Heritage Explorer VOL. XIX. NO.10, 2020 28 Pages, Size - A4 Demy A Monthly News Bulletin Contents

Editorial 4 Massacre on The North Jallianwala Bagh of Assam Sister Nivedita : Agnishikha - Manash K. Das 16 - Dr. Nivedita Raghunath Bhide 5 Watershed Development INDO-CHINA Strategic Projects in Nagaland Relations with Relevance to - Dr. Simhachalam. A 18 Arunachal Pradesh - Group Captain M Panging Pao, The Bodo Community and VM (Retd) 9 Their Language - Dr. Uzzal Sharma 21 Om Chanting by Dwij (Druid) Gurus of Europe The Jhum Cultivation: The - Major Surendra Mathur Livelihood of Karbi Hills Tribe (Sena Medal), Retd 14 - Dhaneswar Engti 23

Editorial Board Subscription may be sent by M.O./ Cheque / Chief Editor - Romen Chakraborty Demand Draft to : Editor - Amarendra Brahma Heritage Foundation, Members - Dr. Jnanendra Barman Bhuvan Road, Near GMC Office, Uzan Bazar Dr. Phirmi Bodo Guwahati-781001, Ph: 0361- 2636365 e-mail:[email protected], Website: Dr. Jyotirupa Sarma www.heritagefoundation.org.in Dr. Sodyong Kri (Please Mention Pin Code No. along with your full postal address in BLOCK Letters) Printed & Published by : Sri Rituparno Tamuli Phukan DDs/Cheques may please be drawn in favour of on behalf of Heritage Foundation, K.B.Road, Paltan Heritage Foundation. Bazar, Guwahati-781008 and Printed at: Angik Bank A/c with PNB, Guwahati, Prakashan, GNB Road, Guwahati - 781001 and A/c No. 3213 0001 0009 3631 Saraighat Offset Press, Bamunimaidan, Guwahati - IFSC : PUNB0321300 781021, Published from: Heritage Foundation, Or 100/- K.B.Road, Paltan Bazar, Guwahati - 781008 (Assam). Heritage Foundation. e-mail: [email protected], Website: Bank A/c with SBI, Chenikuthi, Guwahati A/c No. 3598 1047 410 www.heritagefoundation.org.in IFSC : SBIN0007976 Combating Climate Change

When god created us the humans, He perhaps gave polar Regions to melt and raise the sea levels to us only two options: live by nature or by desire. Our submerge many low lying countries around the world. illiterate and uneducated but wise ancestors then opted Just think about the consequences. Bio-diversity will to adopt the first option, because the nature was capable be the scapegoat of climate change. Nearly 500 species of giving them everything they needed; air, water and have already become extinct in last century and a million food of various kinds and there was no need for toiling species are at the risk of extinction, many within coming to produce them. They therefore loved and respected decades. Extreme rainfall and drought will be the other the nature and considered it as the manifestation of the side effects of climate change. Indiscriminate use of fossil creator and the giver of everything. The all knowing fuel for transportation and industrial activities is almighty however gave us something without being contributing to air pollution and consequent climate asked for. It was intelligence, for He was sure that the imbalance. This is causing around one million deaths intelligent human beings will not remain happy forever each year and around 9,80,000 pre-term deaths to live by nature, they will want more. And this never equivalent to an annual economic loss of Rs. 10.70 lakh ending seeking for more will be their end. crores. Not only human lives but the marine life is also Sadly, in a rush for seeking more and more, the at jeopardy due to the climate change. intelligent human beings did not spare anything that were We the commoners must therefore understand the made available to them by the nature, which were effects of climate change on our lives. The modern actually intended to maintain the ecological balance scientists and technocrats very well understand the essential for life and the living. This ruthless exploitation consequences but they are trying to play god and of Mother Nature hurt her very badly but she endured replace the unseen gods by becoming the visible ones. to the limit. She finally revolted by mildly rebuffing us It must be understood that unless we the common so that we restrain ourselves. But her mild message fell people take up cudgels to save the nature right now on our deaf ears and in the name of progress and then it will be too late. First we will vanish from the development we continued with our unrestrained milking surface of the earth like Dinosaurs and then other living of the nature. Consequently, growing population, organisms, plants, flora and fauna will perish in want of industrialisation and urbanisation, the need for adequate water and more carbon dioxide in the air. We development of infrastructure, the new lifestyles of the do not definitely want to die like the fish out of water, middle class, growing energy needs and the so we must act now to save our planet earth. transportation challenges – all these put a tremendous To save our souls we must therefore rediscover how pressure on the scarce natural resources. To protect to do it because our wise ancestors, who opted the itself from these indiscriminate exploitations, the nature philosophy of ‘living by nature’ are no more there to responded by causing changes in the climate – the guide us. Fortunately, we have our tribal brethrens who mother of the eco system that balances the vital are living in the hills and the forests, especially those in connections between plants and animals and the world the north eastern region of our country, who can guide around us. Without this balance, planet earth will be us in this matter because many of them are still following like any other barren planet of the solar system. the path of living by nature followed by their ancestors. One of the worst effects of climate change is the rise All of us must not only follow their footprints but also in atmospheric temperature. Growing heat stress on inspire those who have strayed, to revert back to their workers in agriculture and other sectors is anticipated old ways. Nature does not want anything from us. Like to cause productivity loss equal to 80 million full time a mother she only gives. Let us at least show our jobs over the next decade. It is feared that by 2036 the gratitude to her and refrain from hurting her any more. temperature will go up by 7 degrees. This abnormal rise in atmospheric heat will induce ice in the hills and Chief Editor

Heritage Explorer 4 November 2020 Sister Nivedita : Agnishikha

Dr. Nivedita Raghunath Bhide

When Swami Vivekananda went to West, he was was the only person who was known to her in this there without friends, without money and without vast and strange land and he appeared so harsh. The recognition. Only the knowledge and experience of anguish that Nivedita felt was very great. But not Hindu Dharma was with him. After his exposition once a thought of returning back or doubting the of Hindu Dharma in the Parliament of Religions held wisdom of her decision of accepting Swami in September 1893 at Chicago, he was revered in the Vivekananda as her guru came to her mind. Her only West for his knowledge and help came from all concern was “whether I shall understand what my quarters, the disciples gathered from all directions. master is trying to tell me”. Her sincerity of purpose Thus when he returned to and utmost efforts ultimately India, he was a world-famous transformed her completely. Swami Vivekananda; the In order to truly offer worship to Shiva She became one with India western disciples were with you have to be Shiva. Shivo Bhutva to serve in total surrender. him. This visual had a great ShivamYajet. Sister Nivedita, so to say, It is said that to truly offer psychological impact on became one with Mother India. She worship to Shiva you have people of India. They could understood India in all her dimensions. to be Shiva. feel and their confidence ShivoBhutvaShivamYajet. grew in the greatness and Nivedita so to say became relevance of Hindu Dharma. An epitome of this one with Mother India. She understood India in all efficacy and relevance of Hindu Dharma and of the her dimensions and loved Indians with all their faults. work of Swami Vivekananda in the West was Sister Total Transformation Nivedita. It is this total transformation of Nivedita which Margaret Noble as Nivedita was called before, was is a great example for Macaulay Educated Indians. from the very race, which had robbed India of her If a proud and accomplished British woman can burn wealth as well as of her confidence. But Nivedita to ashes all her prejudices, misconceptions and her came to India to live like us, to serve us and also to western mindset and if with total paradigm shift she practice all that was higher and noble in our spiritual could become a true Indian, a great admirer, tradition. She could see beauty and wisdom in all worshiper and servant of Mother India, then why walks of Indian life. not we? We the Macaulay educated can also burn to How could a proud and an accomplished British ashes completely all our preconceptions and woman see the beauty of Indian life? She had to ignorance and become true Indians. When she could undergo a painful process of transformation. get insight into the depths of Indian wisdom why Margaret Noble came to India to serve Indians after can’t we? When one wants to serve Motherland one she was totally convinced about the Vedantic Truth has to change oneself so as to become the right of Oneness. After the consecration ceremony, she instrument in the hands of God. Sister Nivedita is was given the name ‘Nivedita’ – ‘the dedicated’. But thus an inspiration for all those who want to serve just a new name was not going to erase all the our society. assumptions and biases that she had harboured till then as Margaret Noble. Swami Vivekananda, in his Nivedita was one with the people, their aspirations classes attacked mercilessly on her deep rooted were her life, her actions, her words reflected that perceptions and misconceptions. Imagine! Swamiji oneness which she experienced. She always said our

