Originally presented as the author's thesis (D. Th.--Senate of Serampore College, 2004) under the title: A historical phenomenological study of Primal Kuki religious symbolism with special reference to Indoi in the framework of Mircea Eliades's interpretation of religious symbolism.

Tribal societies in India observe a diverse set of religious practices which are a quintessential part of their community life. This handbook explores rituals, beliefs, ceremonies and festivals, liturgy, knowledge and traditions that tribal people practice today and traces the history of their interaction with other religions, communities and cultures. The book provides analytical, intellectual, and cultural insights into the religious tradition of tribes within the interactive space of a pan-Indian civilisation. It examines contemporary religious practice within tribes while also exploring changes either brought on by interactions or political interventions. The volume reflects on the intersections of cultural or political life of communities and their religious worldviews. The book also discusses the processes of assimilation or adoption of different religion or religious traditions by tribes and the challenges of detribalisation and shrinking populations of vulnerable groups. It explores both established and emerging dynamics in the field of tribe and religion and provides a look into the unique systems of kinship, worship and life within many different tribal communities in India. This and its companion handbook, The Routledge Handbook of Tribe and Religions in India: Contemporary Readings on Spirituality, Belief and Identity, provide a comprehensive look into the religious life and practices of a very diverse group of tribes in India. It will be of interest to academics and researchers working in the fields of religion, anthropology, indigenous and tribal studies, social and cultural anthropology, sociology of culture, sociology of religion, development studies, history, political science, folkloristic, and colonialism.

The introduction of Christianity by missionaries in North-East India, without ignoring the positive contribution, failed to provide a sound theological foundation for the people of this region in their quest for identity and liberation. In this publication, the author, a native of the region, investigates the struggle for identity among the tribal people of North-East India and more particularly the Kuki people of Manipur. Exploring the social, cultural, religious and political changes brought to the people of this region the book highlights their real struggle for justice and dignity. Outlining aspects of the Kuki tradition, as well as dialoguing with Dalit and tribal theology the author proposes possible contributions to a local theology that can help in shaping a new sense of identity for the tribal people of North-East India.

Papers presented at five workshops organised by Forum for Revival of Kuki Society in Nagpur and different places in Northeast India during 2010-2012.--