Cultural Assimilation and the Erosion of Indigenous Culture of Tripura

By Maria Deb Barma

September 11, 2023

 “Indigenous” refers to being native or naturally belonging to a specific region, often associated with the people seen as the original inhabitants of that area. Cultures are typically characterized by their conservative nature, but it’s intriguing how they also undergo continuous transformation. This cultural shift has been significantly influenced by factors such as industrialization, urbanization, and globalization, impacting societies worldwide. The Tripura community is no exception and has been experiencing similar changes in its way of life, language, and consequently, its overall culture.

“Tripura, a compact state situated in the north-eastern region of India, has enjoyed a rich tapestry of cultural diversity since ancient times. Covering an area of 10,491.69 sq. km, the state is inhabited by a population of 3,671,032 individuals, as per the 2011 Census. This region has been the ancestral homeland of over 19 distinct indigenous communities, with the largest being the Tripuri community. These communities follow various religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Islam, Saktism, Christianity, and other belief systems. Each of these groups possesses a unique socio-economic and cultural heritage, encompassing a rich treasury of folktales, folk songs, riddles, and proverbs, which are orally transmitted from one generation to the next, lacking a written documentary form.

 Post India’s independence, indigenous communities began advocating for the preservation of their distinctive socio-economic and cultural traditions, primarily between the 1950s and 1980s. This movement gained momentum due to significant waves of migration from Bangladesh, which introduced diverse cultural influences. Concurrently, there was a noticeable decline in the indigenous population within the state. According to census data of India, in 1881, indigenous communities represented 87.06% of the population, a figure that dwindled to just 30% of the total population by 2011. This decline can be attributed to the growing dominance of Bengali culture, which began to encroach upon and alter the indigenous culture and belief systems. Consequently, the languages, cultures, societies, and religions of these indigenous groups began to intermingle with those of other traditional communities over time.

The Rich Heritage of the Indigenous Tripuri People

The cultural heritage of Tripuri community is a testament to their resilience and ability to adapt to the lush landscapes of Tripura over centuries. Their distinct language, Kokborok, has played a pivotal role in preserving their unique identity. It is a language intertwined with folklore, rituals, and storytelling traditions that reflect their deep connection with the land and nature. The culture of indigenous communities is steeped in traditional music and dance forms, vibrant festivals like Garia Puja, Kharchi puja, Ker puja and their indigenous belief systems that revere spirits and deities. The Tripuri cuisine, with its unique flavors and use of local ingredients, is a culinary treasure that reflects their heritage and connection to the land.

Cultural Assimilation: A Double-Edged Sword

Change is inevitable, and its effects can be observed across various aspects of life, including shifts in livelihoods, alterations in social structures, and modifications in cultural elements. In response to these changes, the preservation of identity has become a paramount concern, leading to a counter-acculturation process in order to maintain distinctive attributes in an evolving world. However, the story of the indigenous communities of Tripura is one marked by cultural assimilation, and with it comes the risk of losing the rich tapestry of their indigenous culture. The assimilation indigenous communities into the larger Indian society has brought with it both opportunities and challenges.

1. Historical Context: The history of cultural assimilation in Tripura can be traced back to the reign of the Manikya dynasty, which ruled the region for centuries. The assimilation process often began with the interaction between Indigenous communities and external groups, such as matrimonial alliance between the royal houses of Tripura and Manipur, and Bengali settlers from east Pakistan, who started moving into the region.

2. Language Shift: Language serves as the sole conduit through which we ‘comprehend’ the world, a means by which we generate and share meaning. One of the significant aspects of assimilation among the indigenous people has been the gradual shift from Kokborok to Bengali. This shift is particularly evident in education, administration, and media, where Bengali takes precedence. Younger generations are often more proficient in Hindi, English and Bengali than in Kokborok, risking its eventual extinction.

3. Religious Transformation: The Tripuri people have historically practiced indigenous religions and animistic beliefs, in this faith, it is held that all substances possess life. In the Tripuri community, gods and goddesses do not have tangible, concrete visual representations; instead, they exist solely in the realm of mental imagery. Consequently, the abstract symbols of these natural deities are crafted from bamboo poles, adorned with bamboo leaves and cotton threads, among other elements. The intricate designs of these deities are meticulously created by traditional priests known as ‘ochai’. However, over the years, many have converted to Hinduism or Christianity due to missionary activities and societal dynamics, and interactions with other religious communities. These conversions often entail the abandonment of traditional practices and beliefs, leading to the erosion of indigenous spirituality.

