Nishi (tribe)

The Nyishi tribe is one of the principal inhabitants of Arunachal Pradesh in north-eastern India. Nyi refers to "a man" and the word shi denotes "a being", which collectively means a civilized human being. They are spread across six districts of Arunachal Pradesh viz., Papum Pare, part of Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, East Kameng, parts of Upper Subansiri, the recently created district Kra Dadi and are also found in the Sonitpur and North Lakhimpur districts of the neighbouring state of Assam.

Their population of around 300,000 makes them the most populous tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, closely followed by the combined tribes of the Adis and the Galos who were the most populous in the 2001 census. The Nyishi language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, however, the origin is disputed.

Polygyny is prevalent among the Nyishi. It signifies one's social status and economical stability and also proves handy during hard times like clan wars or social huntings and other social activities. This institution, however is being challenged especially with the trend towards modernization and also with the spread of Christianity. They trace their descent patrilineally and are divided into several clans.

The Nyishi are agriculturalists who practice jhum, rag in Nishi, which is a form of shifting cultivation. The principal crops raised include paddy, tapio (maize), mekung (cucumber), takie (ginger), aange (yams) and temi (millet). Rice is the staple food of the people, supplemented by fish, meat of various animals, edible tubers and leafy vegetables. Before modern economic invaded them, they used the barter system. They greatly valued the generalized reciprocity and also balance reciprocity in their economic system. A locally-made drink known as apong (the two types of apong: pone, made of rice, and poling which is made of millet) are made from millet and rice. These drinks are served at every social gatherings and important events. The Nyishis are typically fond of it. Nyishi people, traditionally being dependent on the forest also include fruits, roots, bamboo shoots, wild animals, fishes, wild leafy vegetables in their diet. Traditional ways of preparing them include steaming, roasting and smoking. Recently they have been forced to move towards a market based exchange economy.

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