The Northeast region of India is a land of diverse cultures, breathtaking landscapes and vibrant communities. Nestled between the mighty Himalayas and the plains of the Indian subcontinent this region is a mosaic of ethnicities, languages and traditions. It comprises eight states, namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, each with its own unique identity and heritage. North East India, known as the "Seven Sisters" since it is made up of seven contiguous states, is an important part of the nation's cultural fabric.

Its borders with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China and Myanmar combine to create a melting pot of different cultures. Rich biodiversity, verdant plains, gorgeous rivers and lush woods are the region's many natural resources, supporting both the environment and the human population. Historically, North East India has been a crossroads of trade, migration and cultural exchange.

It has been inhabited by Indigenous communities for millennia, whose roots are deeply intertwined with the land. The region has also been shaped by waves of migration and colonization, leaving behind layers of cultural and historical legacies. Despite its natural beauty and cultural richness, North East India has often been marginalized in mainstream discourse and development policies. Its geographical isolation, combined with socio-political complexities and insurgency movements has contributed to its perceived "otherness" within the Indian context.

The foundation of the cultural legacy of Northeast India is comprised of Indigenous groups. These communities, which are made up of several tribes and subgroups, have lived in the area for many years, upholding ancient customs and traditions that have their roots in their links to the land. Each Indigenous community in the region has its own distinct language, belief systems, social structures and customary laws. They have traditionally lived in harmony with nature, relying on subsistence farming, hunting, fishing and gathering for their livelihoods. Their intimate knowledge of local ecosystems and natural resources has been passed down through oral traditions, folklore, and rituals from one generation to another.

Despite facing challenges such as rapid urbanization, environmental degradation and socio-economic disparities, Indigenous communities in North East India continue to preserve and celebrate their cultural heritage. Festivals, dances, music and crafts play a central role in their social and spiritual life, serving as a testament to their resilience and identity.

Indigenous Knowledge and Culture

Indigenous knowledge and culture refer to the accumulated wisdom, practices, beliefs and customs passed down through generations within specific indigenous communities. It encompasses the unique ways of understanding the world, interacting with the environment and sustaining livelihoods that are deeply rooted in local traditions and experiences. This knowledge is deeply rooted in the experiences, observations and traditions of indigenous peoples and is often transmitted orally from elders to younger generations.

It encompasses various aspects of life, including traditional practices related to agriculture, medicine, spirituality and social organization. Indigenous culture encompasses not only tangible elements such as language, rituals and crafts but also intangible aspects such as values, worldviews and social norms. It is a reflection of the unique identity, history and worldview of each indigenous community.

In North East India, indigenous knowledge and culture are the backbone of many diverse communities. Passed down through generations, these traditions encompass a wide range of practices, beliefs and customs that shape the way of life for these communities. These traditions are community-based, meaning they are shared among members of the community, often orally from elders to younger generations.

This passing down of knowledge is crucial for maintaining cultural continuity and preserving the unique identity of each group. Moreover, indigenous knowledge is holistic, meaning it covers various aspects of life, including agriculture, medicine, spirituality and social organization. This holistic approach reflects the interconnectedness of all aspects of life within indigenous communities.

The sustainability of indigenous knowledge is another crucial feature. Using natural resources in ways that preserve ecological balance and guarantee the environment's long-term viability is a common practice in traditional practices. The community's health as well as the health of the surrounding ecology depends on this sustainable approach. Additionally, indigenous knowledge is adaptive, meaning it can evolve and change over time to suit local environments and changing circumstances. This adaptability is a testament to the resilience of indigenous communities in the face of external pressures and challenges.

Diversity of Indigenous Communities in North East India

In North East India, there exists a rich diversity of indigenous communities, numbering at 145 tribal groups, with 78 of them being sizable and each having a population exceeding 5000 individuals. These communities collectively represent around 12% of India's tribal population and approximately 25.81% of the entire population of North East India[1].

Diverse Indigenous Groups:

• Arunachal Pradesh: Tucked away in the far east of India, Arunachal Pradesh is home to a diverse range of aboriginal peoples, including the Apatani, Adi, Nyishi, and Galo. Every tribe has its own distinctive cultural customs, such as customary holidays, ceremonies, and languages. The Apatani tribe, for instance, is renowned for its elaborate handloom work and agricultural methods, whilst the Adi tribe welcomes the arrival of the agricultural season with the colorful Solung celebration.
   
