Oldest Districts of Arunachal Pradesh - History and Details
Learn about the five oldest districts of Arunachal Pradesh formed in 1965 under NEFA—Kameng, Subansiri, Siang, Lohit, and Tirap.
Oldest Districts of Arunachal Pradesh Before Statehood (1987) – History & Facts
Introduction: Arunachal Pradesh Before Statehood
Arunachal Pradesh, located in the easternmost corner of India, has a unique administrative history. Before becoming a full-fledged state on 20th February 1987, it was known as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA). In 1972, NEFA was renamed Arunachal Pradesh and given the status of a Union Territory. During this period, the foundation of its modern districts was laid. Understanding these districts is crucial for students preparing for APSSB, APPSC, SSC, and UPSC exams.
How Many Districts Were There Before Arunachal Pradesh Became a State?
Before Arunachal Pradesh attained statehood in 1987, the region had five districts. These were originally the frontier divisions of the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), which were reorganized into districts on December 1, 1965.
Key point: All five original districts were established on December 1, 1965. In historical discussions, Pasighat (the headquarters of the then Siang district, now in East Siang) is often referenced as the earliest administrative center in the region.
List of the oldest Five Districts of Arunachal Pradesh
Since all five were created on the same date, they are listed below with their subsequent reorganizations.
- Kameng District is established in 1965 – Later divided into East Kameng, West Kameng, and Tawang.
- Subansiri District is established in 1965 – Later divided into Upper Subansiri, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, and Kamle.
- Lohit District is established in 1965 – Later divided into Lohit, Anjaw, Namsai, and Lower Dibang Valley.
- Siang District is established in 1965– Later divided into East Siang, West Siang, Upper Siang, Shi-Yomi, and Siang.
- Tirap District is established in 1965– Later divided into Tirap, Changlang, and Longding.
Statehood of Arunachal Pradesh: Timeline of Events
- 1954: NEFA created under Ministry of External Affairs.
- 1972: NEFA renamed as Arunachal Pradesh and given Union Territory status.
- 1987: Arunachal Pradesh became the 24th state of India on 20th February 1987.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many districts were there in Arunachal Pradesh before 1987?
Answer: 5 districts.
When was NEFA renamed Arunachal Pradesh?
Answer: 1972.
Which was the first district carved into multiple smaller ones?
Answer: Kameng District.
When did Arunachal Pradesh achieve statehood?
Answer: 20th February 1987.
How many districts were there in Arunachal Pradesh before it became a state?
Answer: 5 districts — Kameng, Subansiri, Lohit, Siang, and Tirap.
When was Arunachal Pradesh given Union Territory status?
Answer: 1972, after the reorganization of NEFA.
What was Arunachal Pradesh called before 1972?
Answer: North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA).
Which original district later gave rise to Tawang district?
Answer: Kameng district.
Which original district, named after a river, was later divided into Anjaw and Namsai?
Answer: Lohit district.
Which of the first five districts bordered Myanmar?
Answer: Tirap district.
How many present-day districts were formed from Subansiri?
Answer: Five — Upper Subansiri, Lower Subansiri, Kurung Kumey, Kra Daadi, and Kamle.
Why were only five districts created initially in 1972?
Answer: Low population density, difficult terrain, and the need for manageable administration.
How many districts does Arunachal Pradesh have today (2025)?
Answer: 26 districts.
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. How many districts did Arunachal Pradesh have before becoming a state in 1987?
