Nyishi people
Two girls of Nyishi tribe | |
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| 249,824 (2011 census) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| India (Arunachal Pradesh) | |
| Languages | |
| Tani | |
| Religion | |
| mainly Christian (63%), followed by Hinduism, 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 people are a dominant ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, in northeastern India. They speak a Tani language known as the Nishi language. 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 economic stability and also proves useful during hard times like clan wars or social hunting and various other social activities. This practice, however, is diminishing especially with modernization and the spread of Christianity. They trace their descent patrilineally and are divided into several clans.