Yobins

The Yobins or the Lisus form one of the most important groups of people in the state of Arunachal Pradesh. The Yobins at Arunachal Pradesh are not many in number. They are found primarily towards the eastern edge of the district of Tirap.

The region where Yobins of Arunachal Pradesh have thrived is not very suitable for large-scale agricultural activities and hence, the people of this group cannot depend solely on agriculture for their bread and butter. Hence, as an alternate sources of subsistence, the Yobins in Arunachal Pradesh have turned into guards of caravans and porters.

However, with the large-scale cultivation of opium as a cash crop in the region, the Yobins were much better off. But now opium cultivation has stopped at the region. One of the sources of subsistence of the Yobins, is agriculture. The major crops cultivated by the Yobins is paddy. They also grow a variety of fruits and vegetables. The Yobins were also engaged in horticulture, in particular, swiddening.

The Yobins of Arunachal Pradesh are not at all violent people. They live a simple life and are peace-loving in nature. They speak their own language, which is different from the languages spoken by the other groups of people in the district.

One of the most important festivals of the Yobins is the festival of knife ladder climbing. This festival was first celebrated to commemorate the victory of the Yobins over the Ming in AD 1644. A major dance form of the Yobins is the 'gwa-che'.

Last Updated on 03 January 2011