The Brokpa and their Social Development: The Work of M/S Dunkarpa Welfare Association at Dirang Circle of West Kameng District, Arunachal Pradesh, India

Abstract

The Monpa is one of the major 26 tribes of Arunachal Pradesh State, India, inhabiting the land at the altitude from 2000 m to 4000m a.s.l. Monpa people at Dirang Circle are classified into two groups according to their lifestyle, "Unpa (field cultivators at lower altitude)" and "Brokpa (pastoralists at higher altitude)". One of the major characteristics of Brokpa's livelihood is seasonal moving around the grazing land at the altitude from 3000 m to 4500 m with Yak, cow and their cross-breeding, or sheep. Brokpa have close relationship with Unpa in terms of landholding, agricultural production and trading, and marriage. Brokpa owe the land and staple food to Unpa, and Unpa instead obtain the cheese and butter which are important protein source for them. The original culture of Brokpa community and their relationship with Unpa will be influenced by the recent increasing attention on the political, environmental, and socio-economic importance of the high altitude land in Arunachal Pradesh. Dunkarpa Welfare Association was established against such a background, aiming to support the Brokpa community by providing permanent settlement at roadside, school education facilities, and job for gaining regular cash income. However, sudden and compulsory change of the accustomed lifestyle will not be accompanied by mental satisfaction of Brokpa people. Thus, it is a challenge for the action plan of High Altitude Project to support the development of Brokpa's society with ensuring their welfare.