Revisiting Dima Hasao: In Search of a Rhythm

The Author's Perspective The hill district of Dima Hasao has undergone a painful episode of bloody turmoil during the period of unrest (1992-2010) and revisiting that once serene hill district in search of that tranquility when the semblance of peace returned to the hills, was a soothing experience for me. Many decades ago, I had enjoyed and cherished nature's abundance while working here and through this book, I have aspired again to find that rhythm. Thus, ' Revisiting Dima Hasao, in search of a rhythm' is the title of the book as I was searching for the rhythm of life to return to the place which was my place of work for nearly two decades after my arrival here in December, 1977. I had to leave the hills one day when I received an academic call elsewhere but I return often to feel the beauty and charm of these enchanting hills which unforgettably, remind me of the good old days I spent here. These were precious, as well as fruitful in my academic pursuit. The district of Dima Hasao was previously known as North Cachar Hills from the colonial time and it was a sub division of the district of Cachar. From April 1, 2010, its name is changed and it is now Dima Hasao, which literally means, the land of the Dimasa, the major tribe inhabiting the district. There are other tribes - the Nagas, the Kukis, the Hmars also who live in the district permanently. Again, having the tribes, not kindred to each other in origin, with their very own social systems, beliefs and cultures living under the provisions of the sixth schedule of the constitution with occasional fissures yet resolved nicely through constitutional means in unique.