Demographic Profile of the High-and Lower-Altitude Monpas in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The present study – which is primarily descriptive in nature – gives a brief demographic profile of the Monpas at lower (<2,500 metres above sea level) and high (≥2,500 metres above sea level) altitude in Arunachal Pradesh with respect to population size, composition, and sex distribution. Data were collected from 340 lower altitude households and 171 high altitude households using household schedules. Overall, the present study suggests that there is not much variation between Monpas of lower and high altitudes in respect of demographic parameters. The findings may be attributed to the relationship of population structure of the Monpas with education, income, or even to geographical distribution of the Monpa’s population in Arunachal Pradesh. However, due to small sample size in the present study – especially of high altitude – it is important to note that there is a scope for future study with respect to demography of the Monpas at low and high altitude.