Culture of Assam: Difference between revisions

{{Culture of Assam}}

The '''culture of Assam''' is traditionally a hybrid one, developed due to [[cultural assimilation]] of different ethno-cultural groups under various political-economic systems in different periods of its [[History of Assam|history]].

== Historical perspective ==

{{see also|People of Assam}}

[[File:Assamese Drama 3.jpg|thumb|left|Actors of Abinaswar Gosthi performs the play"[[Surjya Mandirot Surjyasta]]"]]

It is believed that Assamese culture developed its roots over 750 years as the country of [[Kamarupa]] during the first millennium AD of [[Bodo-Kachari people|Bodo-Kachari]] people assimilation with [[Aryan race|Aryan]] which is debatable as the idea of Assam as an entity was not present. The first 300 years of [[Kamarupa]] was under the great [[Varman dynasty]], 250 years under the [[Mlechchha dynasty]] and 200 years under the [[Pala dynasty (Kamarupa)|Pala dynasty]]. The records of many aspects of the language, traditional crafts (silk, lace, gold, bronze, etc.) are available in different forms. When the [[Ahom people|Tai-Shans]] entered the region in 1228 under the leadership of [[Sukaphaa]] to establish [[Ahom kingdom]] in Assam for the next 600 years, again a new chapter of cultural assimilation was written, and thus the modern form of Assamese culture developed. The original Tai-Shans assimilated with the local culture adopted the language on one hand and on the other also influenced the culture with the elements from their own. Similarly, the [[Chutiya kingdom]] in eastern Assam, the [[Koch Kingdom]] in western Assam and the medieval [[Kachari Kingdom|Kachari]] and [[Jaintia kingdom]]s in southern Assam provided stages for assimilation at different intensities and with different cultural-mixes.

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===Symbolism===

{{unreferenced section|date=October 2017}}

Symbolism is an important part of culture in Assam. Various elements are being used to represent beliefs, feelings, pride, identity, etc. Symbolism is an ancient cultural practice in Assam, which is still very important for the people. ''Tamulpan'', ''[[Xorai]]'' and ''[[Gamosa]]'' are three important symbolic elements in Assamese culture.

: as a gift to a person of honor during felicitations.

The '''[[Gamosa]]''' is an article of great significance for the people of Assam. Literally translated, it means 'something to wipe the body with' (''Ga''=body, ''mosa''=to wipe), Its original term is Gamcha; interpreting the word "gamosa" as the body-wiping towel is misleading. It is generally a white rectangular piece of cloth with primarily a red border on three sides and red woven motifs on the fourth (in addition to red, other colors are also used).  Though it is used daily to wipe the body after a bath (an act of purification), the use is not restricted to this.  It is used by the farmer as a waistcloth (''tongali'') or a loincloth (''suriya''); a Bihu dancer wraps it around the head with a fluffy knot.  It is hung around the neck at the prayer hall and was thrown over the shoulder in the past to signify social status.  Guests are welcomed with the offering of a ''gamosa'' and ''tamul'' ([[betel nut]]) and elders are offered ''gamosas'' (''bihuwaan'') during [[Bihu]]. It is used to cover the altar at the prayer hall or cover the scriptures. An object of reverence is never placed on the bare ground, but always on a ''gamosa''.  One can, therefore, very well say that the ''gamosa'' symbolizes the life and culture of Assam.

=== Bihu ===

{{main|Bihu}}

[[File:Assamese traditional costumes.jpg|thumb|left|Youth wearing [[Assam]]ese traditional costumes]]

=== Baisagu ===

{{main|Bwisagu}}

=== Beshoma ===

=== Ali Ai Ligang ===

{{see also|Assam silk|Textiles and dresses of Assam}}

{{unreferenced section|date=October 2017}}

Assam has maintained a rich tradition of various traditional [[crafts]] for more than two thousand years. Presently, [[Arundo|Cane]] and [[bamboo]] craft, [[bell metal]] and [[brass]] craft, [[silk]] and [[cotton]] [[weaving]], [[toy]] and [[mask]] making, [[pottery]] and [[terracotta]] work, wood craft, [[jewellery]] making, musical instruments making, etc. are remained as major traditions. Historically, Assam also excelled in making [[boat]]s, traditional [[gun]]s and [[gunpowder]], colours and [[paint]]s, articles of [[lac]], traditional building materials, utilities from iron, etc.

==See also==

*[[Ambubachi Mela]]

*[[List of Ancient games of Assam]]