• Assam: With its lush landscapes and vibrant culture, Assam is home to diverse indigenous tribes like the Bodo, Karbi, and Mising. These tribes have rich traditions rooted in nature, reflected in their vibrant festivals such as Bihu, Ali-aye-ligang, and Baikho. Additionally, each tribe has its own traditional attire, often adorned with intricate motifs and designs, showcasing their unique identity and heritage.
   
• Manipur: Known as the "Land of Jewels," Manipur is inhabited by indigenous tribes like the Meitei, Naga, and Kuki, each contributing to the region's cultural richness. The Meitei tribe, for instance, is renowned for its classical dance form, Manipuri dance, which is often performed during religious festivals like Lai Haraoba. Moreover, the Naga tribes are known for their fierce martial arts and distinctive music, which play a significant role in their cultural expressions.
   
• Meghalaya: Meghalaya, meaning "abode of clouds," is home to tribes such as the Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia, known for their unique matrilineal society and deep-rooted traditions. The Khasi tribe, for example, practices a matrilineal system where property and lineage are traced through the mother's line. Additionally, Meghalaya is renowned for its sacred groves, which are preserved by indigenous communities as part of their cultural heritage and environmental conservation efforts.
   
• Mizoram: Nestled between verdant hills, Mizoram is home to tribes such as the Mizo and Hmar, who are renowned for their colorful customs and rich cultural legacy. The Mizo tribe is well known for its elaborate handloom weaving, which results in vibrant textiles with traditional designs. In addition, Mizoram is well-known for its customary celebrations of the region's agricultural bounty and cultural variety, like Chapchar Kut and Mim Kut.
   
• Nagaland: With its undulating hills and diverse indigenous communities, Nagaland is a cultural kaleidoscope inhabited by tribes like the Angami, Ao, and Konyak. These tribes are known for their vibrant tribal tattoos, which symbolize social status, identity, and cultural heritage. Additionally, Nagaland is famous for its Hornbill Festival, where indigenous tribes showcase their traditional music, dance, and crafts, offering a glimpse into their rich cultural tapestry.
   
• Sikkim: Known for their unique cultural traditions and spiritual practices, indigenous tribes like the Lepcha and Bhutia live in Sikkim, tucked away in the foothills of the Himalayas. The Lepcha tribe, for example, honors Mount Kanchenjunga as a guardian deity by celebrating the Pang Lhabsol festival. In addition, Sikkim is also known for its exquisite handicrafts, which are essential to the region's cultural identity. Examples of these include wood carvings and Thangka paintings.
   
• Tripura: With its lush green landscapes and diverse indigenous communities, Tripura is inhabited by tribes like the Tripuri and Reang, known for their colorful tribal attire and traditional music. The Tripuri tribe, for example, is famous for its vibrant Garia Puja festival, which celebrates the harvest season and seeks blessings for prosperity and well-being. Additionally, Tripura is renowned for its bamboo crafts, which are intricately woven into baskets, mats, and musical instruments, showcasing the indigenous communities' craftsmanship and creativity.

Traditional Practices:

• Agriculture
  Indigenous communities in North East India employ sustainable farming methods deeply rooted in their cultural heritage. Techniques like jhum cultivation involve rotating fields, allowing land to regenerate naturally. Terrace farming, common in hilly regions, maximizes land use and prevents soil erosion. Agroforestry, another traditional practice, combines trees and crops, enhancing soil fertility and biodiversity. These methods integrate indigenous wisdom with contemporary agricultural practices, promoting environmental sustainability.
   
• Medicine
  Traditional healers in the region rely on the rich biodiversity of the forests, utilizing medicinal plants and herbal remedies passed down through generations. With knowledge transmitted orally, these healers diagnose and treat various ailments, maintaining a delicate balance between the physical, mental and spiritual aspects of health. Their practices often involve rituals and ceremonies, reinforcing the connection between nature and well-being. Despite modern advancements, many indigenous people continue to seek the guidance of traditional healers, valuing their holistic approach to healthcare.
   
• Crafts
  The craftsmanship of indigenous artisans reflects the intricate traditions and cultural identity of North East India. Skilled in their craft, these artisans create a wide array of handmade products, including bamboo baskets, tribal jewelry, handwoven textiles and pottery. Each piece carries with it a story, often rooted in local myths and legends, preserving ancestral knowledge and techniques. These crafts not only serve as a source of livelihood for indigenous communities but also play a vital role in maintaining cultural heritage and fostering community pride[3].

