Tribes of Assam

Net Boy
12 min readApr 22, 2023

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BODO TRIBE OF ASSAM

The Bodo people are an indigenous tribe of the Indian state of Assam. They have a rich history that goes back several centuries. Here is a brief history of the Bodo tribe:

The Bodos are believed to have originated in Tibet and migrated to the Brahmaputra valley around 400 AD. They were once a powerful kingdom called the Bodo-Kachari Kingdom, which ruled over a vast area of present-day Assam and parts of present-day Bangladesh and Bhutan. However, with the arrival of the Ahoms in the 13th century, the Bodos lost their power and were gradually pushed into the hills.

During the British colonial rule, the Bodos suffered greatly due to the exploitation of their land and resources. Many of them were forced to work as indentured laborers in tea gardens and other industries. This led to widespread poverty and social and economic deprivation among the Bodos.

In the 20th century, the Bodos began to organize themselves politically and demand their rights. They formed various organizations like the Bodo Sahitya Sabha and the Plains Tribal Council of Assam. They also launched various agitations and movements for their rights, including the Bodo Movement of the 1980s.

In 2003, an accord was signed between the Indian government and the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT), which resulted in the creation of a Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). The BTC has limited autonomy and governs four districts of Assam — Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, and Udalguri. Despite this, the Bodos continue to face various challenges, including poverty, discrimination, and cultural marginalization.

Overall, the history of the Bodo tribe is a story of resilience, struggle, and perseverance. Despite facing various challenges, the Bodos have managed to maintain their identity and contribute to the cultural and social fabric of Assam.

FESTIVAL OF THE BODOS:

1. Bwisagu: Bwisagu is the most important festival of the Bodo tribe, which is celebrated in mid-April. It marks the beginning of the new year and is a time of joy and festivities. The festival is celebrated by performing traditional dances, singing songs, and feasting on traditional Bodo dishes. Bodo women wear their traditional attire, which includes Dokhna, a long skirt, and Risa, a blouse.

2. Bathou: Bathou is a nature-worshipping festival celebrated in January. It is dedicated to Bathou, the god of the Bodos, who is considered to be the creator of the universe. The festival is celebrated by offering prayers to Bathou and seeking his blessings for a good harvest. The festival is also an occasion for the Bodos to renew their ties with nature and reaffirm their commitment to preserve the environment.

3. Domashi: Domashi is a festival celebrated by the Bodo tribe in honor of the ancestors. It is usually celebrated in February or March and is a time for families to come together and pay their respects to their forefathers. The festival is marked by the lighting of lamps and the offering of food to the ancestors.

4. Garja: Garja is a harvest festival celebrated by the Bodo tribe in September. The festival is dedicated to the goddess Garja, who is believed to protect the crops and ensure a good harvest. The festival is marked by the lighting of lamps, singing of traditional songs, and feasting on traditional Bodo dishes.

5. Harniai: Harniai is a festival celebrated by the Bodo tribe in honor of the goddess Harnai. The festival is usually celebrated in August or September and is a time to seek the blessings of the goddess for good health and prosperity. The festival is marked by the offering of prayers, the lighting of lamps, and the singing of traditional songs.

6. Kherai: Kherai is a festival celebrated by the Bodo tribe in honor of the goddess Kherai. The festival is usually celebrated in July or August and is a time to seek the blessings of the goddess for a good harvest. The festival is marked by the offering of prayers, the lighting of lamps, and the singing of traditional songs.

7. Awnkham Gwrlwi Janai: Awnkham Gwrlwi Janai is a festival celebrated by the Bodo tribe to commemorate the birth anniversary of their leader, Upendra Nath Brahma. The festival is usually celebrated in August and is a time to remember the contributions of Upendra Nath Brahma to the Bodo community.

These festivals are an integral part of the culture of the Bodo tribe and are a reflection of their deep connection to their land and their traditions. Through these festivals, the Bodo people seek to renew their ties with nature, honor their ancestors, and seek blessings for good health and prosperity.

LANGUAGE :

The Bodo tribe has its unique language, which is known as Bodo or Boroni. It is an Austroasiatic language that belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family of languages. Bodo is the official language of the Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) in Assam, where the majority of the Bodo population resides. Here are some details about the language of the Bodo tribe:

1. Script: Bodo language uses two scripts for writing- Roman script and Devanagari script. Roman script is used mostly in the Bodoland Territorial Area District, while Devanagari script is used in some parts of Assam and Nepal.

2. Phonology: Bodo language has a rich set of consonants and vowels. It has 22 consonants and 12 vowels. Bodo has a tonal system, which means that changes in the pitch of a word can change its meaning.

3. Grammar: Bodo language has a complex grammar, with a rich system of inflections and conjugations. Bodo language has a subject-object-verb (SOV) word order, which means that the subject of a sentence comes before the object and the verb comes at the end.

4. Vocabulary: Bodo language has a vast vocabulary, with words for almost every concept and object in their culture. The language has many loanwords from other languages like Sanskrit, Assamese, and Bengali.

