REVIVING ANCIENT INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEMS (AIKS) TO MITIGATE PERENNIAL FLOODING IN NORTHEAST INDIA: A SOCIO-ECOLOGICAL PARADIGM SHIFT

Eahya Al Huda; Lakhimi Gogoi; Jyotishmoy Bora; Ngawang Drema Trangpoder; Dulumoni Basumatary; Rosie Patangia; Jonali Talukdar; Parineeta Saikia Bora; Parismita Goswami

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i9s.2026.8023

Authors

Eahya Al Huda Assistant Professor, Department of Earth Science, University of Science and Technology Meghalaya, Kling Road, 9th Mile, Ri Bhoi, Meghalaya 793101, India
Dr. Lakhimi Gogoi Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Narangi Anchalik Mahavidyalaya, Guwahati 781171, Assam, India
Dr. Jyotishmoy Bora Associate Professor, Department of Geography, Bhattadev University, Pathsala, Bajali, Assam 781325, India
Ngawang Drema Trangpoder Assistant Professor, Department of Geography, Neelam Taram Government College, Yachuli, Keyi Panyor District, Arunachal Pradesh 791119, India
Dulumoni Basumatary Independent Researcher, Thekasu Part 2, Dudhnoi, Goalpara, Assam 783124, India
Dr. Rosie Patangia Assistant Professor, Department of English, Narangi Anchalik Mahavidyalaya, Guwahati 781171, Assam, India
Jonali Talukdar Assistant Professor, Department of History, Narangi Anchalik Mahavidyalaya, Guwahati 781171, Assam, India
Dr. Parineeta Saikia Bora Assistant Professor, Department of Assamese, Narangi Anchalik Mahavidyalaya, Guwahati 781171, Assam, India
Parismita Goswami Department of Assamese, Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya 793101, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v7.i9s.2026.8023

Keywords:

Brahmaputra Basin, Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems (AIKS), Flood Adaptation, Ethno-Hydrology, Northeast India (NEI), Socio-Ecological Resilience, Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK)

Abstract [English]

The Northeast region of India (NEI), characterized by the Brahmaputra and Barak river systems, faces catastrophic annual flooding that destabilizes the economy, environment, and social fabric. Despite decades of modern engineering interventions—primarily embankments and large-scale dams—the frequency and intensity of floods remain unabated. This research paper explores the potential of Ancient Indian Knowledge Systems (AIKS) and indigenous ethno-hydrological practices as viable, sustainable alternatives or supplements to modern structural interventions. By analyzing Vedic hydrological principles, Kautilyan resource management, and the traditional wisdom of indigenous tribes (such as the Apatani and Mising), this paper argues for a transition from "flood control" to "flood adaptation." The study concludes that an integrated framework combining modern technology with AIKS can foster long-term resilience in the Brahmaputra basin.

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