The North East: An Overview
The North East of India is marked by diverse tribal communities that have maintained their unique identities and traditions due to historical isolation from mainstream India. The process of state formation initiated by the Indian government post-independence led to tension among these tribes, as they were integrated into the administrative framework of Assam. Concerned about the preservation of their traditional autonomy, tribal identities began to rise, leading to movements striving for greater autonomy within the Indian Constitution. This resistance reflects the tribes' attempts to navigate the pressures exerted by an evolving, centralized system while safeguarding their individual cultural practices and social institutions. As tribal movements evolve, they highlight the intertwining of ecological, cultural, and economic issues central to the tribal experience in India.