Indian Knowledge System in the Context of North East India

Tracing the Literature

Abstract

The association of North East India with the mainstream Indian Knowledge System is known and established through different scriptural documents. However, the demographic setup of this region is such that it can be cited as the most divergent cultural area in India. Hundreds of tribal communities live here with their distinct cultural, religious and social belief systems. They carry their indigenous knowledge systems. Unfortunately, in the pan-Indian scenario, these knowledge systems do not surface. Nonetheless, the literature produced in this region preserves and acts as a repository of these knowledge systems. The paper demonstrates how literature from this area asserts its indigenous identity by moving back to its roots. The paper also stresses the need for these knowledge systems to be established in parallel with the mainstream Indian Knowledge System.