Traditional Storage Practices of the Bodo Tribe of Assam: An Ethnographic Study on Indigenous Knowledge and Sustainable Living

Abstract (English)

Abstract
The Bodo tribe of Assam, one of the prominent indigenous communities of Northeast India, exhibits unique traditional storage practices that reflect their deep ecological knowledge, cultural identity, and sustainable living ethos. This study investigates the storage patterns of the Bodo people, emphasizing their indigenous techniques for the preservation of food grains, agricultural produce, household materials, and ritualistic artifacts. Based on extensive ethnographic fieldwork, structured interviews, and participant observation in selected Bodo villages, the research identifies traditional storage units such as bamboo granaries (bakhri), earthen pots, wooden bins, and raised platforms (machang). These methods are highly adaptive to the region’s humid subtropical climate and are designed to prevent pest infestation, moisture damage, and post-harvest loss. The study further explores the gendered division of labor in storage management and the ritual significance attached to certain storage structures during agricultural and religious festivals. Findings reveal that Bodo storage practices exemplify sustainable resource management, eco-friendly construction techniques, and community-based knowledge transmission. Understanding these traditional systems offers valuable insights into indigenous technological innovations and their potential role in modern sustainable practices. The study contributes to the broader discourse on cultural heritage preservation, indigenous knowledge systems, and rural resilience in the face of environmental and socio-economic changes.