Traditional knowledge of iron metallurgy in North-East India, with reference to Manipur: A historical and technological perspective

The review explores the intricate traditional knowledge (TK) nurtured by the diverse indigenous communities of Northeast (NE) India, emphasizing on their adaptive strategies amidst the region's evolving climate patterns. NE India faces a multitude of climate change-induced risks, including earthquakes, landslides, flash floods, and thunderstorms/lightning, highlighting the critical role of indigenous knowledge in mitigating these challenges. Through generations of experience, indigenous cultures have amassed a treasure trove of traditional ecological knowledge, particularly pertinent in NE India's context. Given the region's vulnerability to climate change impacts, these indigenous practices are indispensable. The review provides an in-depth analysis of these aspects, shedding light on recent climate change impacts, prevalent issues, and the indigenous adaptation strategies in NE India. Recognizing the significance of indigenous knowledge in climate change adaptation, the review stresses the importance of integrating it with scientific knowledge to enhance adaptation effectiveness. It extensively covers various aspects of traditional farming systems, watershed governance, the preservation of biodiversity, and traditional medical practices in NE India. However, the region faces challenges from growing development, the industrial revolution, and devastation, emphasizing an urgent need to document, evaluate, and preserve indigenous cultures' traditional ecological knowledge (TEK).

Sustainable management of natural resources plays a critical role in poverty alleviation and overall socio-economic development. North East (NE) India is blessed as a biodiversity hotspot, being also home to around 150 ethnic tribes with diverse ethical, cultural and traditional beliefs, endorsing the region as a cultural paradise rich in natural resources and traditional ecological knowledge (TEK). Conversely, the severely constrained nature of TEK, has juxtaposed TEK practices and sustainable natural resources management (NRM) in this review. Deliberating on the broader perspectives of TEK and ensuing practices, we have identified twelve sustainable development goals (SDGs) which are directly correlated to the TEK and practices of NE region. This review has meticulously detailed TEK and practices that can help in achieving various sustainable development targets of different SDGs in a more comprehensive and eco-friendly manner. Houde's manifestation to differentiate each element of TEK and practices present in the NE region of the country, such as traditional farming and irrigation systems, sacred groves, and cultural belief systems of different tribes, have been systematically analyzed and documented for each of the eight states of this region. The benefits accrued modern practices related to NRM are correlated with TEK, or adaptive empirical knowledge system. Indigenous agricultural systems, watershed management, biodiversity conservation, and ethnomedicinal therapeutic systems in NE India formed a vital part of the review. However, rapid urbanization, industrialization, and deforestation warrant an urgent need to systematically collate, document, analyze, and conserve the TEK of the indigenous communities of NE India.

The development of the rubber sector in North East (NE) India in recent decades is an outcome of the government’s import substitution initiatives in the post-independence period. The article attempts to trace the process of evolution and development of the rubber sector in the region and observes that the adopted policies for rubber expansion had been framed under the narrow innovation system model, whereby the localised knowledge and learning, as well as practices, remained completely ignored in the promotion of the sector. The lack of region-specific rubber development strategies with appropriate linkages supported by institutional systems are the critical gaps that undermine the sustainable growth of the rubber sector in the NE region. Eventualities of the sort call for reinventing policies and programmes under the broad innovation system framework, so as to reap the advantages emanating from the integration of the region with the global market and facilitate greater diversification and sustainable growth of the rubber sector.

Traditional farming system is an ecologically based age-old farming system developed by ancient farmers through generations of their interaction with nature and natural resources for food, fodder and fiber. Indigenous knowledge is the knowledge of the indigenous people inhabiting different geographical regions of the world with their own language, culture, tradition, belief, folklore, rites and rituals. This report is an attempt to document some of the indigenous practices followed by traditional farmers for the management of pests of certain common crops grown in traditional farms in general and north east India in particular. Key words: Agricultural farming, indigenous traditional knowledge, pest and disease management, traditional ecological knowledge.

List of Tables. List of Figures. Preface. Introduction Sumi Krishna Part I. Aspects of a Changing Environment. 1. Floods and fields in the Brahmaputra valley: Twentieth-century changes in historical perspective Ritupan Goswami 2. Relation of the traditional economic system and ecology: The case of a Naga community Late U. A. Shimray 3. Why do jhumiyas jhum? Managing change in shifting cultivation areas in the uplands of northeastern India Dhrupad Choudhury 4. A dying lake: Food security versus 'development' - Loktak, Manipur Thingnam Anjulika Samom 5. Land, environmental degradation and conflicts in northeastern India Walter Fernandes. Part II. Gender Dimensions of Farming. 6. Livelihood diversification: Farming, forest-use and gender in northeastern India Deepak K. Mishra 7. Gender dynamics in agro-biodiversity conservation in Sikkim and Nagaland Chanda Gurung Goodrich 8. Gender, food security and rice farming in Tripura Vincent Darlong, D. K. Hore and S. Deb Barma 9. Mizoram's rice economy and gender relations Audrey Ladinpuii and Laithangpuii 10. Gender ideologies and the 'price' of rice in northeastern India Sumi Krishna. Part III. Search for Alternatives. 11. Integrated rubber farming and livelihood systems in northeastern India P. K. Viswanathan 12. Organic farming in the northeastern hill regions Nilabja Ghosh 13A. The potential of horticultural interventions for livelihood enhancement and biodiversity conservation in Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh Sumi Krishna 13B. Rhodododendron conservation and squash production: A case study from Arunachal Pradesh K. M. Jayahari and Monalisa Sen 14. Community-based approaches to local natural resource management Vincent Darlong and S. K. Barik. Appendix: Changing land relations in northeastern India: A comparative study of six tribes and a non-tribal group Walter Fernandes and Melville Pereira. About the Editor. Notes on Contributors. Index

