New manuscript submissions are currently closed and will reopen in early 2027

NES V2

This Book is a part of the series North East Studies (NES) : Volume 2

Read about North East Studies (NES) Project

Title of the Monograph: The Complex Tapestry of Assam’s Cultural Identity: History, Ethnicity, Religion, Language, Politics, and the Future of a Plural Society

Kindle:

ASIN: ‎ B0HD1R2YDT

Language: ‎ English

Text-to-Speech: ‎ Enabled

Volume: 2, Language: English

ISBN: 978-93-91413-79-8 (Paperback)

ISBN: 978-93-91413-80-4 (Electronic)

Date of publication: 15 August 2026

Location: Global (Multiple countries)

Publisher: The Native Tribe

URL: https://www.thenativetribe.org/book/nes/nes-v2

Authors:

Thomas Pulloppillil, Ph.D.

Surjit Singha, Ph.D.

Ranjit Singha (Ph.D.)

Kindle Edition

Paperback Edition

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preliminaries

· Bio of the Authors

· Book Overview

Part I

Historical Foundations

CHAPTER 1 (P 1-10)

Introduction: Understanding Assam's Cultural Identity

The Concept of Cultural Identity
Why Assam Matters
Scope and Objectives
Research Methodology
Sources and Literature Review
Significance of the Study

CHAPTER 2 (P 11-37)

The Geography and Environmental Foundations of Assam

Introduction
Physical Geography
Rivers and Floodplains
Biodiversity
Climate
Human Settlement Patterns
Environmental Challenges

CHAPTER 3 (P 38-77)

Ancient Assam: Pragjyotisha and Kamarupa

Introduction
Early Civilizations
Mythology and Historical Evidence
Political Development
The Kingdom of Kamarupa
The Varman Dynasty
Historical Nomenclature: Bhaskaravarman, Bhaskar Varma, or Bhaskar Barman?
The Mlechchha (Salastambha) Dynasty (c. 650–900 CE)
The Pala Dynasty of Kamarupa (c. 900–1100 CE)
Administrative System
Military Organization
Diplomacy and Foreign Relations
Political Legitimacy and Religion
Decline of Kamarupa
Trade and Cultural Exchange
Geographical Advantages for Trade
Riverine Trade and Transportation
Trade with the Indian Subcontinent
Trade with Tibet, Bhutan, and Southeast Asia
Urban Centres and Commercial Activity
Craft Production and Local Industries
Religious and Cultural Exchange
Diplomatic and Intellectual Exchange
Linguistic and Literary Development
Art and Architecture
Economic Prosperity and Political Stability
Historical Significance
Chapter Summary

CHAPTER 4 (P 78-94)

Medieval Assam and the Rise of Regional Kingdoms

Introduction
Transition from Ancient to Medieval Assam
Chutiya Kingdom
Kachari Kingdom
Koch Kingdom
Expansion under Naranarayan
Maharaja Biswa Singha
Maharaja Naranarayan and Chilarai
Narayani Sena
Division of the Kingdom
Administration
Dimasa Kingdom
Jaintia Kingdom
Interactions Among the Regional Kingdoms
Historical Legacy

CHAPTER 5 (P 95-141)

The Ahom Era and State Formation

Arrival of Sukaphaa
Expansion of the Ahom Kingdom
Administration
Military Organization
Battle of Saraighat
Decline of Ahom Rule

CHAPTER 6 (P 142-183)

Colonial Assam and Modern Transformation

Introduction
British Annexation
Administrative Reforms
Tea Industry
Railways and Communication
Missionary Activities
Education
Social and Economic Transformation
National Movement
Historical Legacy

Part II

Peoples and Ethnic Communities

CHAPTER 7 (P 184-253)

Ethnic Diversity in Assam

Introduction
The Concept of Ethnicity
Historical Evolution of Ethnic Diversity in Assam
Classification of the Peoples of Assam
Major Ethnic Communities of Assam: An Overview
Languages and Ethnicity
Cultural Interaction and Shared Heritage
Demographic Change and Migration
Ethnicity and Politics
Challenges to Ethnic Diversity
Preservation of Cultural Heritage
Conclusion