5. Dialects: Bodo language has many dialects, which vary from region to region. Some of the prominent dialects are Barman, Boro, Dimasa Boro, Rajbongshi, and Sonowal Kachari.

The Bodo language is an essential part of the culture and identity of the Bodo people. The language has evolved over the centuries and continues to thrive, with many efforts being made to preserve and promote it. The Bodo language is also recognized by the Government of India and has been included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, which means that it is one of the official languages of India.

DANCE FORMS:

The Bodo tribe is an indigenous community of the Northeast Indian state of Assam. They have a rich cultural heritage that includes a variety of traditional dances. Here are some details about some of the most popular dance forms of the Bodo tribe:

1. Bagurumba:
Bagurumba is a popular traditional dance of the Bodo tribe. It is performed during the Bwisagu festival, which is celebrated in the month of April every year. The dance is performed by both men and women, and it involves graceful movements of the hands and feet. The dancers wear colorful costumes and jewelry, and they usually perform in a circular formation.

2. Bardwisikhla:
Bardwisikhla is another popular traditional dance of the Bodo tribe. It is performed during the harvesting season, and it is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the community. The dance involves fast-paced movements of the feet and hands, and it is performed by both men and women.

3. Jhumur:
Jhumur is a traditional dance form that originated in the tea gardens of Assam. It is now popular among the Bodo tribe as well. The dance involves movements of the feet and hands, and it is usually performed by women. The dancers wear colorful costumes and jewelry, and they sing folk songs while performing.

4. Baglai:
Baglai is a dance form that is performed by men during the Bwisagu festival. The dance involves jumping and leaping movements, and it is performed to the beats of traditional musical instruments like the dhol and the taal.

5. Dokhona:
Dokhona is a traditional dance form that is performed during weddings and other festive occasions. It is performed by women, and it involves graceful movements of the hands and feet. The dancers wear colorful costumes and jewelry, and they usually perform in a circular formation.

6. Gomira:
Gomira is a traditional dance form that is performed by the Bodo tribe as well as other indigenous communities of Assam. It is performed during the Gomira festival, which is celebrated to ward off evil spirits. The dance involves colorful costumes and masks, and it is usually performed by men.

Overall, the traditional dances of the Bodo tribe are a reflection of their rich cultural heritage and their close relationship with nature. These dances are an integral part of their festivals and celebrations, and they continue to be passed down from generation to generation.

RELIGION FOLLOWED BY THE BODOS OF ASSAM:

The Bodo tribe of Assam follows a unique blend of animism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Their religion has evolved over the centuries due to the influence of various cultures and religions.

1. Animism: Animism is the belief in the existence of spirits or supernatural beings that inhabit objects and natural phenomena. The Bodo people have a strong belief in animism and worship a variety of deities associated with nature. They believe that every object has a spirit, and they perform rituals and ceremonies to appease these spirits.

2. Hinduism: Hinduism has had a significant influence on the Bodo people due to their proximity to Hindu-majority regions. Many Bodo people have adopted Hinduism and worship Hindu deities such as Shiva, Durga, and Kali. However, their worship of these deities is often blended with animist practices.

3. Christianity: Christianity was introduced to the Bodo people by the British missionaries in the 19th century. Today, a significant number of Bodo people are Christians and follow various Christian denominations such as Baptist, Presbyterian, and Catholic. Christianity has had a significant impact on the Bodo people’s social and cultural practices.

The Bodo people celebrate various festivals and ceremonies throughout the year to honor their deities and ancestors.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in traditional Bodo religion and culture, with efforts being made to preserve and promote it. The Bodo Sahitya Sabha, a literary organization of the Bodo people, has been instrumental in promoting Bodo language, culture, and religion.

CUISINE OF THE BODOS OF ASSAM:

The cuisine of the Bodo tribe of Assam is characterized by its simplicity and use of locally available ingredients. The Bodo people have a deep connection with nature and rely heavily on agriculture and fishing for their food.

Some of the popular dishes of the Bodo cuisine include:

1. Jwmwi: Jwmwi is a traditional Bodo dish made with fish, herbs, and spices. The fish is first marinated in a mixture of ginger, garlic, chilies, and turmeric and then cooked with a combination of herbs such as dill, coriander, and parsley.

2. Zou: Zou is a type of stew made with vegetables and meat, typically pork or chicken. The vegetables used in the stew vary depending on the season and availability, but commonly include pumpkin, potatoes, and leafy greens.

3. Chutney: Chutney is a spicy condiment made with a combination of herbs and spices. The Bodo people make chutney using a variety of ingredients such as coriander, mint, ginger, garlic, and chilies.

4. Apong: Apong is a traditional Bodo rice beer made from fermented rice. It is typically served during festivals and ceremonies and is considered an important part of Bodo culture.

5. Bora Saul: Bora Saul is a type of sticky rice that is unique to the Bodo cuisine. It is typically eaten with meat or fish dishes and is also used to make a sweet dish called “Pitha.”

The Bodo people also have a tradition of eating insects, such as crickets and grasshoppers, which are considered a delicacy. They believe that eating insects has health benefits and is a good source of protein.