Economic significance of wild bioresources to rural communities in the Eastern Himalayan state of Assam, Northeast India

In the context of Northeast India, environmental sustainability through the conservation of TEK is an integral part of the cultural tradition of tribal communities. Northeast India is known for its socio-cultural diversity and its rich reserve of bio-diversity, flora and fauna, herbs, medicinal plants, etc. In Northeast India, tribal communities have developed a strong and organic interrelationship with the forest for their livelihood, as environment provides a variety of resources for the subsistence of them. Tribals are considered as the indigenous people who are considered as the original inhabitants of forests. In Northeast India, forest is considered as a community resource and forest land is considered as the traditional or customary boundaries of the village locality. The role of sacred groves for the conservation of TEK cannot be ignored, as they not only played an important role in environmental sustainability, but also human security in Northeast India.

Malgre les nombreux changements de la pratique anthropologique depuis une cinquantaine d'annees, notamment une amplitude des objets de recherche, les societes dites traditionnelles, primitives, orales, simples font toujours l'objet de l'interet privilegie des ethnologues. Si la terminologie utilisee pour designer ces societes a ete modifiee au cours du temps (afin de s'eloigner, entre autres, des theories evolutionnistes), les definitions restent encore imprecises, en particulier celle de tribu. L'expression peuple autochtone, utilisee depuis peu, laisse apparaitre une idee de morale et d'ethique mais ne peut s'appliquer qu'a des contextes particuliers, a l'instar de la notion de tribu, et peut alimenter des ideologies diverses qui pronent les liens du sang et de la terre et pour lesquelles les ethnologues ne mesurent peut-etre pas les utuilisations ambivalentes.

Community-based natural resource management in northeast India has a long history. indigenous knowledge and adaptation are the collective information, with improvement from generation to generation. The expectation is that under community control, local expertise on biodiversity will play a significant role in natural resource management through traditional practices. This paper discusses the characteristics and application of the traditional ecological knowledge of aboriginal peoples in northeast India and its role in natural resource management. Examples are provided in two different eco-cultural landscapes, i.e., Demazong (the Buddhist eco-cultural landscape in Sikkim Himalaya) and the Apatani eco-cultural landscape in Arunachal Pradesh, which illustrate the utility value of traditional ecological knowledge in sustainable natural resource management. Both eco-cultural landscapes are indeed very complex and highly evolved systems with high levels of economic and. ecological efficiencies. The paper concludes that traditional ecological knowledge systems and institutions could serve as entry points into the sustainable utilization and management of natural resources. This could be achieved through the exploration of the cultural practices of the local people and integrating useful aspects into the modern natural resource management expertise. With rapidly depleting biodiversity in the developing tropic regions, there is a greater utilization today than ever before of the value of respecting the "Sacred" as a tool towards better conservation of natural resources.

Background: Traditional foods are integral to cultural identity and heritage, offering insights into regional diversity and culinary practices. In North East India, the rich tapestry of indigenous snacks reflects the region's unique geographical and climatic conditions. These snacks, primarily cereal-based and often deep-fried, include items like Sel roti, Zhero (Sikkim), Pukhein (Meghalaya), Khapse (Arunachal Pradesh), and Kakching Bora (Manipur). Steamed varieties such as pithas and pusyep are also prevalent. Despite their cultural significance, traditional production methods for these snacks are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and result in product non-uniformity. Objective: This study aims to explore and document indigenous knowledge related to the traditional processes of snack production in North East India. It seeks to identify gaps in standardization and propose modern technological interventions to enhance production efficiency, product consistency, and shelf life. Methods: A comprehensive review of existing literature was conducted to understand traditional snack preparation methods. Field visits were undertaken to engage with local producers and gather firsthand insights into raw material selection, processing techniques, and packaging practices. Additionally, consultations with food technologists were held to assess the feasibility of integrating contemporary technologies into traditional practices. Results: The study identified several challenges in traditional snack production, including variability in taste and texture, inconsistent product sizes, and limited shelf life. However, it also highlighted the potential for improvement through the adoption of modern technologies such as standardized cooking equipment, automated frying processes, and advanced packaging materials. Conclusions: Integrating contemporary food processing technologies with traditional methods can significantly enhance the quality, consistency, and shelf life of indigenous snacks from North East India. This fusion not only preserves cultural heritage but also opens avenues for commercial viability and broader market reach. Further research and development are recommended to tailor technological solutions that align with local practices and resources.

