7 Powerful Sister States of India:
Introduction
The Seven Sisters refer to the seven northeastern states of India: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Tripura. These states are known for their rich cultural diversity, scenic landscapes, and strategic geopolitical importance.
They are connected to the rest of India by the Siliguri Corridor (Chicken’s Neck), a narrow stretch of land in West Bengal, which makes them strategically significant.
1. Arunachal Pradesh
- Capital: Itanagar
- Formation: 20 February 1987
- Borders:
- International: China (Tibet), Bhutan, Myanmar
- Indian states: Assam, Nagaland
- Official Language: English
- Tribes: Nyishi, Apatani, Monpa, Adi, Galo, Wancho
Geographical Features
- Largest state in the Northeast.
- Tawang Monastery – second-largest monastery in the world after Potala Palace (Tibet).
- Important rivers: Subansiri, Siang, Kameng, Dibang.
- High altitude passes: Bum La Pass, Sela Pass.
Key Issues
- China claims Arunachal Pradesh as part of South Tibet – Border disputes along the McMahon Line.
- Infrastructure development is slow due to difficult terrain.
2. Assam
- Capital: Dispur (Guwahati is the largest city)
- Formation: 26 January 1950
- Borders: Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, West Bengal, and Bangladesh
- Official Language: Assamese
- Tribes: Bodo, Mishing, Karbi, Tiwa
Geographical Features
- Brahmaputra River – lifeline of Assam, prone to flooding.
- Kaziranga National Park – famous for one-horned rhinoceros.
- Majuli Island – the largest river island in the world.
- Rich in tea plantations – Assam Tea is famous globally.
- Digboi – India’s first oil refinery.
Key Issues
- Frequent floods due to the Brahmaputra.
- Illegal immigration from Bangladesh – demographic and political issues.
- Bodo insurgency – demand for a separate state.
3. Manipur
- Capital: Imphal
- Formation: 21 January 1972
- Borders: Nagaland, Assam, Mizoram, and Myanmar
- Official Language: Meitei (Manipuri)
- Tribes: Meitei, Naga, Kuki, Zomi, Pangal
Geographical Features
- Loktak Lake – largest freshwater lake in Northeast India, known for Phumdis (floating islands).
- Keibul Lamjao National Park – world’s only floating national park (home to Sangai deer).
- Moreh town – key Indo-Myanmar trade point.
- Shirui Hills – famous for Shirui Lily.
Cultural Importance
- Ras Lila dance form is famous.
- Manipur is considered the birthplace of modern Polo.
Key Issues
- Naga-Kuki conflict.
- Insurgency and AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Powers Act) issues.
4. Meghalaya
- Capital: Shillong
- Formation: 21 January 1972
- Borders: Assam, Bangladesh
- Official Languages: Khasi, Garo, English
- Tribes: Khasi, Jaintia, Garo
Geographical Features
- Mawsynram & Cherrapunji – among the wettest places on Earth.
- Living Root Bridges – made from tree roots.
- Umiam Lake – famous tourist spot.
- Rich in limestone and coal reserves.
Cultural Importance
- Meghalaya follows a Matrilineal System – property passes through the mother’s lineage.
- Shad Suk Mynsiem – major Khasi festival.
Key Issues
- Coal mining-related environmental issues.
- Ethnic clashes between Khasi and non-tribal communities.
5. Mizoram
- Capital: Aizawl
- Formation: 20 February 1987
- Borders: Tripura, Assam, Manipur, Bangladesh, Myanmar
- Official Language: Mizo, English
- Tribes: Lushai, Hmar, Lai, Mara
Geographical Features
- 91% forest cover – one of India’s greenest states.
- Mizo Hills (Lushai Hills) dominate the landscape.
- Palak Lake – largest lake in Mizoram.
Cultural Importance
- Chapchar Kut – major festival.
- Famous for bamboo handicrafts.
Key Issues
- High risk of earthquakes (seismic zone).
- Dependence on agriculture leads to shifting cultivation (Jhum farming).
6. Nagaland
- Capital: Kohima
- Formation: 1 December 1963
- Borders: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Myanmar
- Official Language: English
- Tribes: Angami, Ao, Sema, Lotha
Geographical Features
- Dzukou Valley – known as the “Valley of Flowers of the East”.
- Mount Saramati – highest peak in Nagaland.
Cultural Importance
- Hornbill Festival – “Festival of Festivals”.
- Nagas are known for their warrior culture and tribal traditions.
Key Issues
- Naga insurgency and peace talks with NSCN-IM.
- Ethnic tensions with neighboring states.
7. Tripura
- Capital: Agartala
- Formation: 21 January 1972
- Borders: Assam, Mizoram, Bangladesh
- Official Languages: Bengali, Kokborok, English
- Tribes: Tripuri, Reang, Chakma
Geographical Features
- Tripura Sundari Temple – one of the 51 Shakti Peethas.
- UNESCO Heritage Site – Neermahal (Lake Palace).
- Dumboor Lake – important for hydropower projects.
Key Issues
- High population density.
- Insurgency and demands for autonomy.
