Tribes of Assam for APSC CCE and other Assam Competitive Exams

Assam, a state in Northeast India, is renowned for its rich cultural tapestry, woven with the vibrant threads of its diverse ethnic tribes. Understanding the unique characteristics, traditions, and histories of these tribes of Assam is crucial for anyone aspiring to excel in the Assam Public Service Commission Combined Competitive Examination (APSC CCE) and other state-level competitive exams. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the major tribes of Assam, their cultural significance, and their relevance in the context of competitive examinations.

Table of Contents

The Major Tribes of Assam

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Serial No	Tribe Name	Location in Assam	Important Festival	Important Dance	Other Special Characteristics
1	Bodo	Primarily in Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR), also in other parts of Assam	Baishagu, Kherai	Bagurumba, Kherai Dance	Largest tribe in Assam, known for their handloom weaving and unique cuisine
2	Karbi	Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, also in Dima Hasao, Kamrup Metropolitan, and other districts	Rongker, Chomangkan	Nimso Kerung, Hacha Kekan	Known for their intricate wood carvings and traditional musical instruments
3	Mising	Primarily in Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts, also in Tinsukia, Dibrugarh, and Sibsagar districts	Ali-Aye-Ligang, Po:rag	Gumrag, Lereli	Known for their distinctive weaving patterns and vibrant traditional attire
4	Dimasa	Dima Hasao district, also in Cachar, Karimganj, and Hailakandi districts	Busu Dima, Rajini Gabra	Baidima, Nowai Dance	Known for their rich oral traditions and historical Dimasa kingdom
5	Tiwa	Primarily in Morigaon, Nagaon, and Kamrup districts	Wangala, Sagra Misawa	Langkhon Dance, Owa Dance	Divided into Hill Tiwa and Plains Tiwa subgroups with distinct cultural practices
6	Deori	Primarily in Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, and Dibrugarh districts	Magh Bihu, Deori Bihu	Soi Nongkong, Bisuyo Jama Dance	Known for their traditional priesthood and association with the Chutia kingdom
7	Rabha	Goalpara, Kamrup, and Kokrajhar districts	Baikho, Rongali Bihu	Hanaghora	Known for their colorful clothing, beadwork, and silver ornaments
8	Sonowal Kachari	Dhemaji, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, and Dibrugarh districts	Magh Bihu, Bishu	Bihu Dance, Jhumur Dance	Historically involved in gold panning, known for their unique social structure
9	Tea-Garden Community	Upper Assam and Northern Brahmaputra Belt districts, also in Barak Valley	Karam Puja, Durga Puja	Jhumur Dance, Chhau Dance	Diverse group with origins in various regions of India, brought to Assam for tea plantations
10	Garo	Primarily in Goalpara and Kamrup districts	Wangala, Christmas	Wangala Dance, Chambil Mesara	Matrilineal society, known for their unique bamboo architecture and traditional music
11	Khasi	Primarily in Barak Valley, also in some parts of Kamrup and Goalpara districts	Nongkrem Dance, Shad Suk Mynsiem	Nongkrem Dance, Shad Suk Mynsiem	Matrilineal society, known for their unique living root bridges and traditional archery
12	Tai-Ahom	Primarily in Upper Assam districts	Me-Dam-Me-Phi, Magh Bihu	Poi-Chang Ken, Mungklang	Descendants of the Ahom kingdom, known for their historical contributions to Assam
13	Mech	Primarily in Goalpara and Kokrajhar districts	Baikho, Bishu	Mwsagali Dance, Boro Dance	Known for their traditional fishing practices and close ties with the Bodo community
14	Tai-Khamti	Primarily in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh districts	Poi-Pee-Mau, Sangken	Ka Poong Tai, Mung Kala	Practice Theravada Buddhism, known for their unique script and traditional attire
15	Hajong	Primarily in Goalpara and Kamrup districts	Pusne, Durga Puja	Hajong Dance, Bhawaiya	Known for their contributions to wet-rice cultivation in the Garo Hills

Table No. 1: Tibes of Assam for the APSC CCE

APSC CCE Previous Year’s Question, 2023

Answer:
(D) a – 2, b – 3, c – 4, d – 1

Conclusion

The tribes of Assam are an integral part of the state’s rich cultural heritage. Understanding their unique characteristics and contributions is not only crucial for competitive examinations but also for appreciating the diverse tapestry of Assam’s society. By diligently studying and staying informed, you can gain a deeper understanding of these tribes and their significance in the context of Assam’s history and culture.