Media Representation of Indigenous Communities

Indigenous communities around the world often find themselves portrayed in mainstream media in ways that do not accurately reflect their diverse cultures, traditions and realities. Mainstream media, which includes television, film, newspapers, and digital platforms, has historically marginalized Indigenous voices and perpetuated stereotypes. Indigenous peoples are frequently depicted through a narrow lens, focusing on outdated and inaccurate stereotypes rather than showcasing the richness and diversity of their cultures.

For example, Indigenous peoples are often portrayed as primitive or exotic, living in remote areas untouched by modernity. This portrayal fails to recognize the vibrant and dynamic cultures of Indigenous communities, which have adapted and thrived in contemporary society while maintaining strong connections to their traditional ways of life

Furthermore, mainstream media often overlooks the contributions of Indigenous peoples to society, relegating them to the margins of history and ignoring their ongoing struggles for justice and recognition. By failing to accurately represent Indigenous communities, mainstream media perpetuates harmful stereotypes and reinforces colonial attitudes towards Indigenous peoples[1].

Stereotypes and Misrepresentation

One of the most pervasive stereotypes perpetuated by mainstream media is the portrayal of Indigenous peoples as a monolithic group with uniform customs, beliefs and appearances. This homogenized depiction erases the diversity of Indigenous cultures and ignores the distinct languages, traditions and histories of different Indigenous communities. Additionally, Indigenous peoples are often depicted as relics of the past, frozen in time and disconnected from the modern world.

This portrayal ignores the reality that Indigenous communities are dynamic and evolving, adapting to changing circumstances while maintaining their cultural identities. Furthermore, mainstream media frequently sensationalizes Indigenous cultures, reducing them to caricatures for entertainment purposes. Indigenous peoples are often depicted as mystical or primitive, perpetuating harmful stereotypes and reinforcing colonial power dynamics[2].

Role of Media in Shaping Perceptions of Indigenous Cultures

Media plays a powerful role in shaping public perceptions of Indigenous cultures, influencing how Indigenous peoples are perceived and understood by society at large. When mainstream media perpetuates stereotypes and misrepresentations of Indigenous communities, it reinforces harmful attitudes and prejudices towards Indigenous peoples. Moreover, media can also serve as a platform for amplifying Indigenous voices and showcasing the diversity and richness of Indigenous cultures.

By providing opportunities for Indigenous storytellers, journalists, and filmmakers to share their perspectives, media can challenge stereotypes and provide more accurate representations of Indigenous peoples. But the mainstream media often falls short in its representation of Indigenous cultures, prioritizing sensationalized narratives and simplistic portrayals over nuanced and authentic storytelling. This perpetuates harmful stereotypes and contributes to the marginalization of Indigenous voices in media discourse[3].

Indigenous Media Initiatives

In North East India, Indigenous media outlets serve as vital channels for representing the rich tapestry of cultures, languages and traditions found within the region's diverse Indigenous communities. These media initiatives play an important role in providing a platform for Indigenous voices and allowing community members to share their unique stories, perspectives and experiences.

These Indigenous media outlets in North East India encompass a diverse range of platforms including community radio stations, newspapers, television channels and online platforms. Often, these outlets are rooted in the community, managed and operated by Indigenous organizations or groups. Their primary objective is to cater to the needs and interests of local Indigenous communities, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns addressed.

Community radio stations, such as Imphal, Manipur's Radio Nongin 90.8 MHz FM, function as a focal point for community involvement by airing shows that highlight the region's rich cultural diversity and legacy[4]. Newspapers that cover local news and events and emphasize topics important to Indigenous groups include The Arunachal Times in Arunachal Pradesh[5]. Furthermore, internet resources like Indigenousherald.com [6]are vital for spreading knowledge and increasing awareness of Indigenous problems in the area. Members of the community can access news, articles, and resources about their rights, culture, and identity on these digital forums.

Types of Indigenous Media:

• Radio: Community radio stations are a popular form of Indigenous media in North East India. These stations broadcast programs in local Indigenous languages and cover topics of interest to Indigenous communities, including cultural events, traditional music, and community news.
   
• Newspapers: Indigenous newspapers provide a platform for Indigenous journalists and writers to cover local news and issues from an Indigenous perspective. These newspapers often publish articles in Indigenous languages and focus on preserving and promoting Indigenous cultures and traditions.
   
