Between Cultural Continuity and Changes: With special reference to Singpho community

Abstract

Many people across the globe are ignorant about the subsistence of Northeast India. They are unaware and fail to recognize the distinction between the local residents and the people residing in the neighbouring countries like China, Myanmar, Nepal or Mongolia. Assam, which is located in the heart of Northeast region, is a land of many cultures, tribes and religion. Out of many tribal groups in Northeast India, the Singpho tribe is considered to be one of the most significant tribe, inhabiting in Tinsukia, Sibsagar, Jorhat and Golaghat district of Assam and also Namsai, Lohit and Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh (Machey,2015). Originally they were the Kachins of upper Burma. According to Singpho oral history they were the descendants of Shwapawng Yowng, from Manoi Singra Bum. They have been continuing their rich culture and lives in neighboring states. The Singphos are well known as the warrior tribe of Assam and Arunachal border in Northeast India. They are mainly the followers of Buddhism and have cultural homogeneity between the Singphos of Assam and the Kachin. Through this study, the researcher attempt to uncover the in-depth study of cultural changes that are taking place in the Singpho community. The study will focus on the social lifestyle through different aspects i.e. social customs, religion, festivals, dresses, livelihood etc. Through this study it will try to find out the present status of Singpho community.