Mapping Indigeneity: Land, Memory and Belonging in Mamang Dai’s The Black Hill

Abstract

This paper explores how Mamang Dai’s The Black Hill (2014) brings forward the lived experiences and indigenous identity of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Through its portrayal of land, women, community life, language, and storytelling, the novel shows how these elements shape the identity of these communities and how they relate to their world. The analysis looks at how land is tied to indigenous identity, how women sustain traditions, and how myths and stories help communities hold on to their sense of self. By focusing on these threads, the paper argues that The Black Hill is more than just a story of a place; it is a testament to the dignity and resilience of people whose histories are deeply connected to the land they live on. Mamang Dai’s work serves as a reminder of the cultural richness of these communities and their rightful place within the larger landscape of Indian literature.

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