Strategic Importance of the Seven Sisters
- Border Security: Shares an international boundary with China, Myanmar, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.
- Act East Policy: Key to India’s trade with Southeast Asia.
- Natural Resources: Rich in oil, tea, bamboo, and forests.
- Tourism Potential: Unique landscapes, diverse cultures, and festivals.
Government Initiatives
- North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS)
- Look East to Act East Policy
- North Eastern Council (NEC)
- Border Area Development Programme (BADP)
- North East Industrial Development Scheme (NEIDS)
25 Quiz Questions on the Seven Sister States of India
(For UPSC, State PCS, and Competitive Exams)
Easy Level (1-10)
-
Which is the largest state among the Seven Sisters in terms of area?
a) Assam
b) Arunachal Pradesh
c) Manipur
d) Nagaland -
Which river is known as the lifeline of Assam?
a) Ganges
b) Brahmaputra
c) Barak
d) Subansiri -
Which northeastern state is famous for the Hornbill Festival?
a) Meghalaya
b) Mizoram
c) Nagaland
d) Tripura -
What is the capital of Arunachal Pradesh?
a) Kohima
b) Imphal
c) Itanagar
d) Aizawl -
Which northeastern state has the highest literacy rate?
a) Assam
b) Mizoram
c) Manipur
d) Tripura -
Kaziranga National Park is famous for which animal?
a) Bengal Tiger
b) Asiatic Lion
c) One-Horned Rhinoceros
d) Snow Leopard -
Which northeastern state follows a matrilineal system of inheritance?
a) Nagaland
b) Manipur
c) Meghalaya
d) Tripura -
Which state is home to Loktak Lake, the largest freshwater lake in Northeast India?
a) Manipur
b) Assam
c) Tripura
d) Mizoram -
Which pass connects Arunachal Pradesh with Tibet (China)?
a) Nathu La
b) Sela Pass
c) Zoji La
d) Bomdila Pass -
Which state is known for its famous bamboo dance, “Cheraw”?
a) Mizoram
b) Meghalaya
c) Nagaland
d) Tripura
Medium Level (11-20)
-
Which is the only northeastern state that has a Barak Valley region?
a) Assam
b) Arunachal Pradesh
c) Nagaland
d) Manipur -
Which northeastern state is known as the ‘Land of Festivals’?
a) Manipur
b) Meghalaya
c) Nagaland
d) Tripura -
Which state is home to Tawang Monastery, the second-largest monastery in the world?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Assam
c) Sikkim
d) Mizoram -
Which city is known as the “Scotland of the East”?
a) Kohima
b) Shillong
c) Imphal
d) Aizawl -
Which northeastern state shares the longest international border with Bangladesh?
a) Assam
b) Tripura
c) Mizoram
d) Meghalaya -
Which northeastern state has the lowest population?
a) Tripura
b) Nagaland
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Mizoram -
Which northeastern state is the largest producer of tea in India?
a) Assam
b) Meghalaya
c) Arunachal Pradesh
d) Tripura -
Dzukou Valley, known for its seasonal flowers, is located in which state?
a) Nagaland
b) Assam
c) Meghalaya
d) Arunachal Pradesh -
Which Indian oil refinery, the oldest in Asia, is located in Assam?
a) Guwahati Refinery
b) Digboi Refinery
c) Numaligarh Refinery
d) Barauni Refinery -
Which northeastern state is known for its unique floating national park, Keibul Lamjao?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Manipur
c) Assam
d) Nagaland
Hard Level (21-25)
-
Which northeastern state has the maximum number of recognized tribal communities?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Nagaland
c) Assam
d) Tripura -
Which river in Arunachal Pradesh is a tributary of the Brahmaputra and originates in Tibet?
a) Kameng
b) Siang
c) Lohit
d) Dibang -
Which northeastern state was previously known as the ‘Lushai Hills’?
a) Mizoram
b) Nagaland
c) Meghalaya
d) Tripura -
Which northeastern state’s ancient kingdom was known as ‘Kangleipak’?
a) Arunachal Pradesh
b) Manipur
c) Tripura
d) Nagaland -
Which northeastern state has the largest hydroelectric project, the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project?
a) Assam
b) Arunachal Pradesh
c) Nagaland
d) Manipur
Answer Key
-
b) Arunachal Pradesh
-
b) Brahmaputra
-
c) Nagaland
-
c) Itanagar
-
b) Mizoram
-
c) One-Horned Rhinoceros
-
c) Meghalaya
-
a) Manipur
-
b) Sela Pass
-
a) Mizoram
-
a) Assam
-
c) Nagaland
-
a) Arunachal Pradesh
-
b) Shillong
-
b) Tripura
-
c) Arunachal Pradesh
-
a) Assam
-
a) Nagaland
-
b) Digboi Refinery
-
b) Manipur
-
a) Arunachal Pradesh
-
b) Siang
-
a) Mizoram
-
b) Manipur
-
b) Arunachal Pradesh
How to Use These Questions?
✅ UPSC Prelims & State PCS: Use for quick revision.
✅ Interview Preparation: Focus on cultural and strategic aspects.
✅ Mock Tests & Quizzes: Ideal for group discussions.
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