TITLE: INDIGENOUS ARCHAEOLOGY AND ITS INTERFACE WITH CULTURE, LANGUAGE, AND TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE OF THE INDIGENOUS PEOPLES ALONG WITH THEIR MIGRATION

Abstract (English)

Abstract:
Indigenous archaeology is a specialised field focussing on the study of the past through the window of Indigenous perspectives, values and goals. It emphasises collaboration with Indigenous communities, respecting their traditional knowledge, lifestyles, linguistic aspects and cultural practices, for ensuring that archaeological research works convey benefit to those, whose history is being studied. Indigenous archaeology recognises the role of language, culture etc. of Indigenous peoples.
Indigenous languages are often used to understand the meaning and significance of archaeological findings, as they provide insights into the context and cultural significance of artefacts and sites. The inter-play between Indigenous culture and languages on one side, and Indigenous archaeology and ethno-archaeology on the other is really important in channelising the research works to be more inclusive of Indigenous voices and perspectives.
The Author, during the field work related to PhD studies, had to interact with a number of Indigenous peoples living in villages around the Kaziranga National Park, Assam and also other areas of Assam; Chumukedima and Dimapur in Nagaland; and Naharlagun and Jote in Arunachal Pradesh. The process enriched the Author with vital information, valuable insights and vast experience about the social, linguistics, cultural life, etc. and also traditional knowledge (on medicine, songs, crafts etc.) of these peoples.
Commercial potential of the traditional knowledge (TK) etc. of this communities could not be utilised hitherto as the same was not recognised by the WIPO. After adoption of the GRATK Treaty, the WIPO IGC is to create a legal instrument by addressing all components of traditional knowledge etc. and integrating the same into the global IP system. This is quite significant as these peoples would now receive substantial economic benefit for use of their knowledge-base by other and also achieve sustainable livelihood.