What was the historical designation of Arunachal Pradesh prior to attaining full statehood, when it was administered directly by the President of India through a Chief Commissioner?

💡 Solution & Explanation

Before becoming a Union Territory in 1972 and subsequently a full-fledged state in 1987, Arunachal Pradesh was designated as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA) administered by the Ministry of External Affairs and later the Ministry of Home Affairs through the Governor of Assam. The Lushai Hills corresponded to Mizoram, and the Naga Hills-Tuensang Area to Nagaland. NEFA was renamed Arunachal Pradesh in January 1972, reflecting its unique geographical identity as the land of the dawn-lit mountains.