Galo Tribe of Arunachal Pradesh

The Galo tribe is one of the major tribes of Arunachal Pradesh and has been listed as a Scheduled Tribe since 1950. It occupies a vast area, primarily found in the West Siang, East Siang, Upper Siang, and Upper Subansiri districts of Arunachal Pradesh. This region lies between the Simen River in the east, the Subansiri River in the west, and the Siyum River in the north. The Siang River, known as Yarlung Zangbo or Tsangpo in Tibet, flows through the heart of Siang District, from which the district derives its name.

The northern boundary of the Galo tribe is shared with China, while the Adi people border them to the east, the Tagin to the west, and the Assamese to the south. The Galos have made significant progress in literacy and are rich in traditional culture. Like other tribes, they traditionally believe that their ancestors migrated from China in prehistoric times. Living in forested and mountainous regions, they historically faced challenges in maintaining contact with other tribes. They speak a Tibeto-Burman language. While there are many legends about their migration, the historical facts regarding how they came to occupy their present land remain uncertain. Scholars have attempted to trace their migration and the origins of the term “Galo,” but no definitive conclusion has been reached. However, there is a general consensus that they belong to the Mongolian race and migrated from the north.

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Some theories suggest that the Galos came from Myanmar, while others point to China. However, the idea that they migrated from China is widely accepted. According to oral traditions, Abo Tani migrated southward in search of unoccupied land, eventually settling in the present-day Galo-inhabited areas. One legend, though considered unreliable, speaks of two brothers, Tadi (Galo) and Tapak. When they planted bamboo and other trees, Tadi’s plants grew straight, while Tapak’s bent southward. To determine their fate, they shot arrows into the sky—Tadi’s arrow returned vertically, while Tapak’s fell toward the south. As a result, Tapak moved south in search of plains. When Tadi went looking for him, Tapak left marks on wild banana plants to show his path. However, the banana stems sprouted new buds overnight, leading Tadi to believe his brother had left long before. Today, the descendants of Tapak are identified as non-Arunachalees or plains people, and the Galos refer to them as Nyipak (Tapak). Because of this story, Galo people never use wild banana plants as trail markers in forests.

Galos who settled in the foothills interacted with the Ahoms and British officials. In the past, they were known as Dobba Abor. The Taipodia clan claims that the title ‘Podia’ was given by the Ahoms in recognition of their bravery in battle. When the Ahom king invited them to join the battlefield, the Tai clan (now the Taipodia) fought alongside them, armed with swords (dao), poisoned arrows, spears, and wearing animal skins for protection. Their appearance led their enemies to mistake them for wild creatures from the forest. Fighting with great skill, they emerged victorious. As a reward, they were granted the title “Podia” and given the right to collect taxes from certain areas.

During British rule, Gori Riba served as a Political Interpreter, and his son, Rimik, was a Political Zemadar. Rimik’s sons, Gomi and Minnya, later succeeded him. In 1937, Rimik received a gold medal from the British monarch, along with a “Ladi” (a cane stick with a golden handle and a bronze base). The history of the Galo people is still being explored.

Social Life

By nature, Galos live as a close-knit community, irrespective of gender, caste, or class. Everyone enjoys equal opportunities and privileges. They work, play, sing, dance, feast, and mourn together. While both genders enjoy social freedom, they are expected to maintain strict discipline. Generally, they are broad-minded and optimistic.

Naming Tradition

The Galos strictly adhere to a patrilineal naming system. Every Galo name consists of two syllables. The last syllable of the father’s name (the “patrisyllable”) becomes the first syllable of the child’s name (the “autosyllable”). This naming system helps them trace their genealogy.

Family Life

The Galo family system is as old as human history itself. It is the smallest yet most fundamental social unit, with family ties playing a crucial role in social integration. Traditionally, the nuclear family structure is maintained, allowing individual autonomy. After marriage, children are expected to live separately from their parents once they can sustain themselves. In a father’s old age, the son assumes the headship of the household. The Galo family is patriarchal, with the husband as the head and administrator. Monogamy is the norm, though polygamy is accepted in special cases.

Marriage

Marriage is highly respected and considered one of life’s greatest achievements. Marrying within the same clan is seen as a dishonorable act. To maintain matrilineal relations, marriages between a man and his mother’s brother’s daughter were traditionally encouraged, though this practice is now rare. Today, young people choose their spouses based on love, though they still seek parental approval. The groom’s family observes the prospective bride before approaching her parents. Marriage is a significant event for the entire village, and the ceremony is highly respected. Because of the elaborate nature of marriage, divorce is rare.

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Culture

The Galos are hardworking and uphold a high standard of integrity. They possess a strong sense of self-respect and rarely submit to unfair treatment. A defining trait of their character is their hospitality and cheerfulness. They maintain an egalitarian society where villages are closely knit, consisting of households from different clans. To understand their culture, one must trace the life patterns of their forefathers.

Hunting

The Galos are fond of hunting and have designated hunting areas. Outsiders are not allowed to hunt in their villages without permission. Group hunting is mainly done by the village men. Using guns, daos, spears, and trained dogs, they surround an area and release the dogs to drive out the prey. The meat is equally distributed, but dog owners receive an extra share. The person who makes the first kill receives the largest share and the animal’s head as a trophy.

Fishing

Fishing is another important activity. Similar to hunting, individuals reserve sections of rivers and streams for fishing, and outsiders require permission to fish. Fishing can be done individually with nets and bait or as a group effort. In communal fishing, they divert river currents using stones, mud, and leaves. Once the water level drops, they poison it with stems, fruits, and roots of a toxic creeper. Hunting and fishing foster unity and harmony within the community.

Political Life

The Galo people have a decentralized system of governance. Villages are administered by Gaonburas (village elders). At the sub-divisional level, inter-village meetings, known as Bango, are held. The highest political body, Bagumboka, serves as the Galo parliament. These institutions handle disputes and frame customary laws. However, village-level meetings play the most significant role in resolving issues. Their village administration is considered more effective than the jurisprudence of many so-called civilized societies.

In the past, the Galos engaged in inter-clan and inter-village warfare. To protect themselves, they preferred to live on hilltops. Hunting was considered prestigious, bringing honor to successful hunters. With the advent of modernization, many Galos embraced Christianity. Early Christian converts faced persecution, but the church grew significantly. Some Galo villages are now entirely Christian, and the influence of the gospel has transformed their way of life. Many Galos express gratitude for the positive changes Christianity has brought to their society, and some villages identify Christianity as their sole religion.

The writer is a columnist in various dailies.

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