FOLK Culture OF Assam- Meaning AND Importance PDF

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In this unit, we'll look at Assamese folk culture in all of its forms, including oral literature, customs and traditions, and performing arts....

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FOLK CULTURE OF ASSAM: MEANING AND IMPORTANCE INTRODUCTION

We discussed the topic of culture, its nature, and Assamese culture in particular in the previous unit. We also looked at the process of cultural assimilation in the formation of Assamese culture. In this unit, we'll look at Assamese folk culture in all of its forms, including oral literature, customs and traditions, and performing arts.

DEFINING FOLK CULTURE

The word "culture" comes from the Latin word "cultus," which means "care." Scholars disagree on what constitutes a proper definition of culture. Folk is an etymological term that means "of or pertaining to the inhabitants of a land, their culture, tradition, or history," or "people" or "Lok" in Assamese. As a result, the term folk culture refers to the culture of the people of a particular area in general, as well as the mental, social, and physical resources that enable life to proceed.' Folk culture is as old as human civilization, with folk literature and culture dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries B.C. The scientific discussion of folk culture, on the other hand, did not begin until the 16th century A.D. Civil servants of the British government and Christian missionaries were the forerunners of folk culture research in Assam and the rest of India. However, there are numerous sources of folk culture even before them, in the works of Assamese mediaeval poets and writers. We can find sources of Assamese folk culture in the writings of Sankaradev, Madhabdev, Madhab Kandali, Harihar Bipra, and Ananta Kandali, but these sources or works lack scientific explanations. As a result, the scientific study of folklore and folk culture can be said to have begun during colonial rule. Folk culture is studied in terms of its various dimensions, such as oral literature, societal material culture, social folk customs, folk performing arts, and so on. Assam is home to a diverse range of tribes and is frequently referred to as the melting pot of

multi-cultural ethnic society. Assam is said to be a miniature replica of the Indian subcontinent, thanks to its geography, which has allowed many trans-regional elements to adapt to the state's ecological conditions. As a result, Assam's history is a continuous reflection of large-scale population movements, with each cultural strain coexisting with others while maintaining its exclusivity.

ORAL LITERATURE

Oral literature is an important source of information about any society. It not only aids our understanding of society, but it also serves as a valuable resource for reconstructing the history of any period or location. Assam is a multi-ethnic cultured state. The various ethnic groups have a large collection of oral literature that reveals various aspects of Assamese life, such as the people of Assam's socioeconomic and political situation. Assam's oral literature can be divided into five distinct categories. Folk culture can be classified into different categories from a cultural standpoint, and this classification is known as ethnic genre or ethnic classification. Since both ethnic and native classification refer to the same aspect of folk culture, this classification can also be referred to as native classification. Analytic classification is a classification of oral literature that takes into account both academic and international classification standards. The following elements are included in this category: a folk poem, an oral song, or a verbal expression Songs/poems Proverbs, sayings, maxims Riddles Folk speech, etc. Prose Narratives Proverbs, sayings, maxims Riddles Folk speech, etc. It can be further sub-divided into the following sub-categories based on various themes of folk literature: Love songs/love poems Spiritual songs Philosophical Satirical Comedy Socio-economic Encouraging Historical-political etc. Many folk songs are performed at festivals or special occasions. Folk literatures can be classified based on the context in which they are performed. Contextual classification is the term for this.

