RIVER VALLEYS AND WATER BODIES IN THE COSMOS OF THE IDU MISHMIS OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH

This paper highlights the cultural meanings of water and water bodies in the cultural canvas of the Idu Mishmi peopleof Arunachal Pradesh, India. We narrate stories from Idu Mishmi people’s indigenous water cosmology to explore how they imagine and share memories of water and its related bodies using metaphors, and discourses created and employed by them. The paper also looks at aspects of Idu Mishmi perspectives in indigenous eco-spiritual stories and conceptual understanding and provides an opportunity to identify and articulate unique meanings of water and waterbodies among the tribe. Using the physical spaces identified by Idu Mishmis in their landscape, the paper argues that the high-altitude lakes and ponds carry symbolic and ritualistic meanings and resources valued during birth, healing and death rituals.