Socio-Cultural and Religious Practices of Gorkha Graziers in Contemporary Lower Assam
By Tibrata Sharma, K. Robin
Summary
The Gorkha Grazier community in contemporary Lower Assam, comprising Nepali-speaking groups like the Indo-Nepalese (Chhetri, Bahun, Thakuri, Rana, Sarki) and Tibeto-Nepalese (Bhote, Rai, Tamang, Limbu), exhibits distinct socio-cultural and religious practices shaped by historical and contemporary influences. The community maintains strong cultural ties to Nepali language and Hindu traditions, with caste-based social hierarchies (Brahmins, Chhetris, Sarkis) influencing social structures. They have preserved traditional festivals like Vijay Dashami, Gai Tihar, and Bhadhra Shukla (Tij), alongside participating in Assamese cultural practices, reflecting assimilation through food habits, matrimonial alliances, and festival celebrations. Family structures transition from joint to nuclear setups, with male equigeniture inheritance and evolving marriage practices shifting from arranged child marriages to adult consent-based unions. The community actively engages in temple construction and preservation, such as Kalyanithan and Gopeswar temples, while also contributing to local economic and social development. Traditional cuisine features rice-based dishes (Bhat), milk products, and festival-specific items like Kasar, reflecting culinary heritage. Religious practices emphasize Hindu deities, with rituals like Tiko during Vijay Dashami fostering familial and communal bonds.
Conclusion
This study highlights the dynamic socio-cultural and religious practices of Gorkha graziers in contemporary Lower Assam, emphasizing their adaptive strategies and assimilation into Assamese society. The research underscores the community's preservation of traditional caste structures, religious rituals, and cultural festivals like Bhanu Jayanti, Tij, Vijay Dashami, and Gai Tihar, which reinforce their identity. Simultaneously, it reveals significant assimilation through shared festivals, food habits, and matrimonial alliances with Assamese communities. The Gorkhas' contributions to temple preservation, such as Kalyanithan and Gopeswar, further illustrate their integration into the region's cultural landscape. The shift from joint to nuclear families and the gradual acceptance of love marriages reflect evolving social norms. Overall, the study presents a nuanced picture of cultural resilience and adaptation, offering insights into the community's role in shaping Assam's pluralistic society.