Many aspects of art and folk literature are concerned with social functions. As a result, it's also known as functional folklore. In terms of its functional aspects, a lullaby sung to put children to sleep can be classified as a lullaby. Assamese oral literature can be divided into many categories based on regional and linguistic characteristics, such as Kamrupi (Songs of Kamrup), Songs of Nalbari, Darangi (Songs of Darrang), Sonitpuri (Songs of Sonitpur), Lakhimpuri (Songs of Lakhimpur), Dibrugarh (Songs of Dibrugarh), Songs of Sivsagar, Songs of Jorhat, Songs of Nag Oral literature in Assam can be classified into a variety of categories based on its content. The religious sons are worth mentioning because they have a significant presence in oral or folk literature. Religious songs are songs that are sung during or after prayer or worship. The origins of gods and goddesses, the spread of their worship throughout the Earth, prayer and worship rituals, and so on are all covered in these songs. Songs about various gods and goddesses: These songs are about goddess Durga, Manasa, God Shiva, and Jagannath, among others. Aai naam or songs of Goddess Sitala: These songs are sung for the cure of pox. According to popular belief, if the goddess is satisfied by the song, the disease will be cured. Apeswari or Apechari Naam: These songs are mostly sung by women to appease the fairies so that they do not harm people, especially children. Sonarai Pujra Geet: These songs are mostly sung in Assam's Goalpara district. Sonarai Pujar Geet is the name given to the songs sung by cattle rearers during Sonarai Puja. Kati Pujar Geet: These songs are sung by women who are childless in order to appease God Kartik so that they may have a child. These songs are also popular in Goalpara. Bas Pujar Geet: Bas Puja is divided into two types: I Mada-kaam and (ii) Bahgawati Baas. Baas pujar geet refers to the songs sung during this puja. Tukuriya Pujar Geet: At the time of the Tukriya Puja, the people of Pati Rabhas sing these songs. Pati Rabhas also sing these songs, which are known as Barmani Pujar Geet.

Deh Bisarar Geet: These are songs sung by bhakats, or monks, who used to travel from place to place singing songs about human life and daily events. The sorrows and joys of human life are reflected in these songs. Jikir: These songs are primarily sung by Assamese Muslims. These songs, like the Deh Bisarrar geet, represent human life, its joys and sorrows. Jaree Geet: These songs, which describe the tragedy of the Karabala, are also sung primarily by Muslims. These songs also feature the lives of Hazarat Mohammad, Bibi Fatema, Hasan-Hussain, and others. Kamrupi Loka Geet: These songs were primarily sung in Kamarup. People are drawn to these songs because of their bhakti, or spiritual feelings. The main deities prayed to through these songs include Lord Krishna, Siv-Parvati, and others.

Songs with a festive theme

Assam is a state with a diverse cultural heritage. Throughout the state, numerous festivals are held. Bihu, Bhatheli, Moho-Ho, Ambubachi, Suweri, and other festivals are among the most popular. Many songs are sung at these festivals, and they are an important source of Assamese oral literature. These songs, on the other hand, can be broadly divided into two categories: (i). Bohag Bihu and Bohag Bihu-related songs (ii). Songs that are reformative or that are about different stages of life. Bohag Bihu is featured in a number of songs.

Bihu songs are mostly sung during the Bohag or Rongali Bihu seasons. There are, however, a few songs about Kati and Magh Bihu. Bihu Geet or Husari Geet are the names given to bihu songs. Bihu Songs, also known as Bihu Geet, are perhaps the most popular form of oral literature in Assam, regardless of caste, creed, or religion. The origin of the Bihu Songs cannot be pinpointed with certainty. These songs are primarily sung during Assam's Bihu festivals and are passed down orally from generation to generation. Many researchers have documented many of these songs. However, many Bihu songs continue to be popular among Assamese people in their

oral form. These songs are jam-packed with information about nature and various aspects of Assamese society. Aside from Assam's traditions, festivals, art and architecture, ornaments, cosmetics, foods and wine, and so on, the Bihu songs cover a wide range of topics. In addition to the Bihu songs, there are numerous other songs that are sung at Assamese festivals by various ethnic groups. Reformatory songs or songs about different stages of life

These songs are mostly about different stages of a person's life, such as Annaprasan, Sulakaran, Upanayan, Tolani Biya, biya naam, and so on. Biya naam is the most common of these during weddings. These types of songs reflect a variety of social issues. The economic and social conditions are largely reflected in many biya naam. Many times, Krishna-Rukmini or Hara-Gauri are depicted as the main characters in these songs, but the descriptions are true to life.

/love poems/love songs/love poems/love poems/love poems

Love songs are songs that are about love, affection, or other feelings. These traditional love songs are performed at a variety of festivals and events. This category includes many Bihu songs and Bihu naam. These songs have a lot of love in them (for bihu songs see 4.2). Love songs, in addition to Bihu songs, are divided into categories such as Bhabaiya- Chatka, Musali or Mahut Geet, lewatan, Garakhiya Geet, and so on.

