HAGAF
Histories of Asia's Gendered Armed Frontiers, 1780–2021
A five-year international research initiative exploring how war and militarisation shape everyday life, family relationships, and community memories in Asia's armed frontiers.
"What happens to everyday life, family relationships and community memories when war and militarisation become part of the landscape?"
These questions lie at the heart of Histories of Asia's Gendered Armed Frontiers, 1780–2021 (HAGAF), a five-year international research initiative (2025–2030) led by Professor Mandy Sadan at the University of Warwick, with The Highland Institute among its partners.
Project Duration
2025–2030 (Five Years)
Funding
European Research Council (ERC) through the EU's Horizon Europe programme
Lead Institution
University of Warwick, led by Professor Mandy Sadan
Research Areas
Bangladesh, India, and Myanmar
Research Approach
HAGAF explores communities in Bangladesh, India and Myanmar through historical and ethnographic research. Working with local communities, researchers will draw on:
- Oral histories and family records
- Photographs and visual materials
- Songs, rituals, and material culture
- Local archives
Centering Women's Voices
Particular attention will be given to women's stories, which remain largely absent from written histories of the region's conflict zones. By bringing these voices and forms of local knowledge into the historical record, HAGAF aims to create more inclusive, ethically grounded and locally informed histories of Asia's armed frontiers.
The Highland Institute's Role
The Highland Institute is proud to be among the partners for this landmark research initiative. Our expertise in community-based research, oral history documentation, and deep engagement with highland communities in Northeast India positions us to contribute meaningfully to HAGAF's mission of recovering and amplifying marginalised voices from Asia's armed frontiers.
Learn more about The Highland Institute