Apatani inhabiting at Ziro valley called themselves as Tanii, though the constitution of India in 1950, recognise them as Apatani as per Constitution(Schedule Tribe) 1950 Part XVIII. Frequent discussion or query is found in the social networking by youngster about the name/nomenclature of tribe and prefixing of Apa in Tanii.
All Apatani called themselves as Tanii; Why Apatani name has been given may not be found authentically. But story by elder tells that in those days when the outside explorer visited the Ziro valley through Assam and in the en route to Ziro valley are inhabited by Nyishi tribe and they acted as interlocutor for outsider. Apatani is consist of two word, Apa+Tani, where Apa is affectionate or loving connotationexpress by Apatani and Nyishi and Tanii. It is believed now, when those interlocutor were asked about the tribe inhabiting the Ziro valley, they must have told them that this tribe is called Apa-Tanii.
