Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma-The Emergence of Bodo Ethnic Consciousness in the Early 20th Century

International Journal of Humanities and Social Science

© 2017 by SSRG - IJHSS Journal

Volume 4 Issue 2

Year of Publication : 2017

Authors : Kumud Ranjan Basumatary

10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V4I2P105

How to Cite?

Kumud Ranjan Basumatary, "Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma-The Emergence of Bodo Ethnic Consciousness in the Early 20th Century," SSRG International Journal of Humanities and Social Science, vol. 4,  no. 2, pp. 25-36, 2017. Crossref, https://doi.org/10.14445/23942703/IJHSS-V4I2P105

Abstract:

The Bodos were the earliest settlers of the present state of Assam. In ancient and medieval period they molded a powerful kingdom in different names at different places. They were Asura dynasty, Danavas, Salasthambas, Palas, Burmanas, Chutiyas, Koches, Kacharies and Tiprahs. But all these powerful kingdoms are now represented by remnants of Koch kings of Bijni, Mongaldoi, Raja of Rani and Beltola. All these kings by the influence of Brahmins became Hinduised Kings. But their subjects did not follow their suit. In recent times, with the spread of Neo-Vaishnavite religion large chunk of common Bodo people became saranias after being proselytized into this new faith and this again was followed by another wave of converts into Christianity after the coming of the British into Assam in 1826. Thus, hemmed in from all sites some sections from among the Bodos became alarmed that extinction of the Bodos with their own culture and language was only the matter of time. To rescue the tribe from imminent peril, the new middle class Bodos become alerted and endeavoured to arouse consciousness by launching Socio-religious reformation movements under the leadership of Gurudev Kalicharan Brahma.

Keywords:

 Awakening, Ethnic consciousness, Feeling of Ethnicity, Past glories, Zaminders, Barkandazes, Civilizing efforts, Subah, Bodos, Meches, Koches, Brahma Dharma, Ignorant, Enlightenment, Illiteracy, Medieval Practices.

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