Sarania Kachari
Sarania Kachari
Regions with significant populations
Assam
Languages
Assamese language
Related ethnic groups
(Kachari race)

The Sarania Kachari is an ethnic community also known as the Saranya Kacharis, is an indigenous community primarily found in the state of Assam, Northeast India. They also called sanya kachari is a category in the tribe-caste continuum of Assamese society and also as Phairi in the Nowgong district of Assam.[1] In this category, a tribal neophyte starts giving up on habits such as the drinking of liquor.[2] Scholars have identified an instance of this process taking place in Boroma area in the erstwhile Nalbari district in the late 19th century, where a section of Boro population were assimilated into the Assamese society.[3]

Distribution

Members of this community are mostly found in the districts of Kamrup (Metro), Kamrup (Rural), Nalbari, Baksa, Udalguri, Darrang, Barpeta, Dhemaji and Bongaigoan.Tamulpur[4]

History

The history of the Sarania Kacharis is deeply intertwined with the broader history of Assam and its diverse indigenous communities.

The Sarania Kacharis have a long history in the region, dating back to ancient times. They are believed to be descendants of the Kachari race [5] ethnic group, which is one of the earliest indigenous groups in Assam. The Kachari tribes, including the Sarania Kacharis, have inhabited the region for centuries and have their own distinct language, culture, and customs.

The Sarania Kachari community has witnessed various historical developments and interactions over the centuries. They were part of the larger Kachari kingdom, which existed in the region prior to the Ahom Kingdom's rise to power. The Kachari kingdom was a significant political entity in Assam during the medieval period.

With the expansion of the Ahom Kingdom in the 16th century, the Sarania Kacharis, along with other indigenous communities, came under the rule of the Ahom dynasty. The Ahoms established their kingdom in Assam and exerted control over the region for several centuries.

During the colonial period, Assam came under British rule, and the Sarania Kacharis, like other communities, were influenced by the political, social, and economic changes brought about by colonialism. The British administration introduced new systems of governance and influenced various aspects of Assamese society.

In contemporary times, the Sarania Kachari community continues to preserve and promote their language, culture, and traditions. They celebrate their unique festivals, engage in traditional practices, and participate in socio-cultural activities that contribute to their cultural heritage

Surnames

The notable surnames used by the community are Sarania, Das, Deka, Choudhury, Medhi, Hazarika etc.[6]

See also

References

  • Haloi, Jurimani (2017). A socio cultural study of the sarania kacharis in assam with special reference to literature (PhD). Gauhati University. hdl:10603/223897.
  • Sharma, Chandan Kumar (2009). "Tribe Caste Continuum and the Formation of Assamese Identity". In Medhi, B.K (ed.). Tribes of North-East India: Issues and Challenges. Delhi: Omsons Publications. pp. 354–366.
  • Cantile, Audrey (1980). CASTE AND SECT IN AN ASSAMESE VILLAGE (Ph.D.). University of London.

Notes

  1. ^ (Cantile 1980:237)
  2. ^ (Cantile 1980:237)
  3. ^ "The case presented here is from the Boroma area in the erstwhile Nalbari district of lower Assam. In this area, several neo-vaishnavite satras has undertaken the proselytisation of the Bodo-Kachari tribal population since late 19th century.(Sharma,2005:160) A number of villages of the area became saranias under the influence of the satras. These sarania Bodo villages accepted Assamese language and culture and in due course most of them got assimilated with the Assamese society."(Sharma 2009, p. 361)
  4. ^ "HOME". udalguri.gov.in. Retrieved 2020-06-26.
  5. ^ "The Ancestors of the Saint- The 'sarania kacharis' :: ATributeToSankaradeva". atributetosankaradeva.org. Retrieved 2023-06-30.
  6. ^ Haloi (2017), p. 2: In the zeal towards their newly accepted faith they preferred to use surnames such as Sarania, kachari, Das, Deka, Choudhury, Medhi and Hazarika etc.
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