• Websites: Indigenous websites and online platforms play an increasingly important role in Indigenous media initiatives. These websites feature news, articles, videos, and other content relevant to Indigenous communities, reaching a wider audience and providing a space for Indigenous voices to be heard.
   
• Television: While television channels may be less common than other forms of Indigenous media, there are some Indigenous-owned and operated television channels in North East India. These channels often broadcast programs in Indigenous languages and showcase Indigenous culture, music, and traditions.

Digital Media and Indigenous Communities

Digital media platforms have emerged as powerful tools for connecting Indigenous communities across the globe, facilitating cultural exchange, and empowering Indigenous voices. In this digital age, social media platforms, online forums, and digital technologies play a crucial role in preserving, sharing, and amplifying Indigenous knowledge, traditions, and narratives.

• Connecting Indigenous Communities and Facilitating Cultural Exchange
  Digital media platforms serve as virtual meeting grounds where Indigenous communities from different regions can connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas. Social media platforms like Facebook, X, and Instagram provide avenues for Indigenous individuals and groups to share their cultural practices, stories, and experiences with a global audience. Online forums and discussion groups dedicated to Indigenous issues allow community members to engage in meaningful dialogue, share resources, and build networks of support.
   
• Through digital media, Indigenous communities can transcend geographical barriers and form connections based on shared experiences, values, and aspirations. This interconnectedness fosters cultural exchange, allowing Indigenous groups to learn from one another, celebrate their diversity, and promote cross-cultural understanding.
   
• Utilization of Digital Technologies for Documentation and Knowledge Sharing
  Digital technologies offer Indigenous community's innovative ways to document and preserve their traditional knowledge, languages, and customs. Platforms such as YouTube and podcasting sites enable Indigenous individuals and groups to create multimedia content, including videos, podcasts, and digital stories, showcasing their cultural heritage and oral traditions. Additionally, digital archives and online repositories provide secure storage spaces for Indigenous artifacts, documents, and recordings, ensuring their accessibility for future generations. By harnessing digital tools, Indigenous communities can safeguard their heritage, revitalize endangered languages, and pass down ancestral knowledge to younger members.
   
• Amplifying Indigenous Voices and Challenging Dominant Narratives
  Indigenous communities can reclaim their stories, dispel prejudices, and take on structural injustices with the use of digital media. Indigenous activists and advocates use social media campaigns, blogs, and online publications to bring attention to important problems like cultural appropriation, land rights, and environmental conservation.
  
  Furthermore, digital storytelling platforms offer Indigenous individuals a platform to share their lived experiences, perspectives, and struggles, amplifying their voices in mainstream discourse. By leveraging social media hashtags and viral campaigns, Indigenous activists harness the power of digital media to mobilize support, effect social change and hold institutions accountable[7].

Existing policies related to Indigenous rights and cultural preservation

In North East India, policies related to Indigenous rights and cultural preservation is crucial for safeguarding the diverse heritage of the region's Indigenous communities. Several existing policies aim to address these concerns, albeit with varying degrees of effectiveness. The Indian Constitution's Sixth Schedule[8], which establishes the governance of tribal regions in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, is one important policy.

This plan gives Indigenous people some degree of self-governance and cultural sovereignty by establishing autonomous district councils to oversee tribal lands. However, there have been difficulties in putting these principles into practice, such as the councils' lack of funding and authority devolution.

Furthermore, Indigenous communities that live in forests are to have their forest rights and occupation recognized and vested under the Forest Rights Act (2006)[9]. The purpose of this act is to correct historical injustices against Indigenous peoples in relation to forest resources and land ownership. Nevertheless, many Indigenous groups are still waiting for their rights to be recognized because of the slow pace of its implementation. Cultural preservation is also addressed through initiatives such as the preservation of Indigenous languages and traditions.

Various state governments in the region have introduced measures to promote Indigenous languages in education and official documentation. Efforts to document and archive Indigenous cultural practices and oral traditions have also been undertaken by government agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Conclusion
With many Indigenous cultures that have lived there for generations, North East India is a region rich in cultural diversity. These communities add to the diverse tapestry of cultures in the area with their priceless knowledge, traditions and worldviews that have been passed down through the decades. However, there are many obstacles to the preservation and celebration of Indigenous knowledge and culture in the area due to the quick speed of modernization and the influence of mainstream media.

