An Ethnoarchaeological Perspective of Poumai Naga Megaliths and Indigenous Dwelling Architecture with Special Reference to Phaibung Khullen Village

Abstract (English)

This paper explores the cultural symbolism embedded in the megalithic traditions and indigenous
dwelling architecture of the Poumai Naga community, with a particular focus on Phaibung
Khullen village in Manipur, India. Employing an ethnoarchaeological approach, the research
investigates how megaliths and traditional houses function as markers of social identity, memory,
and ritual within the community. By combining archaeological observation with ethnographic
fieldwork, including interviews with village elders and cultural practitioners, the study reveals
the complex interplay between material culture and social structure. The findings highlight that
both megalithic monuments and traditional houses serve not only utilitarian and aesthetic
purposes but also act as vital cultural texts—transmitting ancestral knowledge, social status, and
spiritual values across generations. In tracing these material forms and their meanings, the
research contributes to broader discussions on indigenous heritage preservation and the
continuity of intangible cultural practices in changing socio-political contexts.