e-Kai

08/02/2025

Oral histories are often regarded as the earliest form of historical record, preserving knowledge, memories, and experiences through spoken word. They take various forms, from folklore, myths, and stories passed down through generations, to structured narratives that shape a community’s identity. This richness makes oral traditions invaluable, highlighting the need for their preservation and digital archiving. We deeply appreciate the incredible efforts of organizations (to name a few) like the Centre of Karbi Studies, Karbi Lammet Amei, and the organizers of the Karbi Youth Festival, along with the enthusiastic support of the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Here’s to honoring, preserving, and taking pride in the oral traditions of indigenous communities.

Please note: The content and information presented in this post are intended for general informational purposes only. The e-Kai team has compiled and designed this post, and all opinions and content originate from the respective owners, such as reference websites or authors. For more comprehensive details, please refer to the specific articles/books cited in our sources



📌 We are e-Kai, a digital media publication dedicated to the people of Karbi Anglong. Follow us if you'd like to learn more about the captivating stories and narratives that highlight the rich culture of the people of Karbi Anglong.

At e-Kai, we're all about learning together as a community, recognising that we're also on our own learning journey. Hence your feedback is invaluable to us. Please share any concerns or corrections you may have in the comments or by reaching out to us at [email protected]. Thank you. 🙂

26/08/2024

11/04/2024

e-Kai presents its exclusive series, "People of Karbi Anglong,” which involves delving deep into the lives and stories of the individuals who shape the fabric of our community. Through this series we aspire to highlight the diverse and inspiring narratives of Karbi Anglong's people, offering a glimpse into our vibrant heritage.

Our 1st episode features Asimbon Phangchopi , a 25 year old multidisciplinary illustrator, Graphic Designer and Animator from Diphu, Karbi Anglong, Assam. She is also a graduate in Design-Multimedia and is currently pursuing her Master in Design from NIFT, Delhi. Asimbon has a diverse portfolio- from designing logos for her clients to selling T-shirts of her own artwork under the brand name ‘Asimbon makes’. Taking inspiration from everyday life and imaginative scenarios with dashes of mostly frolic and exaggerated colour with a comic and cartoonish feel to the works.

e-Kai is a platform dedicated to showcasing the vibrant culture and rich heritage of Karbi Anglong where we bring to life the stories and experiences of everyday individuals from our land. Our mission is to provide a space where our community's narratives can shine.

Watch the full episode here:

Asimbon Phangchopi is a 25 year old multidisciplinary illustrator, Graphic Designer and Animator from Diphu, Karbi Anglong, Assam. She is also a graduate in ...

09/10/2023

John Crawford looks into how the numeral system of a community may reveal cultural details up to some extent. e-Kai highlights the numeral system of Karbis in North East India. It shows how numbers are practical tools connecting language, numerals, and culture in our heritage. 🌍🔢🌐📚



📌 We are e-Kai, a digital media publication dedicated to the people of Karbi Anglong. Follow us if you'd like to learn more about the captivating stories and narratives that highlight the rich culture of the people of Karbi Anglong.

27/08/2023

e-Kai wishes to cast a spotlight on an individual or group that is driving change or excelling within their respective fields. Our aim is to showcase and acknowledge the rich diversity of Karbi talent and hope their work inspires the younger generation of Karbis. We aspire to cultivate a sense of positivity and inclusivity, as well as celebrate their talents and achievements.

Our August Spotlight is Asimbon Phanchopi.

A multidisciplinary illustrator, Graphic Designer and Animator from Diphu, Assam. She is currently pursuing her masters in NIFT, Delhi. Asimbon has a diverse portfolio- from designing logos for her clients to selling T-shirts of her own artwork under the brand name ‘Asimbon makes’.

She has also created cover arts and animated music videos for Karbi musicians like TheangMadhatter () and Ambush (.official). You can follow her and view more of work on Instagram- or her behance profile- Asimbon Phangchopi.

