Nyishi Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh

Why in News?

The new plant species Begonia neelamorum was named after the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe, whose members assisted researchers in locating the plant during fieldwork.

Key Facts

  • State: Arunachal Pradesh

  • One of the largest ethnic groups of Arunachal Pradesh.

  • Population is estimated at around 300,000 in state government material.

  • Traditional language: Nishi/Nyishi

  • Language family: Sino-Tibetan

  • Traditionally organised into clans.

  • Traditional social system has been undergoing change with modernization.

  • Also present in parts of Assam.

Important Cultural Association

Many Nyishi and other Tani communities are associated with the indigenous Donyi-Polo tradition.

Key Pointers

  • Nyishi → Arunachal Pradesh

  • Major tribal group of → Northeast India

  • Language → Sino-Tibetan

  • Related current-affairs species → Begonia neelamorum

  • Neelam → Nyishi clan.