The glorious past of Northeast India can be visualised from the immense archaeological evidences scattered in the entire length and breadth of this part of India. The richness of the archaeological heritage of Northeast India needs utmost care, attention and involvement of the common people for better preservation for our better future, writes Manjil Hazarika.
Introduction

The prehistoric period witnesses developments of Palaeolithic, Neolithic and Megalithic cultures whereas the historic period has recorded emergences of several political and cultural zones. Several archaeological sites have proved their uniqueness in understanding the early state formation process during Ancient period of Assam. The patronage of the Tai Ahom rulers during the medieval period in constructing temples, ramparts, water tanks, roads, moidams is very significant as these acts as the source material for archaeological research. Further, the Neovaishnavite movement contributed tremendously towards the art and cultural heritage of Assam.

The discipline of archaeology is basically the study of the traces or evidences of past human activity. In modern times, archaeology has emerged as a more advanced scientific discipline and is not just confined in studying the past cultures, but also understanding the importance of these cultural materials as a base of our ‘Cultural Heritage’.

Northeast India (22° and 29° 18/ North Latitude; 89° 40/ and 97° 22/ East Longitude) which includes the eight states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura and Sikkim, is known for its rich natural and cultural heritage. Geographically, the Northeast India connects South Asia with East and Southeast Asian countries, allowing movements of people leading to cultural connections from the prehistoric past. These prehistoric and historic connections in the form of both material and non-material culture can be visualised in every aspect of society and life of the present inhabitants. These age-old connections of different groups of people with different cultural background finally shape the rich cultural heritage of the present day inhabitants of Northeast India.