Heritage Explorer 5 November 2020 people, our country. We see many a times that those were so great that Sri Aurobindo called her who go to ‘serve’ the people in villages and in tribal Agnishikha – the flames of fire! No field of national areas with the sense that they are going to ‘civilise’ life was left untouched by her fire. Her top most and to ‘develop’ these people use words like ‘this concern was the well-being of India and the society’, ‘these people’. They force their ideas and awakening of Indian national consciousness world-views on those simple people. This is what whatever may be the field of action. Swami Vivekananda did not want to happen with New Education Vision his foreign disciples. He wanted them to accept India as she was; he wanted them to learn from In the field of Education, Nivedita wanted, India. Sister Nivedita internalised it so fully that “Indian educators to extend and fulfill the vision of Bipin Chandra Pal said, “Nivedita came to us not Swami Vivekananda”. How would it be done? She as a teacher but as a learner, not as an adept but as explained, “This thought that education is not only a novice and she loved India more than even we good for child himself but should be more so for Indians love her.” Jana-Desh-Dharma should always be present in the minds of educators. There is no fear of weakness She inculcated and internalised the Vedantic vision and selfishness for one whose whole training has been so well that she wrote, “If the many and the One be formed round this nucleus. Each day should begin indeed the same Reality, then it is not all modes of with some conscious act of reference to it. Education worship alone, but equally all modes of work, all in India today has to be not only national but Nation- modes of struggle, all modes of creation, which are making. We must surround our children with the paths of realisation. No distinction, henceforth, thought of their nation and their country. …The between sacred and secular. To labour is to pray. To centre of gravity must lie for them outside the family. conquer is to renounce. Life is itself religion. To have We must demand their sacrifices for India; Bhakti and to hold is as stern a trust as to quit and to avoid.” for India; learning for India. The ideal for its own That is what she imbibed from Swami sake! India for the sake of India! This must be as the Vivekananda. Thus she wrote about him, “This is breath of life to them. the realisation which makes Vivekananda the great …It is a mistake to think that heroes are born. preacher of Karma, not as divorced from, but as Nothing of the sort. They are made not born; made expressing Jnana and Bhakti. To him, the workshop, by the pressure of heroic thought. All human beings the study, the farmyard, and the field are as true and long at bottom of their hearts for self sacrifice. No fit scenes for the meeting of God with man as the other thirst is so deep as this. Let us recognise this, cell of the monk or the door of the temple. To him, direct this towards single thought i.e. love for the there is no difference between service of man and country. …The universe is the creation of mind not worship of God, between manliness and faith, matter. And can any force in the world resist a single between true righteousness and spirituality. All his thought held with intensity by 700 million of people? words, from one point of view, read as a commentary …How to do that? A national education then must upon this central conviction.” “Art, science, and be made up of familiar elements. Our Imagination religion,” he said once, “are but three different ways must be based upon our heroic literature. of expressing a single truth. But in order to Geographical ideals must be built up first through understand this we must have the theory of Advaita.” the ideals of India. Same is for history. All other For Nivedita Vedanta became practical. Her histories should run around the Indian History.” The spirituality thus expressed in her contributions to all school that Nivedita run for the girls enshrined all walks of life. these thoughts so well that when Rabindranath It appears that the legacy of fire that was in Swami Tagore wanted to start Shantiniketan, most of the Vivekananda was given to Sister Nivedita. The lady teachers were the former students of Nivedita’s flames of burning love for India in Sister Nivedita school.

Heritage Explorer 6 November 2020 Womanhood of India in other languages. May be that is the reason that Sister Nivedita was so charmed by the most of her literature even today remains un- womanhood of India among whom she lived in the translated. Her literature has not only historical and lanes of Calcutta that her description about them literary value but are good guide in the task of nation- building too. are the best tribute. She says, “What differentiates the Indian training from others? I find one answer For example: while comparing with other nations which outweighs all others in my estimate. It is this. she sums up in few words the journey and contribution The special greatness of Indian life and character of Hindu nation from antiquity to till now. She writes, depends more than on any other feature, on the place “Let it be said that to every people who possess the that is given to Woman in the social scheme. They elements of truly national existence, with the say that Indian women are ignorant and oppressed. responsibility of facing the problems of a nation, this To all who make this statement we may answer that question sooner or later comes to be faced. Have we Indian women are certainly not oppressed. The in the past dreamt dreams great enough, thought crimes of ill-treating women is at once less common thoughts noble enough, willed with a will clear and less brutal in form here than in younger countries. enough, to enable us to strike out new paths into the And the happiness, the social importance, and may I untried, without error and without defeat? And say, the lofty character of Indian women are amongst perhaps of all the peoples of the world only the Hindu the grandest possessions of the national life. When people, to this searching enquiry can answer yes.” we come to the charge that Indian women are She was a regular contributor to over 20 magazines ignorant, we meet with a far deeper fallacy. They are and the topic was always ‘India’. Therefore, not just ignorant in the modern form, that is to say, few can because Sister Nivedita was a great example of write, and not very many can read. Are they then transformation but we have to study her life and illiterate? If so, the Mahabharata and the Ramayana works also because, even today she can give insight and the Puranas and stories every mother and every to us i.e. the English educated about our own nation grandmother tells to the babies, are no literature. But and its significance. European novels and Strand Magazine by the same Why Imitate Europeans? token are? Can any of us accept this paradox? The fact is, writing is not culture though it is an occasional While she helped the country bent under the result of culture. The greatest literature occurs at burden of sorrow whether during plagues or floods or freedom struggle, she lived completely merged in the beginning of a literary age and so, to those who the essence of its freedom one day to come. Thus, know Indian life, it is easy to see that an Indian she wanted the cultural assertion, the national woman who has the education of the Indian home, expression in all walks of life. She stated, “The birth the dignity, the gentleness, the cleanliness, the thrift, of the National Art of India is my dearest dream.” the religious training, the culture of mind and heart, She disliked the art students imitating the European which that home life entails, though she cannot subjects in their art. When India has such rich culture perhaps read a word of her own language, much less and history of art she felt why should Indian artists sign her name, may be infinitely better educated in imitate Europeans styles and subjects. She exhorted every true sense, and in the literary sense also, than and inspired the young artists like Abanindranath her glib critic.” Tagore and Nandalal Bose to choose India as their Guide in the Task of Nation-building topic for expression. She would perceive the beauty Writings of Sister Nivedita were a symphony of of old houses of Bagh Bazar, and ruined temples her insight in Indian wisdom and tradition, her intense but detested the modern utilitarian buildings built in love for India, her sharp intellect and her mastery India. over language. So beautiful, deep and moving were In the field of science, she felt Indians have great her writings that it is really difficult to translate those ability to contribute. When the British scientists tried

Heritage Explorer 7 November 2020 to sideline Dr Jagadish Chandra Bose, she realised One of the foremost revolutionary Freedom that Indians were not incapable but were fighter, Shri Hemachandra Ghosh’s reminiscence incapacitated by British to achieve great heights. She about Swami Vivekananda and Sister Nivedita came forward to help Dr Jagadish Chandra Bose. To narrated to Swami Purnatmananda were later make his work known to the world she worked along translated from Bengali to English by Prof Kapila with him on his six books. Even though, she herself Chatterjee and brought out as a book titled as I am would be suffering for want of money; she saw to it India. In that he says, “It is very true that it was that the work of Dr Jagadish Chandra Bose would Nivedita who captured the fire of patriotism set not suffer monetarily. alight by Vivekananda. She not only caught that When the revolutionaries would go to jail or in flame, she also scattered the sparks of Indian exile to other countries, she would take care of their patriotism and nationalism far and wide, across the families. Not a field of national life was left length and breadth of India. Wherever Nivedita untouched by her. went, in any city or province of India, her flaming speeches and heroic calls to the Indian people spread Bitterness Had no Place in Her Heart the message of Swamiji, his ideals, his patriotism. As it was required, Sister Nivedita resigned from Side by side, she spread the ideals, the culture, the Ramakrishna Mission and actively participated and glory of India, too. To speak frankly, we got to know promoted the freedom movement. Ramakrishna Swami Vivekananda better through coming in Mission—the fledgling organisation to propagate the contact with Sister Nivedita. I was with Swamiji message of Sri Ramakrishna and Vivekananda was for a very short time. But, I have been with Nivedita needed for India. And participation of Sister Nivedita for a much longer period. Through Nivedita, we got in Freedom Movement and her active role in to know Swamiji better and through her India also awakening national consciousness also was equally better. …What I feel about Nivedita is – Sister the need of the hour in the interest of India. Thus to Nivedita played two important roles in spreading protect Ramakrishna Mission and to promote the the message and deeds of Vivekananda – one was work of freedom of India, she resigned from the role of Mahadeva, the other, that of Bhagiratha. Ramakrishna Mission. But, their relationships She absorbed the terrific force and power of remained very cordial till end. Vivekananda in her own person, and at the same Nivedita considered herself as part of the time she carried the mighty current of that force Ramakrishna-Vivekananda thought movement. and directed it along proper channels like Whenever she was sick, she was immediately Bhagiratha.” attended to by Ramakrishna Math. In her work too Deep Love for India the help was given by Ramakrishna Math and Mission in all possible ways. When she realised she Her deep love for India was expressed in all walks would not live, in her will she donated all the money of life –politics, education, art, literature, sociology, that she had got from Mrs. Bull just some time spirituality etc. A spiritual person in all dimensional. before her own death or from her books to That is how Sister Nivedita was. She was a Ramakrishna Mission as an endowment for the use revolutionary, she was a Yogini too. She was an of Sister Christine Greenstidel to run the school; educationist and she was an art critic too. She was a though Christine had left her. Bitterness had no place writer and she was involved in rendering service to in her heart. She associated with persons whom she the people also, be at flood time or plague time. She thought would be useful in India’s interest. But she was at once a child at the feet of Holy Mother Sharada would also disassociate herself from them if she Devi and also a Lokmata to all as she was called by found it otherwise. For anything and everything in Rabindranath Tagore and above all she was Sister of her life, the deciding touchstone was India and her all. well-being. (Contd. to Page 17)

