The Art and Culture of Assam: A Glimpse into the Vibrant Heritage

Assam, a northeastern state of India, is a land of rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions. Nestled in the lap of the Brahmaputra River, Assam's unique blend of indigenous and immigrant influences has shaped its vibrant cultural tapestry. From traditional dance forms to exquisite handloom, from classical music to intricate crafts, Assam's art and culture are a testament to its diverse and dynamic history.

Traditional Dance Forms

Assam is renowned for its traditional dance forms, each reflecting the distinct identity of its various communities. The most famous among them is the Bihu dance, performed during the Bihu festival, which marks the Assamese New Year. This energetic dance, characterized by quick hand movements and rhythmic steps, is accompanied by traditional musical instruments like the dhol (drum), pepa (hornpipe), and gogona (reed instrument).

Another significant dance form is Sattriya, a classical dance-drama that originated in the 15th century. Created by the Vaishnavite saint Srimanta Sankardev, Sattriya combines dance, music, and drama to narrate mythological stories. It is performed in monasteries called Satras, preserving the spiritual and cultural ethos of Assam.

Bagurumba is an enchanting dance performed by the Bodo community. Known for its graceful movements and vibrant costumes, Bagurumba is a springtime dance that mimics the movements of butterflies and birds, celebrating nature's beauty.

Music

Music is an integral part of Assamese culture. Borgeet (literally, 'noble songs') are classical devotional songs composed by Sankardev and his disciple Madhavdev. These melodious compositions are performed during religious ceremonies and festivals, evoking a deep sense of spirituality.

The folk music of Assam is equally enchanting. Instruments like the toka (cymbals), dotara (string instrument), and the xutuli (clay whistle) are commonly used in folk songs that celebrate nature, love, and the joys of rural life.

Assam is also known for its Tokari Geet and Bhawaiya. Tokari Geet, named after the Tokari (a traditional string instrument), are narrative songs that often tell stories of love, valor, and social issues. Bhawaiya, originating in the Goalpara region, is characterized by its soulful melodies that reflect the simplicity and struggles of rural life.

Handloom and Weaving

Assam is famous for its exquisite handloom products, particularly its silk textiles. Muga silk, known for its golden hue, and Pat silk, with its brilliant white shine, are highly prized. Weaving is predominantly a female-dominated craft in Assam, with almost every household owning a loom.

The traditional attire, Mekhela Chador, is a two-piece garment worn by Assamese women. It is intricately woven with motifs inspired by nature, such as flowers, animals, and birds, showcasing the weavers' skill and creativity.

Assamese men traditionally wear the Dhoti and Gamosa. The Gamosa, a symbol of Assamese culture, is a rectangular piece of cloth with red borders and floral motifs, used in various cultural and religious contexts.

Crafts

The craftsmanship of Assam extends beyond textiles to include bamboo and cane work, pottery, and metalwork. Bamboo and cane products like baskets, mats, and furniture are widely used in everyday life. These crafts not only serve functional purposes but also reflect the aesthetic sensibilities of the artisans.

Terracotta and bell metal crafts are also significant. The town of Sarthebari is renowned for its bell metal products, including traditional utensils, ceremonial items, and decorative pieces. The intricate designs and durability of these products make them a cherished part of Assamese households.

Pith (sholapith) is another traditional craft, involving the creation of delicate and intricate items from the pith of the shola plant. These items are used for decorations in festivals and religious ceremonies.

Festivals

Assamese festivals are a vibrant display of the state's cultural diversity. Bihu, celebrated thrice a year (Rongali, Kongali, and Bhogali Bihu), is the most prominent festival, marking the agricultural cycle. It is a time of joy, feasting, and cultural performances.

Durga Puja, Kali Puja, and Ambubachi Mela are other significant festivals, reflecting the state's rich religious and cultural heritage. During these festivals, the entire community comes together, transcending social and ethnic boundaries to celebrate with fervor and enthusiasm.

The Jonbeel Mela, held near Jagiroad, is a unique fair where barter system is still practiced. Tribes from the hills come down to exchange goods with the plains' people, preserving an age-old tradition of community bonding and mutual exchange.

Literature

Assamese literature has a long and illustrious history, enriched by poets, playwrights, and novelists. Sankaradeva and Madhavadeva are revered for their contributions to Bhakti literature and drama. Their works, written in the early Assamese language, played a crucial role in spreading Vaishnavism in Assam.

Modern Assamese literature saw a renaissance with writers like Lakshminath Bezbaroa, Hemchandra Barua, and Jyoti Prasad Agarwala. Their literary works reflect the social, political, and cultural milieu of their times, inspiring generations of readers and writers.

Contemporary authors like Indira Goswami, Homen Borgohain, and Mitra Phukan have continued this rich tradition, addressing contemporary issues and adding new dimensions to Assamese literature.

Cuisine

Assamese cuisine is a delightful amalgamation of flavors, known for its simplicity and reliance on fresh, local ingredients. Rice is the staple food, accompanied by fish, meat, and an array of vegetables. Masor Tenga (sour fish curry) and Duck meat curry are popular dishes, often prepared during special occasions.

The use of Bamboo shoot, Khar (an alkaline extract from banana peel), and Pithas (rice cakes) highlights the culinary diversity of Assam. Assam tea, globally renowned for its robust flavor, is an integral part of the state's culture and economy

Important Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) on the Art and Culture of Assam

1. Which festival in Assam is celebrated to mark the Assamese New Year?

a) Durga Puja
b) Rongali Bihu
c) Ambubachi Mela
d) Magh Bihu

Answer: b) Rongali Bihu

2. Who created the classical dance-drama Sattriya?

a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Srimanta Sankardev
c) Bhupen Hazarika
d) Madhavdev

Answer: b) Srimanta Sankardev

3. Which type of silk is Assam particularly known for?

a) Tussar Silk
b) Kanchipuram Silk
c) Muga Silk
d) Banarasi Silk

Answer: c) Muga Silk

4. The traditional Assamese attire worn by women is called:

a) Sari
b) Mekhela Chador
c) Lehenga
d) Salwar Kameez

Answer: b) Mekhela Chador

5. Which instrument is NOT traditionally associated with Assamese folk music?

a) Dhol
b) Peepa
c) Dotara
d) Sitar

Answer: d) Sitar

6. Bagurumba is a traditional dance form of which community in Assam?

a) Bodo
b) Ahom
c) Mising
d) Karbi

Answer: a) Bodo

7. What is the Gamosa in Assamese culture?

a) A traditional drink
b) A musical instrument
c) A piece of cloth with red borders and motifs
d) A type of dance

Answer: c) A piece of cloth with red borders and motifs

8. Which festival in Assam involves a barter system and is held near Jagiroad?

a) Jonbeel Mela
b) Bhogali Bihu
c) Rongali Bihu
d) Kati Bihu

Answer: a) Jonbeel Mela

9. Which town in Assam is famous for its bell metal products?

a) Sualkuchi
b) Sarthebari
c) Jorhat
d) Tezpur

Answer: b) Sarthebari

10. Borgeet, classical devotional songs, were composed by:

a) Bhupen Hazarika
b) Madhavdev
c) Lakshminath Bezbaroa
d) Jyoti Prasad Agarwala

Answer: b) Madhavdev