Arunachal Pradesh, the Land of Spirituality, Culture and Ethics: its role in India’s Act East Policy

By : Sampa Kundu

Page No: 73-80

Abstract
Arunachal Pradesh, situated in north-eastern India, is a landlocked state with a predominantly agrarian economy. It boasts a population of over 1.3 million people, representing a rich tapestry of hundreds of distinct tribes. Arunachal Pradesh holds the distinction of being the largest state in Northeast India. The linguistic diversity in Arunachal Pradesh reflects its cultural richness, with languages primarily stemming from the Sino-Tibetan, Tibeto-Burman, and Austro-Asiatic language families. This linguistic diversity is a testament to the state’s multiculturalism. This state shares its international borders with three countries: Bhutan to the west (covering a span of 160 km), Myanmar to the east (stretching for 520 km), and China to the north (extending over 1129 km). These international borders underscore the geopolitical significance of Arunachal Pradesh. Arunachal Pradesh has played a pivotal role in connecting India with Southeast Asia, particularly through the spread of Buddhism. Mahayana Buddhism was introduced to Arunachal Pradesh from Tibet and the Pala kingdom in Bengal. Over the centuries, various Southeast Asian Buddhist missions ventured into the region, promoting Theravada Buddhism. Notably, the Changlang and Namsai districts house the majority of Theravada art, architecture, and monasteries in the state. Local communities in these districts worship a variety of Theravada deities, including Mucalinda (the serpent king, protector of Buddha), Vasundhara (the earth goddess), Upagupta (a powerful saint), and Sivali (the patron saint of travel). This deep-rooted connection with Buddhism positions Arunachal Pradesh as a cultural bridge between India and Southeast Asia. In the broader context of India’s Act East Policy, Arunachal Pradesh assumes a vital role by fostering physical connectivity, engaging in cultural diplomacy, and promoting cross-border trade. These efforts facilitate people-to-people relations, which hold the potential to address security and geostrategic challenges through a grassroots approach. This paper seeks to delve into the soft power dimensions of India’s Act East Policy, emphasising the unique position of Arunachal Pradesh and its distinct characteristics. This perspective offers an alternative lens through which to view the state, moving beyond the predominant security discourse in Indian policy circles. Additionally, it aligns with the elevated ASEAN-India diplomatic relationship, now designated as the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

Author :
Sampa Kundu : Consultant, ASEAN-India Centre, Research and Information System for Developing Countries, New Delhi
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2023.48.4