ESSENCE OF POUMAI NAGA EXISTENCE: THE ROLE OF ORAL LITERATURE IN PRESERVING POUMAI NAGA CULTURAL HERITAGE AND STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY COHESION

Abstract [English]

The Poumai Naga, an indigenous community in Northeast India, has a distinct cultural heritage preserved through oral literature, folklore, and traditional customs. These traditions serve as a repository of history, wisdom, and moral values, passed down through generations. However, the impact of modernisation, migration, and globalisation has led to a decline in traditional storytelling and cultural practices, threatening their continuity. This study explores the role of oral literature in shaping Poumai Naga heritage and identity while examining the challenges faced in their preservation. Using ethnographic research and community-based approaches, the study documents traditional narratives, and indigenous knowledge systems. It highlights the significance of storytelling, folk songs, and proverbs in maintaining social cohesion and reinforcing cultural identity. Furthermore, it advocates for integrating indigenous oral literature into educational curricula and digital platforms to ensure its survival in a rapidly changing world. This study adopts a qualitative research approach, utilising ethnographic fieldwork, interviews, and participatory observation to explore the significance of oral literature among the Poumai Naga. The findings reveal that Poumai Naga oral literature plays a crucial role in transmitting knowledge about ancestry, community values, and spiritual beliefs. However, diminishing intergenerational transmission due to external influences and lifestyle changes poses a significant challenge. Despite this, the need for cultural preservation, with initiatives such as storytelling festivals, cultural workshops, and digital archiving, is emerging as an effective solution. The findings will contribute to broader discourses on cultural sustainability and the role of oral literature in safeguarding cultural heritage and identities.