The history of Itanagar is deeply rooted in the broader history of the indigenous tribes of the region, particularly the Nyishi people who are the original inhabitants of the surrounding hills. The city's most significant historical landmark is the Ita Fort, built between the 14th and 15th centuries. Scholars largely attribute the fort to the Jitari dynasty or the Chutiya Kingdom, though some evidence points to Ahom influence. The use of millions of baked bricks in its construction is highly unusual for the region, making it a crucial archaeological puzzle.
During British colonial rule, the area that is now Arunachal Pradesh was governed as the North-East Frontier Agency (NEFA), and its administrative headquarters were located in Shillong (now the capital of Meghalaya). Following India's independence, the geopolitical importance of the region prompted the Indian government to establish a dedicated administrative center closer to the frontier.
Itanagar was selected to be the new capital of the territory in the early 1970s. The capital was officially shifted from Shillong and inaugurated on April 20, 1974, by the then President of India, V. V. Giri. When Arunachal Pradesh attained full statehood on February 20, 1987, Itanagar formally became a state capital. Since then, the city has undergone steady economic development, transforming from a remote forested settlement into a bustling urban center, while witnessing significant inward migration from various tribes across the state and people from other parts of India.
