Nagaland University is conducting pioneering archaeological research on the prehistoric life of Naga communities, aiming to uncover ancient food systems and climate adaptations to support modern sustainability and food security in Nagaland, in collaboration with global institutions and local Indigenous groups.
Nagaland University, a central institution of higher education, has embarked on an ambitious archaeological and paleoclimates research project to investigate the prehistoric life of the Naga communities. This groundbreaking study seeks not only to trace the deep history of Naga settlements but also to explore climate change adaptation strategies that could enhance food security in the region.
A university official stated that the study spans the Holocene and Anthropocene geological epochs, providing a broad lens to assess long-term environmental changes and human adaptations. Recognizing the cultural significance of this work, the researchers are partnering closely with Indigenous populations to conduct community-based participatory research. This inclusive approach ensures that the traditional knowledge and ancestral heritage of the Naga people are respected and incorporated into the scientific narrative.
At the heart of the project is a dual focus: understanding the origins of Naga civilisation through prehistoric archaeological sites and tracing the development of ancestral village systems that now lie beneath many modern settlements. These villages are more than physical remnants—they are embedded in oral histories, collective memory, and the migratory traditions of various Naga tribes.
Little prior work has delved into the deep past of the Naga people, leaving major gaps in the region’s historical timeline. This initiative aims to fill those voids with robust archaeological data, well-dated chronologies, and interdisciplinary analysis. The project, funded for four years (2025–2028) by the Australian Research Council, brings together a consortium of institutions: Nagaland University, University of Sydney, La Trobe University, University of York, and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, with local support from the Department of Art and Culture, Government of Nagaland.
“This project is unique in both scale and scope,” said Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir, head of the research team and faculty at the Department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University. “Our aim is to build a foundational understanding of the evolution of Naga life from prehistoric times and use that knowledge to tackle present and future challenges related to climate and food security.”
A pilot study has already been carried out in Langa, a village in Shamator District. Once abandoned and only recently re-inhabited, Langa offered a fertile ground for excavation and oral historical collection. Local elders shared their ancestral memories, which aligned with physical findings from the site. These included remnants of earlier settlements that point to intricate habitation and subsistence systems.
In addition to excavations, the team produced a community archaeology film with inputs from the residents of Langa, Kuthur, and the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC). A similar study is underway in New Phor (Burakha), Meluri District, supported by the Pochury Hoho and local community members.
Prof. Alison Betts from the University of Sydney emphasized the importance of historical food systems in the study. “We work with communities to uncover the deep history of their villages, to understand how their food systems have evolved, and to identify past adaptations to climate variability,” Betts said. “Our findings could inform contemporary efforts to enhance sustainability in a rapidly changing climate.”
The study is highly multidisciplinary. Researchers will conduct pottery residue analysis to uncover ancient culinary practices, examine soil samples for phytoliths—microscopic silica remnants that help identify plant species—and analyse charred plant remains for radiocarbon dating. Additionally, the nutritional value of traditional foods will be studied to understand their health implications.
The project also seeks to reevaluate traditional agricultural practices such as jhum cultivation (slash-and-burn). Once criticised for its environmental impact, jhum is now being reconsidered in light of recent studies that highlight its role in sustaining biodiversity, agro-diversity, and resilience against extreme weather events. The university official noted that traditional farming systems in Nagaland reflect centuries of sustainable knowledge, now under threat due to youth migration and unpredictable climate patterns.
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The anticipated outcomes are manifold: a better understanding of the Naga people’s ancient lifeways, scientific publications, and community-focused recommendations for sustainable living. Researchers hope the project will serve as a model for similar efforts in other Indigenous regions facing ecological stress.
By fusing science with traditional knowledge, the Nagaland University-led initiative stands as a beacon of innovative research. In an era marked by environmental uncertainty and cultural erosion, this project offers a rare blend of academic rigor, community involvement, and actionable insights into climate resilience and sustainable food security.
