Contributed seminar papers presented at the conference organized by Maulana Abdul Kalam Azad Institute of Asian Studies, Kolkata, and Dept. of History, Arunachal University.

Contributed papers presented at a national seminar organized by North East India Council of Social Science Research in Shillong, India.

This anthology is filled with content specifically selected for readers who have a strong interest in women’s participation in the Asian martial traditions. In addition to combative theory and practice, topics include aspects of theatrical performance, music, dance, gender studies, and insights for embodying philosophical elements into daily life. The twelve chapters that were written by noted authorities will certainly educate and inspire. These focus on the martial traditions of Japan, China, India, Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines. All of the historical and cultural details add much to the scholarly perspectives on these Asian arts. At the same time they add to the appreciation of how and why martial elements are infused in artistic performances, such as theater, music, and dance. Throughout can be seen the unifying thread of the womans’ role which will increase our appreciation of the feminine presence in Asian martial traditions.

During the more than two decades publishing the Journal of Asian Martial Arts, we were fortunate to have Dr. Phillip Zarrilli on our Editorial Board. Internationally known for training actors through an infusion of Asian martial arts and yoga elements, he was a devoted teacher and theatre director/ performer. When he went to India at age 29 to study Kathakali dance, he was sidetracked after becoming captivated by kalaripayattu — the Indian martial art he studied in Kerala State. He eventually became the leading Western scholar who focused on martial arts and healing practice in south India. Just as we are finishing the preparation of this special anthology for publication, we learn that Dr. Zarrilli passed away on March 9, 2020. This work contains four of Dr. Zarrilli’s articles previously published in our journal. These are highly significant for anyone interested in Indian martial traditions and are of great value for comparative studies with other Asian martial arts. Dr. Zarrilli’s material here focuses on the combat arts of kalaripayattu and varma ati, and associated healing arts that encompass massage and herbal modalities. Those familiar with Far Eastern martial arts will find Dr. Zarrilli’s thorough presentation of vital spots and energy channels congruent with the theory and practices of acupuncture and the knowledge of energy meridians. Dr. Sara Schneider shares her experience studying kalaripayattu in Kerala as an American single female in a foreign culture. Her observations as a scholar are insightful. Although not recorded in her writing, it would be equally insightful to obtain the views of how the native guru, his family and students perceived her presence as a foreign academic researcher and martial art practitioner. Two more chapters broaden the coverage. Khilton Nongmaithem and Dainis Jirgensons present the martial art of Thang-Ta (“sword-spear”) as practiced in the northeastern state of Manipur. Their work also hints at the great depth and breadth of Indian martial traditions. Music and dance are natural companions with martial traditions. By looking at these art forms, Dr. Bandana Mukhopadhyay’s chapter brings out some essential elements that accompany the culture of warfare in India. We hope you will enjoy reading this special anthology — dedicated to Dr. Phillip Zarrilli.

This book offers a multifaceted look at Northeast India and the customs and traditions that underpin its legal framework. The book: charts the transition of traditions from colonial rule to present day, through constitutionalism and the consolidation of autonomous identities, as well as outlines contemporary debates in an increasingly modernising region; explores the theoretical context of legal pluralism and its implications, compares the personal legal systems with that of the mainland, and discusses customary law’s continuing popularity (both pragmatic and ideological) and common law; brings together case studies from across the eight states and focuses on the way individual systems and procedures manifest among various tribes and communities in the voices of tribal and non-tribal scholars; and highlights the resilience and relevance of alternative systems of redressal, including conflict resolution and women’s rights. Part of the prestigious ‘Transition in Northeastern India’ series, this book presents an interesting blend of theory and practice, key case studies and examples to study legal pluralism in multicultural contexts. It will be of great interest to students of law and social sciences, anthropology, political science, peace and conflict studies, besides administrators, judicial officers and lawyers in Northeast India, legal scholars and students of tribal law, and members of customary law courts of various tribal communities in Northeast India.