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Assamese Language and Culture
Where does it come from? Assamese is a member of the Indic branch of the Indo-Iranian sub-group of the Indo-European (Aryan) family of languages. The modern Aryan languages are considered to have evolved from Sanskrit, the ancient language of the Indian sub-continent.
How many people speak it? Assamese is spoken by between 15 and 20 million people.
In how many countries? Assamese is the state language of Assam, the most eastern state in India. It is also spoken and used in the states of Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, and also in Bangaladesh & Bhutan .
The process of creating Indian states from the princely states and provinces under British rule began after India's independence in 1947. The main demand was to create states based on language boundaries and to a large extent this was achieved. The boundaries of Assam reflect where Assamese speakers live.
A spot of Culture Assam has a large number of skilled handcrafts that reflect the long and rich history of the culture of Assam. Handloom weaving of silk, cotton and other textiles takes place on an extensive scale . The designs used in Assam are mostly stylised symbols of animals, human figures, creepers, flowers, birds and the galaxy.
Jewellery has long been a tradition in Assam. Gold was available in many of the rivers flowing down from the Himalayas. The Assamese jewellers (sonari) make exquisite lockets, earrings, bracelets and necklaces. Brass and bell metal working are also skilled crafts still practised widely.
Cane and bamboo, being quite common all over Assam, are used to make a variety of products. Cane furniture of Assam is much sought after both in the national and international markets.
There is also a long history of expert painting in the state. Ahom palaces and sattras and naamghars are replete with brightly coloured paintings depicting various stories and events from history and mythology.
Ivory carving, pottery, exquisite wood-carving and toy making are further examples of traditional Assamese skills.
Assam has a number of big festivals including Rongali or Bohag Bihu (mid-April) when people welcome the spring season and pray for a bountiful and rich harvest. Ambubasi Mela is a fair held in Guwahati, the capital of Assam, and is closely related to Tantric rituals.
Music & Dance Satriya Nritya is one of the finest dance forms of India and was discovered in the 15th century.
The Bodos have many folk dances to boast of. Among them, the most important and attractive is the Bagrumba Dance. This is mainly a formation dance with slow steps and outstretched hands. About a score of girls, dressed in colourful attire, perform this dance to the accompaniment of traditional musical instruments.
Food and Drink Fish is a major delicacy in Assam served in a variety of ways. Other specialities include rice-flour pastries stuffed with coconut and til (named as til pitha and narikal pitha, respectively) and the sweet balls of coconut and til (called larus) Seera (flaked rice) and doi (curd and yoghurt) are also popular.
Coconuts feature extensively in Assamese cuisine, including green coconuts. The Assamese thali is a real treat with its chutneys made from pudina and mustard seed. Among the sweets, channa (cottage cheese) sweets like spongy rosogolla, sandesh, and kalak and have a delectable taste.
