This book offers an exploration of the unique cultural, social and political landscapes of India’s Northeast and its relationship with the broader Indian nation. This edited volume brings together insightful perspectives from scholars, policy experts and researchers to discuss the region’s distinct identity and the complex interplay between local traditions and national integration. Divided into thematic sections, the book examines historical influences, ethnic diversity, economic challenges and geopolitical dynamics that shape the region’s contemporary issues. It delves into the legacies of colonialism, border complexities, issues pertaining to development, education and internal migration of youths from the region to metropolitan cities of the country and socio-political movements that impact the region’s sense of belonging within India. Through these discussions, contributors explore how policies, such as the Act East Policy, and initiatives in infrastructure, education and cultural exchange have influenced the region’s development and integration. The book also considers pressing issues such as identity politics and environmental concerns that have sparked significant local movements and political debates. By addressing these themes, this volume provides a nuanced understanding of the region’s aspirations, challenges and critical role in India’s strategic and cultural framework. This engaging and thought-provoking volume is an essential read for those interested in Indian politics, regional studies and ethnic diversity. The book offers a balanced perspective on the aspirations and grievances of the people in the Northeast and the broader implications for Indian democracy and pluralism. Through this lens, it invites readers to look at Northeast region not as a frontier but as an integral and vital component of India’s national narrative.
Dr. Tuisem Ngakang teaches History in Satyawati College, University of Delhi (Delhi). He did Ph.D. from the Department of History and Culture, Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi) and PostDoctoral from the Department of History, University of Delhi (Delhi). He was awarded the Tagore National Fellowship for Cultural Research by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India for 2018-2019. He has contributed several chapters in edited books and research articles in reputed Journals. Dr. Rammathot Khongreiwo teaches History in Lakshmibai College, University of Delhi (Delhi). He did M.A., M.Phil. and Ph.D. from the Department of History, University of Delhi. He was awarded ‘Malti Nagar Ethnoarchaeology Award’ for the year 2007 by the Indian Society for Prehistoric and Quaternary Studies (ISPQS). His publications include Raids, Customary Laws and Slavery: Re-interpreting Pre-colonial Naga Warfare (Occasional Paper, NMML, Teen Murti, New Delhi) and a few articles in peer-review international journals and chapters in edited books. He is currently Associate Editor of International Journal of Indigenous and Marginalised Affairs. Dr. Franky Varah is Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Studies, Shri Ram College of Commerce, University of Delhi (Delhi). He holds a Master degree in Environmental Studies from University of Delhi and M. Phil. And Ph.D. degrees in Science Policy Studies from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi. With more than nine years of teaching experience, he specializes in environmental studies, environmental psychology and science policy studies. He has published a number of research articles in different journals, books and chapters in books. He has also presented paper in conferences/seminars and attended various training and workshops. Dr. Pamreihor Khashimwo is currently Dissertation Supervisor at Arden University in Berlin. Khashimwo is an academician and researcher with expertise in international relations, political science, energy security and sustainable development. He earned his Ph.D. in “German Foreign Policy and the Eurozone Crisis” and M.Phil. in “European Security Strategy” from Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. His educational journey began with a Master’s degree and Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from University of Delhi. Khashimwo further honed his research skills through an ICSSR Post-Doctoral Fellowship at the University of Delhi, focusing on India-Africa energy engagements. He was awarded a scholarship by the Konrad Adenauer Foundation (KAS) as a visiting scholar at Freie University (Germany) in 2013. He has a number of publications in an academic journal and currently engaging in ‘India’s energy engagement with Africa’.
Forward Acknowledgements Preface Introduction SECTION I Pre-colonial Roots, Colonial and Postcolonial Cartographic Engineerings and Northeast India’s “Durable Disorder” Chapter 1 The Despondency of Stateless Peoples in History and Historywriting: The Naga Case Chapter 2 A Discourse on Geo-Political Mapping and Identity Conflict in North-East India SECTION II Postcolonial ‘Northeast India’: Colonial Hangovers, Geopolitics and Resistance Movements Chapter 3 Revolutionary Politics and the Indian state in North-East: A Perspective Chapter 4 Anti-Colonial Discourse in Manipur: The Shillong Accord 1949 and Annexation Theory Chapter 5 Ethnonationalism and Democracy: Role of Naga Political Parties in the Naga-Indo Conflict and Peace Process SECTION III Into the Postcolonial Period: Indian Constitution, Political and Land Rights of Tribal Peoples of ‘Northeast India’ Chapter 6 Land Rights, Constitutional Provisions and State Machinery in Manipur Chapter 7 Exploring the Paradox of Ethnic Democracy in Manipur: ALook at Political Representation and Tribal Rights Chapter 8 Necropolitics of Land-grabbing and Naga Conception of Land: The Question of the Basic Structure of a Polity SECTION IV Postcolonial ‘Northeast India’: Problems of Migration and Identity Questions Chapter 9 Borderland Migration, Neo-liberal India and Borderland identity Chapter 10 Racial Discrimination in India: A Case of Northeast Migrants in Metropolitan Cities SECTION V Postcolonial ‘Northeast India’: Understanding the Region’s Higher Education and the Fate of Its Peoples Chapter 11 After Graduation: A young Nagas’ Aspirations for Life Chapter 12 Higher Education and Students Migration: A Study of Manipur State SECTION VI Postcolonial ‘Northeast India’: Politics of Development Chapter 13 Rethinking India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Socio-Economic Development of Northeastern Region Chapter 14 North Eastern Council and the Politics of Regional Development About the Contributors About the Editors
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