North-East India, comprising the seven contiguous states around Assam,
the principal state of the region, is a relatively unknown, yet very
fascinating region. The forest clad peripheral mountains, home to
indigenous peoples like the Nagas, Mizos and the Khasis, the densely
populated Brahmaputra valley with its lush green tea gardens and the
golden rice fields, the moderately populated hill regions and plateaus,
and the sparsely inhabited Himalayas, form a unique mosaic of natural
and cultural landscapes and human interactions, with unparalleled
diversity. The book provides a glimpse into the region's past and gives
a comprehensive picture of its physical environment, people, resources
and its economy. The physical environment takes into account not only
the structural base of the region, its physical characteristics and
natural vegetation but also offers an impression of the region's
biodiversity and the measures undertaken to preserve it. The people of
the region, especially the indigenous population, inhabiting contrasting
environments and speaking a variety of regional and local dialects, have
received special attention, bringing into focus the role of migration
that has influenced the traditional societies, for centuries. The book
acquaints the readers with spatial distribution, life style and culture
of the indigenous people, outlining the unique features of each tribe.
The economy of the region, depending originally on primitive farming and
cottage industries, like silkworm rearing, but now greatly transformed
with the emergence of modern industries, power resources and expanding
trade, is reviewed based on authentic data and actual field
observations. The epilogue, the last chapter in the book, summarizes the
authors' perception of the region and its future.
