Itanagar history

Foundation and Historical Roots

The history of Itanagar is inextricably linked to its name, which literally translates as "City of Bricks" (from the words "Ita" — brick and "Nagar" — city). It originates from the ruins of the historic Ita Fort, dating back to the 14th–15th centuries. Although the modern city received the status of an administrative centre only in 1974, this area has deep historical roots.

Researchers often identify the ancient settlement at this site with the legendary city of Mayapur, which flourished during the reign of the Chutia dynasty. It is believed that it was here that King Ramachandra erected powerful fortifications, which became the foundation of the future city.

Key Factors of Formation

The development of the settlement was determined by a combination of geographical and political circumstances:

• Strategic geography: The location at the foothills of the Himalayas in the Papum Pare district provided natural protection and control over the adjacent valleys, which was critical in the Middle Ages.
• Political power: The construction of Ita Fort secured the status of a power centre for this place. The large-scale structure required significant resources and centralised management.
• Recent history: In the 20th century, the decisive factor was the transfer of the capital of the state of Arunachal Pradesh from Shillong to Itanagar, which turned the historical locality into a modern administrative hub.

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Ancient Itanagar stood out from neighbouring regions due to its architectural and social features:

• Architectural uniqueness: The use of millions of bricks for the construction of the fort was an atypical phenomenon for Northeast India of that time, where wood and bamboo traditionally dominated. The fort had an irregular shape, skilfully adapted to the complex mountainous terrain.
• Ethnic context: The territory has historically been home to the Nyishi people. The city's culture was formed in the context of the interaction of local tribal traditions with the influence of rulers who controlled the trade and military routes of the region.

Major Milestones in the History of Itanagar

• 11th Century — Presumed time of the founding of the ancient city of Mayapur by the rulers of the Jitari dynasty, the ruins of which historians associate with modern Itanagar.
• 14th–15th Centuries — Construction of the famous Ita Fort by King Ramachandra, giving the name to the future capital ("City of Bricks").
• 1870s — British expeditions begin active exploration of the region, however, the territory remains sparsely populated and isolated for a long time.
• 20 January 1972 — The region receives the status of a Union Territory of India under the name Arunachal Pradesh.
• 1974 — The administrative centre of Arunachal Pradesh is officially transferred from Shillong to Itanagar, marking the beginning of its modern development.
• 1978 — The first democratically elected Legislative Assembly of the region begins work in Itanagar.
• 4 February 1984 — Arunachal University (now Rajiv Gandhi University) is founded, becoming the city's main educational and scientific centre.
• 20 February 1987 — Arunachal Pradesh receives the status of a full-fledged state of India, and Itanagar is confirmed as its capital.
• 1990 — Consecration of the new Buddhist Gompa (temple), which became an important cultural and spiritual symbol of the city.
• April 2014 — Opening of railway communication in the satellite city of Naharlagun, connecting the state capital with the national railway network.
• November 2022 — Inauguration of the first "green" Donyi Polo Airport in the Hollongi area, ensuring regular air connectivity with the rest of the country.

Key Stages of Development and Their Significance

The transformation of Itanagar from a historical locality with fort ruins into a modern administrative centre went through several decisive stages. Each of these events radically changed the appearance of the city, its economy, and its role in the region.

• Establishment of the Administrative Centre (1974)

  The transfer of the Union Territory capital from Shillong to Itanagar became the starting point for modern urbanisation. This decision launched the process of planning the urban environment "from scratch": the construction of government complexes, the laying of roads, and the creation of residential infrastructure for civil servants.

• Creation of an Intellectual Hub (1984)

  The founding of Arunachal University (now Rajiv Gandhi University) in the suburb of Doimukh transformed the city into an educational centre. This attracted youth from all over the state and contributed to the formation of the local intelligentsia, which gave impetus to the cultural development of the region.

• Gaining State Capital Status (1987)

  Upgrading the status of Arunachal Pradesh to a full-fledged state of India led to a significant increase in federal funding. For Itanagar, this meant the expansion of administrative functions, the construction of the Legislative Assembly and Secretariat buildings, as well as the creation of new jobs in the public sector.

• Cultural and Tourism Development (1990s)

  The construction of the new Buddhist Gompa and the development of the Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum secured the city's status as a guardian of cultural heritage. These objects became points of attraction for tourists, contributing to the development of the service and hospitality sectors.

• Breaking Transport Isolation (2014–2022)

  The launch of railway services via Naharlagun station and the opening of Donyi Polo Airport became critical economic milestones. This simplified the logistics of goods, reduced dependence on complex mountain roads, and opened the city to mass tourism and business from other parts of India.

