About District

Welcome to the beautiful land of Tawrah Mishmi, Kaman Mishmi, and Meyor tribes of Arunachal Pradesh situated on the north-eastern tip of India. Anjaw District was bifurcated from Lohit District on 16th February 2004 with its Headquarter at Hawai at an altitude of 1296m above sea level. The District was established with seven Administrative circles Namely Hayuliang, Goiliang, Manchal, Chaglagam, Walong, Hawai and Kibithoo but at present has eight circles with Metengliang being the latest circle to be notified . It has four C. D Blocks namely, Hayuliang-Goiliang, Chaglagam, Manchal and Hawai-Walong. Located at eastern most part of Arunachal Pradesh the district lies between 27 degree 33 minute – 29 degree 22 minute North Latitude and 95 degree 15 minute to 97 degree 24 minute East Longitude. The District has two international borders – with China and with Myanmar. It shares inter district border with Lohit , Lower  Dibang Valley and Changlang district. The District headquarter is located at the left bank of Lohit River which is tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra River. Spread over 6190 Sq.km with the population 21167 with 11507 male and 9660 female according to 2011 census . Anjaw has the 3rd lowest density of population in the country. The local inhabitant people of District are Tawrahs also known as Digaru Mishmis, and Kaman also known as Miju Mishmi and the Meyor tribe also known as the Zakhrings. Digaru Mishmis are settled primarily in Hayuliang and Chaglagam area, while Miju Mishmis are mainly settled in Goiliang, Manchal and Hawai area while the Meyors a minor tribe is settled in Kibithoo and Walong area. Majority of population of the district are dependent on Agriculture and Allied sector. While earlier people mostly followed traditional practices (jhum cultivation) for farming with irrigation method in few pockets , with encouragement from Government departments today farmers in Anjaw have started following modernization of cultivation practices. The record plantation and supply of large cardamom from the district has put Anjaw firmly in the map of progressive farming district. Home of numerous turbulent streams, roaring rivers, snow clad mountains and thousands of rare species of flora and fauna. This district is one of the most beautiful places in the world. In terms of water power , Nature has been bountiful to the district and it can be very well be seen as “the land of Hundreds of Waterfalls”.  A land of enchanting beauty with its lush hills, deep valleys of Himalayas and turbulent rivers flowing down the verdant hills and virgin forests, number of foot suspension bridges on the rivers, pleasant wind flow, and above all, beautiful tribes of this area , Anjaw is a place of serenity and quiet. A paradise on the earth the drive from Tezu to Kibithoo via Tiding, Hayuliang, Hawai and Walong is one of the most fascinating drives on blacktopped road running along the gracious Lohit.

Main inhabitant of Anjaw district are Mishmi and Meyor tribes. Both the tribes have well preserved their culture over time and co-exist in the neighboring regions peacefully. Distinct and unique culture and lifestyle distinguish these tribes. Both have their own set of spiritual beliefs, occupations and festivals. In spite of cultural differences, both the tribes believe in maintaining a peaceful relationship with each other.

People belonging to the Mishmi Tribe of Anjaw district are highly spiritual. They are mainly animist. Jabmalu or Matai is considered to be the supreme spiritual being of this tribe. Tawrahs and Kamans are the sub tribes of Mishmi tribe. According to the beliefs of Mishmi tribe, Jabmalu is regarded as the Supreme Creator who controls the human affairs whereas Ringya or Amik is the Sun God and is considered to be the God of Truth and Justice. In times of seeking the truth, the name of this God is constantly chanted.

The traditional village council of this tribe is known as Kabeya to the Tawrahs and Pharai to the Kamans. Gaonbura are the Government representatives of the villages. Mishmis are basically a small clan and in the proceedings of village council, affected parties and neutral members also participate. Generally the decision of the council is followed by all the parties. It is a common belief that the innocent would remain unaffected by any harsh treatment and thus in case of serious allegations people pour molten lead or dip hand in the boiling water / put heated red axe on the palm of the alleged person to testify his innocence. This act is called Pasai by the Tawrahs and Mashai by the Kamans. During such events, the decision arrived is previously sanctioned socially.

People of this tribe are excellent weavers and master the art of handicraft making. Beautiful jackets and colourful skirts adorned with impressive designs are made by the women of the tribe whereas men are involved in a variety of cane and bamboo crafts.

Meyor is a small tribe constituting a small population that dwell in Kibithoo and Walong circles of the district. Meyors are also animists like the Mishmis but they have also adopted Mahayana Buddhism. The region inhabited by Meyors houses a few Gonpas which also includes the first Gonpa constructed 1960 at Kaho village that testify this fact. Meyor villages are about fifteen in number which are situated on either side of the lohit River that flows through Anjaw district. Cultivation is the most common occupation of these people; however, lately many of them have also taken up Government jobs and business activities. People of this tribe are hard-working and peace loving and live in harmony with the people of Mishmi tribe.

Several festivals are celebrated by the Meyors among which Lhachutt is the most prominent one. Other festivals include Sungkhu, Tso Tangpo and Tsotangpho Wangley. In the month of August-September, Sungkhu is celebrated which marks the harvest of new food grains. The first harvest is offered to God Yodak by the people. Tso Tangpo is observed in the month of April every year. It is a spring festival.