Assam's Bihu dance

In stories of mighty empires, the contest for succession revolves around machismo and valour. That a race-to-throne folktale from Manipur is as much about this as it is about harmony with nature and gender equality tells one something about the lush green state, where women enjoy a better social status than most other states in the country. Or, a Khasi tale about two sisters from Meghalaya, that unfolds in the backdrop of the state's verdant hills and gurgling rivers is proof enough that nature is deeply embedded in its residents' way of life.