The identity and welfare of the indigenous communities of North East India are fundamentally based on their knowledge and culture. These customs, which have been transmitted orally, include a broad spectrum of activities pertaining to social structure, medicine, agriculture and spirituality. They uphold a great reverence for nature and sustainable living habits by reflecting the intimate bond that exists between people and their surroundings. Indigenous groups show resiliency and pride in their identity by celebrating and conserving their cultural history through festivals, dances, music and crafts in spite of the difficulties they confront.

A number of issues, such as increasing urbanization, environmental deterioration, and socioeconomic inequality, are putting indigenous cultures in North East India in jeopardy. While mainstream media dominance provides Indigenous groups with a platform to communicate their narratives and experiences, it also carries the potential of marginalization and distortion. The richness and complexity of Indigenous peoples' traditions are undermined by stereotypical portrayals of them, which also reinforce colonial attitudes and power dynamics.

There is a growing recognition of the importance of collaborative efforts among Indigenous groups, researchers, media workers, and policymakers. By working together, these stakeholders can develop new and creative ways to use media, education and community projects to preserve and celebrate Indigenous cultures in North East India. Indigenous media initiatives, including community radio stations, newspapers, websites and television channels, play a vital role in representing the voices and perspectives of Indigenous communities, providing platforms for cultural exchange and challenging dominant narratives.

Existing policies related to Indigenous rights and cultural preservation, such as the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution and the Forest Rights Act, provide a framework for recognizing and supporting Indigenous communities in North East India. However, there is a need for greater implementation and enforcement of these policies to address the challenges faced by Indigenous peoples. Efforts to promote Indigenous languages, traditions and cultural practices must be supported by adequate resources and meaningful engagement with Indigenous communities.

Action taken collectively to safeguard, conserve and celebrate the rich legacy of the region's Indigenous populations is essential to the survival of Indigenous knowledge, culture and media in Northeastern India. Through collaborative efforts, cultural exchange and policy reform advocacy, stakeholders can guarantee that Indigenous perspectives are acknowledged, respected and valued both inside and outside of the region. By these initiatives, North East India can become a symbol of Indigenous solidarity, innovation and resilience that will encourage progressive development and constructive transformation for future generations.

End Notes:

1. Common portrayals of Indigenous people. (n.d.). MediaSmarts. https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/media-issues/diversity-media/indigenous-people/common-portrayals-indigenous-people
2. Stereotyping Northeast Indians in mainstream media: An unfair and harmful representation. (2023, March 18). Times of India Blog. https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/readersblog/if-only-i-can-speak/stereotyping-northeast-indians-in-mainstream-media-an-unfair-and-harmful-representation-51594/
3. Hassen, R. (2016, January 1). The Role of Media in Promoting Indigenous Cultural Values: Critical Discourse Analysis. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/305880744_The_Role_of_Media_in_Promoting_Indigenous_Cultural_Values_Critical_Discourse_Analysis
4. Devi, P. K. (2023, April 4). Manipur: Community Radio channel 'Radio Nongin 90.8 MHz FM' celebrates its 2nd foundation day. India Today NE. https://www.indiatodayne.in/manipur/story/manipur-community-radio-channel-radio-nongin-908-mhz-fm-celebrates-its-2nd-foundation-day-537457-2023-04-04
5. The Arunachal Times | – Latest Arunachal News, North East News, National News, World News. (2024, April 14). https://arunachaltimes.in/
6. Indigenous Herald | Face of Northeast India. (n.d.). https://indigenousherald.com/
7. Ziipao, R. R. (2023, August 17). Out of Coverage Area: Tribes and Digital Exclusion in North-east India. Journal of Development Policy and Practice. https://doi.org/10.1177/24551333231163930
8. Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution, 1950
9. The Forest Rights Act, 2006
10. Ali, A., & Das, I. (2003, December 1). Tribal Situation in North East India. Studies of Tribes and Tribals/Studies of Tribes and Tribals. https://doi.org/10.1080/0972639x.2003.11886492
11. De, L. C. (2021, February 21). Traditional knowledge practices of North East India for sustainable agriculture. ResearchGate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/349549188_Traditional_knowledge_practices_of_North_East_India_for_sustainable_agriculture
12. Revisiting indigenous epistemologies of North East India | Heinrich Böll Stiftung | India Office. (2020, September 10). Heinrich Böll Stiftung | India Office. https://in.boell.org/en/2020/09/10/revisiting-indigenous-epistemologies-north-east-india

Written By: Vageesha Kumre, Advocate - Delhi High Court