Socioeconomic profile of farmers has great implications in present days for providing insight into demography, education, income and management of bio-resources. The small scale farmers of rural regions have indeed conserved the indigenous and traditional facts since past generations that eventually redefined as traditional ecological knowledge. Hence, keeping in view, the socioeconomic structure of the villages in Barak Valley region, the grassland managers of agricultural communities could be recognized as a great storehouse of traditional knowledge that play a vital role towards various land recuperation processes. The study was carried out at Dargakona village, Barak Valley, Assam, northeast India with an objective to identify factors that regulate the socioeconomic characteristics of rice farmers and measures to be adopted for improvement of their status. Data were collected from 48 households that were randomly sampled through questionnaire survey and structured interview schedule. The dominant inhabitants of the village were Deshawali (56.30%), Bardhamani (36.70%) and Koibarta (7%) in order of their proportionate share of the population. The average family size indicated almost identical size among the population below 14 years as well as above 30 years of age. Education status expressed low rate of literacy with 41% had no experience of school learning. Roofing pattern of houses indicated maximum use of thatch grass as raw material. The age of the grasslands varied from 10 years to more than 40 years. The rice farmers classified four soil types i.e. ‘lal’, ‘balu’, ‘athail’ and ‘citta’. Majority (50%) of the respondents were found with marginal land holdings of one bigha or less. About 23% of the farm natives briefed that the yield of their grasslands amounts to 1000 gollas (a local unit for cash transaction) of dried leaves per annum. Although much of the farmers are in favor of grassland management but still there are people who wants replacement with plantation of economically important species. The Imperata grasslands are generally managed for both subsistence and income generation. The study concluded that there is an urgent need of Government, NGO and other stakeholders to intervene and study the issues and challenges of the small scale farmers. Thereafter, proper policies may be formulated in restoration of the degraded grasslands and improving the socioeconomic status of the village communities residing in Barak Valley, Assam, northeast India.

Book Review: Christianity in North East India: Historical Perspectives

Wild edible plants have long played a vital role in the subsistence and cultural practices of indigenous communities across Northeast India. This study focuses on the documentation of wild edible vegetables traditionally used by the Kachari tribe in the Dibrugarh and Tinsukia districts of Eastern (Upper) Assam. Fieldwork was carried out over a period of three years, from 2023 to 2025, with particular emphasis on the month of June & July considered a peak season for the availability of many wild plant species. Data collection involved ethnobotanical surveys, guided field walks, and semi-structured interviews with local elders, foragers, and community members who possess traditional ecological knowledge passed down through generations. The study identified a wide variety of wild edible vegetables, many of which are foraged from nearby forests, wetlands, and fallow lands. These plants not only contribute to the nutritional needs of the community but are also deeply embedded in the culinary practices and seasonal food traditions of the Kachari people. Some species were found to have medicinal properties as well, reflecting a holistic approach to health and food among the tribe. The findings underscore the cultural and ecological significance of wild edible vegetables and point to the urgent need for their documentation and conservation in the face of rapid environmental and socio-economic changes. By highlighting the knowledge of the Kachari tribe, this research contributes to the broader understanding of sustainable food systems and indigenous practices in Northeast India. It also calls for further interdisciplinary studies and community-led initiatives to preserve this invaluable traditional knowledge for future generations.

Exploration of ethnic traditional food recipes has an immense contribution to the preservation and sustainability of traditional food habits and culture. The main objective of this study was to explore and document traditional food recipes prepared from wild edible vegetables among two ethnic groups of Mizoram, Northeast India. The method employed for this study was mainly based on a household survey; randomly selected 35 households in Aizawl district representing the major ethnic groups, namely Hmar and Paihte. Information was collected on different types of wild edible vegetables ethnic food, as prepared and consumed by the local people. Twenty-four types of traditional food recipes were documented according to their seasonal availability, and the affinities of choices in food consumption are comparable among the two ethnic groups. It was also reported that wild edible vegetables play a significant role in safeguarding food security and improve nutrition in diets. The present work documents the wild edible vegetables used traditionally by two ethnic groups of Mizoram for various recipes and highlights the necessity of conserving such traditional knowledge besides throwing light on their economic potential. The study suggests that future investigation be carried out to evaluate the nutritional and bioactive properties of wild edible vegetables.

Northeast India, a region known for its beautiful landscapes, pleasant climate, historical sites, varied cultural and ethnic heritage, unique delicacies, and rich biodiversity, has been experiencing socio-economic and environmental challenges for the past few decades and is working towards addressing these issues holistically. This chapter dives into how people in Northeast India build their environmental identity through the media narratives they consume. This chapter highlights how consuming media can be a powerful psychological tool that helps shape our environmental identity, particularly in a region where traditional ecological knowledge meets modern media. By applying psychological theories of identity formation and media influence, the chapter investigates how media narratives can mould environmental identity in Northeast India. Synthesizing the insights, the chapter introduces a region-specific theoretical framework.