Children's Music:

Songs about children can be found all over the world. These songs include lullabies, nursery rhymes, and children's game songs in Assamese. Lullabies: These songs are sung to children by their parents, grandfathers or grandmothers, and other senior members. These songs are written in a simple language that children can understand.

Nursery rhymes: To appease or feed offended children, parents or other family members sing these songs, known in Assamese as Nisukani Geet. Songs for the Office

Work songs are songs that are related to various activities or jobs. Because most folk or people are always involved in some form of activity, there are many songs that they sing as a form of relaxation while at work. Ploughman's songs (haluoi geet), songs sung while making gur (Kuhiar Pera Geet), songs sung while riding a boat (Nao baote Goa Geet), songs sung while fishing, catching elephants in the jungle, and so on are some notable examples of work songs. Independence-themed songs include:

From the elite to the common people in India, the Indian freedom struggle impacted people of all castes and religions. Many songs in Assamese were written to spread the message of the freedom struggle. The hanging of Kushal Konwar and Maniram Dewan was a recurring theme in many of these songs.

 Ballads:

Ballads are songs that tell stories about myths, legends, history, magic, and other subjects. Assamese ballads cover a wide range of topics, including the myths surrounding the birth of Dheki, Dhol, and sugarcane, historical figures such as Gandhi, peasant struggles in Rangia, Patharughat, and Phulaguri, and legends such as Beula Lakhindar.  Charms:

The charms or mantras are also part of oral literature. The charms are regarded as an important source of Assamese oral literature. Charms, on the other hand, can be classified as magical charms, prayer charms, threatening charms, and so on.

Narratives in Prose

Prose narratives, like folk songs, are a major source of oral literature. Myths, legends, and stories are all part of it. Just as the songs are about myths, the prose narratives are about myths about the origins of animals and birds, geographical features, miracles, gods and goddesses' activities, and so on. Oral literature can also be found in the form of stories. Animal tales, supernatural tales, etiological tales, jokes, anecdotes, and so on are all types of stories. In Assam, stories about foxes, crows, monkeys, and other animals are common. Several scholars have already collected and published some of Assam's fascinating tales in the form of books. Laxminath Bezbarua's and Prafulla Dutta Goswami's collections of stories are two examples.

Riddles and Proverbs:

In Assam, as well as many other parts of the world, this is an important form of oral literature. The majority of proverbs are based on a storey or tale with a moral. The Assamese Dakar bachan is a good example of this type of proverb. Riddles, also known as Fakora Jojana, are meant to provide insight and raise questions. As can be seen, Assamese oral literature is made up of songs and stories. All Assamese tribes have their own folk tales and folk songs that depict the society of different eras. Oral sources proved to be invaluable in the study of Assamese ethnic and tribal groups.

MATERIAL CULTURE

Folk culture manifests itself in the form of material culture. Material culture encompasses all of man's material possessions, including his home, household goods, and various types of apparatus, instruments, weapons, pots, and modes of transportation. There are five broad categories of material culture.

Folk art, Folk Crafts, Folk Architecture, Folk Costume, and Folk Cookery, among other things. The folk arts and crafts express a place's tradition in the process of creating resources for living and preparing foods. Assam's arts and crafts showcase the state's rich cultural heritage. Folk art, craft, and architecture are all examples of this.

For centuries, Assam has had a rich tradition of various folk crafts. 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 instrument making, and other traditional Assamese crafts are all well-known. Aside from these, Assamese craftsmanship has branched out into fields such as boat building, traditional guns and canons, traditional building materials, and everyday necessities such as weaving accessories, furniture, and musical instruments. Metal Arts and Crafts

In Assam, this is one of the oldest cottage industries. The most common metals used by Assamese artisans have been bell-metal and brass. Almost every Assamese household has some bell metal and brass utilities and symbolic objects. For centuries, the Xorai and bota have been used to present gifts to respected individuals. In Assam, these two gifts are the most well-received. Hajo and Sarthebari are two important centres for the production of these metal crafts. People in these villages have used their creativity to design modern-day items in order to keep up with the times. Aside from gold, silver, and copper, traditional metal crafts in Assam are also important. However, gold and silver are primarily used as ornaments.