CHAPTER 8 (P 254-348)

The Koch Rajbongshi Community

· Introduction

· Origins

· Historical Perspectives on Origin

· Anthropological Perspectives

· Linguistic Evidence

· Social Reform and the Emergence of the Rajbanshi Identity

· First Census (1871–1872)

· Second Census (1881)

· Thakur Panchanan Barma and the Kshatriya Movement

· Mahamahopadhyay Panditraj Jadaveswar (Yadaveswar) Tarkaratna

· Indigenous Nature Worship among the Koch Rajbongshi Community

· Phoni Monasha Puja and Phonizim (Phoni Monasha Dharma)

· Indigenous Roots

· Contemporary Understanding of Origins

· Historical Development

· Early Historical Background

· Rise of the Koch Kingdom

· Expansion under Nara Narayan

· Military Leadership of Chilarai

· Administrative System

· Economic Development

· Religious and Cultural Development

· Relations with Neighbouring Kingdoms

· Decline and Division of the Kingdom

· Colonial and Post-Independence Periods

· Historical Significance

· Geographical Distribution

· Distribution in Assam

· Distribution in North Bengal

· Distribution in Meghalaya

· Distribution in Bihar

· Distribution in Bangladesh

· Distribution in Nepal

· Rural Settlement Patterns

· Urbanisation and Modern Mobility

· Demographic Characteristics

· Geography and Cultural Identity

· Language

· Historical Development of the Language

· Classification of the Kamatapuri Language

· Linguistic Characteristics

· Oral Literature of the Koch Language

· Literature and Modern Development of the Koch Language

· Language and Cultural Identity

· Contemporary Challenges

· Language Preservation Efforts of the Koch Language

· Language Preservation Efforts of Kamatapuri Language

· Future Prospects

· Social Organisation

· Family Structure

· Marriage Customs

· Status of Women

· Village Organisation

· Traditional Occupations

· Community Cooperation

· Education and Social Change

· Contemporary Social Transformation

· Social Organisation and Cultural Continuity

· Culture

· Festivals

· Folk Music

· Folk Dance

· Traditional Dress

· Cuisine

· Handloom and Weaving

· Handicrafts

· Oral Traditions and Folklore

· Hospitality and Community Life

· Contemporary Cultural Transformation

· Cultural Significance

· Religion

· Indigenous Religious Beliefs

· Influence of Phoni Monasha

· Identity

· Relationship with Forests

· Traditional Socio-Cultural Characteristics

· Distinctive Culture

· Socio-Economic Challenges

· Geographical Setting and Connectivity

· Interaction with Wider Society

· Contemporary Issues

DISCUSSION (P 349-351)

RECOMMENDATIONS AND SOLUTIONS (P 352-354)

CONCLUDING PERSPECTIVE (P 355)

FUTURE RESEARCH DIRECTIONS (P 356-358)

CONCLUDING NOTE (P 359)

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY (P 360-361)

CONCLUSION (P 362-364)

To cite the book

Pulloppillil, T., Singha, S., & Singha, R. (2026). The complex tapestry of Assam's cultural identity: History, ethnicity, religion, language, politics, and the future of a plural society (Vol. 2). The Native Tribe. https://www.thenativetribe.org/book/nes/nes-v2

BIO OF THE AUTHORS

Thomas Pulloppillil, Ph.D

Thomas Pulloppillil holds a PhD from the “Academia Alfonsiana” of the Pontifical Lateran University in Italy and is the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Bongaigaon, Assam, and a distinguished spiritual leader, educator, and writer. Born on 14 July 1954 in Nadukani, Kothamangalam, Kerala, India, he was ordained to the priesthood on 6 April 1981. Following his ordination, he dedicated himself to priestly ministry, theological education, and the formation of future clergy.

Before his episcopal appointment, Bishop Pulloppillil served as a faculty member and later as the Administrator of Oriens Theological College, Shillong, where he made significant contributions to theological education and priestly formation in Northeast India. On 10 May 2000, Pope St. John Paul II appointed him as the Bishop of Bongaigaon, and he was consecrated on 20 August 2000 by Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, S.D.B. Thomas Pulloppillil holds a Ph.D. from Academia Alfonsiana of the Pontifical Lateran University in Italy and is the Roman Catholic Bishop of Bongaigaon.

