The present paper is a brief ethnographic report on the Hajong tribe of Assam. They are a least studied small endogamous Bodo-Kachari tribe having a trans-border international presence i.e. in NE India and in Bangladesh. A huge number of them migrated to India from their homeland in erstwhile East-Pakistan. The paper is based on the data collected through standard anthropological methods from two remote Hajong villages viz. Kuhiarbari and Kotha Adarsha, located along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border in Margherita Sub-division, Tinsukia district, upper Assam. The Hajongs are patrilineal, patriarchal and patrilocal; and in marital alliances the rules of tribal endogamy and clan exogamy are followed. They have the traditional custom of paying bride price - Khalti. The people by and large live in nuclear families. Agriculture is the main occupation of the Hajongs. They follow Hinduism; Bastu puja and Bash puja are important religious ceremonies of the people performed by the Deoshi (traditional village priest).
Table of Contents
- Abstract
- Introduction
- Methodology
- Results and Discussion
- A Brief History of the Hajongs
- The Micro-field and Demographic Composition
- Village Organization
- Language
- Education
- Family
- Inheritance and Descent
- Clan
- Marriage
- Birth and Death
- Economic Pursuits
- Material Culture
- House type
- Traditional foods
- Dress and ornaments
- Musical instruments
- Religion
- Festivals
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgement
- References
Objectives and Key Themes
This research paper aims to provide a concise ethnographic account of the Hajong tribe of Assam, a relatively understudied Bodo-Kachari group with a trans-border presence in Northeast India and Bangladesh. The study utilizes standard anthropological methods to document their socio-cultural practices and shed light on their history and current life.
- Ethnographic documentation of the Hajong tribe of Assam.
- Exploration of the Hajong's history, origins, and migration patterns.
- Analysis of their social organization, including family structure, kinship systems, and village organization.
- Examination of their economic activities, material culture, and religious practices.
- Contribution to the existing body of knowledge on the anthropological diversity of Northeast India.
Chapter Summaries
Introduction: This chapter introduces the field of ethnography and its importance in understanding cultural practices. It highlights the rich cultural diversity of Northeast India, specifically focusing on the numerous tribal communities. The chapter emphasizes the scarcity of information on the Hajong tribe, justifying the need for this ethnographic study. The introduction situates the Hajongs within the broader context of the Bodo-Kachari group and their trans-border presence, setting the stage for a detailed exploration of their unique socio-cultural heritage.
Methodology: This section details the research methodology employed in the study. The researchers explain their fieldwork conducted in two Hajong villages in Assam, outlining the use of various anthropological methods such as household surveys, in-depth interviews with key informants (village elders, knowledge holders), and reviews of existing literature. This transparent account of data collection enhances the study's reliability and allows for an understanding of how the data presented in the subsequent chapters was obtained.
Results and Discussion - A Brief History of the Hajongs: This section delves into the origins and history of the Hajong people. It acknowledges the lack of consensus regarding the etymology of the term "Hajong," exploring various interpretations derived from different languages and perspectives. The chapter discusses competing theories on the origin of the name, tracing possible etymological roots in Kachari, Rabha, and Garo languages, suggesting potential connections to their geographical location and agricultural practices. It also incorporates historical accounts, positioning the Hajongs within the broader context of the early settlers of Assam and their relationship to other Bodo-Kachari tribes.
Keywords
Ethnography, Hajong, Bodo-Kachari, Assam, Northeast India, Culture, Social Organization, Material Culture, Religion, Migration.
Frequently Asked Questions: Ethnographic Study of the Hajong Tribe of Assam
What is the main topic of this research paper?
This research paper provides a concise ethnographic account of the Hajong tribe of Assam, a relatively understudied Bodo-Kachari group in Northeast India and Bangladesh. It documents their socio-cultural practices, history, and current life using standard anthropological methods.
What are the key themes explored in the study?
The study explores the Hajong's history, origins, and migration patterns; their social organization (family structure, kinship systems, village organization); economic activities; material culture; and religious practices. It aims to contribute to the understanding of anthropological diversity in Northeast India.
What is included in the Table of Contents?
The Table of Contents includes an Abstract, Introduction, Methodology, Results and Discussion (with subsections on history, demographics, village organization, language, education, family, inheritance, clan, marriage, birth and death, economic pursuits, material culture [house type, traditional foods, dress and ornaments, musical instruments], religion, and festivals), Conclusion, Acknowledgement, and References.
What methodology was used in this research?
The research employed standard anthropological methods including fieldwork in two Hajong villages in Assam, household surveys, in-depth interviews with key informants (village elders, knowledge holders), and reviews of existing literature.
What are some key findings regarding the Hajong history and origins?
The study delves into the origins and history of the Hajong people, exploring various interpretations of the name "Hajong" from different languages. It discusses competing theories on their origins, tracing possible etymological roots and incorporating historical accounts to position the Hajongs within the broader context of early Assam settlers and their relationship to other Bodo-Kachari tribes.
What aspects of Hajong material culture are discussed?
The study examines aspects of Hajong material culture including house type, traditional foods, dress and ornaments, and musical instruments.
What keywords are associated with this research?
Keywords include Ethnography, Hajong, Bodo-Kachari, Assam, Northeast India, Culture, Social Organization, Material Culture, Religion, and Migration.
What is the overall objective of this research?
The objective is to provide a comprehensive ethnographic account of the Hajong tribe, filling a gap in existing knowledge about this understudied group and contributing to the broader understanding of anthropological diversity in Northeast India.
Where can I find more detailed information about specific aspects of Hajong life?
Detailed information on various aspects of Hajong life, such as their social organization, economic pursuits, religious practices, and material culture, can be found within the individual chapters of the complete research paper (the provided text is a preview).
- Citar trabajo
- Boby Dutta (Autor), Ripunjoy Sonowal (Autor), 2015, The Hajong of Assam. An Ethnographic Profile of a Least Studied Bodo-Kachari Tribe, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/299813
