Snake Worship in North-East India: A Historical Overview

Animesh Manna

doi:10.55544/ijrah.5.2.20

Authors

Animesh Manna Assistant Professor, Department of History, Shyampur Siddheshwari Mahavidyalaya, Howrah - 711312 (WB), INDIA. | Research Scholar, Department of History, Adamas University, Kolkata-700 126, West Bengal, INDIA https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5368-9441

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55544/ijrah.5.2.20

Keywords:

Snake Worship, Animistic beliefs, Devi Manasa, North-East India

Abstract

Snake worship, or Ophiolatry, has long been an integral part of the cultural and religious landscape of Northeast India, deeply embedded in the animistic beliefs of indigenous tribes that view snakes as divine entities symbolizing fertility, protection, and wisdom. Using textual analysis of historical literary sources and ethnographic accounts, this study investigates the intricacies of snake worship. The study places snake worship in its larger cultural context by critically analyzing the writings of authors like Hmingchhuan and Narayana. It illuminates the myths and historical narratives surrounding the practice. The paper synthesizes findings from various primary and secondary texts, including scholarly articles and ethnographies, to provide a comprehensive perspective on the significance of snake worship in the region. It emphasizes the role of literary references as crucial to understanding the nuances of the practice, while also recognizing gaps in existing scholarship that warrant further exploration. Drawing on historiographical insights from scholars like G. Ravindran Nair and Shanta Rameshwar Rao, this study advocates for a deeper investigation into the cultural relevance of snake worship and its implications for understanding local vernacular traditions. This research aims to enrich the discourse surrounding snake worship by employing textual analysis as its primary methodology, highlighting the potential for future studies in this vital area.

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