25/08/2023

| "I borrowed it during my 2nd year of Bachelor's at Diphu Government College in 2001. During the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan program, I had the opportunity to become a Resource Teacher and was overburdened with work. As a result, I did not have time to go to college or even appear for my exams. Unfortunately, I couldn't complete my education," reminisces Mr. B, now 51 years old (name hidden upon request). The borrowed book, ‘A Short History of Great Britain’, itself has become a piece of ‘history,’ presumably being over 5 decades since it was first issued in 1973.

Notice how the library check-out card reads ‘Diphu Government College Library, Mikir Hills (Assam), with ‘Karbi Anglong’ overwritten on the stamp mark just below it. Karbi Anglong was formerly known as Mikir Hills (post Independence) and was renamed as its current name in the year 1976. Mr. B borrowed the book in the year 2001.

📌Diphu Government College was established in 1964. It is a general degree college situated in Diphu and is the only NAAC accredited higher educational institution in the Karbi Anglong District of Assam.
is a series of stories (called Tomo in Karbi) about the everyday lives of people in Diphu, Karbi Anglong. This series aims to share the mundane moments that make up our lives.

23/08/2023

The Karbi people adhere to a clan system characterised by exogamy, where groups of individuals are linked by perceived kinship and shared ancestry. Unlike many indigenous clans, which practise endogamy (marrying within the same clan), Karbi clans are exogamous. This means that members of a specific clan cannot marry within their own clan, as they are regarded as siblings.

The origin stories of Karbi clans often revolve around the idea that clan members were aided or rescued by plants or animals. This shared narrative structure has led to the development of a common clan pattern. Each clan views the plants or animals that played a role in its origin as sacred and regards them as totems for the clan. These totems hold special significance, representing the unique identity and history of each clan within Karbi culture.



We are e-Kai, a digital media publication dedicated to the people of Karbi Anglong. Follow us if you'd like to learn more about the captivating stories and narratives that highlight the rich culture of the people of Karbi Anglong.

16/08/2023

Karbi's life is rooted in its surroundings, shaping their beliefs, cultural, and religious ways. They have mysterious bonds with select plants and animals which they avoid consumption and harm. Most Karbi myths weave spirituality, and nature's living role, influencing the tribe’s actions, beliefs, and festivals, therefore fostering harmony with the world and life.



We are e-Kai, a digital media publication dedicated to the people of Karbi Anglong. Follow us if you'd like to learn more about the captivating stories and narratives that highlight the rich culture of the people of Karbi Anglong.

10/08/2023

| "I am using my sister's handwoven Jamborong as a reference to try weaving Jamborong myself. I am making a lot of mistakes but I am still learning so it’s alright" - says a 25 year old, Klimchari, currently living in Diphu. Her mother taught her and her sisters the art of traditional backstrap weaving. In a time when the transfer of traditional knowledge to younger generations is diminishing, Klimchari continues to learn how to weave and is currently replicating her elder sister’s piece. She also hopes to sell traditional attires, Jamborong, jackets and more, in the near future.

Swipe to the last picture to see the Jamborong that her sister made, which she is attempting to replicate. 🙂

📌Jamborong is a traditional bag of Karbi tribe in Assam. Karbi women weave a wide range of traditional textiles, including Jamborong, on loin looms or backstrap looms known as 'kachivur-atherang'.
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is a series of stories (called Tomo in Karbi) about the everyday lives of people in Diphu, Karbi Anglong. This series aims to share the mundane moments that make up our lives.
We are e-Kai, a digital media publication dedicated to the people of Karbi Anglong. Follow us if you'd like to learn more about the captivating stories and narratives that highlight the rich culture of the people of Karbi Anglong.

04/08/2023

Counting down the days to immerse ourselves in the rich traditions and vibrant celebrations of the upcoming 50th Karbi Youth Festival! 🎉✨

50 years of celebration, 50 years of unity: All coming alive at the iconic Karbi People's Hall, Taralangso Ground this January.

Mark your calendars!

04/08/2023

Any form of biased hate will be addressed and not tolerated. Let's be kind to one another and work together to create a peaceful community.

04/08/2023

Let's be kind to one another. 💝

Credits:
Karbi Translation- Sarbinong Teron, Mohon Engti, and Sengkan Kimi Engtipi.