This project responds to the recognition that both freshwater ecosystems and human cultural traditions are intimately linked, and simultaneously threatened in Meghalaya, India. Modern fishing technology, poisons, dynamite and pollution all threaten fish and fishing economies, while shifts in language use, cultural values and new economic aspirations are causing rural flight across Northeast India. Traditional knowledge and practices offer low-impact, resource-efficient fishing systems that avoid chemical inputs and reduce ecological degradation and represent integral parts of rural cultural identity. We will work with local experts to document the production of traditional fishing tools and associated knowledge in Sohmynting, a rural village of about 4000 Pnar speaking farmers and fishers in West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya.
Crafted primarily from bamboo, cane, and other locally available natural materials, and used in rivers, streams, wetlands, and paddy fields, these tools—including passive traps such as khnam, paron, and kriah knup, as well as active implements like fishing rods and spears—demonstrate a nuanced understanding of fish behaviour, hydrological conditions, and seasonal variability. Beyond their technical functions, traditional fishing tools play a vital role in sustaining livelihoods and facilitating intergenerational transmission of knowledge. Skills related to tool construction, placement, and maintenance are typically passed down through experiential learning, reinforcing social cohesion and cultural identity. By systematically documenting traditional fishing tools and their uses, this project contributes to the preservation of both tangible and intangible cultural heritage while underscoring the relevance of indigenous fishing practices in contemporary discussions on sustainable resource management and community-based conservation.
PI: Dr. Rajindra K. Puri
Collaborators: Dr. Larilin Kharpuri; Dr. Pranjal Dubey
Research Location: Sohmynting, West Jaintia Hills District, Meghalaya, India
Host Institution: National Lutheran Health and Medical Board (NLHMB)
Top Banner Image: Bamboo fishing lines at Umngot river at Sohmynting village. Photo credit: MLCU, 2026.