Heritage Explorer 8 November 2020 INDO-CHINA Strategic Relations with Relevance to Arunachal Pradesh

Group Captain M Panging Pao, VM (Retd)

Introduction Nepal, Bhutan and Tibet. After the defeat of Tibetan India & China shares 3488 km of land boundary forces by China in 1950, India was one of the first and has an acrimonious relationship over last 60 countries to officially recognise China in 1951 Years. The major conflict was the Indo-China war resulting in China becoming a neighbour of India. of 1962 where Chinese forces entered almost 100 McMahon Line: The McMahon Line km inside India. There have been demarcated the eastern border regular clashes at NathuLa in between India along Arunachal Sikkim in 1967, in 1987 at “He who is Pradesh and China. About 1030 km Sumdorong Chu in Arunachal, the prepared for the in length, the McMahon Line 73 Day Doklam confrontation in future and he who followed the watershed principle of 2017, Chinese incursions in deals cleverly with any map making and, to the extent Asaphila, Tuting and Chaklagam possible, ran along the highest ridges situation that may arise areas of Arunachal Pradesh in 2017- of these eastern Himalayan ranges 2018. are both happy; but the running from east of Bhutan to the fatalistic man who Recently Indo-China conflict tri-junction of India, China and wholly depends on flared up in the last few months at Myanmar. The McMahon line was Pangong Tso lake in Ladakh, North luck is ruined.” created during the Shimla Sikkim and violent clashes at - Chanakya Agreement of 1914. The British Galwan Valley during night of 15/ Indian representative was Sir Henry 16 June 2020 which resulted in McMahon, then Secretary in the death of 20 Indians soldiers and 40 plus Chinese Indian Foreign Department. The Tibetan soldiers. Tense situation exists all along the Indo- representative was Lama Lonchen Shatra and China China border. was represented by Chinese diplomat named Ivan Chen. After almost a year of negotiations, the Indian China is a major world power with the largest and Tibetan representatives signed the agreement. military of the world and is the second largest economy in the world. China’s defence budget is four times India’s defence budget and military infrastructure is better developed in Chinese side. Both nations are major nuclear powers armed with many ballistic missiles. A major Indo-China conflict would be disastrous for both nations. History On gaining Independence, India shared land borders with Pakistan, Myanmar,

Heritage Explorer 9 November 2020 The Chinese representative objected to certain issues 24 October, there was a lull in the fighting and between Inner and Outer Tibet and refused to sign Chinese Premier Zhou-en-Lai offered a peace the agreement. The McMahon line was first published proposal which was refused by Prime Minister in a Survey of India Map in 1937. Nehru. After the refusal of the peace proposal, fighting resumed on 14 November with Chinese On 15 August 1947, when India became an forces re-commencing attack. After reaching its independent nation, North East Frontier Agency claim lines, on 19 November, the Chinese Premier (NEFA) became an integral part of India. It was Zhou-en-Lai declared a unilateral cease fire starting administrated by the Ministry of External Affairs with midnight 21 November. By the ceasefire, the the Governor of Assam acting as agent to the Chinese forces had penetrated almost 100 km into President of India. Indian Territory in Arunachal Pradesh near Tezpur In 1951, Major R Khathing, a civil servant, in Assam. After the ceasefire, the Chinese forces accompanied by some Assam Rifles troops withdrew behind the McMahon line in the Eastern overthrew the Tibetans from Tawang and annexed sector. In the Western sector the Chinese forces Tawang into India. In 1954, India and China signed withdrew 20 km behind the line of actual control. the Panchsheel Agreement (Five Principles). The Present Situation main points were:- Presently, Arunachal Pradesh shares 160 km (i) Mutual respect for each other’s territorial border with Bhutan in the East, 1030 km with China integrity and sovereignty. in the North and North-East and 440 km with (ii) Mutual non-aggression. Myanmar in the East and South. There are no major (iii) Mutual non-interference. border disputes with Bhutan and Myanmar. However (iv) Equality and mutual benefit. many disputes are still existing between India and (v) Peaceful co-existence. China:- After the failure of the Tibetan Uprising, the (a) The International Border in both Western and Dalai Lama fled to India via Tawang-Bomdila in 1959 Eastern Sectors are yet to be finalised. and was granted asylum in India. (b) Due to non-signing by the Chinese representative during the 1914 Shimla Agreement, The then Chinese Premier Zhou-en-Lai visited China still does not recognise the McMahon line India many times and proposed that India drop its claim on Aksai Chin and China would withdraw its (c) China still claims almost all of Arunachal claim on NEFA. Prime Minister Nehru refused the Pradesh calling it ‘Southern Tibet’. proposals each time. (d) Issue of stapled visa by China to people from Arunachal Pradesh. 1962 Indo-China War: On 20 October 1962, the Chinese forces commenced their attack on India (e) Chinese objections to visits by senior Indian simultaneously in the Western and Eastern sectors. officials to Arunachal Pradesh. The Chinese army quickly penetrated Indian (f) Frequent skirmishes and violent clashes along defences along five axes. In the Tawang sector, the the Indo-Chinese border. Chinese forces quickly overran Tawang and reached Chinese Infrastructure and Military Progress Sela pass. Similarly the Chinese forces penetrated in Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) Indian defences along Taksing-Limeking, In the last few decades, China has systematically Mechukha-Tato, Manigong-Tato, Gelling-Tuting gone about developing infrastructure and military and Kibithoo-Walong sectors. In the Western sector, preparedness in TAR. the Chinese forces quickly overran Chip Chap Valley, Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso Lake. On Infrastructure. Despite the high altitudes of

Heritage Explorer 10 November 2020 7000 - 16000 ft and tough terrain, China has invested in October 2015. The remaining dams are under heavily to rapidly develop infrastructure in the construction. These would help in surplus power region:- availability which in turn will lead to development Air Fields. Considering the high altitudes, in the area. China has constructed many air bases with longer Underground Tunnels. Over the last few runways along the Indo-China border. The major decades, China has built a vast network of tunnels. airfields facing Arunachal Pradesh are Kongka These tunnels are used to park/store Ballistic Dzong, Hoping, Linzhi, Bangda and Kunming. Out Missiles, Aircraft, Submarines/ships, armoured of these Linzhi is located south of the Tsangpo vehicles, ammunition dumps etc. It would not be (Brahmaputra) river at about 15 km only from the wrong to say that China has built a ‘Great Arunachal border. Many Chinese military aircraft Underground Wall’. These tunnels would offer and other systems are regularly deployed in these protection from direct attack from the air. bases. Indian Infrastructure and Military Progress Railways. Some years back China inaugurated in the Eastern Sector the Golmud to Lhasa railway line which is considered In the last few decades, India has also attempted to develop the infrastructure along the Indo-China border. However, even 58 years after the Chinese attack in 1962, adequate emphasis to develop infrastructure and military capabilities in the region is lacking. Infrastructure. Though attempts are on to develop the infrastructure, the attention and urgency are inadequate:- Air Fields. Almost all major airfields are located in the plains of Assam and West Bengal. Recently 7 Advanced Landing Grounds (ALG) has been re- laid/developed in Arunachal Pradesh at Pasighat, as the highest railway line in the world. This railway Tawang, Ziro, Menchukha, Alo, Tuting and Walong. line has been extended to Shigatse this year. There Except for Pasighat where the runway length is are plans to extend the railway line to Nyalam on the about 2 km, rest runway lengths are below 1.5 km. Nepal border and Dromo on the Sikkim border. These runway lengths will not support rapid Further the railway line is being extended to Linzhi deployment of troops and equipment on medium/ and Kunming. On the Western sector the same heavy aircraft. railway line is being extended to Khotan opposite Railways Arunachal Pradesh is connected by Ladakh. railways to Bhalukpong and Naharlagun only, both Roads. China has also invested heavily in of which are in the foothills. The Murkong Selek to developing the road connectivity in TAR. There are Pasighat railway has been sanctioned but work has all weather roads running all along the border with not yet commenced. India. Roads. The Trans Arunachal road is planned and Dams. China is in the process of constructing under construction. However, the vital Tezpur- three dams on the Yarlung Tsangpo. The first run- Tawang, Likabali-Daporijo-Taksing, Likabali-Aalo, of-the-river dam at Zangmu has been operationalised Pasighat-Tuting, Aalo-Mechukha-Manigong and

