Tribes of Arunachal Pradesh - Definition

There are about 20 major tribes in Arunachal Pradesh. Most of them are either of the Tibetan or of the Thai-Burmese stock. As their dates of migration from their original homelands vary, each tribe have developed their colourful culture significantly different from other tribes, including their language and the faith they follow. Tibetan Lamaism, Animism, Hinduism and Theravada Buddhism are the main faiths that were followed by the Arunachalis. They are further sub-divided into many standard tribes and sub-tribes. In this list, the tribes are classified by the faith that they embrace.

Animist tribes

Major Tribes

• Adi (Collective Tribe)
• Mishmi

Tribes

• Aka
• Apa Tani
• Ashing
• Chikum-Dui
• Bori
• Bugun (Khowa)
• Gallong
• Hill Miri
• Lisu (Yobin)
• Miji (Sajolang/Damai)
• Minyong
• Nidu-Mora
• Nishi (Nishi/Nishing/Dafla/Bangni)
• Palibo
• Ran (tribe)
• Rishi-Mashi
• Sulung
• Tagin
• Tangsa
• Tutsa
• Wancho
• Mishmi

Buddhist tribes

Tibetan Buddhist

• Chugpa
• Khamba
• Lhoba(Idu, Yidu, Midu, Kera-ah)
• Lishipa
• Memba
• Monpa
• Nga-Fagin
• Sherdukpen
• Takpa
• Tshangla

Theravada Buddhist

• Aiton
• Khampti
• Khamyang
• Phake
• Nara
• Shyam
• Singpho
• Turung
• Zekhring

Hindu tribes

• Deori
• Mikir
• Mishing (Miri)
• Nocte