Narrating Art Forms of Northeast India: Mapping Literary Responses by Prof. A. C. Kharingpam is a significant scholarly work that bridges the rich visual and performing art traditions of Northeast India with their literary interpretations. The book offers a nuanced exploration of how indigenous art forms—ranging from dance, music, ritual performances, to crafts and oral traditions—have inspired and shaped literary expressions across the region. Prof. Kharingpam presents art not merely as aesthetic practice, but as a living cultural language deeply embedded in the social, historical, and spiritual fabric of Northeast communities.
The book stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, drawing from cultural studies, literature, anthropology, and performance studies. Through detailed analysis, the author maps how writers articulate the essence of traditional art forms in poetry, fiction, drama, and critical prose. These literary responses, the book argues, act as both preservation tools and creative reinterpretations of fragile cultural heritages in a rapidly modernizing world.
One of the strengths of the book lies in its attention to regional diversity. Prof. Kharingpam highlights how the Meitei, Naga, Mizo, Assamese, and other communities express identity, resistance, memory, and belonging through interwoven artistic and literary traditions. The book also critically examines how colonial history, political conflict, and globalization have influenced both artistic practices and their literary representations.
Written in an accessible yet scholarly style, the book serves as an important resource for students, researchers, and readers interested in Northeast Indian studies, comparative literature, and cultural criticism. Narrating Art Forms of Northeast India not only documents artistic traditions but also demonstrates how literature becomes a powerful medium for sustaining cultural consciousness. It is a valuable contribution to understanding the dynamic dialogue between art and literature in one of India’s most culturally vibrant regions.