A helpbook on rich Naga culture
ABC of Naga Culture and Civilization: A Resource Book, Nandita Haksar, Chicken Neck, Pp 263, Rs 1250.00
Just as the publishing house Chicken Neck announces its objective of bringing out publications related to the rich cultural traditions of the northeastern region with the objective of helping to preserve and conserve these traditions while serving as a bridge for creating a better understanding between the peoples of this region and the rest of the country, similarly the author of the book says she has written this book due to her concern at the impact of globalisation and the growth of religious fundamentalist tendencies among a section of the Naga people.
This is a beautiful coffee-table book on the Nagas, who were referred to as Kiratas or the golden-skinned people with Mongoloid features by our ancient Sanskrit texts and who lived in the sub-Himalayan region. The Naga community consists of more than 60 groups living in India and Burma. From pre-colonial times, these communities have evolved a common culture that distinguishes them from their neighbours. They also show a common history of resistance to foreign incursions into their territory.
The book examines the inter-relationship between consumerism and cultural politics, intellectual property rights and the preservation of cultural heritage; the relationship between the market and the State and the problem of consumerism and the rise of religious fundamentalism.
This is a very well-produced and attractive resource book, both for academics and activists.
(Chicken Neck, C-127, Sarvodaya Enclave, New Delhi-110 017; www.chickenneck.in)
—MG
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