Heritage Explorer 11 November 2020 Tezu-Kibithu roads are in poor condition. installations at Indian bases along the Eastern Dams. India is still struggling to complete major sector. Underground structures for protection from dams over Siang, Subansiri and other rivers due to aerial attacks and nuclear radiation are also public opposition and environmental studies. negligible. Lack of blast protection and underground shelters will render Indian aircraft and Blast Protection/ Underground Structures. key installations vulnerable to aerial attacks. There are minimal blast protection to aircraft, key Comparison of Military Capabilities A brief comparison of military capabilities of both the countries is tabulated below:-

CHINA INDIA

MILITARY BUDGET US$166.107 billion US$45.785 billion (2.0% of GDP) (2.5% of GDP)

MILITARY PERSONNEL Active troops: 2,285,000 Active troops: 1,325,000 (800,000 reserve personnel) (2,142,821 reserve personnel)

AIRCRAFT (ALL TYPES) 9500 3500

FIGHTER AIRCRAFT 2066 629

HELICOPTERS 1104 604

MAIN BATTLE TANKS 3000 600

BATTLE SHIPS 670 200

SUBMARINES 67 15 (Nuclear Submarines Included)

NUCLEAR WARHEADS 250 110

Surface to Surface Missiles (SSM). Indian SSMs include the Agni-I, Agni-II, Agni- There is a major difference in the capabilities III, Prithvi-I, Prithvi-II and Prithvi-III. Agni-III has and numbers of SSMs of both countries. The range of 3000 km. Recently India has successfully Chinese SSM inventory includes the DF-5, DF- test fired the Agni-V with range of 5000 km, but is 31A, DF-31, DF-4, DF-3A, DF-21 etc. The DF-5 yet to be inducted. With the Agni-V Indian SSM has a range of 13000 km plus and the DF-31A coverage will include full China. India is yet to with a range of 11000 km plus. The submarine develop a Submarine launched missile. launched missiles include the JL-2 with range of Lessons for India 7000 km plus. This implies that Chinese SSM coverage is up to middle of South America, In order to match China, India needs to implement Australia and full India. some concrete steps towards development of

Heritage Explorer 12 November 2020 infrastructure along the Eastern border. These have products. The measures require strategic policy been divided into Immediate and Long Term decisions at the national level and time bound measures:- implementation strategy as listed below.. Immediate Measures - These measures need (a) Indigenise production of military equipment to be expedited and completed in the next few years. (Aircraft, Warships, Tanks, etc). (a) Construct/Expedite the following important (b) Involve Private Sector in military production. roads (All weather two lane roads):- (c) Invest more in Research and Development. (i) Tezpur-Tawang Road. (d) Finalise Border Delineation with China. (ii) Likabali-Daporijo-Taksing Road. (e) Sign a water sharing treaty with China. (iii) Likabali-Aalo-Menchukha-Manigong Road. Conclusion (iv) Pasighat-Tuting Road. India is an emerging world power aiming for a (v) Tezu-Kibithu Road. permanent membership of the Security Council. (vi) Trans-Arunachal Highway. India is almost matching China in economic growth (b) Construct airfield with adequate runway length and is poised to grow into a major economic power. at the following places:- For India to sustain the growing economy, India requires a stable and peaceful neighbourhood. Stable (i) Tawang Area. and peaceful neighbourhood can be ensured and (ii) Daporijo Area. supported only through economic and military power. (iii) Aalo Area. In order to match China, the only alternative for India is to expedite the development of military/strategic (iv) Hayuliang/Hawai Area. infrastructure along the Indo-China border at the (c) Build adequate Blast Protection Shelters for earliest. Development of infrastructure will allow aircraft and other critical assets at military/Air Force rapid mobilisation of military personnel and bases. equipment. Blast protection shelters and (d) Build adequate underground structures for underground infrastructure will provide survivability Command & Control Centres for nuclear protection. of key personnel and military assets. Immediate measures should be accompanied by long term (e) Build few ammunition/fuel storage centres national policies leading to indigenisation of defence north of the Brahmaputra. production. Unless India produces her own high Long Term Measures. One big step initiated quality military aircraft, warships, weapons she by central govt is Atmanirbhar Bharat. Atmanirbhar cannot aspire to be a world leader. To emphasise on Bharat is envisaged to boost domestic production this critical importance of developing military/ and reduce dependence on other nations including strategic infrastructure along the Indo-China border, the vital defense manufacturing sector. In addition a quote by Chinese strategist Sun Tzu would be there is a country wide movement to boycott Chinese relevant.

“Victorious warriors win first and then go to war, while defeated warriors go to war first and then seek to win”

Heritage Explorer 13 November 2020 Om Chanting by Dwij (Druid) Gurus of Europe

Major Surendra Mathur (Sena Medal), Retd

It is universally accepted that there was Sanatan is Ovats, pronounced as Vats. They have been in culture throughout Europe. We are also aware that India and Europe and used to perform god worship there is a special sect amongst the major sects of and religious rituals. They were acknowledged as a Europe, called the Celts. Celts are the people who class similar to Brahmins in India. The third category migrated during time of Lord Parshuram. Lord known as Druids were considered as scholars in Parshuram is called Dagda by Celts. They describe India and Europe. In India they are called Dwij Lord Parashurama as the god with “battle axe and ( ). In Europe, they have been advisors, judges, cauldron”. Lord Parashuram had conquered the physicians and administrative officers of the king. world twenty-one times, which is mentioned in our The names and responsibilities of each category religious texts. The details of the lands conquered matches with India and Europe. Lots of changes in by Parashuram and their locations are not available the society have occurred with the passage of time. anywhere. Poets of Europe have We may therefore conclude that written poems related to the the social structures of Bharat victories of Lord Parshuram, and Europe were same in ancient where there is mention of Ireland. times. This day of victory is described Now, I come to the method of as an auspicious day in Sanatan worship, performed by the Dwijs culture and is called Akshaya (Druids) in Europe. I have had Tritiya. Lord Parshuram’s birthday the privilege of attending these also falls on this day. This victory religious rituals many times. must have been a great victory for Performing religious rituals the Aryans. The Aryans inhabited publicly by the Dwijs (Druids) is that country and perhaps that not a simple matter. There are would be the reason for naming many restrictions on them, which are practiced even that country as Arya-land (Ireland). today. In this article, I am going to explain the When we consider the social structure of Celtic process of worship followed by them. It perfectly society, there are three main groups in it. They are matches with Sanatan culture. The location used called Bards, Ovats and Druids. This social structure to be chosen at the faith centers, which were located system still exists. The three varna system is also in the forests from the mythological times, preferably prevalent in India. Due to many changes, we have in the clumps of Oak trees. Their ashrams had never tried to focus on the analysis of the system always been, in the clumps of oak trees. The most of that time. They are known by the same names in important worship days of Dwijs (Druids) are India. Bard is known as Baradh (Barad) or Charan, Purnima (Full Moon) or Amavasya (Dark Moon). or Bhat etc. These people used to be historians and Firstly, special attention is given to the cleanliness poets of the king in the royal court. I would like to of the place of worship. Arrangements of worship mention that Chandbardai (there is Bard in the word are made. A fire pot is placed in the middle of the Bardai) was the royal poet of King Prithviraj place of worship. At some places, crossed Stone Chauhan of Ajmer. It has always been a respected are placed in the middle and a fire pot is placed category in India and Europe. The second category over them. Material of worship is placed on stones.

