Genealogical Understanding of Ethnic mobilization in Assam

Authors

  • Bonti Hazarika

Abstract

Ethnicity has marked the political discourse in North East Indian in general and Assam in particular for the last few decades. In Assam there have existence of numerous ethnic groups since time of immemorial. Every ethnic groups share some distinct identity, culture, history etc. Historically in Assam during the colonial periods, the Britishers adopted the policy of divide and rule by which they tried to spread the seeds of separatism among the hills and plains people by launching different policies in the entire region. Result of it, a sense of alienation comes in the minds of people during colonial period. In the post colonial period the dominant groups impose restrictions on the smaller group. Therefore these smaller groups try to consolidate their own ethnic identity. While some group resolutely expressed the need for protection of their own identity by demanding more autonomy within the present set up, other groups have evolved more militant, secessionist idea of political and geographical demarcation of territory of Assam.

Keywords: Autonomy, Colonial, Ethnicity, Militant, Mobilization

Published

2020-12-07

Issue

Section

Articles