Brewing Traditions of Northeast India, South Assam: Exploring Rice Beer's Cultural Significance and Indigenous Craftsmanship

The traditional art of rice beer brewing represents a vital element of the cultural heritage of an ethnic group of southern Assam, India. This study explores the indigenous knowledge, preparation techniques, and socio-cultural significance of rice beer among five ethnic groups, namely the Dimasa Kachari, Hmar, Zeme Naga, Karbi, and Tea tribes. The study was conducted from May to October 2023, across the districts of Cachar, Hailakandi, and Sribhumi, where 49 households were visited and elderly participants aged 50-70 years were interviewed following informed consent. The investigation documented detailed methods of fermentation and variations in starter culture preparation. The plant species used were Acacia pennata, Glycyrrhiza glabra, and Croton joufra, while one species, Ndhui gei, remains unidentified. The findings of the study reveal that rice beer holds distinct ritual, medicinal, and social functions within each community, symbolizing spirituality, unity, and cultural continuity. This study contributes to the preservation of indigenous ethnobotanical knowledge and highlights the biochemical and cultural diversity associated with traditional fermentation practices. Future studies integrating microbial and metabolomic analyses could further elucidate the functional and nutritional potential of these age-old brewing systems, promoting their scientific validation and sustainable preservation.