Masks and Toys from Assam

Mukhas are another name for Assamese masks. They are considered the foundation of Assamese culture and tradition. Masks are mostly worn at bhaonas and theatres. They are based on Assamese tribal myths and legends. For a long time, these masks have been the focal point of every cultural event in the state. Toys, too, reveal a lot about a place's culture and tradition. They depict the inhabitants' way of life and lifestyle. Toys can reveal so much about a place's heritage and customs that mentioning them when discussing the art and craft of a particular region becomes unavoidable.

Works with Cane and Bamboo The north-eastern state of Assam relies heavily on bamboo and cane for its economy and way of life. In Assam, it is an inextricable part of life. These can be found in abundance throughout Assam. Every Assamese household contains a wide range of bamboo and cane-based products. Cane and bamboo are used to make a variety of items in everyday life, including household implements, housing construction, furniture, weaving accessories, musical instruments, and so on.

 Woodcraft

Without mentioning the exquisite woodwork found in Assam, a reference to the traditional art and craft of the state would be incomplete. Assam is a heavily forested state. In Assam's forest, a wide variety of wood and timber are readily available, and they have become an important part of the people's culture and economy. An Assamese is said to be able to identify the wood by touching it in the dark and produce a variety of items from it. The best examples of the Assamese artisan known as Khanikar's excellence in craftsmanship are decorative panels in past royal Ahom palaces and 600-year-old satras or Vaishnative monasteries, birds and animals figuring in mythology made from wood, and so on.

Jewellery from Assam

Assam has a large collection of one-of-a-kind and limited-edition traditional jewellery. The Assamese women wear ornaments made primarily of gold and silver. These jewels have a special place in the hearts of Assamese women, who wear them during cultural and religious occasions. Every Assamese tribe has its own distinctive style of jewellery.

Costumes of the People

One of the most basic needs of a human being is a costume or dress. It is determined by the people's geographical location, religion, and social customs. Assamese costumes represent the state's folk culture. Assamese artisans are also skilled in the production of handlooms, particularly weaving. Muga, Eri, and other types of silk are produced in Assam. Sualkuchi is Assam's main silk production centre. However, weaving is a common and daily activity of the female members of the household in almost every part of Assam, particularly in rural areas. Furthermore, various Assamese tribes produce a variety of cotton garments with unique embroidery designs and beautiful colour combinations.

Folk Cooking:

Previously, Assamese people ate a variety of fruits and vegetables that were readily available in nature. Assamese cuisine is not spicy in the traditional sense. Rice (Bhaat) is the people of Assam's staple food. It is served with a curry of vegetables, herbs, meat, and fish, all of which are readily available in Assam.

FOLK CUSTOMS

Folk literature and material culture reflect folk customs. It serves as a link between oral and written literature. Folk customs can include traditions and customs related to agriculture, birth, marriage, and death, among other things. Folk customs are divided into four categories: folk festivals, folk games, folk medicine, and folk religion. Bihu, Assam's most famous folk festival, is well-known to all. Every Assamese tribe, on the other hand, has its own tribal festivals, the majority of which are related to agriculture. The Bodo celebrate Bihu, Boishagu, and Kehrai pujas, while the Missings celebrate Ali-Ai-Ligang and the Ahoms celebrate Me-Dum-Me-Phi. Assamese people also celebrate Holi, Durga Puja, Laxmi Puja, Idd, Muharram, and other festivals. Assamese people also enjoy a variety of traditional games such as Koni Juj (egg tapping), Kori Khel, Moh Juj (buffalo fight), Bulbuli Soraair Juj (nightingale fight), kukura juj (cock fight), Nao kehl (boat race), and so on. The majority of these games are played at festivals. Assamese folk medicine, like other Assamese customs, is very rich. Folk medicine was once thought to be a cure-all for a variety of ailments. In Assam's forests, medicinal plants are widely used to treat diseases. Folk religion customs are primarily displayed when religious rituals are being performed or followed. Birth, marriage, and death customs are primarily influenced by people's religious beliefs, which differ among different groups or tribes.

FOLK PERFORMING ARTS

It is one of the most important aspects of folk culture. Folk drama, folk music, and folk dance, for example, are examples of folk performing art. All of these elements, however, are inextricably linked. Folk drama is a vital component of folk literature. The folk drama, like other f...