INDIAN ANTHROPOLOGY CONGRESS 2026: Rethinking Anthropology: Biological and Cultural Diversity, Indian Knowledge Systems and Sustainability

ABOUT THE CONFERENCE

Indian Anthropology Congress (IAC) is the flagship annual event of the Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists (INCAA). IAC-2026 continues this tradition by providing a forum where scholars, researchers, and practitioners from all branches of anthropology and allied disciplines can meet, present their work, and exchange ideas.

The Congress encourages dialogue across biological, social, archaeological, and applied anthropological perspectives, with a particular emphasis on questions that are relevant to contemporary India and its diverse communities.

T. C. Sharma Best Paper Award – Call for Papers

INCAA invites applications for the T. C. Sharma Best Paper Award to be presented during the Indian Anthropology Congress (IAC) 2026 at the Department of Anthropology, Pondicherry University, Puducherry. A maximum of ten papers will be shortlisted for presentation. The best paper presenter will receive a cash award and certificate, while all other shortlisted presenters will receive certificates. The contest is open to eligible early-career scholars in Anthropology across India, and the submission deadline is 31 December 2025.

For detailed eligibility criteria, paper format, and submission procedure, please refer to the official brochure:
[Download the T. C. Sharma Best Paper Award brochure]

About Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists (INCAA)

The Indian National Confederation and Academy of Anthropologists (INCAA) was established in March 2004 as the apex professional body for anthropologists in India. It is registered under the West Bengal Societies Registration Act XXVI of 1961 (registration number S/1L/20556 of 2003–2004, dated 12 March 2004), with its registered office at 225, Kadam Kanon, Jhargram 721507, India.

INCAA brings together founder members, life members, and institutional members from almost all States and Union Territories. Its primary role is to promote the discipline of anthropology and support anthropologists, particularly those engaged with Indian contexts, through conferences, publications, and other scholarly initiatives.

THE THEME AND CONCEPT NOTE

Theme:
Rethinking Anthropology: Biological and Cultural Diversity, Indian Knowledge Systems and Sustainability

Anthropology as human science plays a constructive role in presenting a holistic understanding of human beings, as seen from their evolutionary transformation from biological and cultural perspectives and historical antecedents. In its endeavours, anthropology as a discipline has not only developed a huge corpus of knowledge in the form of theories and concepts but also has taken up the maiden responsibility of mitigating human concerns. Thus, it has grown to the level of offering advocacy in public redressal and extending complementary support to other disciplines across. In its ingenious effort, anthropology is not only adding to its knowledge base but also readily revamping its method and approach, and expanding its study domain from simple to technologically complex societies. Now, it has become prudent to bridge the gap between the two for a comprehensive understanding of humanity giving importance to the native knowledge systems and the modern scientifically oriented globalised society for a sustainable development. In this context, the role of anthropology is marvellous owing to its basic tenants of emic-perception, and specificity-to-generality approach.

There is, however, the need to rethink and re-examine anthropology in light of present-day discourses, because the world that it studies is constantly changing. It involves re-evaluating the theoretical orientations, methodological practices, and epistemological assumptions of the discipline in response to the transformations happening at the global social, cultural, and ecological domain. While some scholars like Linda Tuhiwai Smith, Arturo Escobar and G. L. Ribeiro advocate for a radical reconfiguration that decolonizes knowledge and foregrounds local epistemologies that question universalism and usher in “pluriversal frameworks” that emerge from recognition of many worlds and many knowledges, others like Jack Goody, Adam Kuper and Maurice Bloch emphasise the enduring value of classical methods and comparative frameworks as they are crucial for grounding the discipline in empirical reality and generating robust, cross-cultural insights.

