In modern times, the study of tribes together with their traditional beliefs, practices and culture has become a prominent area of research. Significance of cultural diversity and its impact on the society has been well-acknowledged in the academic circle, and now it is being accepted by other sections of the society as well.
The Rabhas are an indigenous community settled largely in the Indian states of Assam, Meghalaya and West Bengal. There is no doubt that they have a language, traditional religion and culture to identify themselves as a distinct tribe.
The purpose of this book is to contribute knowledge to the society particularly about the belief system of Rabha Community of Assam, India. Since India is a multicultural state, it is essential to study each and every community's belief, socio-political structure and philosophical aspects. Critical study of a particular community is an endeavour to understand their world view. Through the cultural aspects like religious beliefs and practices, socio-political behavior, moral consciousness of a community reflects their world view. Religious activity of men and religious dimension cover a vast area of human life. With progress of human civilization many religions degenerate and certain beliefs become outmoded. Sometimes it may be due to the level of acculturation. Due to the assimilation to other influential culture most of the human cultures have lost their uniqueness. The fact remains that modern age provides material comfort to the people bringing a deteriorating phase to the ethos of the society. Perhaps man of the present age is in such a complex situation that he finds difficult to accept some traditional values. But man can never run away from his intrinsic feelings. Such feelings of men can furnish with religious attitude. Religion deals with a set of beliefs and ritualistic practices based on the idea of sacredness that enlighten the inner sense of man.
In this book it has been tried to provide comprehensive account of the life and culture of the Rabha tribe which may help to understand their world view. The study is made with the objectives of; throwing light on the tradition, religious life and various aspects of the Rabhas, to study critically religious rites, beliefs, values and practices of the Rabhas, to examine the philosophical significance of the religious beliefs and practices of the Rabhas and to put Rabha community in a proper place of cultural map of India. Keeping this objective in mind in this book attempt is made for critical study of Rabha traditional belief and society. Critical or philosophical study of any traditional belief is called philosophy of religion. It is not a religious teaching but a philosophical thinking about religion. Philosophy of religion critically examines the worship, faith, values and meditation of different religions. It is the philosophical analysis and understanding of religious beliefs and doctrines. Religious philosophy thus, analyses and elucidates religious concepts in terms of general conceptual framework. Thus, through this book it is attempted to analyse Rabha traditional society philosophically and try to place it in modern day concern.
The key concept of my work revolves around the philosophical point of view of the traditional Rabha Religion and Society. The present book is based on my Ph.D. thesis submitted to the North Eastern Hill University, Shillong. Without the outstanding support of my Supervisor, Prof. Xavier P. Mao, this work would not have been completed, who was instrumental in giving timely suggestions, precious guidance and constructive criticism at every step of my work.
I wish to note my gratitude to the entire team of the publishing company for their patience, and helping me throughout the process of getting this book published.I must not forget to extend my sincere thanks to Dr. John Riley, Minnesota, for taking up editing of my work and furnishing it to the publisher in a publishable format.
Finally, I extend my deepest gratitude to the unseen support of my family members and friends for their encouragement during progress of my work and by supplying photographs of different traditional rituals and festivals of the Rabha community. I would, particularly, like to mention the name of Sri MukulRabha, Retired Deputy Director of Cultural Affairs, Govt. of Assam, Assam, for the photograph of dear Tejaswini in the traditional Rabha costume.
Above all, I am greatly indebted to my father, Sri Khagen Hatto Rabha, without whose inspirations and support it would not have been possible for me to complete my research work. I stand equally indebted to my mother Late ProvabatiRabha, whose constant memory inspired me to work hard constantly. Also, I would like to record the name of my daughter, TejaswiniRabha, who continually motivated me to work on this book. Last, but not the least, I would like to express my thanks to the readers of the book.
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