Cultures, Identities, Multiculturalism and Beyond

Book Details

• Author: S. Gregory and Sarit K. Chaudhuri (eds.)

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• Edition: 2018

• ISBN: 9788131609149

• Pages: 272

• Cover: Hardcover

About the Book
The world has increasingly become a "global village," with people from various cultures and races encountering each other through multiple communication channels. Despite this interconnectedness, cultural identities continue to form rigid boundaries. In a multicultural world with international collaborations and political negotiations, this paradox presents new challenges, demanding a deeper understanding of our cultural neighbors and a greater appreciation for each other's cultural specificities.

This volume offers a significant contribution to understanding the cultural contours of different societies. It explores challenges faced by contemporary multicultural societies and identifies appropriate responses. The papers in this collection discuss various dimensions of culture and cultural identities of indigenous and mainstream societies, and delve into issues of change, continuity, multiculturalism, adaptation, and integration.

The field-based nature of the papers, coming from different regions of India and abroad, provides a grounded view of cultural realities. The book aims to enrich anthropological knowledge, offering relevant insights for contemporary society.

Contents
Part I: Indigeneity and Cultural Identities

1. J.H. Hutton’s The Sema Nagas Revisited / G. Kanato Chophy

2. Cultural Homogeneity or Multiculturalism?: A Case Study among the Sakacheps of Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya / Teresa L. Khawzawl

3. Cultural Imperialism over Indigenous Culture: The Impact of Industrialization on the Oraons of Odisha / Minaketan Bag

Part II: Leadership and Political Identities
4. Mao Naga Chieftainship: A Symbol of Ethnic Identity / A. Kapesa
5. Youth as Agents of Social Change: The Case of Nagas in a Nagaland Village / Abang Pertin
6. Negotiating Socio-Political Identity in Assam-Arunachal Borderlands: The Case of the Mising Community / Ratna Tayeng
7. Political System of the Thachanadan Moopan of Wayanad District, Kerala: Continuity and Change / Sajina Bharathan

Part III: Material Culture, Economy and Traditions
8. Economy and Culture among the Kurichiyans of Wayanad in Kerala / Shakina T.
9. Longpi Ham: The Changing Tradition of Pottery among the Tangkhul Nagas of Manipur / Khachungla Tangvah
10. The Changing Motifs and Vocabularies in Meitei Textiles of Manipur / Oinam Hemlata Devi
11. Fishing Techniques of the Galo Tribe: An Ethno-Archaeological Perspective / Bina Gandhi Deori
12. The Living Nature of Burial Stones: A Study on the Jaintia Megalithic Tradition of Meghalaya / Akoijam Milan Meitei and Q. Marak

Part IV: Food Ways and Cultural Meanings
13. Celebrating Zupi: Traditional Usage and Cultural Meanings in Rice Beer Consumption among Vaipheis in Manipur / Doisiammoi Vaiphei and Q. Marak
14. Cultural Meanings of Bamboo Shoot among the Lotha Nagas of Nagaland / Chumchano R. Humtsoe

Part V: Health Cultures, Beliefs and Practices
15. Medical Beliefs and Practices of Chakpa Lois in a Meitei Village of Manipur / Asheibam Sandhyarani
16. Health Practices among the Bhoi Khasis of Umden, Ri-Bhoi District, Meghalaya / Ananya Chetia
17. Nutritional Status and Blood Pressure: A Study among Deuri Women of Bardeuri Village, Assam / Chandana Sarmah

Part VI: Mainstream Cultures and Cultural Integration
18. Territorial Boundaries of Caste: An Ethno-Historical Perspective on Kongu Nadu / Ponnarasu S.
19. Rituals, Festivals and Social Network in Kaveri Basin Area of Karnataka / S. Mahadeva
20. Two Broadminded Men: Narratives of Identification through Marriage and Materiality / Thomas Herzmark
21. Salad Bowl of Cultural Integration, and Not Homogenization: A Case Study of Singapore’s Multiculturalism / Elvin Xing and Amy Phua Mei Yen

Part VII: Mainstream Cultures and Cultural Integration
22. Bengalis of Nagpur: The Changing Context in the Era of Globalization / Surajit Kumar Pal
23. Religious Continuity and Change among the Migrant Maithil Brahmins of Bihar in Delhi / Anu Bhawana
24. The Future of Gorkha Ethnicity in India: An Anthropological Note / Swatahsiddha Sarkar

About the Author

• S. Gregory: A professor and former Head of the Department of Anthropology at Kannur University, currently the Director of the School of Distance Education and the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences. He has published over sixty research articles and several books, with research interests including sustainable development, tribal development, and migration studies.

• Sarit K. Chaudhuri: A professor of Anthropology and Director of the National Museum of Mankind, Bhopal. He has published 13 books and over 50 research papers. Chaudhuri has worked on various projects related to anthropology and cultural studies and is a member of the "Think Tank" formed by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.