: An ethnographic profile. International Journal of Social Science Tomorrow, 1 (3), 1-12.
Ramya, T. (2012). Traditional religious beliefs, practices and impacts of Christianity among the Nyishis. Asian Journal of Research in Social Sciences & Humanities, II (VI), 15-28.
Ramya, T. (2013). Forest and tribes: A study on livelihood patterns of the tribals in Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh, India. International Journal of Social Sciences & Interdisciplinary Research, 2 (2), 36-48.
Ramya, T. (2013). Tribal culture and folklore of Arunachal Pradesh: A study in Kurung Kumey district. International Journal of Research in Sociology and Social Anthropology, 1 (2), 26-30.
Ramya, T. (2014). Natural resource utilization among the Nyishi of Arunachal Pradesh: A reflection on the significance of indigenous knowledge systems. In K. Jose & G.K. Bera (Eds.), Indigenous resource management in north east India (pp. 100-111). Omsons Publications, New Delhi.
Ramya, T. (2016). Depletion of natural resources and its impacts on tribal Women: A study in Kurung Kumey district of Arunachal Pradesh. International Journal of Advanced Research in Management and Social Sciences, 5 (12), 99-110.
Ramya, T. (2017). Exploring factors behind domestic violence against Nyishi women in Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India. Social Sciences: International Research Journal, 3 (1), 16-19.
Ramya, T. (2017). Lingering behind the hazes: Teaching and researching anthropology in Arunachal Pradesh. In K. Jose & Bhaskar Das (Eds.), Social science researches in north east India: Challenges and pathways (pp. 263-287). DVS Publishers, Guwahati.
Rekhung, W. (1988). Lungchang language guide. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Riddi, A. (2009). Emergence of Christianity as new religious identity and its impact on traditional and culture among the Tagins of Arunachal Pradesh. In T.B. Subba, J. Puthenourakal, & S.J. Puykunnel (Eds.), Christianity and change in northeast India (pp. 232-243). Concept Publishing House, New Delhi.
Rikam, N.T. (2005). Emerging religious identities of Arunachal Pradesh: A study of Nyishi tribe. Mittal Publications, New Delhi.
Rina, J. (2001). Conversion in Arunachal Pradesh: A study with reference to crisis. Resarun, 27, 180-184.
Rukbo, T. (2000). Donyipoloism: A tribal religion. In M.C. Behera (Ed.), Tribal religion: Change and continuity. Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi.
Sarkar, N. (1982). Neolithic celts from Arunachal Pradesh. Resarun, VIII (2), 11-25.
Sarkar, N. (1999). The Tagins. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Sen, S. (Ed.). (2000). Tradition and folklore in north east India. Uppal Publishing House, New Delhi.
Sengupta, S. (1984). Fingerprints of the Bangnis of Arunachal Pradesh. Resarun, 10(1), 25-30.
Sengupta, S. (2003). Finger and palmar dermatoglyphics. In T.B. Subba & G.C. Ghosh (Eds.), The anthropology of north-east India: A textbook (pp. 198-216). Orient Longman Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi.
Sharma, N.C. (1988). Essays on the folklore of north eastern India. Bani Prakash, Guwahati.
Sharma, R. (2012). Intangible cultural heritages of Arunachal Pradesh. Antrocom: Online Journal of Anthropology, 8 (2), 511-530.
Sharma, T.C. (1962). Fingerprints of the Miri. Bulletin of the Department of Tribal and Folklore Research, 1, 65-73.
Sharma, T.C. (1980). Prehistoric archaeology in north eastern India: A review of progress. In T.C. Sharma & D.N. Majumdar (Eds.), Eastern Himalayas: A study on anthropology and tribalism (pp. 102-135). Cosmo Publications, New Delhi.
Showren, T. (2002). Nyedar Namlo: Retrieval indigenous religion of the Nyishi. In J. Begi (Ed.), Itanagar: A profile (pp. 49-58). Itihas Sanklan Samiti, Itanagar.
Singh, A.K. (1991). Techniques of food production among the Apa Tanis of Arunachal Pradesh. Journal of the Anthropological Survey of India, 40.
Singh, A.K. (1997). Ethnography and traditional agricultural system of the Apatanis of Arunachal Pradesh. In M.C. Behera & N.C. Roy (Eds.), Trends in agrarian structure in the hills of north east India. Commonwealth Publishers, New Delhi.
Singh, K.S. (1995). People of India: Arunachal Pradesh (Vol. XIV). Calcutta: Anthropological Survey of India/Seagull Books.
Sinha, R. (1998). The Akas. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Srivastava, R.P. (1971). Taste sensitivity to PTC in two groups of NEFA tribes. Man in India, 51 (3), 241-244.
Steel, E.H. (1870). Celt found among the Nemsang Nagas. Proceeding of Asiatic Society of Bengal (pp. 267-68), Calcutta.
Stonor, C.R. (1952). The Sulung tribe of Assam Himalayas. Anthropos, 47 (5/6), 947-962.
Tada, T. (2014). Archaeological remains of Arunachal Pradesh. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Tayeng, A. (1990). Adi folk songs. Directorate of Research, Itanagar.
Vidyarthi, L.P. (1986). Art and culture of north-east India. New Delhi: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
VKIC (2005). Traditional systems of the Nocte. Guwahati: Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Dera Natung Government College Research Journal retains the copyright of the article and its contents. The authors are expected to obtain permission from the journal if they choose to reuse the article under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY 4.0). Upon having received the journal’s permission, this open license would allow the authors for reuse or adaptation as long as their original article is properly and adequately cited.