Heritage Explorer 14 November 2020 Lamps or candles are placed in eight directions at a be offered. I remember Sheela Mata in Amer Fort distance of about ten feet from the fire vessel. These in Jaipur, my city, offering Rum on Navratri represent eight directions. Havan material in which Foundation Day and animal sacrifice practices in herbs, wood, incense lights, matchsticks, fruits and many places. After this process, everyone was called flowers, water, wine bottle, beet juice, daggers etc. upon to take the orbit of fire. People started playing were kept near the fire vessel. Wine, drinking cups, Dhapli (Drum) again. The Dwij (Druid) Guru was bird wings, ashram flag, Dhapli (Tambourine) on at the forefront with the flag of his grove. After which the insignia of the ashram was inscribed, going around twice, they stopped and we all stood animal horn, reindeer horn, tiger etc. were in a circular formation. He asked everyone to placed.Among the Gods and Goddesses, the local pronounce the letter “A” loudly. We all did the same. deity, the Sun God and the Kachhap Devta (Kurma The circuit started again and all stopped after two Avatar) symbolisms were placed. more rounds. This time he asked to pronounce the This puja was performed after the sun set. This “U” letter out loudly. We all did the same. Now decision was taken keeping in mind the current revolved once again twice and stopped. This time circumstances there. Some prominent people and he asked all to pronounce the letter “M”. Everyone chief priests were in their traditional costumes. We did the same. After taking another round of the fire, and others were in normal costumes. Before the ritual of the Circumambulation was completed reaching, the disciples had made all the seven times. arrangements. On arrival, a disciple welcomed us It was an amazing process. Everything was and purified everyone with the smoke of incense. meeting the Sanatan culture. If you think carefully, All lamps were lit. Havan material was placed in mixing the three letters makes A + U + M = Om. the fire vessel. Everyone was introduced first, No one knows how old this practice is. Would this especially those Hindus who had gone with me for have been the practice in mythological times? What the rituals. After purification, all the people stood is the process and importance of pronouncing the around the fire vessel in a circular formation. Some three letters differently? Today we pronounce Om of the disciples had a drum in their hands and by adding all three letters. All this is a subject of started playing them. The Chief Dwij (Druid) Guru in-depth study and research. In our Yantra also, it started preparing for the Havan. He offered some is customary to write all three letters separately. The herbs to the fire. He took water vessel and sprinkled entire religious ceremony was in sync with Sanatan water in all directions. He then took the lit candle culture. Offering pooja material, havan kunda in in four directions and chanted mantras. He returned the center and lamps in eight directions, and back in the middle and asked everyone to invite worshiping the deities of the ten directions, their gods to come. He then asked everyone, the including the sky, showing similarities to the Sanatan name of their deity. After that, he requested culture as a whole. Kachchap (Kurma Avtar), by everyone to invite their ancestors. The Dwij (Druid) placing emblem, as well as of other deities, shows Guru offered wine to the gods on stones from a worship to all of them. * Symbol of Tridev and bottle placed there. Then, in turn, urged everyone Trilokya: The word is composed of three sounds to come and offer wine or beet juice. I asked what A, U, M. The meaning of these three sounds also the process was. I was told that animal sacrifice was comes in the Upanishads. It is also a symbol of practiced during the mythological period. In the Brahma, Vishnu and Maheshwar and it is a symbol present circumstances only beet juice or wine can of bholoka, bhuva-loka and heaven-loka.

Heritage Explorer 15 November 2020 MASSACRE ON THE NORTH Jallianwala Bagh of Assam

Manash K. Das

The following account is about unsung Assamese was but natural for the people to compare these heroes and martyrs of the Indian freedom movement. atrocious days with those while under the Ahom It was during a drive in the beautiful Darrang rulers. district countryside with the Superintendent of It was left to the peasants/farmers to fight against Police, Darrang, Mr. Amrit Bhuyan, who reverently these atrocious levies that were gradually pushing pointed to a monument and said that it was in them toward starvation. They would discuss their memory of the slain brave hearts of Pothorughat grievances in “Raiz-mels” (public assemblies). These (also known as “Patharighat”). The name stirred a assemblies were severely frowned upon by the long dormant memory in my mind.Thereafter, Mr. colonialists, who perceived them as a threat to their Bhargab Kr. Das, a senior journalist and a native of imperialism. Darrang, took me to Pothorughat to interact with From 1890 onwards the collective mood of the the locals, so that they could narrate their version of farmers of Assam turned sour, thanks to rampant what transpired on that fateful day of 28th of January exploitation. This was again further compounded by 1894 and the events that led upto it. another round of indiscriminate increase in taxes in This is the story of Pothorughat, a name that 1892. The seething resentment of the people had would echo little with very few Assamese, let alone reached boiling point. It was a powder keg that just the rest of India, for very little has been written about needed a spark to explode. The powers that be just or taught about it. did not bother to fathom the anger. No lesson from After the Sepoy Mutiny of 1857 the British the Phulaguri incident of 18th October,1861 which Government took over the reins of control of India was the result of similar policies of the British Raj. from The East India Company. However, the On that day Lieutenant Singer, Junior Assistant regressive high taxation that had brought many a Commissioner and a few policemen were beaten to peasant to penury, continued unabated. The deficit death by an irate crowd. In retaliation General Henry in the post Sepoy Mutiny budget of 1859-59 was Hopkinson arrived in Phulaguri with a detail of 100 phenomenal and so was the public debt of the Raj. sepoys and shot 39 people to death, besides injuring scores. It seemed tyrants refused to learn from history. Therefore, the already high land revenue was further enhanced, much to the distress of the farmers “Raiz-mels” (public assemblies) had since been who were already battling penury and starvation. banned but the people of Pothorughat defied the Furthermore, other coercive levies such as Stamp same and in one such gathering on January 26th 1894, Duties, License Tax, etc. were also implemented by resolved not to pay the enhanced taxes. The the colonialists. This was in stark contrast to the “tahsildar” of the area Bhabani Bhattacharya, a nearly six hundred years of benevolent Ahom rule, British crony, assured the naïve farmers that the during which the subjects didn’t have to pay taxes. administration would do its best to assuage their Besides this, the Ahoms also granted “Lakhiraj” (rent problems. The following day, i.e. on the 27th of free land for the maintenance of temples and for the January, 1898 a large contingent of armed police setting up of “Satras” to promote Vaishnavism). It personnel were surreptitiously deployed to

Heritage Explorer 16 November 2020 Pothorughat. Reassured by the words of the clods of earth. Yes, clods of earth! And the policemen “tahsildar” a large number of farmers gathered in were ordered to open fire. What followed was a brutal front of the “dak-bungalow” on 28th January 1894, carnage that left 140 people dead and countless hoping that the order of tax enhancement would be maimed and injured. revoked. What the farmers received instead was J.D. Anderson, The Deputy Commissioner of aggression, humiliation, betrayal and blatant Darrang, in his report to The Commissioner of Assam provocation in the form of armed policemen. And Valley Districts dated 30th January, 1894 wrote then the dam of patience finally broke! The people “…The lesson inflicted was a very severe one rushed at their tormentors, armed with sticks and and I can only hope and believe that it has been effectual.” The farmer gathering Pothorughat was not a rebellion; it was a protest against gross injustice. What happened in Pothorughat was not a “battle”; it was mass murder, fuelled by power and arrogance, almost identical to that of Jalianwala Bagh. It is time the whole of India learned of their Assamese brethren who sacrificed themselves for the motherland. It is also time that the great Assamese warriors, such as the mighty Lachit Borphukan, found their true and rightful place in our history books. The Krishak Swahids (Farmer Martyrs) of Pothorughat were honoured in 2000 by the Indian Army by erecting a martyrs column at the very spot where they were martyred, at the Krishak Swahid Memorial Park at Patharighat, 20 km from Mangaldai. Furthermore, the Red Horns Division of the Indian Army headed by the GOC pay homage to the Krishak Swahids on the 29th of January every year, reportedly the only such honour accorded by the gallant Indian Army to civilian martyrs.

(Contd. from Page 8 ) Sister Nivedita : Agnishikha

Swami Vivekananda had said, “O you of great a good occasion to study and understand her life and fortune! I too believe that India will awake again if work. May her life make us love our motherland and anyone could love with all his heart the people of our people. May her life give us an insight in our the country—bereft of the grace of affluence, of own country and inspiration to work for Mother blasted fortune, their discretion totally lost, India. downtrodden, ever—starved, quarrelsome, and (The author is a Padma Shri Awardee and is envious.” Sister Nivedita was a person of that great currently the Vice President of Vivekananda fortune! She loved India and Indians with all their Kendra Kanyakumari) faults. 150th Birth Anniversary of Sister Nivedita is