A. 3
B. 5
C. 7
D. 10
Answer: B. 5
2. In which year was NEFA renamed as Arunachal Pradesh?
A. 1954
B. 1962
C. 1972
D. 1987
Answer: C. 1972
3. Which of the following was NOT one of the original five districts?
A. Kameng
B. Tirap
C. Siang
D. Tawang
Answer: D. Tawang
4. When did Arunachal Pradesh become the 24th state of India?
A. 15th August 1975
B. 20th February 1987
C. 2nd October 1972
D. 26th January 1986
Answer: B. 20th February 1987
5. Which original district later gave rise to Tawang district?
A. Subansiri
B. Lohit
C. Kameng
D. Tirap
Answer: C. Kameng
6. Which district was divided to form Anjaw and Namsai?
A. Tirap
B. Lohit
C. Siang
D. Subansiri
Answer: B. Lohit
7. Which district was known for being the largest in the original five?
A. Siang
B. Kameng
C. Tirap
D. Lohit
Answer: A. Siang
8. NEFA was administered under which ministry before 1972?
A. Ministry of Defence
B. Ministry of External Affairs
C. Ministry of Home Affairs
D. Planning Commission
Answer: B. Ministry of External Affairs
9. Which district later got divided into Shi-Yomi and Upper Siang?
A. Tirap
B. Lohit
C. Siang
D. Subansiri
Answer: C. Siang
10. Which district was historically famous for tribal groups like the Nocte and Wancho?
A. Tirap
B. Kameng
C. Lohit
D. Subansiri
Answer: A. Tirap
11. Subansiri district was later divided into how many districts?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 4
D. 5
Answer: D. 5
12. Which river valley was Lohit district named after?
A. Kameng
B. Lohit
C. Subansiri
D. Siang
Answer: B. Lohit
13. Which district of the original five bordered Myanmar?
A. Tirap
B. Kameng
C. Lohit
D. Subansiri
Answer: A. Tirap
14. Which district was further divided to create Kra Daadi and Kurung Kumey?
A. Kameng
B. Lohit
C. Subansiri
D. Siang
Answer: C. Subansiri
15. When was the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh officially created?
A. 1962
B. 1972
C. 1975
D. 1987
Answer: B. 1972
16. Which district later gave rise to Changlang and Longding?
A. Siang
B. Tirap
C. Lohit
D. Subansiri
Answer: B. Tirap
17. Which district was subdivided to create East Kameng and West Kameng?
A. Lohit
B. Tirap
C. Siang
D. Kameng
Answer: D. Kameng
18. Which district later became the base for creating Lower Dibang Valley?
A. Lohit
B. Siang
C. Tirap
D. Subansiri
Answer: A. Lohit
19. Which of the following rivers was associated with the Siang district?
A. Lohit River
B. Subansiri River
C. Siang (Brahmaputra) River
D. Kameng River
Answer: C. Siang (Brahmaputra) River
20. Arunachal Pradesh was created as a Union Territory by separating it from?
A. Assam
B. Nagaland
C. Mizoram
D. Meghalaya
Answer: A. Assam
21. Which of the original districts was closest to Bhutan?
A. Kameng
B. Tirap
C. Lohit
D. Siang
Answer: A. Kameng
22. How many districts does Arunachal Pradesh have today (2025)?
A. 23
B. 24
C. 25
D. 26
Answer: D. 26
23. In 1965, how many districts were established in Arunachal Pradesh?
A. 3
B. 4
C. 5
D. 6
Answer: C. 5
24. Which year marks the official creation of the first five districts of Arunachal Pradesh?
A. 1954
B. 1965
C. 1972
D. 1987
Answer: B. 1965
25. The five oldest districts of Arunachal Pradesh were converted from the frontier divisions of which agency?
A. North-East Agency
B. North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
C. Indian Frontier Administration
D. Tribal Development Council
Answer: B. North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA)
26. Which of the following was NOT one of the original five districts of Arunachal Pradesh created in 1965?
A. Kameng
B. Subansiri
C. Lohit
D. Changlang
Answer: D. Changlang
27. When did Arunachal Pradesh attain full statehood?
A. 1972
B. 1987
C. 1980
D. 1965
Answer: B. 1987
28. Pasighat, the headquarters of the former Siang district, is now located in which district?
A. Upper Siang
B. East Siang
C. West Siang
D. Shi-Yomi
Answer: B. East Siang
All List of Wildlife Sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh
Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Situated in the Lohit district, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was declared in 1974. It lies close to Namdapha National Park and is rich in tropical evergreen forests. The sanctuary supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. Read more
Situated in the Lohit district, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was declared in 1974. It lies close to Namdapha National Park and is rich in tropical evergreen forests. The sanctuary supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. Read more
Pakke (Pakhui) Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Situated in the East Kameng district, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1977 and later became part of Pakke Tiger Reserve. It has received national recognition for its community-based conservation and is home to tigers, hornbills, and a wide range of butterflies and reptiles. Read more
Situated in the East Kameng district, Pakke Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1977 and later became part of Pakke Tiger Reserve. It has received national recognition for its community-based conservation and is home to tigers, hornbills, and a wide range of butterflies and reptiles. Read more
Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Established in 1978, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Papum Pare district, surrounding the state capital, Itanagar. It covers forested hills and is known for Hoolock Gibbons, leopards, and a wide variety of birds and butterflies. Read more
Established in 1978, Itanagar Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the Papum Pare district, surrounding the state capital, Itanagar. It covers forested hills and is known for Hoolock Gibbons, leopards, and a wide variety of birds and butterflies. Read more
Daying Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
This sanctuary lies in the East Siang district and was established in 1978. This sanctuary was formerly known as the Lali Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across riverine islands of the Siang River, it is well-known for attracting a large number of migratory birds, including cranes and wild ducks, during winter months. Read more
