Impact of British Rule in
Northeast India: Culture and
Religion
Introduction
British colonial rule had a profound and lasting impact on the cultural and religious
landscape of Northeast India. The region, known for its diverse ethnic communities,
indigenous traditions, and distinct belief systems, experienced significant
transformations under British administration. The introduction of Western education,
Christian missionary activities, and colonial policies altered traditional customs,
languages, art forms, and religious practices.
While British rule brought modernization, including literacy and new religious
ideologies, it also led to the erosion of indigenous belief systems, changes in societal
structures, and the marginalization of traditional institutions. This essay explores the
impact of British rule on the culture and religion of Northeast India, highlighting both
the positive and negative consequences.
Cultural Impact of British Rule in
Northeast India
1. Introduction of Western Education and English
Language
One of the most significant cultural changes brought by British rule was the
introduction of Western education through Christian missionary schools. Prior to
British rule, indigenous communities followed their own systems of oral traditions,
informal learning, and localized knowledge-sharing practices.
Christian missionaries established schools across the region, particularly in Assam,
Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
The introduction of the English language as a medium of instruction led to a decline in the
use of indigenous scripts and dialects.
Higher education institutions such as Cotton College (established in 1901 in Assam) played a
crucial role in shaping a new generation of English-educated elites.
While Western education brought literacy and new knowledge systems, it also
alienated many indigenous communities from their traditional cultural heritage.
2. Impact on Indigenous Art, Music, and Literature
The British rule and missionary influence brought changes to the artistic and literary
traditions of Northeast India:
Traditional storytelling and oral literature declined as printed books and Western literary
forms became more prominent.
Folk music and dance forms were discouraged by missionaries who considered them
"pagan" or linked to animistic traditions.
Indigenous weaving and handicrafts saw some decline as British policies encouraged
industrial goods over locally made products.
However, British rule also led to documentation and preservation of many
indigenous folk traditions. British administrators and scholars such as Sir Edward Gait
and J. P. Mills recorded tribal customs, languages, and histories, which helped in their
preservation.
3. Changes in Dress and Lifestyle
Before British rule, the attire of the indigenous people in Northeast India was
primarily influenced by tribal customs and locally available materials. However,
under colonial influence:
The introduction of European-style clothing led to changes in traditional dress patterns,
especially among the educated elites.
Christian missionaries discouraged traditional ornaments, tattoos, and indigenous body
decorations, particularly in communities like the Nagas and Mizos.
British-imposed laws and taxation policies affected agricultural practices, forcing many
communities to shift from traditional self-sustaining economies to wage labor systems.
While British rule brought some infrastructural developments, it also disrupted self-
sufficient tribal economies and cultural expressions.
Religious Impact of British Rule in
Northeast India
1. Spread of Christianity and Decline of Indigenous
Faiths
One of the most defining religious impacts of British rule in Northeast India was the
spread of Christianity through missionary activities. The British government
encouraged missionaries to work in the region, believing that Christian education and
religion would help "civilize" tribal communities.
Major missionary organizations included the Baptist Missionary Society (in Assam), the
Welsh Presbyterian Mission (in Meghalaya), and the American Baptist Mission (in Nagaland
and Mizoram).
Large-scale conversions occurred among the Naga, Mizo, Khasi, and Garo communities,
leading to a significant decline in indigenous animistic and tribal belief systems.
Missionary-run schools and hospitals attracted people towards Christianity, as they
provided access to modern education and healthcare.
Today, states like Nagaland (88%), Mizoram (87%), and Meghalaya (75%) have
predominantly Christian populations due to these missionary efforts.
2. Resistance to Religious Conversion
Not all communities accepted Christianity without resistance. Several indigenous
groups strongly opposed missionary influence:
The Vaishnavite Hindus of Assam, particularly the Ahom community, resisted conversions
and sought to preserve their religious traditions.
The Sanamahi religion in Manipur and the Donyi-Polo faith in Arunachal Pradesh struggled
to survive against missionary expansion.
Many tribal leaders saw Christianity as a threat to their cultural identity and opposed mass
conversions.
Despite missionary efforts, several communities have successfully preserved their
traditional religions, though they remain a minority.
3. Changes in Social Structures and Rituals
With the spread of Christianity and Western influence, many traditional customs and
social practices were altered:
Christianity discouraged practices like headhunting among the Nagas, which had been a
deeply ingrained cultural tradition.
Many traditional rituals and festivals were either modified or abandoned due to missionary
opposition.
Indigenous priests and shamans lost their influence as Christian pastors and church
authorities gained power.
However, British rule also introduced new social values, such as the importance of
education, women’s literacy, and healthcare, which helped improve the overall
well-being of many communities.
Consequences of British Rule on Culture
and Religion in Northeast India
1. Cultural Marginalization and Identity Crisis
The dominance of Western culture and Christianity led to a cultural identity crisis
among many indigenous communities:
Many people, especially the youth, became disconnected from their traditional customs and
languages.
Indigenous practices, rituals, and folklore were often seen as "backward" and discouraged.
The preference for Western education and administration created a new class of elites who
were distanced from their native roots.
2. Rise of Cultural and Religious Revival Movements
In response to cultural erosion, several communities launched revival movements to
reclaim their heritage:
The Seng Khasi movement in Meghalaya (1899) aimed to protect Khasi indigenous religion
from Christian influence.
The Heraka movement among the Zeliangrong Nagas sought to revive traditional religious
beliefs.
The Assamese nationalist movement emphasized the preservation of Assamese language
and Vaishnavite Hindu traditions.
These movements played a crucial role in preserving indigenous identities and
resisting cultural homogenization.
3. Long-term Religious and Cultural Diversity
Despite large-scale Christian conversions, Northeast India remains a culturally diverse
region:
Hinduism continues to be practiced in Assam, Tripura, and Manipur.
Indigenous faiths like Donyi-Polo, Sanamahi, and Bathouism have survived and gained state
recognition.
Traditional festivals like Bihu (Assam), Hornbill Festival (Nagaland), and Chapchar Kut
(Mizoram) continue to be celebrated widely.
Conclusion
The British rule in Northeast India had a transformative impact on the region’s culture
and religion. While it introduced Western education, English language, and
infrastructural developments, it also led to the erosion of indigenous traditions,
large-scale religious conversions, and socio-cultural disruptions.
The introduction of Christianity changed the religious landscape, but also contributed
to education and social reforms. However, resistance to cultural marginalization led to
revival movements that continue to shape regional identities today.
In the post-colonial period, the people of Northeast India have strived to balance
modern influences with traditional values, ensuring that their rich cultural and
religious heritage remains an integral part of their identity. The impact of British rule
remains evident, but the region continues to evolve, embracing both its past and its
future.
