Arunachal Pradesh, nestled in the eastern Himalayas, remained largely unexplored by the British until the late 19th century. Initial interest was spurred by a combination of factors: strategic concerns about the northern frontier, the pursuit of trade routes to Tibet, and a scientific curiosity about the region's unique geography and biodiversity. This interest led to a series of expeditions and surveys that ultimately shaped the political landscape of the region, culminating in the demarcation of the McMahon Line.
British Expeditions and Surveys
Early Exploration:
1820s: The British East India Company began exploring the Assam plains, leading to the annexation of Assam in 1826 after the First Anglo-Burmese War. This brought them to the foothills of Arunachal Pradesh.
1870s: Major expeditions were undertaken by explorers like T.T. Cooper and J.F. Needham. These expeditions aimed to find trade routes to Tibet through Arunachal Pradesh but faced resistance from local tribes and difficult terrain.
Systematic Surveys:
1880s onwards: The Survey of India began systematic surveys of the region. Officers like J.M. White and E.H. Walsh ventured into the hills, mapping the terrain, studying the indigenous communities, and collecting valuable ethnographic data.
Early 20th century: With the growing strategic importance of the northern frontier, surveys intensified. The Anglo-Tibetan border remained undefined, leading to concerns about Russian influence in Tibet.
The McMahon Line and Its Impact
The Simla Conference (1913-1914):
In an attempt to settle the border dispute between British India and Tibet, the Simla Conference was convened. Sir Henry McMahon, the British representative, negotiated a boundary line with the Tibetan representatives. This line, known as the McMahon Line, placed most of the present-day Arunachal Pradesh within British India.
Controversy and Legacy:
Chinese Non-Acceptance: China, although present at the conference, did not ratify the Simla Convention and has consistently disputed the McMahon Line, claiming Arunachal Pradesh as part of its territory.
Post-Independence: After India gained independence in 1947, it inherited the McMahon Line as its official border with Tibet. However, the border dispute with China continues to be a point of contention.
Impact on Arunachal Pradesh: The McMahon Line significantly impacted the political and cultural landscape of Arunachal Pradesh. It brought the region under Indian administration, leading to greater integration with the rest of the country. However, it also led to ongoing tensions with China and occasional border skirmishes.