Abstract
ABSTRACT This study investigated the image of the Naga Indigenous people in mainland India and how the Nagas endeavour to develop an alternative image. Findings revealed that the mainland Indians’ image of the Nagas is that of ‘noble savage’ which is similar to the Indian Government’s representation of the Nagas as exotic and untamed. The Nagas expressed cultural resistance and articulated radical Naga discourse through their religion (Christianity) to enhance collective identity but most importantly to oppose the dominant Hindu and Muslim religions in mainland India. However, the resistance of the Nagas drew on Bhabha’s concept of hybridity in which the Nagas re-negotiate their identity – with complex mimicry and façade – traits about ‘Hindu-Muslim India’ that they admire and certain cultural aspects they ridicule and would rather not imbibe. This study contributes to the current anthropological discourse towards studying indigeneity by making a more complex, nuanced analysis of resistance.
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