Status of Mishmi Community in the Historically Sensitive Region of Arunachal Pradesh

Abstract

Numerous research studies have examined the socio cultural, and religious aspects of the Idu Mishmi community; however, their traditional political structures in the context of politico-historical roles remain significantly underexplored. This paper presents a comprehensive political profile of the Idu Mishmi people residing in villages in the Dibang Valley and Lower Dibang Valley regions, located near the India-China international border. Unlike the predominant reliance on colonial records in studies of remote borderland communities, the research undertaken adopts a bottom up approach, focusing on the perspectives of the community members themselves. Understanding the political history and traditional governance systems of the Idu Mishmi from their vantage points is integral to this inquiry. The study involved interviews with experts from the Idu Mishmi community and household surveys conducted across the selected villages. Data collection was facilitated through the use of questionnaires along with direct observations during the fieldwork. The study highlights the often-overlooked political dimensions of the Idu Mishmi community, delving into their historical roots and the evolution of their political practices. Grounded in fieldwork-based data, this paper explores the traditional polity of the Idu Mishmis and examines their significant political roles in the past, contributing to a deeper understanding of the political profile and heritage of their community.