An Ethno Historical Study of the Traditional Institutions of the Nyishi of Kamle District of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

Every human history is unique in its own ways. The same goes for the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The history of the state of Arunachal Pradesh is the history of its people working together for their survival and evolution. The concept of the rulers and the ruled, of the privileged and the underprivileged, of the high caste and low caste which almost dominated the history of other parts of India was totally absent here, therefore making it more unique. newlineThere are about 110 tribes and sub-tribes in Arunachal Pradesh like the Nyishi, Adi, Apatani, Galo, Monpa, Khamti, Mishmi, Nocte etc. The Nyishis are one of the major and largest tribe, inhabiting seven (7) districts of Arunachal Pradesh, namely, East Kameng, Papumpare, Pakke Kessang, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, and Kamle. Each Nyishi of the seven districts have their own history of origin, migration, tradition and culture with slight variation among each other due to geographical barriers. However, till date no exclusive ethno-historical works on the Nyishi of Kamle district of Arunachal Pradesh has been done by any scholar. Therefore, this research study describes in detail the origin, migration and traditional institutions of the Nyishi of Kamle district from ethno-historical perspective. Further, the study also examines the changing trends and agents of the change that has greatly transformed the Nyishi people. newlineEthno-Historical method of study was opted for the PhD Thesis because the study included not only the written records but it encompassed the study of the ethnic groups in their continuity over time from the present as far back as they could be identified. Ethno-History differs from history because its historical methods and materials go beyond the standards use of books and manuscripts. It includes and recognizes the utility of maps, music, paintings, photographs, folklores, oral traditions, site exploration, museum collections, census materials, missionary documents, etc. In short, this method of study is usually taken up to provide a compr