This sanctuary lies in the East Siang district and was established in 1978. This sanctuary was formerly known as the Lali Wildlife Sanctuary. Spread across riverine islands of the Siang River, it is well-known for attracting a large number of migratory birds, including cranes and wild ducks, during winter months. Read more
Mehao Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Situated in the Lohit district, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was declared in 1974. It lies close to Namdapha National Park and is rich in tropical evergreen forests. The sanctuary supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. Read more
Situated in the Lohit district, Kamlang Wildlife Sanctuary was declared in 1974. It lies close to Namdapha National Park and is rich in tropical evergreen forests. The sanctuary supports diverse wildlife, including tigers, elephants, leopards, and a wide range of bird species. Read more
Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Located in the West Kameng district, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1989. It is one of the world’s top birding destinations, home to rare species such as the Bugun Liocichla, Ward’s Trogon, and Himalayan Monal. Its altitudinal diversity makes it ecologically rich. Read more
Located in the West Kameng district, Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1989. It is one of the world’s top birding destinations, home to rare species such as the Bugun Liocichla, Ward’s Trogon, and Himalayan Monal. Its altitudinal diversity makes it ecologically rich. Read more
Sessa Orchid Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Also situated in West Kameng district, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary was established in 1989. This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of over 200 orchid species, many of which are endemic. It supports diverse butterfly and bird populations as well. Read more
Also situated in West Kameng district, the Sessa Orchid Sanctuary was established in 1989. This sanctuary is dedicated to the conservation of over 200 orchid species, many of which are endemic. It supports diverse butterfly and bird populations as well. Read more
Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Located in Upper Dibang Valley district, the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1992. It is one of the largest high-altitude sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh, known for rare species like the Mishmi Takin, Red Goral, Snow Leopard, and Musk Deer. This sanctuary forms part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. Read more
Located in Upper Dibang Valley district, the Dibang Wildlife Sanctuary was established in 1992. It is one of the largest high-altitude sanctuaries in Arunachal Pradesh, known for rare species like the Mishmi Takin, Red Goral, Snow Leopard, and Musk Deer. This sanctuary forms part of the Eastern Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot. Read more
Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Located in the Lower Subansiri district, Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1995. It conserves subtropical and temperate broadleaf forests, offering habitat to arboreal mammals, birds, and rare flora. The sanctuary is also a part of cultural heritage for local tribes. Read more
Located in the Lower Subansiri district, Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary was notified in 1995. It conserves subtropical and temperate broadleaf forests, offering habitat to arboreal mammals, birds, and rare flora. The sanctuary is also a part of cultural heritage for local tribes. Read more
Kane Wildlife Sanctuary - MCQs and Details
Kane Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Siang district and was declared a sanctuary in 2000. It features tropical evergreen and subtropical forests and is known for species like the Clouded Leopard, barking deer, and Himalayan black bear. Read more
Kane Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the West Siang district and was declared a sanctuary in 2000. It features tropical evergreen and subtropical forests and is known for species like the Clouded Leopard, barking deer, and Himalayan black bear. Read more
Limeking (Lemeking) Wildlife Sanctuary (Proposed) – Upper Subansiri District
ocated in the remote Upper Subansiri district, near the villages of Limeking and Gelemo, this proposed Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a pristine frontier region adjacent to the Tibetan border. Though it has not yet received official notification, several district‑level sources and ecotourism reports refer to this area informally as the “Lemeking Wildlife Sanctuary.” If officially declared, it would become the 11th Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, further enhancing protection for this biologically significant region.
ocated in the remote Upper Subansiri district, near the villages of Limeking and Gelemo, this proposed Wildlife Sanctuary is part of a pristine frontier region adjacent to the Tibetan border. Though it has not yet received official notification, several district‑level sources and ecotourism reports refer to this area informally as the “Lemeking Wildlife Sanctuary.” If officially declared, it would become the 11th Wildlife Sanctuary in Arunachal Pradesh, further enhancing protection for this biologically significant region.
Tags
- Oldest districts of Arunachal Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh districts 1965
- NEFA frontier divisions
- History of Arunachal Pradesh districts
- First five districts of Arunachal Pradesh
- Arunachal Pradesh before statehood
- Pasighat oldest administrative center
- Districts of Arunachal Pradesh 1987
- Kameng district history
- Subansiri district history
- Siang district history
- Lohit district history
- Tirap district history
- Arunachal Pradesh statehood 1987
- Administrative history of Arunachal Pradesh
Disclaimer
This article is for educational and awareness purposes only. Readers are advised to verify all information from official sources for academic and official use.
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