Blueprints of Memory
The Department of History, Livingstone Foundation College, Dimapur, organised a one-day seminar on “Blueprints of Memory: How Oral Traditions Map Ancestral Sites in Nagaland” on 16th October 2026. The seminar explored the significance of oral traditions in preserving Naga history, identifying ancestral sites, and tracing the migration patterns of ancestral communities.
The speaker, Dr. Chubatoshi Assistant Professor, Department of History, KROS College, Kohima, emphasised how oral narratives, particularly the accounts preserved by elders, serve as valuable sources for reconstructing the past. He highlighted the importance of connecting oral traditions with archaeological evidence to understand ancestral settlements and migration routes. He further stressed the urgent need to document oral histories, as the passing of elders and the destruction of ancestral sites threaten the loss of valuable historical knowledge. He encouraged students to engage with elders and actively document their communities’ histories for future generations.
The seminar underscored the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge and safeguarding ancestral heritage, reinforcing the role of oral traditions in understanding and reconstructing Naga history.
