Alaka Sarmah

Ethnographic Study of the Karbis of Assam Alaka Sarmah

The district of Karbi Anglong bounds several ethnic groups. Karbis occupy the predominant position. Other tribes residing in the district are Dimasa, Kacharis, Garos, Khasis, Jaintias, Rengma Nagas, Man-tias, Tiwas, Chakmas and Hindi speaking people. The composite Culture of the plural society is facing a severe threat as group rivalry and inter tribe conflict culminating into wild communal frenzy is leading to widespread discontentment, mutual suspicion, and hatred. Cultural revivalism is manifesting itself in demand for political autonomy, protection of linguistic identity and preferential treatment in employment. An unethical policy of national integration together with the unresolved nationality question, and the number oriented decision making system of the polity has paved the way for the emergence of a number of armed groups competing with each other for territorial hegemony over the scarce resources.