Cultural Diversity in Dima Hasao District, Assam: Unravelling the Heritage of Ethnic Communities

By : Nisha Rani Das

Page No: 19-31

Abstract
Ethnic communities represent a valuable aspect of intangible heritage, diligently preserving and safeguarding their age-old tradition. Despite the pervasive influence of globalisation, certain communities have successfully retained essential elements of their enduring structures and beliefs. Dima Hasao, earlier known as North Cachar Hill district, situated in southern Assam between the hills of Meghalaya and Nagaland, stands as the cradle of Northeast India’s ancient civilisation. Within this region, diverse ethnic groups thrive, each characterised by distinct languages, cultures, etiquettes, and customs, maintaining their unique identities with minimal external influence. Predominantly comprising the Indo-Mongoloid lineage, these communities primarily inhabit hilly and forested terrains,adhering to traditional ways of life. This research endeavours to delve into the traditional lifestyles of the Dimasa and Zemi Naga tribes inhabiting the North Cachar hills, with a particular emphasis on their practices related to hunting and pastoralism, which exhibit vestiges of early sedentary living. The set of evidence has been collected from field visit and interviews with the village headmen. Documentation of material culture has been accomplished through photography. This documentation is of utmost significance, given the impending risk of these ethnic communities’ vanishing existence. Such documentatio will be helpful, particularly for anthropological and archaeological research in future.

Author:
Nisha Rani Das: Assistant Professor, Department of History, Majuli University of Culture, Assam
 

DOI: https://doi.org/10.32381/SEAR.2024.49.3