PASIGHAT, Nov 28: A two-day National Seminar on ‘Archaeology in Arunachal Pradesh’, organized by the Department of History, Jawaharlal Nehru College (JNC) and sponsored by the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), successfully concluded its scholarly deliberations here today.
The main academic session featured the deliberations of the chairperson cum resource person, Dr Tilok Thakuria from the Department of History and Archaeology, NEHU.
Dr Thakuria initiated a crucial discussion, defining archaeological material culture as “fossilized human behavior”. He stressed that the study’s central purpose is to decipher meaning from past material culture and understand the cognitive development of human behaviour specifically, the “what, why, and how” of an object’s symbolic association to its past. He asserted that archaeology is fundamentally important because it helps us understand and construct our identity.
Noting that archaeological study in Northeast India is still very descriptive, Dr Thakuria called for a necessary transition to new methodological and multi-disciplinary approaches to better understand material culture. He also specifically requested the JN College administration to add archaeology to the syllabus of various disciplines; ensuring students grasp its theoretical, methodological, and systematic frameworks.
A highlight of the day was the open discussion, which saw active participation from academics and local scholars, further underscoring the necessity of integrating tribal historical knowledge into formal archaeological studies. The session concluded with insightful observatory remarks from Dr Thakuria, who lauded the quality of the papers and provided direction for future research collaborations.
The successful completion of the seminar's technical sessions cemented the consensus among participating scholars: the future of archaeology in the region depends on deep local engagement, interdisciplinary cooperation, and a scientific approach that is both systematic and culturally sensitive.
Earlier, the proceedings for the final day began with a brief welcome address by Co-coordinator Dr Nuyu Mize.
The session concluded with final remarks delivered by Seminar Coordinator Dr Leki Sitang.
Later, the delegates participated in a series of field visits designed to connect theoretical discussions with local history and ecological preservation. The contingent first visited the Hump World War II Museum in Pasighat, providing tangible context to the region’s modern history and strategic importance. This was followed by a visit to Siluk village, recognized as the cleanest village in East Siang district, demonstrating successful community-led heritage preservation efforts.
The seminar concluded with a trip to Aohali village, Arunachal Pradesh’s first declared zero-hunting village, offering a vital insight into successful indigenous conservation models. (DIPRO)