Abstract

Jhum cultivation, or shifting cultivation, is an ancient agricultural system practiced by tribal communities in Northeast India. Beyond food production, it represents a rich Indigenous Knowledge System (IKS) that includes ecological understanding, cultural values, and sustainable land management practices. Using Social Learning Theory (Bandura, 1977), this paper explores how jhum-related knowledge is transmitted across generations through observation, participation, and community interaction. A review of secondary sources highlights the ecological, socio-economic, and knowledge-based aspects of jhum. Findings suggest that traditional practices, especially long fallow periods and community collaboration, help maintain environmental balance and support livelihoods. However, modernisation, policy ambiguities, and shortened fallow cycles threaten its continuity. The study underscores the need to recognise jhum cultivation as a dynamic IKS and incorporate it into sustainable development strategies for ecological preservation and cultural continuity.