Architectural Appearance and Urban Planning

The architecture of Itanagar represents a unique fusion of ancient fortification, traditional tribal building, and modern administrative planning. Unlike old Indian metropolises, there is no colonial Gothic or Indo-Saracenic style here. The city's appearance was formed under the influence of complex relief, seismic activity, and its status as a new capital.

Major Architectural Eras and Styles

• Middle Ages (14th–15th centuries): Fortification Style

  The only, yet significant, monument of this era is Ita Fort. This is a rare example of brick architecture in a region where wood was traditionally used. The style is characterised by massiveness, functionality, and adaptation to the uneven landscape. The fort walls are erected taking into account the natural slopes of the hills, which speaks of the high level of engineering thought of that time.

• Timeless: Vernacular (Folk) Architecture

  The traditional style of the Nyishi people and other local tribes. These are light structures made of bamboo, cane, and timber, raised on stilts. Such a style is dictated by the humid climate and frequent earthquakes. Although in the city centre such buildings are being displaced by concrete, on the outskirts and in the private sector this organic style remains, often combined with modern materials (for example, tin roofs).

• Capital Formation Period (1970–1990s): Administrative Functionalism

  After the transfer of the capital, the development of the city began according to a master plan. The dominant style is utilitarian modernism, characteristic of Indian government institutions (PWD architecture). The Secretariat and Legislative Assembly buildings are made of concrete, have strict geometric shapes, flat roofs, and are devoid of excessive decoration. The main priority is seismic resistance and functionality.

• Modern Stage: Neo-traditionalism and Religious Architecture

  In recent decades, buildings reflecting cultural diversity have appeared in the city. A striking example is the Gompa (Buddhist Temple), executed in the classical Tibetan style with characteristic yellow roofs, a stupa, and rich ornamentation. The Jawaharlal Nehru State Museum building also stands out, in the architecture of which attempts to integrate local ethnic motifs into modern forms can be traced.

Features of Urban Development

Itanagar developed as a planned city, however, the complex relief of the Himalayan foothills made its own adjustments to urban planning:

• Sectoral planning: The city is divided into sectors, which is typical for new Indian capitals (following the example of Chandigarh), but here the street grid is not rectangular but winding, following the contours of the hills.
• Twin cities: An urban planning axis connects Itanagar with the city of Naharlagun, located 10 km lower. Together they form a single agglomeration, where Naharlagun acts as a commercial and transport hub, and Itanagar as an administrative and cultural centre.
• Dispersal: Due to the hilly terrain, the city does not have a single dense centre; administrative, residential, and shopping zones are scattered across peaks and slopes, connected by serpentine roads.

Historical Rulers and Legendary Figures

• King Ramachandra
  Ruler of the Jitari dynasty (14th century)
  A key figure in the medieval history of the region. It is he who is credited with the construction of the famous Ita Fort, the ruins of which gave the name to the modern city ("Itanagar" — city of bricks). His reign is associated with the period of prosperity of the ancient city of Mayapur, which was located in this territory.

Political Figures and Administrators

• Prem Khandu Thungon
  First Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
  Played a fundamental role in the establishment of Itanagar as an administrative centre. Leading the government in 1975 (when the region was a Union Territory), he oversaw the early stages of the development of the capital's infrastructure and the formation of state institutions in the new city.
• Gegong Apang
  Political leader, former Chief Minister
  Record holder for the length of time in the post of head of state (more than 20 years). His activities in Itanagar defined the political landscape of the region for decades. Under him, the capital expanded significantly, and key educational and cultural institutions appeared.

Figures of Culture, Literature, and Sports

• Mamang Dai
  Writer, poet, and journalist
  One of India's most famous English-language writers hailing from the Northeast. She lives and works in Itanagar. Winner of the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Padma Shri award. In her works (for example, "The Legends of Pensam"), she captured the mythology, nature, and spirit of Arunachal Pradesh, making the region's culture known throughout the world.
• Tapi Mra
  Mountaineer
  The first resident of Arunachal Pradesh to conquer Everest. His achievements contributed to the popularisation of adventure tourism and mountaineering in the state. He actively worked on organising expeditions, based in the capital, and became an example for local youth.
• Anshu Jamsenpa
  Mountaineer, Guinness World Record holder
  A world-renowned athlete who achieved a double ascent of Everest in less than 5 days. Although she hails from another district, her training base and public activities are closely connected with the state capital, where she actively promotes sports and women's rights.