Mystic Arunachal: Tales from India's Hidden Frontier

“Mystic Arunachal: Tales from India's Hidden Frontier” is a collection of narratives which illuminates the spirit of Arunachal Pradesh in a way that few official accounts can.

This book serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to appreciate the rich cultural heritage and profound essence of Arunachal Pradesh, a truly integral part of our Indian mosaic. I commend Major Jha for this exceptional effort.

— Lt Gen KT Parnaik (Retd), Governor, Arunachal Pradesh

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We have come a long way as an independent country and every square inch of land with its forests, rivers, birds, mammals and people are an integral part of us, which is 'Fortress India'. Rahul Jha, as the Aide de Camp to His Excellency the governor, exemplifies the spirit of a new generation, for he has taken the initiative to delve into a realm few army officers venture into.

— Shiv Kunal Verma, Author of the seminal Northeast Trilogy

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"Mystic Arunachal: Tales from India's Hidden Frontier" is a captivating collection of narratives that transports readers deep into the mist-wrapped valleys and sacred forests of Arunachal Pradesh, India's easternmost state.

Blending fact with fiction, these evocative tales are deeply rooted in the cultural richness of the region’s diverse tribes—their myths, rhythms, and quiet revolutions.

Through ten unique stories, the book illuminates the spirit of Arunachal Pradesh and extends an invitation to look beyond maps and margins, to see the human faces of this land, and to honor the stories, customs, and quiet brilliance they hold.

The book arrives at a time when Arunachal Pradesh is defining its future, making it not just a collection of stories, but a living, relevant document.

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Major Rahul Jha, SM, is a serving officer in the Indian Army. He has served extensively along the Himalayas in Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, and now in Arunachal Pradesh, in addition to his postings on the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and in Jammu & Kashmir. His tenure as Aide-de-Camp (ADC) to the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh has provided him with a unique and immersive experience of the state's diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes, and the lives of its indigenous people. This period fostered a deep appreciation for the region's rich heritage and complex social fabric. An avid observer and a keen listener, Major Jha developed a passion for understanding and documenting the human stories that often go unheard beyond the remote frontiers. “Mystic Arunachal: Tales from India's Hidden Frontier” is his debut literary work, a collection of fictionalized narratives inspired by his real-life encounters and experiences, aiming to offer readers a glimpse into the soul of this enigmatic and beautiful part of India. For his bravery on the Sino India border, he has been decorated with the Sena Medal for gallantry.