The Complex Tapestry of Assam's Cultural Identity

BOOK OVERVIEW
The Complex Tapestry of Assam's Cultural Identity: History, Ethnicity, Religion, Language, Politics, and the Future of a Plural Society presents an interdisciplinary and evidence-based exploration of the historical evolution and contemporary dynamics of Assam's diverse cultural landscape. Drawing upon history, anthropology, sociology, political science, linguistics, religious studies, archaeology, and environmental studies, the book examines how centuries of migration, indigenous traditions, political transformations, religious interactions, and linguistic diversity have collectively shaped the identity of one of India's most culturally complex regions.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PRELIMINARIES
Bio of the Authors
Book Overview

PART I
HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS

CHAPTER 1 (P 1-10)
Introduction: Understanding Assam's Cultural Identity
The Concept of Cultural Identity
Why Assam Matters
Scope and Objectives
Research Methodology
Sources and Literature Review
Significance of the Study

CHAPTER 2 (P 11-37)
The Geography and Environmental Foundations of Assam
Introduction
Physical Geography
Rivers and Floodplains
Biodiversity
Climate
Human Settlement Patterns
Environmental Challenges

CHAPTER 3 (P 38-77)
Ancient Assam: Pragjyotisha and Kamarupa
Introduction
Early Civilizations
Mythology and Historical Evidence
Political Development
The Kingdom of Kamarupa
The Varman Dynasty
Historical Nomenclature: Bhaskaravarman, Bhaskar Varma, or Bhaskar Barman?
The Mlechchha (Salastambha) Dynasty (c. 650–900 CE)
The Pala Dynasty of Kamarupa (c. 900–1100 CE)
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CHAPTER 4 (P 78-94)
Medieval Assam and the Rise of Regional Kingdoms
Introduction
Transition from Ancient to Medieval Assam
Chutiya Kingdom
Kachari Kingdom
Koch Kingdom
Expansion under Naranarayan
Maharaja Biswa Singha
Maharaja Naranarayan and Chilarai
Narayani Sena
Division of the Kingdom
Administration
Dimasa Kingdom
Jaintia Kingdom
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CHAPTER 5 (P 95-141)
The Ahom Era and State Formation
Arrival of Sukaphaa
Expansion of the Ahom Kingdom
Administration
Military Organization
Battle of Saraighat
Decline of Ahom Rule

CHAPTER 6 (P 142-183)
Colonial Assam and Modern Transformation
Introduction
British Annexation
Administrative Reforms
Tea Industry
Railways and Communication
Missionary Activities
Education
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PART II
PEOPLES AND ETHNIC COMMUNITIES
CHAPTER 7 (P 184-253)
Ethnic Diversity in Assam
Introduction
The Concept of Ethnicity
Historical Evolution of Ethnic Diversity in Assam
Classification of the Peoples of Assam
Major Ethnic Communities of Assam: An Overview
Languages and Ethnicity
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CHAPTER 8 (P 254-348)
The Koch Rajbongshi Community
Introduction
Origins
Historical Perspectives on Origin
Anthropological Perspectives
Linguistic Evidence
Social Reform and the Emergence of the Rajbanshi Identity
First Census (1871–1872)
Second Census (1881)
Thakur Panchanan Barma and the Kshatriya Movement
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DISCUSSION (P 349-351)
RECOMMENDATIONS AND SOLUTIONS (P 352-354)
CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVE (P 355)
FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS (P 356-358)
CONCLUDING NOTE (P 359)
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY (P 360-361)
CONCLUSION (P 362-364)

URL:
https://www.thenativetribe.org/book/nes/nes-v2