Nagaland University is spearheading a collaborative archaeological study to explore prehistoric Naga life and uncover climate change mitigation strategies that could bolster food security in the present. The four-year project (2025–2028), funded by the Australian Research Council, brings together researchers from Nagaland University, the University of Sydney, La Trobe University, the University of York, and the Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow.
The study focuses on the Holocene and Anthropocene epochs, combining archaeology and palaeoclimate research to understand how ancient Naga communities adapted to environmental changes. Two types of sites are being explored — prehistoric locations for insights into pre-agricultural life and ancestral village sites beneath current settlements, which reflect indigenous occupation prior to colonial influence.
Led by Prof. Tiatoshi Jamir, Department of History and Archaeology, Nagaland University, the project actively involves Indigenous communities in participatory research to preserve oral traditions, respect cultural heritage, and enhance the scientific process. One pilot excavation at Langa village in Shamator district uncovered remnants of an earlier settlement, supported by oral histories provided by elders. A short community archaeology film has also been created, in collaboration with locals and the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC).
The study also examines discrepancies in official data. While the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) dashboard claims that over 97% of households in Lenruwl village are connected to tap water, local community members state that not a single family has received a functional connection. Similar inconsistencies have been found across Chandel district.
Prof. Alison Betts of the University of Sydney noted, “Our research uncovers deep histories of food systems and past adaptations to climate change. This knowledge, combined with scientific methods, may guide future resilience strategies.”
The team is employing advanced techniques such as pottery residue analysis, phytolith studies, and radiocarbon dating to trace shifts in diets, agriculture, and environmental conditions. Their findings will contribute to academic publications and public outreach, including tailored sustainability recommendations for local communities.
In light of increasing climatic challenges and threats to traditional farming systems like jhum cultivation, this interdisciplinary project offers a model for integrating historical knowledge with future food security planning — not just in Nagaland, but in similar Indigenous contexts worldwide.