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About Rabha Tribe of Assam

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VIII. LITERATURE 4.1 ORAL: Like other ethnic tribal groups of the North East India and Assam, the Rabha tribe also have their own distinct language, literature and culture, which they express through mythology, folk songs, ballads, proverbs, etc. This community has rich oral literature, which passes from generation to generation. The Rabha oral literature can be classified into three major groups- namely (1). Folk songs, (2). Proverbs, riddles, sayings and charms, and (3). Folk-tales. Folk Songs: The Rabha oral literature is endowed with rich and variegated folk songs. Such traditional songs are basically found in the subgroups such as Maitory, Rongdani, Kocha, Pati, Dahuri, Totola etc., who have retained their traditional faith and …show more content…

Among these songs mention may be made of 'sathar geet' 'bahuraNi geet', Baikho-trokkay geet. e.g.: sathar geet: The ‘sathar geet’ is sung in baikhu festival. bhogobano urgino bhog-tultshirai nukbarkaiyo urgino tshale rumal phulo rai hurtshai hurtshai 'Submit to the almighty with ‘tulsi’ submit to the dear ones with floral 'rumal' i.e. handkerchief' Baikho-trokkay is another significant love and yearning song sung in Baikho worship. The Maitory and Rongdani Rabha’s specially sing this song. The young boys and girls generally present it. The entire course, which includes dance, is performed throughout the night. BahuraNi geet is also a very popular love and yearning song prevalent among the Pati Rabha’s. A part of BahuraNi geet is given below: ki diluN nidiluN gabur ki diluN toke ratio ghumti nahe tshopon dekhoN toke (e) Songs associated with merriment: Songs associated with merriment are very popular among the Rabha’s. Among these songs mention may be made of Dhemelia geet , Pronoy Gondhi Geet, Ahu Tshali Geet. Example of songs associated with merriment may be cited below: baitshak kal tsabani phar tseNa tseNa; nemkai katha kanita naroN ana reNa. 'After the month of spring (Bohag) morning begins to come early; why you go away while saying loving words.' (f)

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