As Bishop of Bongaigaon, Dr. Pulloppillil has provided visionary pastoral leadership, promoting evangelization, education, social development, interfaith harmony, and the holistic empowerment of communities across Assam and the Northeast. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Seminary Formation Commission of the North East Bishops' Council (NEBC), playing a vital role in the formation of future priests and strengthening ecclesiastical education in the region.

A respected author and scholar, Bishop Pulloppillil has contributed to theological reflection and Christian literature through his writings, combining deep spiritual insight with practical pastoral wisdom. Guided by his episcopal motto, ‘To Build and to Plant,’ he continues to inspire clergy, religious, and laity through his firm commitment to faith, service, education, and human development.

Website: www.bongaigaondiocese.org

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Pulloppillil

Surjit Singha, Ph.D

Associate Professor, Ph.D. Research Guide & Research Faculty
Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India

Dr. Surjit Singha is an Associate Professor, PhD Research Guide, and Research Faculty at Kristu Jayanti (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India. With over 16 years of academic, research, and professional experience, he has established himself as a leading scholar in the fields of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), sustainability, entrepreneurship, organizational behaviour, workforce diversity, public policy, business analytics, and interdisciplinary research.

An accomplished researcher, Dr. Singha has published over 160 scholarly works, including 133 Scopus-indexed research papers, book chapters, textbooks, and edited volumes with reputed international publishers. His research integrates rigorous academic inquiry with practical relevance, contributing to policy formulation, sustainable development, business innovation, and societal transformation. His work has been widely recognized for advancing evidence-based knowledge across commerce, management, and the social sciences.

Dr. Singha actively serves the global academic community as an editor, editorial board member, reviewer, and peer reviewer for several prestigious international journals published by Taylor & Francis, Springer Nature, Wiley, MDPI, and IGI Global, among others. He has reviewed more than 170 manuscripts for leading Scopus and Web of Science indexed journals and regularly contributes to improving the quality of international scholarly publications.

He has authored and edited 26+ internationally published books and edited volumes, holds two U.S. copyrights and two patents, and has successfully completed fully funded research projects. As a committed academic mentor, he has guided numerous students, research scholars, and young faculty members in research methodology, academic writing, publication strategies, and interdisciplinary research.

Dr. Singha's academic qualifications include a Ph.D., M.Phil., and MBA (Distinction) from CHRIST (Deemed to be University), M.Com. and BBM from Kristu Jayanti College (Bangalore University), and a Post Graduate Diploma in Higher Education (PGDHE) from IGNOU. He has also completed advanced academic certifications from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and the University of Pennsylvania, is UGC-NET (Commerce) qualified, and serves as an Examiner for the International Baccalaureate (IB).

Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Singha contributes significantly to academic governance through curriculum development, research advisory committees, editorial leadership, conference organization, faculty development programmes, institutional branding, website and social media management, and research capacity building. His interdisciplinary and collaborative approach has enabled partnerships with scholars and institutions across India and abroad.

Driven by a passion for academic excellence and societal impact, Dr. Singha continues to promote innovative, ethical, and sustainable research that addresses contemporary global challenges. He welcomes international research collaborations, interdisciplinary projects, visiting scholar opportunities, joint publications, and academic mobility initiatives.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5730-8677

Email: surjit.research@gmail.com

Website: www.surjitsingha.com

Scopus ID: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57219215365

Ranjit Singha, (Ph.D.)

Ranjit Singha is a Doctoral Research Fellow at CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru, India, and a distinguished member of the American Psychological Association (APA). His research interests encompass a broad range of interdisciplinary fields, including Mindfulness, Compassion, Addiction Psychology, Women's Empowerment, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Data Science, Cognitive Psychology, Neuropsychology, Behavioural Science, and Public Health.

