Adi

Who are the Adi?

The Adi are an indigenous people of the eastern Himalayas, primarily found in Arunachal Pradesh, India, and in parts of the Tibet Autonomous Region in China. They are united by their language, Adi, and a shared heritage of customs, oral traditions, and social institutions. The kebang, or village council, is central to their decision-making and dispute resolution. The Adi maintain a strong sense of identity through their rituals, festivals, and the Donyi-Polo faith, which centers on the worship of the Sun and Moon.

Where do the Adi live?

The Adi live in the mountainous and forested areas of Arunachal Pradesh, especially in the river valleys and hills. Their homeland is marked by rugged terrain, dense forests, and rivers, which shape their daily life and traditional practices. Some Adi communities also live across the border in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

What language do the Adi speak?

The Adi speak the Adi language, which belongs to the Tani branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. The language is still widely spoken in their communities and is an important part of their cultural identity. Efforts to document and preserve the language continue through local and academic initiatives.

How is Adi society organised?

Adi society is organized around clans and extended families. The kebang, or village council, is a unique indigenous institution that handles governance, conflict resolution, and social matters. Decisions are made collectively, and elders play a significant role in guiding the community. Marriage and kinship ties are important, and social norms are maintained through oral tradition and customary law.

What do the Adi believe?

Most Adi follow the Donyi-Polo religion, which honors the Sun (Donyi) and Moon (Polo) as deities. Rituals and festivals are central, with music, dance, and oral storytelling playing key roles in religious and cultural life. Some Adi have adopted Christianity or Buddhism, but traditional beliefs remain strong for many.

The history of the Adi

The Adi have a long history in the eastern Himalayas. During British colonial times, they were known as the Abor and had frequent contact and conflict with colonial authorities. The kebang system helped them maintain autonomy and resolve disputes internally. Over time, the Adi have adapted to changing political and social conditions while preserving their core traditions.

Adi life today

Today, the Adi continue to live mainly in Arunachal Pradesh, with some in Tibet. They face pressures from modernization, land use changes, and religious conversion, but their language and customs remain strong. The kebang and Donyi-Polo faith are still central, and there are ongoing efforts to preserve their language and cultural heritage.

Questions people ask about the Adi

Sources and further reading

• Adi people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Adi themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.