Way of Life of the Tiwas Living in the Hills of Karbi Anglong of Assam, India

Abstract

The Tiwas are one of the major tribes of North East India living both in the hills and plains. Known as ‘Lalungs' throughout the courses of history they are concentrating mainly in the districts of middle Assam. In the Duwar Amla and Amri Mouza of Karbi Anglong district the hill Tiwas are living in majority. The hill Tiwas are tradition bound, known for their language and culture that evolved a distinct way of life different from the Tiwas of plain areas. Their socio-economy, politics, material and cultural life are distinct which gives them a separate identity. The impact of processes of socio-cultural changes is less on them and they are successful in keeping distinct identity as a tribe. In a view to know the variations of culture of the Tiwas living in the hills and plains a study has been conducted. This paper is an attempt to know the present way of life including the culture, social life, economy, food and dresses and major practices of the Tiwas living in the hills of Karbi Anglong district of Assam.