Mishmi

Mishmi refers to a group of indigenous communities in northeast India, primarily in Arunachal Pradesh. The term encompasses three main subgroups: Idu Mishmi, Digaro Mishmi (also known as Taraon), and Miju Mishmi. Each subgroup has its own distinct language and cultural practices, and the Mishmi languages are generally classified within the Tibeto-Burman branch of the wider language family.

Geographically, Mishmi communities are concentrated in the eastern Himalayan region of Arunachal Pradesh, with settlements in districts such as Dibang Valley and adjacent areas. Traditionally, Mishmi livelihoods have centered on subsistence agriculture, animal husbandry, and forest resources, often in hill and valley environments. Social organization tends to be clan- or lineage-based, with rich oral traditions and crafts such as weaving and handwork playing important cultural roles.

Linguistically, the Idu Mishmi language, the Digaro Mishmi language, and the Miju Mishmi language are considered distinct but related languages within the Mishmi group. Mutual intelligibility varies, and language use is influenced by education and contact with more dominant regional languages.

Religiously, traditional Mishmi practice has included ancestor worship and rites tied to agriculture and natural spirits. In recent decades, some Mishmi communities have adopted Hinduism or Christianity, while others maintain customary beliefs and rituals.

The Mishmi are one of several indigenous groups in Arunachal Pradesh that have experienced modernization, land-use changes, and interactions with state institutions, all of which shape contemporary identity and cultural preservation. See also Idu Mishmi, Digaro Mishmi, Miju Mishmi.