'Reconstruct our own history': Arunachal seminar urges centering indigenous narratives in archaeology
Pasighat: A two-day National Seminar on ‘Archaeology in Arunachal Pradesh’ commenced on Thursday and concluded today.
The seminar was organised by the Department of History, Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC) in East Siang district and sponsored by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).
The event was coordinated by Leki Sitang, Vice Principal of JNC, alongside co-coordinators P.D. Mize and Nuyu Mize, under the supervision of the Department of History HoD, Talut Talom.
The inaugural session began with the felicitation of guests, followed by a welcome address by coordinator Leki Sitang, who outlined the seminar's core objective of historical reclamation.
“We must actively reconstruct and reinvent our own history, moving beyond merely accepting what has been presented to us by outsiders. Through true, diligent study and careful interpretation of archaeological data, we can collectively forge a more authentic and inclusive account of the past, one that genuinely speaks for us, the people of this land,” Sitang stated.
Byomkesh Tripathy delivered the keynote address and spoke on the multi-directional historical connections of the region.
He emphasised that the field of art and archaeology in Arunachal Pradesh remains vast and largely unexplored.
“To properly understand the past, we must adopt a holistic view that integrates geography, the history of neighbouring regions, and the tracking of ancient trade and migration routes,” Tripathy explained. “This approach highlights how the hilly regions share profound historical and cultural similarities with Tibet and Myanmar, while the foothills connect seamlessly with the historical flows of the rest of India. Crucially, a truly authentic study requires us to take into account how local tribes perceive their own cultural history, centring their indigenous knowledge as an essential part of our collective understanding.”
Oken Tayeng, MLA from the 39th Mebo Assembly Constituency and Chief Guest of the inaugural day, delivered an address stressing the national significance of centring indigenous perspectives.
“The foundational understanding of Arunachal Pradesh's archaeology, culture, and history must originate from the narratives of its local people,” Tayeng asserted. “Tribal wisdom, history, and oral traditions, when rooted and tested against archaeological evidence, are indispensable. Every artifact uncovered is like the unfolding of a mystery. Therefore, archaeological discussions in Arunachal must urgently increase the involvement of local communities and foster deeper, more inclusive public dialogues,” he added.
The Principal of JNC, Tasi Taloh, remarked on the institution's commitment to the cause: “Local wisdom and history must never be erased. It is essential that we ensure consistent, meaningful local input in all research initiatives. As Principal, I am profoundly grateful and proud that these vital discussions centring the authentic voices of our land are finally being held here, within the walls of this institution.”
On the occasion, the dignitaries officially released an abstract volume of the seminar proceedings.
The day's proceedings included two insightful technical sessions.
The first technical session was led by Marco Babit Mitri from the Department of History, NEHU. His address emphasised a new methodological framework:
“The future of history requires us to forge a genuine connection between archaeological materials and modern narratives. We must actively corroborate local myths and oral histories with tangible evidence, recognising the landscape as a living memory. This process demands amplifying local voices and incorporating indigenous interpretations to construct dynamic, shifting narratives that faithfully represent the past. We must decisively move beyond any 'blanket understanding' and embrace the rich complexity of this region's heritage.”
The session concluded with focused paper presentations from delegates.
The second technical session featured Chandan Kr Sharma from the Department of History, Dibrugarh University. Sharma focused on cultural connectivity, stating:
“Our traditions and stories are invaluable, and grounding them in systematic, scientifically acceptable archaeological evidence expands the world's understanding of our culture. Every structure and artifact proves that no community is entirely isolated; archaeology reveals the true mobility and interconnected nature of our cultural history, showing how communities have always moved, connected, and exchanged ideas.”
This was followed by a productive series of paper presentations and scholarly exchanges.
The National Seminar on ‘Archaeology in Arunachal Pradesh’ concluded today with deliberations and a valedictory session.