northeast India
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is India easternmost state, with Itanagar as capital. Earlier known as the North-East Frontier Agency or NEFA, it is central to UPSC study of Eastern Himalayan geography, tribal diversity, Buddhism, forests, river systems, hydropower, borderland governance, biodiversity and disaster risk.
Capital
Itanagar
Population
13.84 lakh
Census of India 2011
Area
83,743 sq km
Census of India 2011
Literacy
65.4%
Census of India 2011
Districts
26
State Profile
Arunachal Pradesh overview
Arunachal Pradesh is India easternmost state and is popularly known as the Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains. With Itanagar as capital, it extends across the Eastern Himalaya, deep river valleys, forested hills, Patkai ranges and foothill plains adjoining Assam. It was earlier known as the North-East Frontier Agency or NEFA, became the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh on 20 January 1972, and became a full-fledged state on 20 February 1987.
Capital
Itanagar
Region
northeast
Population
13.84 lakh
Census of India 2011
Area
83,743 sq km
Census of India 2011
Snapshot
Quick facts
Core facts useful for prelims, maps, and state comparison.
- Capital
- Itanagar
- Largest city
- Itanagar
- Region
- northeast
- Population
- 13.84 lakhCensus of India 2011
- Area
- 83,743 sq kmCensus of India 2011
- Languages
- English, Nyishi, Adi, Galo, Apatani, Monpa, Tagin, Mishmi languages, Nocte, Wancho, Tangsa, Khamti, Singpho, Hindi, Assamese
Snapshot
Economy snapshot
A quick view of source-backed output, income, growth, and major sectors.
- Industries
- Agriculture, Horticulture, Rice, Maize
UPSC Focus
Why it matters
Important UPSC-relevant themes connected with this state.
- It is a high-value UPSC case study for Eastern Himalayan geography, India-China borderland governance, the McMahon Line context, Tawang, NEFA, state formation and federal integration.
- It is one of India strongest examples of tribal diversity, oral traditions, customary institutions, local councils, Inner Line Permit governance and debates around formal law and customary law.
- Its river systems, forests, hydropower potential, landslide-prone slopes, earthquakes, flash floods and biodiversity make it central to GS3 environment, disaster management and infrastructure questions.
- Its society and culture connect Monpa Buddhist traditions, Khamti and Singpho Theravada Buddhist traditions, Adi, Nyishi, Galo, Apatani, Mishmi, Nocte, Wancho, Tangsa and many other community histories with ecological adaptation and local identity.
UPSC Focus
Identity markers
Cultural, historical, geographical, or economic identifiers.
- Capital: Itanagar.
- Arunachal Pradesh was earlier known as the North-East Frontier Agency or NEFA.
- NEFA became a Union Territory on 20 January 1972 and was renamed Arunachal Pradesh.
- Arunachal Pradesh became a full-fledged state on 20 February 1987.
- The Gauhati High Court has jurisdiction over Arunachal Pradesh along with Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram.
- Arunachal Pradesh has a permanent bench of the Gauhati High Court at Itanagar/Naharlagun.
- It borders Bhutan, Tibet/China, Myanmar, Assam and Nagaland.
- It is India easternmost state and is known as the Land of the Dawn-lit Mountains.
- Major physical regions include the Eastern Himalaya, Mishmi Hills, Patkai range, Siang valley, Subansiri valley, Lohit valley, Tirap-Changlang-Longding belt, Tawang-West Kameng highlands and foothill plains adjoining Assam.
- Important places include Itanagar, Naharlagun, Tawang, Bomdila, Ziro, Pasighat, Along/Aalo, Tezu, Roing, Anini, Changlang, Jairampur, Namsai, Seppa, Daporijo, Yingkiong, Khonsa, Longding, Mechuka, Dirang, Bhalukpong, Parshuram Kund, Namdapha, Pakke and Malinithan.
- Important cultural and ecological sites include Tawang Monastery, Ziro Valley, Namdapha National Park, Pakke Tiger Reserve, Mouling National Park, Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary, Sela Pass, Bum La, Dirang, Mechuka and Parshuram Kund.