Cultural Contours of North-East India

This book explores aspects of culture and folklore of different states and tribes of north-east India. It examines arts and crafts, regional painting traditions, puppetry, literature, performing arts, cultural relations between different states, and religious cults and movements of the region. The author presents a multifaceted and multilayered cultural heritage of the north-east. Offering an insider's perspective, he highlights the importance of social, political, economic, environmental, emotional, and psychological factors in the formation of culture and folklore. While examining the various tribal cultures and folklores, Birendranath Datta highlights commonalities among the tribal and non-tribal populations. A well-written introduction contextualizes the essays in the current historiography and social scenario. This book will be of considerable interest to scholars and students of culture and folklore studies, sociology, anthropology, and history, particularly those interested in north-east India.