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The Assamese: A Portrait of a Community
'Aami kun? Who are we?’
So begins journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty’s enquiry into the diverse cultures and peoples of Assam. Her book looks in detail at all the varying aspects of the land and its people—the astonishingly diverse physical appearance of the Assamese and what it reveals about their origins; the multiple kingdoms and rulers of the region from antiquity onwards, of whom the Ahoms are the best known; the Assamese language and its rich linguistic provenance; the folk beliefs and celebrations of Assamese culture, such as the three Bihu festivals, which cut across boundaries of caste and religion; the significance of the mighty Brahmaputra, the Red River, in the lives of the people; the quintessential food, drink, and cooking techniques to be found across the region; the many distinctive forms of cultural expression that are found nowhere else in the country—clothes, jewellery, literature, music, dance, cinema, drama, and art; and, finally, the politics of the state and how it informs the nature of contemporary Assam.
Full of colourful anecdotes and unforgettable pen portraits, The Assamese is the first major attempt to provide a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of India’s oldest and most distinctive communities.
So begins journalist Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty’s enquiry into the diverse cultures and peoples of Assam. Her book looks in detail at all the varying aspects of the land and its people—the astonishingly diverse physical appearance of the Assamese and what it reveals about their origins; the multiple kingdoms and rulers of the region from antiquity onwards, of whom the Ahoms are the best known; the Assamese language and its rich linguistic provenance; the folk beliefs and celebrations of Assamese culture, such as the three Bihu festivals, which cut across boundaries of caste and religion; the significance of the mighty Brahmaputra, the Red River, in the lives of the people; the quintessential food, drink, and cooking techniques to be found across the region; the many distinctive forms of cultural expression that are found nowhere else in the country—clothes, jewellery, literature, music, dance, cinema, drama, and art; and, finally, the politics of the state and how it informs the nature of contemporary Assam.
Full of colourful anecdotes and unforgettable pen portraits, The Assamese is the first major attempt to provide a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of India’s oldest and most distinctive communities.
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Published November 5, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 22, 2024
The Assamese by Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty is a fascinating and informative exploration of the history, culture, and identity of the people of Assam. The book covers a wide range of topics, from the origins and diversity of the Assamese, to their language, cuisine, art, and politics. The author draws on her personal experiences, interviews, and research to present a rich and nuanced portrait of one of India’s oldest and most distinctive communities. The book is full of vivid descriptions, anecdotes, and insights that bring the Assamese to life. The book is not only a valuable resource for anyone interested in learning more about Assam, but also a celebration of its beauty, diversity, and resilience.
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December 5, 2023The Assamese: A Portrait of a Community
Author: Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
Genre: Geographical Biography
Published by Aleph Book Company
Pages: 454
MRP: Rs. 999/-
Thank you @alephbookco for a review copy of the book.
The Assamese is a book that claims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of India’s oldest and most distinctive communities. The author, Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, is a journalist who has covered Assam for many years. She attempts to explore the diverse aspects of Assam’s culture, history, language, politics, and identity through personal anecdotes, interviews, and research.
The book provides a broad and detailed overview of various aspects of Assam’s culture, history, language, politics, and identity. It covers topics such as the physical appearance of the Assamese, the multiple kingdoms and rulers of the region, the Assamese language and its rich linguistic provenance, the folk beliefs and celebrations of Assamese culture, the significance of the mighty Brahmaputra river, the quintessential food, drink, and cooking techniques to be found across the region, and the many distinctive forms of cultural expression that are found nowhere else in the country. The book is enriched with personal anecdotes and pen portraits that add color and depth to the narrative. The author shares her own experiences and observations, as well as those of the people she has met and interviewed, which make the book more engaging and relatable.
The book is written in a lucid and accessible language that makes it easy for readers of all backgrounds to understand and appreciate. The author avoids jargon and technical terms, and uses simple and vivid descriptions to convey complex ideas and emotions.
One of the major flaws of the book is its uncritical acceptance of the Aryan invasion theory, which is a controversial and contested hypothesis that posits that the Indo-Aryan people migrated or invaded India from Central Asia and imposed their culture and language on the indigenous people. The author uses this theory to explain the physical and linguistic diversity of the Assamese people, without acknowledging the alternative views and evidences that challenge this theory. For instance, she ignores the recent genetic studies that show that the Indian population is largely derived from two ancient groups,
Continue reading on the website: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/the-...
