Dynamics of Mortuary Practices in Nagaland: Exploring the Impact of Social Capital

Abstract

Nagas are a small Indigenous tribal community that inhabits the northeastern region of India. It is inhabited by seventeen recognized tribes including non-Naga tribe of Kuki and Kachari with rich cultural diversity and customary practices. Modernity has been one of the most debated topics, in this regard the paper argues on the responsibility of modernity. The study mainly focuses on the two major tribes of Nagaland that is the Ao tribe and the Angami tribe, as to how the cultural practices in disposing of death is contested and negotiated in contemporary society. Thus, drawing from an ethnohistorical perspective and empirical study, the article depicts how modernity and development tremendously transformed the traditional structure, however, homogeneity in the form of social capital still persists in a heterogeneous society.