The Seven Sister States is a group of neighboring states in northeastern India. These states are Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. Together, they make up about 7% of India’s total area, covering around 250,000 square kilometers. In the year 2000, these states had a population of 38.6 million, which is approximately 3.8% of India’s total population.
Even though there is a mix of different ethnicities and religions in these states, they share similarities in terms of politics, society, and the economy. In this article, we will know more about these 7 states.
Seven Sister States of India
Below is the list of seven sister states of India and their capital.
Sister States of India |
|
|---|---|
|
State |
Capital |
|
Mizoram |
Aizawl |
|
Tripura |
Agartala |
|
Meghalaya |
Shillong |
|
Manipur |
Imphal |
|
Nagaland |
Kohima |
|
Assam |
Dispur |
|
Arunachal Pradesh |
Itanagar |
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Mizoram
- Aizawl is the main city in Mizoram, and Mizoram’s name comes from “Mizo.” The Mizos, who are the local people of Mizoram, gave it this name. In the Mizo language, “ram” means land.
- Mizoram doesn’t have any coastline; it’s surrounded by other northeastern states of India like Manipur, Assam, and Tripura.
- Most people in the capital city, Aizawl, are Christians. Among them, a large number follow the Presbyterian faith.
- Aizawl’s favourite sport is football.
Tripura
- Agartala is the capital of Tripura, and it’s where the state government operates from.
- Agartala became the third international internet gateway after Mumbai and Chennai.
- The primary language spoken in Agartala is Bengali.
- Tripura is the third smallest state in India and has a border with Bangladesh.
- The Indian states that share borders with Tripura are Assam and Mizoram.
- In Northeast India, Tripura is the second most populous state.
Meghalaya
- Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. Before 1972, it used to be the capital of Assam. After Meghalaya was separated from Assam, Shillong became its capital.
- Shillong is often called the “Scotland of the East.”
- The Eastern Air Command of the Indian Air Force is based in Shillong.
- In Shillong, most people speak Khasi, which is the local language.
- The name “Meghalaya” means “Abode of the Clouds.”
Manipur
- Imphal is the capital of Manipur and is found in the far east of India.
- Near Imphal, there’s the India Peace Memorial at the Red Hills, a site of historical importance. This is where the British army, with support from the Indian National Army, fought against the Japanese army during World War II.
- Manipur’s economy relies mainly on agriculture.
- The largest portion of Manipur’s population is made up of the Meitei, constituting around 53% of the people.
Nagaland
- Kohima is the capital of Nagaland and became its capital when Nagaland became a full-fledged state on December 1, 1963.
- The name Kohima comes from ‘Kewhira,’ and the town is situated in a village called “Kewhira.” This village is also called ‘Bara Basti’ and is renowned as the second-largest village in Asia.
- While Kohima is the capital, the biggest city in Nagaland is Dimapur.
- Nagaland’s economy leans heavily on agriculture, contributing to about 70% of its economic activity.
Assam
- Dispur is the capital of Assam and is situated on the outskirts of Guwahati.
- In 1973, Dispur became the capital of Assam, taking over from Shillong, which was the capital until Meghalaya became a separate state.
- Dispur is where the Government of Assam operates, including the Assam Secretariat.
- Assamese and Bodo are the official languages of Assam. In the Barak Valley districts, Bengali is the official language, and Sylheti is commonly spoken.
- Assam is well-known for its tea and silk. The one-horned Indian Rhinoceros calls Assam home.
Arunachal Pradesh
- Itanagar is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh, and the state government operates from there.
- The primary language spoken in Itanagar is Nishi.
- Arunachal Pradesh became a state on February 20, 1987, and it is the largest among the Seven Sister States in Northeast India.
- It was formed by carving out the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) region.
- Arunachal Pradesh is home to 26 major tribes of India and 100 sub-tribes.
7 Sister States of India – Interesting Facts
Here are some fascinating facts about the Seven Sisters States in Northeast India:
- Tripura’s Neermahal Palace: It is constructed by Tripura’s former King Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, the Neermahal Palace showcases a stunning blend of Hindu and Muslim architectural styles. Situated in Rudrasagar Lake, it reflects Tripura’s rich history under the Manikya dynasty.
- Tawang, Birthplace of the Sixth Dalai Lama: Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is where the sixth Dalai Lama, Tsangyang Gyatso, was born. Known for his unconventional lifestyle, the region holds historical significance and is noted for its association with the Dalai Lama.
- Nagaland’s Dzukou Valley: Nagaland boasts the mesmerizing Dzukou Valley, attracting visitors with its breathtaking sunrise views, lush greenery, and unique flora. The valley is a natural wonder celebrated for its picturesque landscapes.
- Mizoram, Leading Bamboo Producer and Blue Mountain: Mizoram, a prominent bamboo producer in India, derives its name from “Mizo” (native inhabitants) and “Ram” (land). The state is also home to the Blue Mountain, Phawngpui, the highest mountain range in Mizoram.
- Meghalaya’s Wettest Place and Living Root Bridges: Meghalaya, renowned for being the wettest place on Earth in Mawsynram, features enchanting living root bridges, unique to the world. The state captivates with its lush greenery and extraordinary bridges formed by living tree roots.
- Manipur’s Floating Lake and National Park: Manipur hosts the world’s only floating lake, Loktak Lake, accompanied by Keibul Lamjao National Park, a swamp with unique biomass vegetation called phumdis. This lesser-explored state offers a blend of natural wonders.
- Assam’s Oldest Operating Refinery in DigBoi: DigBoi in Assam proudly houses the world’s oldest operating refinery since 1901. The town’s name originated from the British directive to local labourers, “Dig Boy, Dig,” after noticing oil on elephants’ feet, marking a significant chapter in the history of oil exploration.
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Conclusion
The Seven Sister States of India are like a collection of amazing treasures. From the fancy Neermahal Palace in Tripura to the green bridges in Meghalaya, each state has something special.
Whether it’s Nagaland’s beautiful Dzukou Valley or Manipur’s one-of-a-kind Loktak Lake, all these places add different colours to the Northeastern region. These interesting facts tell us how special and different these states are, making them cool to explore and enjoy.
7 Sister States of India – FAQs
What is the capital of Meghalaya?
Shillong is the capital of Meghalaya. It was initially the capital of Assam from 1874 to 1972.
What are the seven sisters of India?
The seven sister states of India are located in Northeast India. Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Manipur are known as the seven sisters of India.
Which is the largest state of the seven sister states of India?
Arunachal Pradesh is the largest state among the seven sister states of Northeast India.
Why Sikkim is not in Seven Sisters?
Sikkim is also a part of the Northeast but is not included in the Seven Sisters because while the other seven states are contiguous, Sikkim is sort of a neighbour, divided by the Siliguri Corridor. Sikkim is also referred to as the ‘Brother’ of the Seven Sisters.
What is the capital of Nagaland?
Kohima is the capital of Nagaland. Kohima was declared the capital of Nagaland when Nagaland achieved the status of a full-fledged state on 1st December 1963.