In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Bodo cuisine, with efforts being made to promote it beyond the local community. The Bodo cuisine is an essential part of the Bodo culture and reflects their deep connection with nature and the environment.

SOCIO-POLITICAL STATUS OF THE BODOS OF ASSAM:

The socio-political status of the Bodo tribe of Assam has been a complex issue for several decades. The Bodo people are one of the largest indigenous communities in the state and have been fighting for greater autonomy and recognition of their cultural identity.

Historically, the Bodo people have faced discrimination and marginalization, with their rights and interests often overlooked by the state government. This has led to various social and political movements among the Bodo community to demand greater autonomy and recognition of their identity.

In the early 1990s, the Bodo movement gained momentum, and the Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) was formed to fight for the creation of a separate state for the Bodo people. In 2003, the BLT signed a peace accord with the Indian government, leading to the formation of the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC) in 2003.

The BTC is an autonomous administrative body that governs four districts of Assam and has significant powers in areas such as land, forests, and law and order. The council also has the power to make laws related to the administration of the territory.

Despite the creation of the BTC, the Bodo people continue to face various socio-political challenges, such as land rights issues, economic marginalization, and lack of adequate representation in decision-making bodies. The Bodo people also face issues of discrimination and violence from other communities in the region.

However, there have been efforts in recent years to address these challenges, and various initiatives have been taken to promote the welfare and development of the Bodo people. The government has taken steps to address the land rights issues faced by the community, and various development projects have been undertaken in the region.

Overall, the socio-political status of the Bodo tribe of Assam remains a complex issue, and efforts are needed to ensure that the community’s rights and interests are adequately addressed and protected.

SOCIAL STRUCTURE OF THE BODOS OF ASSAM:

The Bodo tribe of Assam has a rich and unique social structure that reflects their cultural identity and traditional way of life. Traditionally, the Bodo society was organized around a system of clans or “khels,” with each clan having its own distinct identity and social hierarchy.

The Bodo society is patrilineal, and the family is considered the basic unit of society. The head of the family or “bura” is the eldest male member who is responsible for the welfare of the family. The family members live together in a house known as “goyan,” which is made of bamboo and thatch.

The Bodo society also has a system of village councils known as “durbar.” The durbar is responsible for maintaining law and order in the village and resolving disputes among the villagers. The durbar is headed by the “gamocha” or village headman, who is elected by the villagers.

The Bodo society also has a unique system of inheritance known as “keping,” where the property is inherited by the youngest son of the family. This system ensures that the property remains within the family and does not get divided among the heirs.

In terms of social hierarchy, the Bodo society is divided into three main categories: the nobles, commoners, and slaves. The nobles are the highest in the social hierarchy and have privileges and rights not enjoyed by the commoners and slaves.

The Bodo society is also known for its rich traditions and customs, such as the “bai-dung-gwthwrai” or the coming of age ceremony for girls and the “bathou puja” or the worship of the deity Bathou. The Bodo people also have a rich tradition of folk music and dance, with the “bagurumba” dance being one of the most famous.

Overall, the social structure of the Bodo tribe of Assam is complex and unique, and reflects their rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life.

OCCUPATION OF THE BODOS OF ASSAM:

The Bodo tribe of Assam is primarily an agricultural community, with farming being their main occupation. They practice both subsistence and commercial agriculture, cultivating crops such as rice, maize, millets, and vegetables.

Apart from agriculture, the Bodo people also engage in other occupations such as weaving, pottery, and fishing. They are skilled weavers, and produce a variety of textiles such as cotton and silk sarees, shawls, and blankets. Pottery is another important occupation among the Bodo people, with pottery items such as cooking pots, water jars, and clay lamps being produced.

Fishing is also an important source of livelihood for the Bodo people, with the rivers and streams of Assam providing ample opportunities for fishing. The Bodo people are skilled in traditional methods of fishing, such as bamboo traps and nets.

In recent years, many Bodo people have also migrated to urban areas in search of better opportunities. They work in various industries such as tea plantations, construction, and hospitality.

The Bodo people also have a tradition of hunting, but this practice has been gradually declining due to government regulations and the conservation of wildlife.

Overall, the occupation of the Bodo tribe of Assam reflects their traditional way of life and their close connection to the land and natural resources. Despite modernization and the changing economic landscape, agriculture and traditional occupations continue to be an important part of their livelihood.

CONCLUSION:

In conclusion, the Bodo tribe of Assam is a unique and diverse community with a rich history, culture, and traditions. From their language to their festivals, from their music and dance to their cuisine, every aspect of their lives reflects their close connection to their land and natural resources.

Despite facing various challenges such as political conflicts and economic pressures, the Bodo people have maintained their distinct identity and way of life. Their strong sense of community and their traditional values have helped them to navigate through changing times and continue to thrive.

It is important to acknowledge and appreciate the rich cultural heritage of the Bodo people and other indigenous communities of India. By doing so, we can promote cultural diversity, foster mutual respect, and work towards building a more inclusive and equitable society.

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