Heritage Explorer 17 November 2020 Watershed Development Projects in Nagaland

Dr. Simhachalam. A

Nagaland is a hill state located in the extreme watershed projects in Nagaland.The implementation northeastern region of India with Kohima as its of the watershed projects are in three phases namely; Capital. The state shares common boundaries with preparatory phase, work phase and consolidation Myanmar in the East, state of Assam in the West; phase. The status of the activities of the project will Arunachal Pradesh and a part of Assam in the north be measured using scoring and grading system with Manipur in the south. Nagaland became the designed by the Department of Land resources 16th state of the union of India on 1 December 1963 (DoLR), GoI. occupying a total geographical area of 16,579 sq. The formal institution/agency involved in the Km. According to 2011 census, the state has a total implementation of PMKSY project in the state is population of 1,978,502 of which male and female the SLNA, IWMP/PMKSY, Nagaland at the apex are 1,024,649 and 953,853 respectively. The Literacy level and Watershed Cell cum Data Centers(WCDCs) rate of the district is 79.55 %. The state has 12 at district level and Project Implementing Agencies districts. The state is inhabited by 17 tribes — (PIAs) at the project level. Each PIA has a team of Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khiamniungan, Watershed Development Team(WDT) member. The Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, nodal department is the department of Land Sumi, Yimchunger, Zeme-Liangmai (Zeliang), Resource Department, of respective four districts of Dimasa Kachari, Kuki and Rongme. The language Nagaland. The WCDCs and the PIA share headed of Nagaland is Nagamese, a creole language based by the Land Resource Department, of Nagaland, of on Assamese, is widely and English is the official all districts of the state.The watershed projects are language. The location of the state is 26.1584° N implemented in three pages namely; i. Preparatory latitude and 94.5624° E Longitude. phase, ii. Work phase and Consolidation phase. The watershed projects are implementing in Preparatory phase Nagaland state by the Department of Land The main focus of the Preparatory phase is to Resources, Govt. of Nagaland is the State Level implement the Entry Point Activities (EPAs), Nodal Agency (SLNA) for implementation of Capacity Building & Training and prepare the Detail Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana-Watershed Project Report (DPR) of the watershed projects. Component (PMSKY-WDC), erstwhile Integrated During the preparatory phase, the PIAs of all Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), a Micro Watersheds(MWS) executed Entry Point flagship programme of the Ministry of Rural Activities (EPAs) in all MWSs. There are many types Development, Department of Land Resources, of EPAs have been constructed among all MWS. By Government of India. The activities taken up in type, the EPAs executed includes namely: PMKSY-WDC are aforestation, plantation crops, soil Construction of Culvert, Construction of Approach & moisture conservation, livelihood activities and Road, Construction of Water Harvesting Structure, production system. These activities will help to rural Construction of Community Guest people particularly, the hill area people in will get House,Construction of Rostrum, Construction of benefit by different ways like improving the life style Toilet/ Community toilet, Installation of Solar Street by establishing the various livelihood activities, Light &Street Light, Construction of Water Reservoir production systemand micro-enterprises activities Tank and Pipe, enovation of Community Hall, and also conservation of natural resources. Construction of Drainage,Construction of Dustbin, The Common Guidelines for watershed projects, Construction of Rain water Reservoirs, Construction 2008 / 2011 has been followed to implement the of Foot Steps/ Community footsteps, Resting shed/

Heritage Explorer 18 November 2020 Rest house/ waiting shed, Revival oRf traditional Farm Production and Micro-enterprises activities, pond, Community Marketing shed, Village Gate, there are nos./unit beneficiaries are assisted through Construction of Link road and Renovation of various activities like Fishery, Backyard poultry Community hall etc. Livestock, Bee keeping, Duckery, Goatery, Assist for All the PIAs during the preparatory phase will be Rice Mill, Estt. of Retail Shop, Seed Production, completed the institutional building activities. The Tailoring,Sericulture, Agro forestry, Weaving, Food project management is toconduct large number of Processing, Carpentry, Blacksmithy, Handicraft, awareness camps and capacity building training of Haircutting Saloon and Others. different types for WDTs, PIAs, WCs, SHGs and Under livelihood support activities, No. of UGs. Most of the capacity building activities were Individual beneficiaries will be provided with RF, No. completed during preparatory phase.Another of SHGs will be provided with RF and also important activity which PIAs has to be completed Individual beneficiaries arebenefited for taking up during preparatory phase is the task of preparation some activities i.eCarpentry Tailoring /Handicraft / of DPRs of all projects. Weaving/ Piggery/ Poultry/ Goatery/ Vegetable Work phase garden/ Cardamom Plantation/ Nurseryetc in During the work phase, PIAs will initiate the watershed area of Nagaland state. implementation of activities comprising Natural Consolidation phase Resource Management (NRM), livelihoods for asset As per the stipulation of the common guidelines and production system & micro enterprises. of watershed projects 2008 / 2011, each PIA is to Among the NRM activities to be implemented, prepare a work plan for consolidation phase. The the highest focus is found on land development process to be followed in the preparation of such a activity in watershed area. There are number of NRM plan has also been indicated in the guidelines. In the works / activities are used to implement in Nagaland. light of the above, the status of preparation of Under Land Development the following activities are consolidation plan and also the process followed in used to implement: Afforestation (on wasteland), the preparation have been examined using the certain Afforestation (on total land including wastelands), parameters. Horticulture (on wasteland), Horticulture (on total The examination of the above parameters was land including wastelands), Agriculture (on made at PIA level for each project. The PIAs are wasteland), Agriculture (on total land including used toprepare the consolidation phase plan after wastelands), Pasture (on wasteland), Pasture (on total taking into account the shortfall / gaps and also land including wastelands) and others (on wasteland). replication possibilities of all works executed by it The second important activity under NRM is till the work phase. These considerations PIA is used found Soil & Moisture Conservation.Soil and tomake through different meetings held and discussed Moisture Conservation activates are Staggered in the presence of the members of WC, SHG and trenching, Contour Bunding, Graded Bunding, Bench UGs. Every meeting at the end has to be identified terracing, Vegetative and Engineering Structures, and enlisted activities that require filling of the Earthen check dams, Brushwood check dams (Phy. shortfall / gaps and replication. Based on such list in RM), Gully plugs , Loose boulder, Gabion each PIA worked out a plan for consolidation phase. structures and Others are used to implement in the The verification reveals that the adoption of the watershed area. process of preparation of consolidation plan must The Water Harvesting Structure (WHS) emerged match with the stipulation made in the common as the third important activity in the work phase. guidelines, 2008/2011. Considerable number of activity related to Water Broad area level Indicators are seen in Harvesting Structure viz; farm ponds, check dams, consolidation phase is Project Management during nallahbunds, percolation tanks and ground water Consolidation Phase, Management of Developed recharge structure(wells / bore wells) under NRM Natural Resource, Intensification of farm production are used toimplement in all projects.By implementing system/off-farm livelihood, Post Project

Heritage Explorer 19 November 2020 Management (Exit Policy) and Project completion through natural resource conservation. Over the report and documentation. years there is much visible impact of watershed Conclusion development programmes among different The implementation of watershed projects are communities across the Nagaland state. very important in hill area like Nagaland as many The attempt for making convergent people depends on natural resources for their implementation of PMKSY/IWMP work/activities livelihoods. The watershed projects mainly helps in with other programmes/schemes is less in Nagaland conserving the natural resources and provide hence the introduction of the practice of convergent sustainable livelihood to rural people of Nagaland implementation as suggested in the guidelines is state. These watershed projects save the soil fertility recommended.The Up-scaling of Marketing by stopping the erosion using various soil and water Infrastructure and support activities for agri-based conservation measures. Also, reduces the pressure products, Up-of off-farm/informal enterprise scaling, on shifting cultivation and promote permanent marketing arrangement for other off-farm products/ cultivation as it’s provides water conservation informal activities are to be improved. The Promotion measures and livelihood options to the rural people. of the organic farming and marketing among the The watershed development programme has been villagers is very important in Nagaland state and also, focused towards the promotion of overall economic Up-scaling of livelihoods through promotion of the development and improvement of the socio- institution of SHGs, Promotion of Agro Processing economic conditions of the resource poor sections activities and Documentation of success stories of people inhabiting the watershed programme areas which are has to be promoted. Watershed Projects Activity Photographs, Nagaland

Beneficiaries (User Group) of watershed area, Black smith (Beneficiary)of Mohungvillage, Wokha district, Nagaland under Mon district, Nagaland

Resting Shade Construction under EPA at Tuensang Piggery of Individual beneficiary as livelihood activity Village under Tuensang district of Chenmoho village, Mon district, Nagaland

