Nyishi people
Two girls of Nyishi tribe | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 249,824 (2011 census) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India (Arunachal Pradesh) | |
| Languages | |
| Tani | |
| Religion | |
| Christian (31%), followed by Hinduism (29%), with many of the remaining still following the ancient indigenous Donyi-Polo. | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Mising people, Tagin people, Galo people, Tibetan people |
The Nyishi community is the largest ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh in north-eastern India. The Nyishi language belongs to the Sino-Tibetan family, however, the origin is disputed. Their population of around 300,000 makes them the most populous tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, closely followed by the tribes of the Adi according to 2001 census.
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 various other social activities. This practice, however is diminishing especially with the modernization and also with the spread of Christianity. They trace their descent patrilineally and are divided into several clans.