Railway
Which Indian state was known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) until 1972?
Answer (Detailed Solution Below)View answer ▾Hide ▴
Answer: Option A — Arunachal Pradesh
Detailed Solution
The present state of Arunachal Pradesh was known as the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) until 1972.
History:
- In British times, the area was called the "North East Frontier Tracts", formed in 1914.
- After independence, it was renamed the North East Frontier Agency (NEFA) in 1954.
- NEFA was administered by the Ministry of External Affairs, with the Governor of Assam acting as the agent of the President.
- Its headquarters was at Shillong.
- During the India-China War of 1962, Chinese forces entered NEFA, especially in the Tawang and Walong sectors, before withdrawing.
- On 20 January 1972, NEFA was made a Union Territory and renamed "Arunachal Pradesh".
- On 20 February 1987, it became the 24th state of India.
- Its capital is Itanagar.
About the name:
"Arunachal Pradesh" means "land of the dawn-lit mountains". It is called the "Land of the Rising Sun" of India, because it is the first place in India to see the sunrise.
Dong, in the Anjaw district, is the place in India where the sun rises first.
About Arunachal Pradesh:
- It is the largest state in north-east India by area.
- It shares international borders with Bhutan (west), China (north and north-east) and Myanmar (east).
The McMahon Line, drawn at the Simla Conference of 1914, marks its border with China. China does not recognise it and claims much of the state.
Tawang Monastery, built in the 17th century, is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in India. Tawang is the birthplace of the sixth Dalai Lama.
It has more than 25 major tribes, such as the Adi, Nyishi, Apatani, Monpa and Mishmi.
The Apatani tribe of the Ziro valley is known for its paddy-cum-fish farming.
The Donyi Polo Airport at Itanagar, its first greenfield airport, was opened in 2022.
The Sela Tunnel (2024) is one of the world's longest bi-lane tunnels at high altitude.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Nagaland was earlier the Naga Hills district of Assam.
- ✗Mizoram was earlier the Lushai Hills district of Assam.
- ✗Meghalaya was carved out of Assam (1970 as an autonomous state; full state 1972).
Quick tip
Remember: NEFA (1954) = Arunachal Pradesh (UT 1972; 24th state 20 February 1987; capital Itanagar; McMahon Line; Tawang; Dong sees the first sunrise in India).
💬 Discussions on this question
Ask a doubt ›Still stuck on this question? Ask our faculty and fellow students — answers appear here.
Ask a doubtMore Indian States & Union Territories Questions
View all ›More General Knowledge Questions
- Q1.The techniques of Rasa and Bhava used in Indian classical dance trace their origin to which ancient text?Indian Dance Forms
- Q2.Lavani, Powada, Koli, Waghya Murali and Dhangari Gaja are folk dances of which state?Indian Dance Forms
- Q3.The one-act play associated with the Sattriya tradition of Assam is called:Indian Dance Forms
- Q4.Which dance form of Goa is known as the 'Warrior Dance'?Indian Dance Forms
- Q5.Manipuri dance is based on the Rasleela themes of:Indian Dance Forms
Indian States & Union Territories — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of Indian States & Union Territories, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers state-wise GK for India: capitals, formation dates, high courts, state animals, birds and flowers, famous places, and the culture, dances and festivals that identify each state and union territory. Questions commonly ask about the newest state or union territory, the state formed on a particular date, the capitals of states, and which high court serves more than one state. Keep a single table per state with its capital, formation year and key facts. Reorganisations such as that of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 change the answers, so make sure your notes are up to date. Practise the Indian states and union territories questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.