Negotiating Faith: Religious Interplay Among The Hrusso (Aka) Of Arunachal Pradesh Before Indian Independence

Abstract

The paper explores the religious interplay of the Hrusso (Aka) tribe of Arunachal Pradesh during the colonial era. The study unravels the belief system of the Hrusso (Aka) tribe before the onset of Christianity. The study focuses on the constant interaction and intersection of the tribe's indigenous belief system with other religions, namely Buddhism and Neo-Vaishnavism. The data was collected through archival and extensive ethnographic fieldwork, which employed in-depth interviews and observation. The paper showcases the nuanced and often overlooked agency of Hrusso's change and continuity of their belief and cultural patterns. The paper finds that there was considerable influence of Buddhism, Neo-Vaishnavism in the material culture of the tribe such as the inclusion of the Vajra Bell and indigenous temples, that led to unique expressions of faith.