The idea of the Northeast is intriguing. It indicates a direction; therefore, it should have remained as an adjectival clause—‘northeast.’ It indeed does, to some extent, but increasingly the hyphen is dropped for it to become a single-word proper noun with many layers of nuanced meanings. Among the many images evoked are of wilderness, exotic customs, pristine landscapes, insurgency, incomprehensible tribal feuds, underdevelopment, etc.
The name also conjures up the picture of a composite geography of eight states, including Sikkim, after this former Himalayan kingdom became a part of India in 1975. In spirit, probably North Bengal/Darjeeling should also be included, as this peripheral extension of West Bengal geographically, culturally, and psychologically shares many affinities with this region.
How did a term signifying a coordinate come to be so intimately associated with the character and personality of a region? The question will necessarily invoke a legacy from British colonial rule. If the anchor of this coordinate were India’s national capital, the region should have been just east and not northeast, for the place lies directly to the east of New Delhi. Obviously, the anchor was different when the region first came to be taken cognizance of on the Indian map, which is after Assam’s formal annexation into British India by the Treaty of Yandaboo, 1826, signed with Burma (Ava kingdom), ending a devastating invasion and occupation of Assam by the latter.
After annexation, this new territory was merged into Bengal and remained so till 1874, when Assam was separated and made a separate chief commissioner’s province. It then constituted almost the entire Northeast, with the exception of Tripura and Manipur, separate principalities. From the then British India capital of Calcutta, Northeast was indeed to the north-east.
Bu hikaye The New Indian Express dergisinin December 05, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye The New Indian Express dergisinin December 05, 2024 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Chris Evans returns to MCU for Avengers: Doomsday
ACTOR Chris Evans is all set to make his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe as part of the star cast of Avengers: Doomsday.
Jeremy Allen White to star in The Mandalorian and Grogu
Jeremy Allen White is the latest addition to the star cast of The Mandalorian and Grogu.
Family freedom
At first glance, Scandar Copti's new film, Happy Holidays, appears to go against our collective expectations of Palestinian cinema.
Sonam Bajwa joins Baaghi 4
A day after the first look of Sanjay Dutt from Baaghi 4 was unveiled by the makers, Sonam Bajwa has now become the latest actor to join the cast of the film, headlined by Tiger Shroff. Sonam took to social media and wrote, \"As the shoot for my debut Hindi film Houseful 5 almost comes to an end, I am honoured to announce that I will continue my journey forward with Sajid sir and team, as I start the shoot of my 2nd Hindi film Baaghi 4 with them.
Bhooth Bangla gets a 2026 release date
AKSHAY Kumar took to social media on Tuesday to announce that he has started filming for his upcoming horror-comedy Bhooth Bangla.
'Simbu was the first choice for my role in Soodhu Kavvum'
Actor Karunakaran opens up about his upcoming releases, Soodhu Kavvum 2 and Miss You, anecdotes from the sets of Soodhu Kavvum, his dream role, and more
DRINKS WITH BENEFITS
Infused water is a beverage prepared by soaking ingredients to allow flavor and nutrients to dissolve in water.
SUGAR RUSH, coming right up!
Bringing you the perfect holiday gift to whip up decadent delicacies for your family this Christmas, Shivesh Bhatia's book is a deep dive into everything chocolate-y and irresistible
A symphony of tradition and talent
BENEATH the watchful gaze of a Ganesha idol in shades of ivory and gold, Shringar 2024 bloomed like a living painting — bright marigold garlands lined the edge of the stage, singers dressed in vibrant sarees and golden jewels, the rhythmic beats of the mridangam and the strains of the veena.
AN ODE TO MUSICAL CRAFTSMEN
Vidwan Lalgudi GJR Krishnan was approached to know more about how a violin is tuned and maintained, but the conversation turned out very enriching, throwing new perspectives and insights. A historical page has been added to the journey of violin as a musical instrument in India.