The hidden transcript: Weaving stories of resilience and resistance among the Nagas.

This study examines how traditional weaving among the Tangkhul Nagas in Manipur serves as a medium for sociocultural and political expression, particularly through commemorative Kashans (woven sarongs) that embody community resistance and solidarity. Focusing on the Rose Kashan and Luingamla Kashan, created in memory of two young women victims of violence during counter-insurgency operations, the research highlights how weaving functions as a "hidden transcript"—a subtle form of resistance against state oppression and a repository of collective memory. The Kashans incorporate symbolic motifs and colors that communicate narratives of courage, injustice, and identity, reflecting broader Naga struggles for self-determination amid ongoing political tensions with the Indian state. This ethnographic work underscores the evolving role of textiles as both cultural artifacts and political tools, woven by women to preserve history, assert ethnic identity, and foster emotional healing within the community.