North Eastern States at a Glance: (Seven Sisters of India)
North East India comprises of seven states commonly known as the “Seven Sisters”. They are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura. Northeast India houses umpteen number of tourist attractions with its picture-perfect landscapes, cultural diversity, festivals, traditions, further augmenting the charm of the region.
The basic reason to call these North-Eastern States, Seven Sisters is the geographical location of all seven states in the same region.
Source: http://www.mapsofindia.com
1. Arunachal Pradesh
The Land: Arunachal Pradesh the 24th state of the Indian Union, is bounded by Bhutan to the west, Myanmar to the east, China to the north and north-east and the plains of Assam to the south. Arunachal is the largest state (area-wise) in the North-East Region.
Source: www.indiandefencereview.com
Facts about Arunachal Pradesh:
| Area |
83,743 sq. km(bounded by Bhutan to the west, Myanmar to the east, China), Districts are13. |
| Capital |
Itanagar |
|
Attained Statehood |
Feb 20, 1987 (Arunachal Pradesh the 24th state of the Indian Union) |
| Population (2011 Census) |
13.84 lakhs |
| Languages |
Adi, Aka, Apatani, Dafla, Nishing, Miji, Gallong, Nocte,Wancho, Tagin, Hill Miri, Idu Mishmi, Miju Mishmi, Digaru Mishmi, Monpa, Tangsa, Khampti, Sherdukpen, and Bangni. |
| Economy |
Size of state economy is $ 2.651 bn. About 35% of the population of Arunachal Pradesh, agriculture is the main occupation. 17% of total cultivated area is under irrigation. About 62% of the total area of the state is under forests. Main crop is rice. |
| Literacy Rate (20011 Census) |
65.38% |
| Legislature |
Unicameral. |
| Climate |
Highly hot and humid in the lower altitude and very cold in the |
| Rainfall |
3300 cms average. |
| Festivals |
Siang River Festival, Nyokum (festival of the Nyishi tribe), Lossar Festival (to welcome a new year), Dree Festival, Boori Boot (for successful harvest of the crops), Loku (farwell to the winter) , Sanken (celebrated by the Khampti tribe of Lohit district),Pangsau Pass Winter Festival,Ziro Festival of Music, Solung (An agriculture festival). |
Source: www.mapsofindia.com
2. Assam:
Source: nvbdcp.gov.in
Facts about Assam:
| Area |
78, 438 sq. km, Districts are 23 |
| Capital |
Dispur |
|
Attained Statehood |
Aug. 15, 1947(Assam is the gateway to the north-east.) |
| Population (2011 Census) |
3.12 crore |
| Languages |
Assamese, Hindi, English, Bengali |
| Economy |
About 63% of the state’s working force is engaged in agriculture and allied activities. Rice is the principal food crop. Forest account for 22.41% of the total area of the state.
|
| Literacy Rate (20011 Census) |
72.09% |
| Legislature |
Unicameral. |
| Places of Interest: |
Kaziranga National Park: Kaziranga(famous for horned rhino, breeding place of pelican), Manas National Park, The only Tiger Reserve of Assam. (world heritage site), Nameri National Park, Pabitora Wildlife Sanctuary , Bura-Chapori Wildlife Sanctuary, Laokhowa Wildlife Sanctuary |
| Rainfall |
200- 300 cms annual average |
| Festivals |
Bihu-Bhogali or Magh Bihu (January), Rongali or Bohag Bihu (April), and Kongali or Kati Bihu (May), Baishagu (celebrated by Bodo Kacharis during mid April), Ali-Ai-Ligang (festival of the Mishing tribe. |
3. Manipur :
Source: www.mdoner.gov.in
Facts about Manipur:
| Area |
22,327 sq. km (Manipur means the 'land of gems'), Districts are 9. |
| Capital |
Imphal |
| Attained Statehood |
Jan 21, 1972 (This north-eastern state was described as the land of gold or ‘Suvarnabhu’) |
| Population (2011 Census) |
2.72 million |
| Languages |
Manipuri, English |
| Economy |
About 88% of the total working population in the hills and about 60% of the working population in the valley depend entirely on the agriculture and allied pursuits like animal husbandry, fisheries and forestry. |
| Literacy Rate (2011 Census) |
68.87% |
| Legislature |
Unicameral. |
| Places of Interest: |
Govindajee temple, a Vaishnavite temple, Manipur zoological park, The largest fresh water lake of northeast India is located in Manipur. It is called the Loktak Lake and Sendra Island. |