Heritage Explorer October 2020 The Bodo Community and Their Language

Dr. Uzzal Sharma

The Bodos the Bodo language is used as a medium of instruction The Bodos are one of the ethnic and linguistic upto the secondary level. The Bodo language has, to communities and early settlers of Assam in North- its credit, large number of Books, Books of poetry, East India. The speciality about the BODO word is drama, short stories, novels, biography, Travelogues, that it represents both the language as well as the Children’s literature and Literary criticism. community. The Bodos belong to a larger group of The Bodo language originated from the SINO- ethnicity called the Bodo-Kachari. Dr. Suniti Kumar TIBETAN or TIBETO-CHINESE family. The Chatterjee, a well known historian, expressed that Sino-Tibetan family has various sub brunches like mythologicaly they are “The offspring of son of the “Tibeto –Burmese”, “Siamese - Chinese”, etc. Lord Vishnu and mother earth”. During the epic of which “Tibeto –Barman” have been living in period, they were known as ‘Kiratas’. Though they the North – East India. The “Tibeto –Barman” are Mongolian people, the Bodos come to North- has four sub-brunches called – “Himalayan”, East India in 2000 BC. “North - Assam”, “Assam - Burmese” and “Tibetan”. 3.3 Bodo Language The section “Bodo - Naga” and “Burmese – Kuki - Chin” is derived from “Assam - Burmese”. The Bodo (Devnagari : , (pronounced [boro]) is a “Bodo - Naga” has two sub-sections viz. “Bodo” language that belongs to the branch of Barish section and “Naga”. From the Bodo Section which includes under Baric division of the Tibeto-Burman language “Dimasa”, “Garo”, “Rabha”, “Hajong”, and spoken by the Bodo people of north-eastern “Mech”, “Lalung”, “Tipra”, “Chutia”, “Moran” India and some parts of Nepal. In the year 2003, the came out as a separate language. Within the Bodo Bodo language was given a special constitutional group mentioned above, the Bodo is most prominent status and is one of the 22 scheduled official among all the languages. The diagrammatic languages of the Indian state of Assam. The language representation of The Bodo Language Hierarchy, is very much similar to the Dimasa language of clearly explains the above relation. Assam, the Garo language of Meghalaya and the Kokborok language spoken in Tripura. Till the end of 19th century, Bodo language did not have a script and it was mainly a spoken language. The Bodo is the second major language of Assam, There is some evidence of using a kind of Deodhai and official language in the Bodo dominated areas. Script by the Bodo – Kachari Kings in ancient Many rivers like Dihing, Dibru, Dihong, Dikrai etc. times. The first book of Bodo was published in 1915. in the North-East region were named after some This book was written in Bodo with Assamese Script. Bodo words which reveals the spatial distribution pattern of related ethno-cultural groups with their After the Government of Assam has given cultural traits and phenomenon. recognition to Bodo Language as a medium of instruction up to the primary level in 1962, it The Bodo language was introduced as a medium gradually marched ahead in getting the status of a of instruction in the primary school in Bodo written language. Initially, Roman Script and a kind dominated areas in 1963, which was the result of an of modified Assamese script known as Purbalipi intense socio-political movement carried out by were used to write the Bodo text books and literary different Bodo organizations since 1913. At present, works by Christian and non-Christian Bodos. In 1976,

Heritage Explorer 21 November 2020 Bodo Sahitya Sabha, an apex body of Bodo literary Language’, Published by Mandira Goswami. forum, decided to take Devnagari script instead of [2] Bodo, M.R. (1991), ‘Assamese and Bodo, A Purbalipi for Bodo Language. Comparative Study’, Priyadini Publication. Bodo is bilingual because of various socio- [3] Sarma, P. (2004), ‘Some Aspects of the Tonal economic, political and geographical reason. They Phonology of Bodo’, M. Phill Thesis, Central use their native language to communicate with their Institute of English and Foreign Languages, own linguistic community and use other languages Hyderabad – 500007. like Assamese, Hindi, Bengali to communicate with other communities. Bodo phonemes consists of the [4] Rabiner L. R. and Schafer R. W., (2009), following phoneme classes: Segmental phonemes ‘Theory and Application of Digital Speech which consists of vowels and consonants, and Supra- Processing’. segmental phonemes which consists of tone and (The author of this article is serving as an Asstt. juncture that co-occurs with vowels and consonants Professor (Senior) in the Dept. of Computer as extra sound features used in the language. Applications under School of Technology, Assam References: Don Bosco University and can be reached at Cell: +919707020618 / +917002374780) [1] Goswami S.N. (1988), ‘Studies in Sino-Tibetan

Heritage Explorer 23 November 2020 The Jhum Cultivation: The Livelihood of Karbi Hills Tribe

Dhaneswar Engti

Jhum cultivation is a kind of slash and burn of the Karbi hills consider the jhum cultivation as method of agriculture. It is a process of growing one of the most trusted and dependable methods crops in the hill slope by clearing the land of trees of earning livelihood. They consider forest as their and other vegetations. Jhum cultivation has a long deity who provides them food and shelter for a history that every tribal family of the hills is aware pleasant and healthy living. Hence, they like to of it. The hill slope is thereafter cleared by slash worship the natural world (Forest) every year, so and burn method before starting the jhum that, they are blessed with good quality of crops cultivation, and thus it has made the area cultivable and heavy harvesting from their jhum fields. of paddy and other important crops in the entire The Karbis are animism by faith, - the belief that jhum field. Jhum cultivation is an arduous form of natural objects, natural phenomenon, and the cultivation; hence all the members of the family universe itself possess souls. Therefore, the Karbis have to participate during clearing and burning of worship forest, river, hills and other natural objects the jhum field. They also work together during the as their gods and goddesses, and they like to take sowing and harvesting occasions in the jhum field. in the natural world as “Than Arnam”. This kind of The hill slopes are selected for jhum cultivation annual ritual is called “Rongker Karkli” or “Than temporarily and then abandon it for a period of one Arnam Kachipame” in Karbi. And because of these to two decades to recuperate the soil’s fertility and reasons the Karbis are very friendly with the natural reverts to its natural state. Thus, the Karbi people world. Hence, they like to call the nature as the of the hills cultivate jhum cultivation together in main feeder and only hired hand of all living and large patches in the hill slopes every year during nonliving things of this world. The belief that the days of old. We all know that burnt soil contains natural objects have souls that may exist apart from potash which increases the nutrient content of the their material bodies is the main credence of Karbi’s soil and it contributes a speedy growth of crops in philosophy of life behind the nature worship. the jhum fields. But, jhum cultivation involves the felling of large number of trees and bamboos for The socio-cultural conditions of the Karbis are temporary cultivation, and thus jhum cultivation is closely interconnected with the culmination of blamed for deforestation, soil erosion and loss of jhum cultivation. It is associated with the biodiversity which automatically affects drastic development of its culture and literature. The jhum climate change to the mother earth. cultivation is the breeding ground of Karbi folk songs and Karbi folk dances during the olden days. Jhum cultivation is one of the most widely The rich culture and folk literature of the Karbi practiced systems of cultivation applied by the tribe is interconnected with the beautiful natural Karbis living in the hills. The jhum cultivation is world. It is the result of great assimilations with called ‘Inglong Arit Katiki’ in Karbi language. The the ethereal environment of nature. The thick jhum cultivation is carried out by the hills Karbis jungle, the habitat of wild animals, and verities of for earning their livelihood. The jhum cultivation colourful wild birds have made the Karbi’s lifestyle is one of the main sources of earning livelihood more colourful and vibrant. The beautiful butterflies during the days of old. The Karbis have learnt this dancing in the pasture has added the Karbi culture very art of jhum cultivation from their ancestors more effervescent and aerated to take pleasure in. since time immemorial. These forest friendly people

Heritage Explorer 23 November 2020 The beautiful rivulets of the hill slopes keep the 6. BAP KARLU Karbi hills evermore enchanting and delightful to 7. SOK KEROT LAPEN KEROI see at all time. Now, let me expertise an effort to put in plain The culmination of Karbi culture and literature words about the seven stages of the jhum could be noticed during the reign of great Karbi cultivation one by one in details. There are certain king, Rengbonghom. But the very structure of stages of jhum cultivation which are required to be economy could not last long due to constant fights performed diligently by the jhum cultivators. between the tribal communities. There was lack of mutual coexistence and loyalty among the tribal 1. RIT KECHAM:- Rit Kecham is the selection people of the hills during those days. Thus, the rural of jhum sites. It is the primary stage of jhum cultivation to be carried out by the Karbis in the economy of the hills started to decline drastically Karbi hills. It is a well preserved tradition which is due to constant warfare between the tribal people strictly followed by every faithful Karbi people of for claiming the supremacy over the other. As a the hills. Rit Kecham means selection of a suitable result, it was beyond the proximity for the tribal site for doing the jhum cultivation by the hills Karbis. people to achieve self-sufficiency both This initial stage of jhum cultivation is called ‘Rit economically and politically. The tribal people of Kecham’. The headman of the family or any adult the hills had to suffer from poverty and diseases on member of the family goes to the forest for a regular basis. During those days, jhum cultivation identifying the area and selection of site for was the only means of livelihood of the Tribal performing the jhum cultivation for the calendar people. Other than jhum cultivation, there was no year is finalised. A suitable plot of land in the hill other sustainable source of livelihood in the hills. slope is generally selected for jhum cultivation by Jhum cultivation is also called as shifting the farmer, where a significant mark is given by cultivation. It is an agricultural system in which erecting with bamboos signifying that the plot of plots of land are cultivated temporarily, then land is reserved for jhum cultivation by him and abandoned while post-disturbance fallow nobody would occupy that plot of land for that year. vegetation is allowed to freely grow while the Thus, the practice of jhum cultivation starts in the cultivator moves on to another suitable plot. The hill slopes without inviting bigotry among the tribal period of cultivations is usually terminated when people. the soil shows signs of exhaustion or when the jhum 2. RIT KEPAN:- Rit Kepan is the clearance of field is overrun by wild plants. forest for undertaking the jhum cultivation in hill Now, let us come to the following important slopes. After selection of site for jhum cultivation, stages of jhum cultivation usually performed by the the most gruelling stage of its cultivation starts. At Karbi tribe since the age of old in the Karbi hills. this stage, land is cleared by slash-and burn methods. The jhum cultivation as practiced by the hills Karbis All the trees, bushes and wild plants are cleared by can be broadly divided into 7 (seven) stages. The the method of slash-and burn, and the left over and names of those seven stages are as follows: other lingering vegetations on the jhum field are desiccated completely before sowing the crops. 1. RIT KECHAM Later than that, the seeds are sown after arrival of 2. RIT KEPAN rain to the jhum field. Here, at this stage, the 3. ME KEKAI farmers have to lacerate all the bamboos, trees and other unwanted plants entirely at a time, and then 4. ARHEK KARHI allows to dry up lacerates under the scorching heat 5. RIT KENONG of sunlight. The clearance of jungle is another