In the context of rapid globalization and technological advancement, concerns relating to environmental degradation and climate change have brought about an abrupt change in the cultural adaptations of the people at the local levels. Thus, it has become an imperative on our part to rethink our role as anthropologists in promoting sustainability, and in preserving biological and cultural diversity. Anthropology can play a crucial role in addressing and managing these endemic problems, by providing valuable insights into human–environment relations, and by fostering sustainable development practices at the grass root levels. Here, the native knowledge systems could play the role of mediation in carrying forward the modern ideologies and curing its maladies. It is in this endeavour that the Indian Anthropology Congress 2026 proposes the theme, “Rethinking Anthropology: Biological and Cultural Diversity, Indian Knowledge Systems and Sustainability.”

In the Indian scenario, the intention is to arrive at a more plausible reorientation of anthropological principles to incorporate Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and sustainability perspectives, highlighting the intricate relationships between human cultures, biological diversity, and the environment. Indian Knowledge Systems offer a profound and holistic framework similar to the philosophy of anthropology which can aid in achieving the research aims of sustainability, inclusivity, and equity. Unlike the Western emphasis on “reductionism” and “Cartesian duality”, IKS often sees the world as an interconnected whole.

Rethinking anthropology through the lens of IKS naturally places sustainability at the centre of any intervention programme. Instead of viewing environmental problems as separate from social ones, this approach sees them as inextricably linked. The overconsumption of resources and the degradation of ecosystems are viewed not just as technological problems, but as manifestations of a fragmented worldview that separates humanity from nature. It means moving towards a more integrated, ethical, and action-oriented approach. By incorporating the wisdom of Indian Knowledge Systems, we can develop a more comprehensive understanding of Indian society in all its bio-cultural diversity and use that knowledge to build a more sustainable and equitable future.

India’s extensive human biological diversity, influenced by historical migrations and prolonged endogamy, offers a distinctive genetic framework that serves as both a scientific asset and a crucial public health concern. “Rethinking” this diversity entails transcending generalized healthcare approaches in favour of personalized medicine, which carries significant impact for managing disease vulnerability and management, medication efficacy, and the creation of targeted treatments. Genetic variations affect an individual’s vulnerability or immunity to a range of infectious and chronic diseases, as well as their reactions to medications. Global genomic databases frequently lack sufficient representation from Indian populations, complicating the application of international research findings or standardized diagnostic markers within the Indian context. Generalizing the population structure can result in misleading interpretations in clinical environments. Biological anthropology has paved the way for utilizing diversity in health.

The knowledge gained from genomic research can facilitate a transition towards personalized medicine, which customizes medical treatment according to an individual’s distinct genetic profile. This approach promises more precise disease diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment selection, ultimately enhancing healthcare outcomes. Moreover, identifying and cataloguing mutations specific to communities enables targeted genetic screening and counselling initiatives, which can support early detection, timely intervention, and the prevention of transmitting genetic disorders to future generations. India’s abundant biodiversity has also served as a foundation for traditional medicine for centuries. Contemporary biotechnological tools can be employed to scientifically examine active compounds in medicinal plants, potentially leading to the identification of new pharmaceuticals.

Hence, in fully acknowledging the biological and cultural diversity of India, the IAC 2026 invites researchers to present their work on the many Indian Anthropologies. Bringing in the concept of sustainability to the theme is to move from exclusivity of Western theoretical frameworks to recognising and filling the due space for Indian knowledge systems and epistemes, and to work together in prioritising diversity and thereby sustainability.

Sub-themes of the Conference

• Healthcare Development

• IKS and Material Culture

• Trends in Archaeological Anthropology

• Women and Child Development

• Anthropology of Indian Languages

• Religion and Belief Systems

• IKS and traditional medicinal systems

• Anthropology of Media and Politics

• Anthropology and Environment

• Educational Anthropology

• Livelihood Practices

• Modern trends in Anthropological Theories

• Methodological Advancements in Anthropology

• Development – Theory and Practice

• Tribes in India

• Anthropology and Sustainable Development

• Genetics of Health and Disease and management

• Anthropology of Health and Nutrition

• Migration through ancient DNA and genetics

• Folklore, Artistic tradition and performing arts

TO KNOW MORE

Details regarding registration, call for papers, programme schedule, and the event website will be updated soon.