Ruby Jubilee of Department of Anthropology, Manipur University 1984-2024 : The journey so far

Sanjoy Akoijam *

Department of Anthropology, Manipur University :: Pix - TSE

The discipline of Anthropology explores the biological, cultural, linguistic, and historical aspects of human existence. By studying various societies, past and present, it provides insights into human behaviour, beliefs, and social structures. This knowledge helps us to appreciate cultural differences, combat ethnocentrism, and promote cross-cultural understanding.

The diverse findings of anthropological research provides inputs for policy-making, aids in solving social issues, and contributes to fields like healthcare, psychology, economics, business, human welfare, etc.

It sheds light on human evolution, adaptation, and the impact of globalisation on traditional cultures-ultimately helping us in comprehending our place in the world, our relationships with others, and the complex tapestry of human experience across time and space.

The Department of Anthropology, Manipur University has completed forty years of its existence on 31st of August, 2024. The department came into being through the efforts of the Anthropological Society of Manipur (ASM) and noted academicians of the State. The department started its journey by occupying a few rooms on the ground floor of the current Ladies Hostel 1 building of the university.

In the beginning, there were three faculty members- Dr. Chongtham Budhi Singh (Reader, Social Anthropology and HOD), Dr Konsam Saratchandra Singh (Reader, Physical Anthropology) and Dr Wangkhem Nabakumar Singh (Asst. Professor, Social Anthropology).

The first MSc Anthropology batch had ten students in total (of which nine remained in the end). About three years later, the department was shifted to the current Humanities Block. The rooms that hosted the department there are now occupied by the departments of Philosophy and Hindi.

The department shifted again after some years to the current site of the Centre for Myanmar Studies, which in those days used to house the Examination Section of the university.

Finally, the foundation stone for a separate permanent building for the department was laid by Prof N Bijoy Singh, the then Vice Chancellor of the university on 23rd of October, 2005. The building was completed in 2010 and since then it has housed the department. It remains one of the largest buildings (if not the largest) dedicated to an Anthropology department in India.

Over the years, the department has been graced by many energetic and distinguished faculty members. Nine of them have taken the mantle of helming the department till date. They are Prof Ch Budhi Singh, Prof PK Ganguly, Prof MR Chakravarti, Prof K Saratchandra Singh, Prof W Nabakumar Singh, Prof T Shyamacharan Singh, Prof M Manibabu, Prof S Jibonkumar Singh and Prof MC Arunkumar.

The department offers courses such as MA/MSc in Anthropology, PhD and some choice based papers open to all the students of the university. It may also be mentioned that the Centre for Myanmar Studies is also closely linked with the department and it has been under the director-ship of senior faculty members of the department since its inception.

The department is one of the most well equipped for the discipline, especially in the eastern region of India. There are laboratories for Genetics, Forensics, Serology, Physiology, Anthropometry, Craniometry, Prehistoric Archaeology, etc. There is also an ethnographic museum with an impressive collection of cultural attires and articles belonging to the different communities that inhabit Manipur.

The conference hall, seminar room and classrooms are equipped with smart technology. The department also comes with ample green space in the form of a garden (with a small pond) and a lawn. The garden is officially called 'Leipung', and sometimes classes are held there too- it provides a unique open space for interactions of all kinds as well.

The department also acts as the guiding light for almost 30 Anthropology departments in colleges through- out Manipur, affiliated to Manipur University.

In its journey of 40 years, the department has made significant strides, with several notable achievements. Till date, the department has produced thirty seven batches of MSc Anthropology students. Fieldwork, a crucial part of any Anthropology course, has opened the eyes of successive generations of students to a world of diversity.

Each year, students of the department are taken for fieldwork to different places in Manipur or elsewhere in neighbouring States. It is not just a learning experience, but also an oppor- tunity to broaden one's worldview as a whole. A number of alumni have made their marks in the academic realm throughout the country, cementing the status of Manipur as one of the hotspots for the discipline of Anthropology in the country.

Among the MSc gold medalists and other academic achievers of the department, many have cleared regional and National level competitive tests like SET, UGC-NET/JRF, etc. Many have gone on to do research in Manipur University itself, and other reputed universities of the country.

Today, there is a sizable presence of department alumni as faculty members in different Anthropology departments of the country and as members of notable academic bodies, policy making bodies, Govt agencies, NGOs, etc.

The faculty members and scholars of the department have been engaged in many notable research projects and studies throughout the years. Anthropology is a holistic discipline with a diverse scope, and this is reflected in the research activities undertaken by the department. Till April 2023, the department has successfully produced 72 Doctors of Philosophy (PhDs).

The research areas range from reproductive health to growth patterns, from nutritional status to metabolic disorders, from genetic variations to anthropometric variables, from socio-cultural life of a community to personality profiles of specific community members, from migration studies to societal attitudes, from kinship studies to lived experiences, from women studies to mental health issues, from megalithic monuments to traditional burial customs, etc.

It may be mentioned that the department also played a key role in recovery and identification of bones of fallen soldiers of the Imperial Japanese Army from World War II battle sites in Manipur in collaboration with Japanese and Indian agencies.

The department has also contributed to the wider society by organising various programs and events. Recently, the department was also sponsored by the Department of Science and Technology, Government of India through its FIST scheme.

The department has played host to a number of State, regional, National and even international-level workshops, seminars and conferences. Notable mention may be made of the 'World Anthropology Congress 2023 Post Congress International Seminar' hosted by the department in collaboration with other Anthropology Departments of Manipur in February 2024.

Despite the volatile law and order situation in Manipur, the event was a grand success. The department also joined the rest of Manipur University in hosting the prestigious 105th Indian Science Congress in March 2018.

In a world that does not really pay much attention to the Social Sciences, Anthropology remains largely outside mainstream global academic discourse. Despite this, it continues to play an important role in society by injecting fresh perspectives in understanding the change and continuity in the various aspects of human civilization- be it biological, social or cultural.

Anthropology in India has made great strides and it now comes with its own distinct characteristics, coming out of the long shadow of the discipline's colonial beginnings.

Manipur today is a bright star in the constellation of Indian Anthropology, and the Department of Anthropology, Manipur University will continue to play a key role in promoting the discipline by rendering services to the academic community and to the wider society as well.