The Sonowal Kachari Tribes

History: The Sonowal Kachari is an endogamous group of Kachari tribe. They mainly live in Dibrugarh, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Tinsukia, Jorhut, and Golaghat districts. Their main occupation is gold-washing and agriculture. Rice is their staple food. The clan system is present and exogamy is the general rule in marriage. The Sonowals usually live in a joint family.

The Sonowals are believed to have very rich traditional knowledge of indigenous medicine. They have their own methods of treating different kinds of diseases, using locally available herbs and plants for treatment; following the knowledge inherited from their ancestors. These medicine-men were earlier known as ‘Bez'.

Sonowals believe that they are the descendants of great Bhaskar Barman, Narakasur, Ban Raja, Bhagadutta, Harimba, Ghototkach, Bhim, Prahlad and Bali.

The Social Structure of Sonowal Kacharis is similar to any other non tribal communities. The Gaonbra or head of the village is the key man of the village. He presides over the village assembly. He has some subordinates who helped him day to day office work. Other than the Gaonbura, the institution Namgargh also a centre of solving disputes of the villagers. Complain regarding any social or religious is solved by elder villagers and the punishment given to the guilty according to the nature of the crime. Ex-communication is considered to the severest form of punishment.

Agriculture is the main means of their livelihood. Along with rice, they grow mustard, potatoes, sweet potatoes, etc for local consumption.

Rice is the staple food of this tribe. They do not eat or rear pigs. Fish, mutton and chicken are the main delicacies. Rice beer is locally prepared and people take occasionally. Guest is welcomed by acre nut and betel leaves.

The pattern of house is similar to the non tribal constructions with separate shades for cattle, ducks, and poultries.

Co-operation is the salient feature of their social life. All villagers co-operates with others activities. The unity is scrupulously maintained and inters family disputes are solved in the village. The youth plays an active role in the individual or community festive and religious occasions.

The Sonowal Kachari families are nucleus one. Both primary and joint are seen. The eldest male of the family is considered to be the head of the family. The system of inheritance is peritoneal one. Generally, the eldest son becomes the owner of the house.

The Sonowal Kacharis have seven clans called ‘Khel'. They are 'Balikhitiari', 'Chiripuria', 'Dhulial', 'Amarabamiya', 'Ujani-Kuchiya', Namoni-Kuchiya' and 'Tipamiya'. These clans are exogamous and are again subdivided into fourteen sub-clans – 'Hagral' , 'Muktal', 'Madan', 'Manikiyal', 'Ahmal', 'Formal', 'Borttajoal', 'Saru Hazowal', 'Kumral', 'Dhekial', Oingial', 'Lothial', 'Dangral' and 'Chetial'.
The Sonowals were offered non-tribal titles like ‘Saikia', ‘Bora', ‘Hazarika', in the process of their assimilation with the non-tribal people, especially during the Ahom rule. The Sonowals at present have no dialect of their own. All the people speak Assamese language, although they still retain some tribal names such as 'Gossain', 'Baitha', 'Gojai', 'Khiring Raja', 'Kechaideo' and so on.

Marriage in the same clan is strictly prohibited. Monogamy is the general rule but considering the second wife is not prohibited. Every girl is considered to be an asset for the family. The grooms' family should pay bride price before the marriage. No fixed bride price is charged. It may vary according to the status of the groom.

The Sonowal Kachari tribe is followers of Mahapurushia Baishanv Dharma. They also maintain their traditional religious beliefs and practices. Good luck, flourishing agriculture, misfortune etc are attributed to the pleasures and furies of various deities. Also, the Sonowal Kacharis worship Lord Siva and they observed Bathow Puja. Throughout the year, they observed various religious ceremonies in their Namghars like Janmasthami.

This tribe observed Rangali Bihu like Assamese people which fall on the Sankranti of Chot (14^th April). Various traditional delicacies made during this time. Magh Bihu and Kati Bihu are also celebrated by the Sonowal Kacharis like Assamese people.

Dead bodies of Sonowal Kacharis are cremated. The dead bodies of children and woman are buried. Purification ceremonies are similar to any other non-tribal. But they do not employ Brahmins to preside over the pacificator ceremony.

Photo source: The Sonowal Kachari Tribes/Facebook page

Rearranged by The Bodo Tribe 18 (Team)