The Tani is a group of tribes from the Indian states of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and Tibet Autonomous Region of China which share common Tani languages and certain common beliefs, primarily in Abo Tani as their primeval ancestor (Father of Human). The group comprises Nyishi, Adi, Apatani, Galo, Tagin, and Mising. They are also often referred to as the Tani group.
With a population of 1.7 million, the Tanis’ are one of the largest ethnic groups in North Eastern India.
The Tanis’ are scattered across larger region of Arunachal Pradesh except Tirap, Changlang, Longding, West Kameng and Tawang. The major part of the Mising tribe is scattered in different district of Upper Assam. Thousands of Tani populace are also found across the border in Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Chinese government recognised Tani as members of Lhoba people.
History
Most of the residents of Arunachal Pradesh belongs to the five Tani tribes (Nyishi, Adi, Galo, Apatani, Tagin) supposedly descended from Abotani. The history of the Tani people is found in the ancient libraries of Tibet as the Tani people traded swords and other metals to Tibetans in exchange for meat and wool. Tibetans referred to the Tani people as the Lhobhas; lho means south and bha means people.
Notable People
- Bakin Pertin (1st elected MP, 1977-79)
- Lalit Kumar Doley (1st elected MP, 1977-80)
- Gora Pertin (1st Speaker)
- Jomin Tayeng (1st IAS)
- Jatin Mipun (1st IPS, 1983 Batch- Ex-Director Fire & Emergency Services, Govt of Assam)
- Mamuk Lego (Roing Founder)
- James Onyok Tayeng (1st inducted IAS)
- Tapi Mra (1st Everest Climber)
- Jadav Payeng (environmentalist; part of the Mising ethnic group)
- Shakuntala Doley Gamlin (1st Women IAS, 1984 Batch-AGMUT Cadre)
- Dyuti Rani Doley Barman (1st Women IPS of Assam, 1986 Batch- Retired Director SVP National Police Academy)