Mr. Singha has pursued extensive professional education and advanced training from internationally renowned universities and institutions across the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and India. His certifications include Cognitively-Based Compassion Training (CBCT®) from Emory University (USA), Mindfulness from the University of Oxford Mindfulness Centre (UK), SEE Learning® (Social, Emotional and Ethical Learning) from Emory University, Mindfulness and Well-being from both the University of British Columbia (Canada) and Rice University (USA), and professional certifications from IBM, Microsoft, Google, Harvard Medical School, Penn Medicine – University of Pennsylvania Health System, and the University of Wisconsin–Madison.

His specialised training includes Addressing Tobacco Dependence Treatment in the General Population, The Bucket Approach Interventions, Tobacco Use and Dependence: A Review of Treatments, Opioid Use Disorder and Treatment: The Genetics of Addiction, Addiction Care and Treatment, Managing Concurrent Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders in Youth, Supporting Children and Youth Who Use Substances, Clinical Care for Autistic Adults, Ethics and Regulation of Social and Behavioral Research, Team-Based Care in Healthcare, Decision-Making Capacity Assessment, Dementia Care, Interprofessional Healthcare Competencies, and numerous evidence-based interventions in addiction medicine, behavioural health, and integrated clinical care.

His expertise further extends to Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Interventions in Clinical and Non-Clinical Settings, Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Suicide Prevention, Preventing Tobacco Use, Facilitating Grief Support Groups, Career Guidance and Counselling, Self-Development and Well-being, and Multimedia Applications in Teaching and Learning, through professional training at NIMHANS, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), and the Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD).

Professionally, he is a Certified Microsoft Innovative Educator, Licensed Yoga Professional, Certified Mindfulness Teacher, Certified Mendeley Advisor, Certified Peer Reviewer (Elsevier), Six Sigma Green Belt Certified, and holds certification in the Foundations of Project Management from Google. These multidisciplinary qualifications reflect his commitment to lifelong learning and evidence-based professional practice.

Academically, Mr. Singha holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Administration (General Management), MBA in International Business, M.Sc. in Counselling Psychology, and a Senior Diploma in Tabla (Indian Classical Percussion), demonstrating a unique combination of expertise across psychology, management, education, and the performing arts.

As a researcher and educator, his work primarily focuses on mindfulness- and compassion-based interventions, addiction behaviour, behavioural change mechanisms, mindfulness assessment, professional mindfulness training, mindfulness ethics, cognitive and neuropsychology, addiction psychology, public mental health, and high-risk behavioural interventions. His interdisciplinary research integrates psychological science with public health, education, technology, and sustainable development.

Mr. Singha has established an outstanding scholarly record, having authored 113 Scopus-indexed research publications, along with four authored books and five edited books. His publications have significantly contributed to psychology, behavioural sciences, addiction research, public health, education, and interdisciplinary research, earning recognition within the international academic community.

Beyond research, he possesses extensive teaching experience across diverse academic disciplines, including Forensic Psychology, Positive Psychology, Psychometric Assessment, Counselling Skills, Organisational Planning, Strategic Management, Business Planning, Business Law, Auditing, Disaster Management, and Basic Computer Science. He has successfully supervised and mentored numerous undergraduate and postgraduate dissertations, promoting research excellence and scientific inquiry among students.

Professionally, Mr. Singha serves as an Ad Hoc Reviewer for the International Journal of Cyber Behavior, Psychology and Learning (IJCBPL), a Reviewer and Author for IGI Global, an Editor and Reviewer at TNT Publication, and a Certified Peer Reviewer (Elsevier). These responsibilities reflect his active engagement in scholarly publishing and his dedication to maintaining rigorous academic and ethical standards in research.

Outside academia, Mr. Singha actively provides psychological counselling, mindfulness-based guidance, addiction counselling, and mental health awareness programmes, reflecting his commitment to community service, holistic well-being, and the promotion of evidence-based mental healthcare. His contributions to research, teaching, professional training, mentorship, and community engagement have established him as a respected scholar and practitioner in the fields of psychology, mindfulness, behavioural science, addiction studies, and public health.

ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0009-1925-6587

Email: ranjitsingharesearch@gmail.com

Website: www.ranjitsingha.com

Scopus ID: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=58989478000