Preparation of mrah (arrow poison) among the Idu Tribe

Idu (Mishmi) Community
Dibang and Lower Dibang Valley Districts and environs, Arunachal Pradesh, India and Zayü County, Tibet

Hari Apralo, hailing from the Idu community, bears a historical legacy tied to a distinctive and closely guarded expertise: the creation of a potent poison derived from plant extracts. This lethal concoction, known for its application in hunting and its historical use against adversaries, has been a closely held secret within the Idu community for countless years. Passed down through generations, this sacred knowledge is a heritage that has traversed millennia, with fathers imparting it to their sons.

The focus of this project extends beyond the mere preparation of the lethal substance, known as mrah, to encompass the intricate web of rituals, ceremonies, and taboos intricately woven into its creation. The essential herbs required for the mrah preparation are sourced from the alpine mountains, adding a geographical and environmental dimension to the dwindling knowledge surrounding this ancient craft.

In contemporary Idu areas, the once-vital use of mrah has seen a stark decline. The traditional method of hunting with this poison has given way to the prevalent preference for firearms. Consequently, the invaluable knowledge associated with mrah is gradually fading within the Idu community, posing a threat to a cultural and historical practice that has endured for centuries.