Nishi (tribe)

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The Nishi tribe principally inhabit the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. Known as the Nishi (alternative transliteration Nisi) in their own language (also called Nisi), they are sometimes called by the disdainful term Dafla by outsiders. The term "Dafla" or "Domphla" was originally used by the Ahom rulers, and was later used by the British.

They inhabit the Papum Pare, East Kameng and Lower Subansiri districts of Arunachal Pradesh, as well as the Darrang district of Assam. Their population of around 120,000 thus makes them one of the most populous tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, consisting of about 11% of the state's population. As they are of Tibetan ancestry, their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family.

Most Nishi do not like the idea of intermarriage with other neighboring tribes, and polygamy is prevalent among the Nishi. They trace their descent patrilineally and are divided into several clans.

Contents 1 Economy 2 Dress 3 Religion 4 The hornbill issue 5 External links

[edit] Economy

The Nishi are agriculturalists who practice Jhum, which is a form of shifting cultivation. The principal crops raised include paddy and millet. Rice is the staple food of the people, supplemented by fish, meat of various animals, edible tubers and leafy vegetables. A locally-made drink known as "Opo" is made from millet.nyishi being dependent on forest they eat fruits and even eat the insect, snake, frog etc

[edit] Dress

Traditionally, Nishi plait their hair and tie it neatly at the forehead with Tibetan thread. A brass skewer passes horizontally through the tied hair. Cane rings were worn around the waist, arms and legs. Men wore a cane helmet surmounted with the beak of the Great Indian Hornbill. Additional decorations varied depending upon the status of person and were symbols of manly valour.

The clothing of the men consists of sleeveless shorts made from thick cotton cloth, striped gaily with blue and red together with a mantle of cotton or wool fastened around the throat and shoulders. Strings made of beads in varying sizes and colours were also worn, mainly for decoration purposes. They used to carry a Dao (short sword) and a knife in a bamboo sheath. Their armament consists of spear with iron-head, a large sword, and a bow with arrows, tipped with poison on it. During war both the chest and back are covered with the Mithun hide, and over it they wear a black cloak made of indigenous fibre.

The Nishi women generally wear a sleeveless mantle of striped or plain cloth, its upper part tucked tightly over the breast and enveloping the body from the armpits to the centre of the calves. A ribbon is tied at the waist. A girdle consisting of metal disks and cane garters is worn at the waist. Their hair is parted in the middle, plaited and tied into a chignon just above the nape. Their ornaments include multicolored bead necklaces, brass chains, metal bells, huge brass or silver earrings and heavy bracelets of various metals.

[edit] Religion

Most Nishi are loyal followers of the Donyi-Polo faith, a religion which commemorates their ancestors, emphasizes a belief in many spirits and superstitions, and includes religious rituals which coincide with lunar phases or agricultural cycles. Abo-Teni is revered by Donyi-Polo followers as the primal ancestor of the animist tribes of Tibetan or quasi-Tibetan origin. The religious festival of Longte Yullo is celebrated in April. And Nyokum Yullo is celebrated in 26th february in every year since from the 1967-68 at Joram village under lower subansiri district.

Among the Nishi, there are currently approximately 6,000 converted Christians, considered "spiritually weak" by their brethren, most of whom are concentrated in Itanagar. Small groups of Hindus and Buddhists also exist among the Nishi. Both polyandry and polygyny are practised by the Nishi, with a rich man having as many as eight wives.

[edit] The hornbill issue

The Nishi, who traditionally wear cane helmets surmounted by the crest of a hornbill beak, have considerably affected the population of this bird.

Several organizations, such as the Arunachal Wildlife and Nature Foundation and the Wildlife Trust of India, have been trying to stop the Nishi hunting these birds in order to protect them from extinction. Nature reserves, such as the Pakke Sanctuary, are being set up to protect the birds, while artificial materials, such as fiberglass, have been introduced as an alternative to the hornbill beak in Nishi dress. While the Bopa ceremony is an important part of Nishi tradition, and the campaign has faced stiff opposition, the Nishi have recognised the possibility of the extinction of the Great Indian Hornbill, and 70% of the Nishi have already accepted this new idea.^{[citation needed]}

[edit] External links

• Glimpses Of Arunachal Pradesh
• Nishi Nyubu Priests
• North East Frontier
• From a Cocoon, with Hope
• Ethnologue profile, old profile [1]