FOCUS ON ARUNACHAL

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At the eastern tip of the Himalaya lies Arunachal, which literally means "mountains of the rising sun", now going through a process of uneasy and sometimes reluctant transition to "modernity". The following articles deal with two aspects of that transition, the rainforest, still largely pristine, and the changing status of the women of Arunachal.

There are 20 major tribal groups, encompassing about 110 sub-tribes in the Indian state's 84,000 -sq km area. The majority carry out slash and burn cultivation. Culturally, there are three main divisions. The western-most district Kameng, bordering Bhutan, is influenced by Buddhism. The middle region, comprising Subansiri, Siang and Lohit, is rich in cane weaving and bamboo works. Burmese influence is apparent in the eastern-most district of Tirap.

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