Q. Marak & J. Kalita– Indigenous Knowledge System Associated with Hunting Cultural Anthropology 309 - 317 Indigenous Knowledge System Associated with Hunting among the Padams of Arunachal Pradesh, India Queenbala Marak & Jintu Kalita (Department of Anthropology, North-Eastern Hill University) Hunting refers to the art of searching and killing of wild animals by using different tools and techniques, and by application of different strategies. It refers not only to the killing of animals for game as was done by kings and noblemen, but also for the safety of people from predators, and most commonly as a form of acquiring food for consumption. As a method of food acquisition, it is one of the oldest forms of traditional practices; and it is assumed that humans have learnt the art of hunting long before they learnt to domesticate animals and plants and built houses. Hunting has played an important role in the pursuit of economy for humans and their social life, and is considered the oldest form of economic pursuit. The technical skills, knowledge of weapons and devices associated with economic pursuits including hunting are the evidence of development of humans. During the prehistoric times, hunting was done mainly by using stone and wooden tools. But with the passage of time and due to the development and evolution of human civilization, new tools, weapons, method and techniques were developed. Hunting people require technical competence, despite their simplicity, to hunt or trap animals. Wildlife is an important resource for those communities that live in and around forests and is exploited for various reasons, including food, additional income, cultural practices and as a sport (Aiyadurai, 2011). In the life of a tribal people, hunting not only becomes a source of acquiring food and for economic reasons, but hunting is also considered as a favorite activity among individuals as well as groups. Furthermore, the primacy of hunting is that, while it does not bring in the most food everywhere, it produces the kind of food that most people like it best. The majority of the people which belong to north-east India have a rich natural resource which includes animals, which are thus seen as source of food for many communities. Hunting is a practice that is known to all parts of the world irrespective of people. But due to different geographical locations, climates and resources, the application of the techniques and methods of killing or catching of animals using traps and other methods differs. This paper discusses the traditional knowledge systems associated with hunting among the Padams, a tribe from Arunachal Pradesh who still continue to have their own traditional methods of hunting. It discusses its survival against changes taking place and concludes that it is so since it is intrinsically connected to their cultural tradition. This paper is based on a field study undertaken in January 2013 in Bolung village in Lower Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh. The Padams are a sub- tribe of the Adi group formerly known as the Abor; and thus along with the Millangs, Komkars, Pasis, Pangi, Shimong, Bokar Palibo Ramo, Karko, Bori and Minyongs they collectively call themselves the Adi. The Adi constitute a major group and inhabit the lower part of Lower Dibang Valley district especially Roing and Dambuk areas. These groups perform and celebrate the same rituals and festivals, though they speak different dialects. The Padams residing in the study area believe that they originated from Pedong Nane the creator of the universe and mother of all, the earliest ancestor being Keyum. It is said that from Keyum came Yumka, from Yumka came Kasing, followed by Siang, Abo, Bomuk, Mukseng, Sedi, Dilling, Litung, Tuye, Yepe, and Pedong . The Padam believe Sedi or Sedi-Melo as the creator or god. Pedong Nane gave birth (created) to the vegetations, rivers, insects, birds, animals, spirits and Tani (Nibo) the youngest son from whom the Padams sprang. Antrocom Online Journal of Anthropology 2013, vol. 9. n. 2 – ISSN 1973 – 2880 309