What Archaeological Insights Can Nagaland University Provide on Prehistoric Naga Communities?

Kohima, June 16 (NationPress) Nagaland University, a central varsity, is undertaking groundbreaking archaeological research to explore the prehistoric existence of Naga communities. The goal is to develop strategies for climate change mitigation that will support food security in Nagaland, as indicated by an official statement on Monday.

The official elaborated that the research encompasses the Holocene and Anthropocene geological epochs. To honor the heritage and traditional knowledge of Indigenous people linked to Naga ancestral locations, the researchers are collaborating with local populations and engaging in community-based participatory research. These methodologies not only respect local ownership rights but also significantly enhance the scientific exploration.

At the heart of this initiative lies archaeology and palaeoclimate research, aiming to create a foundational understanding of the history of Naga existence from ancient times to the recent past. Up until now, limited research has been conducted in this domain, leaving the narrative of the deep Naga history fragmented and lacking a comprehensive chronology.

The research team is investigating two types of sites—prehistoric locations where they anticipate discovering evidence of pre-agricultural life, and Naga ancestral village sites, many of which are buried under modern settlements. These sites symbolize pre-colonial Indigenous habitation and serve as a collective memory for descendant communities, particularly in the context of migration narratives from significant dispersal points.

This community-focused, multi-disciplinary research is supported by a four-year funding grant (2025-2028) from the Australian Research Council, a government body of the Commonwealth of Australia. The project is a collaborative effort involving Nagaland University, University of Sydney, La Trobe University, University of York, and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences in Lucknow, along with local government backing from the Department of Art and Culture of the state government, as noted by the official.

The expected outcomes of this project include valuable insights for the communities involved, numerous scientific publications, and extensive community outreach to disseminate key recommendations for sustainable practices throughout Nagaland. This initiative is spearheaded by a research team led by Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir from the Department of History and Archaeology at Nagaland University, alongside researchers from various institutions.

Highlighting the significance of this research, Prof. Alison Betts from The University of Sydney stated, “We collaborate with communities to uncover the profound history of their villages, to understand how their food systems have evolved over time, and to identify any past adaptations they may have made to changing climatic conditions.” “By utilizing this knowledge along with broader scientific studies, our research will provide recommendations to assist Indigenous communities in adapting to an increasingly unstable environmental future,” she added.

Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir, who heads the research team, further shared, “We have already carried out a pilot study in the village of Langa (Shamator District). Langa was deserted at some point in history and has only recently been reinhabited. The village elders shared their oral history regarding its initial establishment and the reasons for its abandonment.” He noted that excavations have revealed the remnants of a prior village settlement.

“As part of our commitment to public outreach, we have created a short community archaeology film that documents the traditional oral history of the village and the archaeology of this ancestral location in collaboration with local communities from Langa, Kuthur, and the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC). Further studies of a similar nature are also being conducted at New Phor (Burakha), Meluri District, with support from the local community of New Phor and Pochury Hoho,” stated Prof. Jamir.

This project represents a pioneering multi-disciplinary approach to examining the past, fostering community engagement, and ensuring sustainable agricultural practices. Its innovative structure may serve as a model for similar initiatives in different regions. The trend of using historical insights to inform future sustainability efforts is increasingly gaining traction in academic research, particularly in the context of declining ecosystems, the erosion of traditional knowledge, and the urgent necessity to enhance food security amid significant environmental changes.

An official from the varsity noted that Nagaland boasts a long and rich history of sustainable agricultural practices, cultivated over centuries through intricate management and a wealth of traditional knowledge. “Currently, however, the landscape is changing, with younger generations departing from rural areas and long-standing agricultural systems facing threats from unpredictable and potentially disruptive climatic events,” he explained. The age-old ‘jhum’ system (slash-and-burn farming) has faced criticism for its perceived environmental impact due to forest clearing and burning. However, this perspective has recently been challenged by new scientific research suggesting that cyclical cultivation methods are essential for maintaining natural biodiversity, genetic diversity in agriculture, resilience against extreme weather, and social stability.

Archaeological investigations will coincide with fieldwork to reconstruct thousands of years of environmental evolution. Mapping historical economic practices in relation to climatic changes will reveal how communities have historically responded to the challenges posed by variable climatic conditions.

Team members will analyze residues from ancient pottery to uncover previous culinary habits. Soil studies will retrieve phytoliths, unique microscopic silica structures formed in plants that can indicate specific plant species. Charred plant remains will be collected for radiocarbon dating to establish a historical timeline of change and progress. The nutritional aspects of various components of the Naga diet will also be examined to assess the health implications of traditional food preservation techniques.