4. Erosion of Traditional Practices: Folk cultures have endured since ancient times, growing in tandem with the joys and sorrows of the communities they belong to. Hill people hold a deep attachment to their folk songs and dances, which have become integral parts of their cultural heritage, passed down from generation to generation through imitation. Traditional music, dance, and festivals are losing their significance as younger generations become more disconnected from their cultural roots. Urbanization can accelerate the assimilation process as people adapt to new cultural norms and lifestyles. The growth of urban areas in Tripura and migration from rural to urban settings have exposed the indigenous people to a more diverse and cosmopolitan way of life. Changes are evident in various aspects of Tripuri culture, including architectural practices. In the past, traditional houses like ‘gairing,’ ‘charnok,’ and ‘bannok’ were constructed. However, with the influence of modernization and globalization, people have shifted towards building cement houses. The embrace of mainstream Indian culture, urbanization, and modernization have led to the erosion of traditional Tripuri practices.

5. Education and modernisation: Since society is dynamic in nature and it’s inevitable with no exception to indigenous Tripuri community too. The impacts of globalization and modernisation also observed amongst Tripura community. Access to education, and exposure to mainstream Indian media have contributed to the assimilation of indigenous people into broader Indian culture. Younger generations often adopt mainstream Indian cultural elements as they receive education and engage with the wider Indian society. The inevitable of change has to accept by and simultaneously the term ‘modernisation; base on narrow definition as “progress” has to look upon indigenous context. Modernisation is an opportunity of learning, the one side of coin and it must be preserved. It is significant to preserve its cultural heritage and understand to practice sustainably

6. Government Policies: Government policies and initiatives, both at the state and national levels, have had a significant impact on Indigenous communities. While some policies aim to preserve and promote Indigenous cultures, others may inadvertently contribute to assimilation, such as the adoption of Indian administrative systems and laws.

7. Identity Crisis: Cultural assimilation can sometimes lead to an identity crisis. Some Tripuri individuals find themselves torn between preserving their indigenous heritage and adapting to the dominant culture, resulting in a sense of alienation.

Preservation and Revival Efforts

Thankfully, there are concerted efforts by various individuals and organizations to preserve and revive indigenous culture by:

1. Language Preservation: Language of Tripura is known as ‘Kok-Borok’ which comes under Tibeto-Burman language groups, its root can be traced to the Sino-Tibetan family speech. It strongly resembles of other sister dialect such as Bodo, Dimasa, Garo and Kachari of Assam tribes. Organizations are working to document and teach Kokborok in schools, colleges and universities, ensuring that the language continues to thrive.

2. Identity and Resistance: Despite the process of assimilation, many Tripuri people continue to maintain a strong sense of cultural identity and heritage. There have been efforts to revive and promote Kokborok, preserve traditional customs, and celebrate indigenous festivals. Some individuals and organizations actively resist assimilation and work to preserve their unique culture.

3. Cultural Festivals: Efforts to celebrate and promote indigenous festivals like Garia Puja, Kharchi puja, Ker puja, Hangrai, Hari-Buisu etc., help keep traditional rituals alive. 4. Arts and Crafts: The promotion of traditional art forms and crafts not only preserves culture but also provides economic opportunities for the community.

5. Awareness and Advocacy: Advocacy groups are raising awareness about the importance of preserving indigenous cultures and the need for policies that support their preservation.

The cultural assimilation of the indigenous communities is a complex and ongoing process with both positive and negative consequences. While embracing aspects of mainstream culture can bring opportunities, the erosion of their unique heritage is a concern. The preservation of indigenous languages, arts, and traditions remains an important aspect of maintaining cultural diversity and heritage. Efforts to understand and respect the cultural identity of the Tripuri people are essential for promoting social harmony and preserving their rich heritage. To strike a balance between adaptation and preservation, it is crucial for society, government, and the community itself to recognize the value of indigenous cultures and actively support their preservation. Only through collective efforts can the rich and diverse heritage of the indigenous people of the state and other communities be safeguarded for future generations.