Women in Traditional Polity; Buliang of Apatani

In most of the tribal Societies of Arunachal Pradesh in India, there are village councils that work as a mechanism for ensuring peace and harmony in the society. These village councils have existed since time immemorial and are known by different names in different communities. This paper presents the detailed study undertaken onBuliang-the village council of Apatani community of Arunachal Pradesh. Like any other patriarchal society where women do not enjoy a significant role in the decision- making process, Buliang in Apatanihas always been a male- dominated institution where the women folks were never included in the traditional village council; where all the important decision pertaining to the community was taken. This paper is an outcome of a sincere effort made to understand the native's views for not including women in Buliang, also an effort has been made to incorporate the exclusive voices of women folk over their resentment and contentment for not including or inducting women in the institution of Buliang.