Natural Resources and Jhum Cultivation Land Use among the Karbis of West Karbi Anglong: An Ethnoarchaeological Study

Shikharani Sabnis

Archaeological studies have traditionally examined natural resources, land and forest resources utilisation from specific perspectives, such as settlement patterns and dietary practices. However, ethnoarchaeological evidence reveals that natural resources are often employed in multifaceted ways, spanning social, cultural, economic, and political contexts. In Northeast India, ethnic communities maintain a symbiotic relationship with their natural surroundings, offering a rich lens to study the diverse uses of these resources. Recent ethnoarchaeological field surveys conducted in the hilly districts of North Cachar and Karbi Anglong, Assam, provide insights into the extensive application of Land use for Jhum cultivation and use of natural resources. Some of these resources carry important cultural value in the social aspect. The availability of these land and forest resources not only supports the economy but also influences the settlement choices specially the land resources. The study of contemporary societies living in the area and their behaviour towards the natural/wild resources available in the area or environment may help provide a probable picture of the early people who had adapted to a similar environment. Through this interdisciplinary framework, the research aims to shed light on the intricate dynamics of resource use, cultural practices, and environmental adaptation in prehistoric societies of Northeast India. These findings contribute to a broader understanding of human lifestyles and the diverse ways natural resources have shaped societal evolution, as well as the problem of archaeological visibility of mobile and semi-sedentary lifeways in Northeast India.