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The Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh is located in the extreme northeastern part of the country and shares its border with Bhutan, Myanmar, and Tibet, along with Indian states Nagaland and Assam. Its capital Itanagar is the largest town in the state. Arunachal Pradesh is home to a plethora of tribes and is rich in culture and traditions. Hinduism and Buddhism are the two popularly practised religions in this region. It is mostly covered by forest and is inhabited by 26 major tribes.
Arunachal Pradesh is also called the ‘Land of the Rising Sun’ as it is the first to greet the rising sun on Indian soil. It is a mountainous region with a rich ecosystem, exhibiting a variety of flora and fauna along with many picturesque tourist spots. Over 500 species of orchids are found in Arunachal Pradesh, one of them being its state flower. The wildlife is rich and varied. Mithun, also known as gayal, is found in wild and domestic setups and is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh.
State symbols
The state symbols of Arunachal Pradesh are a characteristic representation of its wide variety of ecosystems and exotic wildlife. Its mountain ranges, flora and fauna, and cultural values are depicted in its state symbols.
State Emblem
The state emblem of Arunachal Pradesh is represented below:
The state seal pays homage to the state’s unique nature. It depicts the sun rising between two mountain peaks. The mountain peaks are symbolic of the Komdi and Daphabum peaks. Arunachal Pradesh receives the first sunlight on Indian soil, which is represented by the rising Sun. A Mithun bison, the state animal, is nestled between the two peaks and vertically below the rising Sun. Two hornbills, the state bird, are depicted on two sides of the mountains as heralds. The mountains and the sunrise hint at the Sanskrit meaning of Arunachal Pradesh which translates to “the land of dawn-lit mountains”. The national emblem of India is right at the top centre of the state emblem.
State Animal of Arunachal Pradesh
Mithun (Bos frontalis) is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh as it has religious significance in the state along with socio-cultural importance among the tribal people. It was declared the state animal in 1987. The ethnic groups of Adi, Mishmi, and Nyishi living in Arunachal Pradesh are of the belief that possession of a Mithun is a sign of prosperity and wealth and implies the social superiority of an individual. They are usually allowed to move freely in the jungle and are used only in ceremonial rituals and festivals where they are sacrificed as offerings and for feasts. The social importance of Mithun is such that it is tradition to give a gayal to the bride’s family from the groom’s side for fixing a marriage.
State Bird of Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is home to the great Indian Hornbill (Buceros bicornis), which qualifies as its state bird. It is of cultural importance to many tribes and is used in many rituals. They are mainly found in the canopy of rainforests. However, their population is decreasing as Hornbills are hunted for their beak and feather, and also due to loss of habitat caused by large-scale deforestation. They are on the IUCN’s protected list and conserved in Pakke Tiger Reserve and Namdapha National Park.
The Nyishi tribe traditionally wore the beaks of hornbill on their cap to signify valour and manhood. They now protect them from rebounding the hornbill population.
State Flower of Arunachal Pradesh
Foxtail orchid (Rhynchostylis retusa), of the Vanda genus, is the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh. Locally, it is called Kopou Phool. A bunch of the orchids consists of 100 odd pink-spotted white flowers. They flower between April and September. They are regarded as a symbol of joy and fertility and are popular during the spring festivals. Their leaf has antiseptic qualities and is applied as a paste on wounds and bruises. They are also used in the treatment of malaria, dysentery, and menstrual disorders. In the horticulture and orchid trade, the foxtail orchid is in high demand because of its beauty.
State Tree of Arunachal Pradesh
Hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus) is Arunachal Pradesh’s state tree. It is popular in Indian north-eastern states. It is a medium hardwood tree with medicinal properties. It can reach a height of 150 feet and is found in dense forests. From its bark, oleoresin is obtained, which is used to treat muscle and joint pains. It bears fruits from January to March and flowers from June-July. It is considered sacred by some tribes. However, Hollong is extensively used in the plywood and logging industries and is therefore considered vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.
Conclusion
Arunachal Pradesh has a mountainous terrain covered by forest, with a rich ecosystem exhibiting a variety of flora and fauna. Mithun, or gayal, is the state animal of Arunachal Pradesh, and the hornbill is the state bird. Both gayal and hornbill have cultural significance to tribal communities inhabiting the state. The Foxtail orchid, also called Kopou Phool, represents the state flower of Arunachal Pradesh. They are regarded as a symbol of joy and fertility and are popular during the spring festivals. The tall Hollong tree is Arunachal Pradesh’s state tree. It is extensively used in plywood and logging industries and is therefore considered vulnerable by the IUCN Red List.