| Rainfall |
1467.5 mm |
| Festivals |
Khamba (incarnation of Lord Shiva), Thoibi (incarnation of Parvati) dance with picturesque dresses having restrained and delicate movements, "The Rasa Lila, Pung Cholom or kartal Cholom. |
4. Meghalaya:
Source: www.mdoner.gov.in
Facts about Meghalaya:
| Area |
22,429 sq. km (Meghalaya, a Sanskrit word meaning "the abode of cloud"), Districts are 7 |
| Capital |
Shilong, (The Khasi, Garo and Jaintia are main tribes) |
|
Attained Statehood |
Jan 21, 1972, |
| Population (2011 Census) |
29.67 Lakhs |
| Languages |
Khasi, Garo, English |
| Economy |
Size of economy is $ 4.290 bn Its 80% population is based on Agriculture, major food crops of rice and maize, Meghalaya is known for its oranges (Khasi Mandarian), pineapple, banana, jackfruits |
| Literacy Rate (2011 Census) |
75.48% |
| Legislature |
Unicameral. |
| Places of Interest: |
Cherrapunji, Mawsynram (higher rainfall in the world), Wards lake - Situated right in the heart of the city (Shillong), Syndai-or Syndai Caves |
| Rainfall |
241.5 cm |
| Festivals |
A five day long religious festival of the Khasis, Ka Pemblang Nongrem dance is popularly known as Nongrem dance is held annually at village, Smit,11km from Shillong. |
5. Mizoram:
Source: https://health.mizoram.gov.in
Facts about Mizoram:
| Area |
21,081sq. km |
| Capital |
Aizawl |
|
Attained Statehood |
Jan 21, 1972, |
| Population (2011 Census) |
1,091014 |
| Languages |
Mizo, Kuki, and English |
| Economy |
Size of the economy is $ 2.015 bn. Its 80% population is based on Agriculture, major food crops of rice and maize, Meghalaya is known for its oranges (Khasi Mandarian), pineapple, banana, jackfruits
|
| Literacy Rate (2011 Census) |
91.33% |
| Sex Ratio |
971 / 1000 Male |
| Legislature |
Unicameral (Assembly seats 40) |
| Lok Sabha seats |
1 |
| Main Towns |
Aizawl, lunglei, champai, kolosib, saiha |
| Dances |
Bamboo dance, khantum solokia, kuallam, cheraw kan |
| Festivals |
Chapchar kut, mim kut, pawl kut, Christmas, Easter, Thalfavang |
6.Nagaland:
Source: http://nsdma.gov.in/
Facts about Nagaland:
| Area |
16, 579 sq. km, Districts are 23 |
| Capital |
Kohima, (Nagaland is a hilly state), There is no caste system among the Nagas or anyone of the non-Naga tribes. |
| Attained Statehood |
December 1, 1963 |
| Population (2011 Census) |
29.67 Lakh |
| Languages |
English, Hindi, Ao, Chang, Konyak, Angami, Sema, Lotha, Sangtam and Chakhesang. |
| Economy |
Over 85% population of Nagaland is directly dependent on agriculture. |
| Literacy Rate (2011 Census) |
74.43% |
| Legislature |
Unicameral. |
| Places of Interest: |
It is called as Nag Bhumi’- the land of serpents. The Japfu peak situated at a height of 3048 mts. above sea level is the second highest peak in Nagaland after Mt. Saramati. |
| Rainfall |
200- 300 cms annual average |
| Festivals |
Konyak Aoling and Phom Monyu festivals, Chakhesang Sukrunye festival in January, followed by Kuki Mimkut; Angami Sekrenyi is celebrated in February. |
7.Tripura:
Source : http://www.mapsofindia.com
Facts about Tripura:
| Area |
10,492 sq. km, Tripura, the ancient home of the Bodos, is the northeastern state of India located by the side of Bangladesh. Districts are 4 |
| Capital |
Agartala |
| Attained Statehood |
January 21, 1972 |
| Population (2011 Census) |
36.74 Lakhs |
| Languages |
Bengali, Manipuri and Kakborak |
| Economy |
Size of the economy is $ 5.247 bn Rice is the main crop. It is well-suited to the marshy conditions of the northern basin. Jute, cotton, tea, and fruit are important cash crops. Sugar cane, mustard and potatoes are also grown. |
| Literacy Rate (2011 Census) |
87.22 % |
| Legislature |
Unicameral. |
| Places of Interest: |
Ujjayanta Palace, Sepahijala Wild life Sanctuary, Neer Mahal ( A palace in water), Jampui Hills, Unakoti (a profusion of the rock cut images). |
| Rainfall |
22.4 cms (June to August) |
| Festivals |
Garia Puja, Kharchi Puja, Ker Puja, Durga Puja(Oct-Nov), Tirthamukh-A popular pilgrim centre for the tribal people of Tripura. |
