18/12/2025
Shertukpen Tribe – Origin, Identity, and Location
The Shertukpen tribe is an indigenous tribal community of Arunachal Pradesh, mainly found in the West Kameng district. They are especially concentrated in the areas of Rupa, Shergaon, and Jigaon, which are considered the core regions of Shertukpen settlement and culture.
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Who are the Shertukpen?
The Shertukpen are known for their strong community life, discipline, and cultural pride. They have a distinct identity that is different from neighboring tribes such as the Monpa and Bugun, although they share historical and cultural interactions with them.
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Origin of the Shertukpen
According to oral traditions and historical accounts, the Shertukpen people trace their origin to ancient Himalayan migration routes, likely from regions near Tibet and Bhutan. Over generations, they settled in the mid-Himalayan ranges of present-day West Kameng, adapting to the terrain and climate.
The name “Shertukpen” is believed to come from:
“Sher” meaning east
“Tukpen” meaning people
Together, it means “people of the eastern region.”
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Geographical Location
The main Shertukpen villages and towns include:
Rupa
Shergaon
Jigaon
These places continue to preserve Shertukpen traditions, language, and social systems.
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Language
They speak the Shertukpen language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family.
Today, Hindi and English are also widely spoken.
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Religion and Beliefs
The Shertukpen primarily follow Mahayana Buddhism, influenced by Tibetan traditions.
At the same time, indigenous beliefs, such as nature and ancestral worship, remain important in rituals and community practices.
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Livelihood
Traditionally, the Shertukpen depend on:
Agriculture (maize, millet, rice, barley)
Animal husbandry
Trade
In modern times, many Shertukpen are engaged in education, government service, business, and other professions.
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Cultural Identity
The Shertukpen tribe represents a unique blend of Himalayan Buddhist influence and indigenous tribal traditions. Despite modernization, they continue to preserve their language, customs, and community values with pride.