By: MANEK NARZARY, LEON MILLER
The forces that have shaped civilization and history have often been harsh to indigenous peoples, placing their cultures under immense strain, presenting disruptive challenges, and threatening their very survival. As a result, indigenous communities find themselves battling to preserve their way of life, integrity, identity, and existence against external forces. This article examines the pressures faced by indigenous cultures and proposes a theoretical framework for a progressive and sustainable approach—one that upholds the self-determination rights of indigenous peoples. It specifically analyzes the interaction between historical forces and the indigenous cultures of Assam, India, focusing on the Bodo people’s experiences. The article posits that a deeper understanding of indigenous struggles can be achieved by viewing these issues through the lenses of ethnology, cultural anthropology, and political anthropology. It aims to contribute to research that seeks to address and mitigate the disruptions faced by indigenous cultures due to the deterministic pressures exerted by powerful external entities.