Heritage Explorer 24 November 2020 important stage of jhum cultivation. It has to be crops in the jhum fields done in such a way that none of the trees or wild 4. ARHEK KARHI:- Arhek Karhi is a plants can breed the area and destroy the crops any collection of unburned bamboos, trees and other more. Hence, one has to do through slash and burn materials and again burning them to ashes in the method to clear all the trees and wild plants at a jhum field. Arhek Karhi is the fourth stage of jhum time properly, so that, the sunlight can plunge cultivation. At this stage, burning of unwanted directly into the jhum field at all time, and the crops trees, weeds and other wild vegetations of the can grow uninterruptedly to make possible of a jhum field are carried out. It is another important good harvesting of crops from the jhum field. stage of slash and burn method of jhum cultivation 3. RIT ME KEKAI:- Rit Me’ kekai is a process in the jhum field. This is a stage when all residual of burning of cut trees, dry bamboos and other plants and trees and other unwanted materials are unwanted dry plants at the jhum field. Rit Me Kekai, uprooted and burn into ashes again in the jhum (Burning of fire), is the third stage of jhum field. Here, at this stage, all the dried bamboos, cultivation. All dry bamboos, trees and other trees and other unwanted objects are collected unwanted wild plants are burnt to ashes in the third properly and assembled at one place in total and stage of the jhum cultivation. At this stage the then burn them to ashes completely, so that, these farmer starts burning all the dry objects in the jhum unwanted objects cannot prevent the crops from field, and it is one of the most exciting stages of growing and the paddy and other essential crops jhum cultivation. When the dried bamboos, trees are harvested from the jhum field nicely. and other wild vegetations are burnt into ashes and a huge fire starts burning in the jhum field. Thus, 5. RIT KENONG:- Rit Kenong is the sowing the burnt soil starts containing potash which seeds in the jhum field. ‘Rit Kenong’ is the fifth increases the nutrient content of the soil and it stage of jhum cultivation. After clearance of the contributes a speedy growth of crops in the jhum jhum field, the crops are sown by the farmers. The fields preparation of the jhum field for cultivation is a major task to get good production of crops. By burning trees, bamboos and other wild Therefore, the soil is beautifully prepared with the vegetations in the jhum field, it enhances potash help of small spades by the young boys and girls. component of the soil tremendously. Thus the The seeds of paddy and other crops are sown in jhum field becomes a rich and arable soil for jhum the jhum field by the farmers. During this stage of cultivation. It also increases the nutrient content jhum cultivation, the seeds of crops are sown in of the soil. After burning out of all desiccated the field by the members of the family and other bamboos, trees and other unwanted wild plants of young boys and girls of the village, which is called the jhum field, the soil becomes red and loamy, ‘Ajir Kachehui’. It is one of the most popular and thus increases the soil more loamy and fertile exercises of jhum cultivation. ‘Ajir Kachehui’ means which is very helpful for producing good crops and exchange of work between the working peasants, heavy production.. Hence, the jhum site is nicely through manual labour, they can help to each other, cleared and all the unwanted wild plants and for that, no monetary payment or exchange of redundant objects are burn into ashes first, so that, money against the manual labour is mandatory. the sunlight can fall directly on the jhum field for helping the speedy growth and heavy harvesting The existence of ‘Jirkedam’ also originated from of crops from the jhum field. It is a well-known ‘Ajir Kachihui’. It is also known as Jir kedam, which fact that, burnt soil contains maximum potash is a modern form of cooperative society, and it is which increases the nutrient content of the soil the oldest form of a well-organized traditional and it can contribute a speedy growth of various education cum training system of various

Heritage Explorer 25 November 2020 household works including jhum cultivation in collection and storing of crops or paddy from the Karbi society. The very institution of Jir Kedam is jhum field. ‘Sok Kerot Lapen Keroi’ is another most the breeding ground of various Karbi folk stories, important stage of jhum cultivation. For a farmer, folk dances, folk songs and many other Karbi love this stage is the testing stage of his luck and how stories of the olden days. These customary exercises much paddy he has accumulated in that very year are still in vogue in the Karbi society. Thus, we can is the most important matter to be decided. For a take it for granted that, all the Karbi folk narratives jhum farmer, this is one of the most important are closely interconnected and originated from the periods of jhum cultivation. It is the time to assess ‘Riso Aterank’, ‘Jir Kedam’ and the epicentre of those himself how much wealth he has accumulated in folk narratives is the Karbi Jhum fields. terms of paddy and other crops for that particular 6. BAP KARLU:- Bap Karlu is the most year. People are excited to see the heavy collection unavoidable but tedious act of uprooting the of paddy and other crops of a farmer. If there is a unwanted plants and weeds in the jhum field. Bap heavy collection of paddy from his jhum field, then Karlu is another important stage of jhum cultivation. it can be said that, his dream has come true, he will Because, without doing proper weeding or cutting have enough foodstuff to eat for that year. He does the unwanted plant or wild grass from the jhum not need to worry for that year’s livelihood. It is field, the paddy and other important crops cannot true for a farmer that, his whole year’s labour and grow properly. Without performing ‘Bap Karlu’, one sacrifice has rewarded him sufficient crops by the cannot expect a good harvesting from his jhum field. blessings of Hemphu Arnam, the almighty God. It may prevent the paddy and other crops from Hence, they worship ‘Hemphu Arnam’ to get more growing and good harvesting. The jhum field is a blessings from Him. The fruit of his hard labour is process of cultivation which allows paddy and other abundance now; his store house is full of paddy crops are allowed to grow freely while the farmer and other essential crops which are enough for the moves on to another plot of land for jhum yearlong consumption of his family. It gives him cultivation the next year. At this stage all crops enough satisfaction to live a good and satisfying emerge full-grown crop and the entire jhum field life with his wife and other members of his family. becomes emerald green with paddy leaves and other It gives him complete food security for that delectable crops. The emerald green leaves of paddy particular year. It provides him more confidence to start dancing at the gentle waves of breeze work harder the next year to earn additional wealth throughout the day, and it captivates a farmer while from the jhum field. looking from his small hut called – ‘Mandu’ or Further, during the harvesting season, all the ‘Hemtap’, called it a dovecote, erected in the middle young boys and girls participate in the collection of the jhum field. At this stage the farmer tries to of paddy with marry making. In the jhum field, every remove the weeds and other unwanted plants from single stalk of grains is collected properly and to be his jhum field very gently and thus the paddy and kept at a place called ‘Jimtim’, which is nicely other essential crops are allowed to grow up freely prepared in front of the ‘Mandu’. Mandu. It is erected without any interruption from them. By taking these in the middle of the Jhum field for the night’s stay kinds of precautions, a farmer can expect a good of the farmer. After that, they make a good threshing harvesting of crops from his jhum field, and it is a of paddy with the sticks to separate the grains from healthy process of crop-growing farming activity the straws, and this is called -‘Sok Kepam’ in Karbi generally practiced by the Karbi tribe during the language. Singing and dancing is another important olden days. entertaining scene to be viewed during the 7. SOK KEROT LAPEN KEROI:- Sok Kerot harvesting period. is harvesting of crops and Sok Keroi is last act of (Contd. to Next Issue)

Heritage Explorer 26 November 2020