Arunachal Pradesh Foundation Day: Check out the 10 unknown facts about the Land of Rising Sun

Arunachal Pradesh, India's remotest state where the rising sun meets the soil first is also nicknamed as the ‘land of dawn-lit mountains’. Before becoming a state, it was known as North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). Arunachal Pradesh came out of Assam as a union territory on 20th January, 1972 and it became a full fledged state on 20th February, 1987.

The farthest state of India shares international borders with Myanmar, Bhutan and China and borders with the states - Assam and Nagaland. This state has many nicknames owing to the beautiful gardens, wildlife, sanctuaries and other natural attractions.

Here are top 10 facts about Arunachal Pradesh

1. This state has 26 main tribes and several other sub-tribes. While there are more than 50 dialects, only few dialects are used in scriptures.

2. Arunachal Pradesh is known as the ‘Land of rising sun’ because the easternmost village of the state, Dong village, meets the sunrise before any other place in India.

3. Arunachal is the largest amongst the seven north-eastern states and has an area of 83,743 sq km.

4. In local language, the meaning of Arunachal Pradesh is ‘Land of dawn-lit mountains’.

5. The 400-year-old Tawang Monastery in Tawang, which is located in Arunachal, is the biggest monastery in India.

6. The state is home to one orchid Sanctuary, two National parks and eight wildlife sanctuaries.

7. Arunachal Pradesh is the only state in India to have 500 varieties of orchids.

8. Two thirds of the state is forested and has thousands of mammal and bird species. Arunachal Pradesh may be the only state with four major cats: tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, and snow leopard.

9. According to the 2011 census, Arunachal Pradesh has the lowest population density in the country, with around 18.25 lakh people.

10. Arunachal is the one of the leading producers of apple, kiwi, pineapple and oranges.

FAQ

1- When did Arunachal Pradesh become a state?
February 20, 1987.


2- Who is the first chief minister of Arunachal Pradesh?
Prem Khandu Thungan.