Cultural resilience in the face of industrialization: Assessing the sustainability of Assam's muga culture amidst oilfield expansion

Abstract

The exploration and exploitation of oilfields in Assam, India, has caused significant socioeconomic changes in the region. However, the expansion of oilfields has jeopardized the indigenous Muga culture, particularly its traditional sericulture practices and socio-cultural structure. This review article investigates the multifaceted effects of oilfields on Muga culture, including environmental degradation, socioeconomic displacement, and cultural transformation. Based on scholarly research and empirical evidence, this review emphasizes the critical need for sustainable development strategies that balance the interests of the oil industry with the preservation of Muga culture and its associated heritage.