Author: Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
Genre: Geographical Biography
Published by Aleph Book Company
Pages: 454
MRP: Rs. 999/-
Thank you @alephbookco for a review copy of the book.
The Assamese is a book that claims to provide a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of one of India’s oldest and most distinctive communities. The author, Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty, is a journalist who has covered Assam for many years. She attempts to explore the diverse aspects of Assam’s culture, history, language, politics, and identity through personal anecdotes, interviews, and research.
The book provides a broad and detailed overview of various aspects of Assam’s culture, history, language, politics, and identity. It covers topics such as the physical appearance of the Assamese, the multiple kingdoms and rulers of the region, the Assamese language and its rich linguistic provenance, the folk beliefs and celebrations of Assamese culture, the significance of the mighty Brahmaputra river, the quintessential food, drink, and cooking techniques to be found across the region, and the many distinctive forms of cultural expression that are found nowhere else in the country. The book is enriched with personal anecdotes and pen portraits that add color and depth to the narrative. The author shares her own experiences and observations, as well as those of the people she has met and interviewed, which make the book more engaging and relatable.
The book is written in a lucid and accessible language that makes it easy for readers of all backgrounds to understand and appreciate. The author avoids jargon and technical terms, and uses simple and vivid descriptions to convey complex ideas and emotions.
One of the major flaws of the book is its uncritical acceptance of the Aryan invasion theory, which is a controversial and contested hypothesis that posits that the Indo-Aryan people migrated or invaded India from Central Asia and imposed their culture and language on the indigenous people. The author uses this theory to explain the physical and linguistic diversity of the Assamese people, without acknowledging the alternative views and evidences that challenge this theory. For instance, she ignores the recent genetic studies that show that the Indian population is largely derived from two ancient groups,
Continue reading on the website: https://www.keetabikeeda.in/post/the-...
February 25, 2024
A good attempt to bring in the different aspects of a community in a single book, however, in some areas it just looks like a school project with incomplete explanations and historical references. The editorial staff should do a much better job, with so many editorial mistakes.
September 1, 2024
Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty explores the history of Axom and its people really beautifully and in-depth, although it is sad to see varying shades of bias creep in, especially in the first and last chapter.
The biases:
The book goes above and beyond to implicate the Aryan theory, that too as an invasion in particular, on the reader. The book explores how people from across SE Asia and Himalayas and Austric people and even Mainlanders immigrated here over the centuries. But it tries to claim “Aryan” people as a race of their own, which is a gross (and racist) misuse of the word. It would be right to say the “Vedic” people came. “Arya” is an adjective (i.e a describing word), like “beautiful" or “smart”. A race cannot be “Arya” unless it has Aryan qualities; which we cannot say for every single mainlander. Additionally, Yunnan used to be Sanatani as well. It had a Puranic culture, and it was the Aryan Yunan people who took Yamaraj to the Chinese mainland. This is where the Ahoms came from as well, from Yunnan (illegally occupied by China today).
I support the complete end to using the foreign word “Hindu”, but even without the word used even once I hate seeing the mislabeling so common in the archaic academia of the left.
Additionally, the author seems to insist mention of Islamic tradition in Axom even if the contribution is minimal or even peripheral, or happenstance. Now I am not inherently against this; but when the book goes out of its way to tell us about Ali’s children’s beheading when describing an Islamic tradition, but fails to mention the story of Krishna even once in the MULTIPLE aspects of Axomiya culture from Sankardev to other arts, I do question why this blind spot exists.
I will put political considerations of the author aside (which I do think they were; will explain why), but I think that, just because we grew up in Hindu households, and these stories are known across the length and breadth of Bharat, that they’re common knowledge. We take them for granted. And when someone reads book after book with this exact blind spot suddenly sees it, they find themselves open to a whole new world. The left is unable to claim this aspect of culture due to their insistence on coaxing the Jewish 40% instead.
As for the final chapter, the book does make the argument that communalism is bad for Axom. It brings up the’jatiotabad’ movement of Axomi sovereignty, which every state has its own version of and is commonly called “Jatitva” today. While it is true that Jati makes a good chunk of our Indic identity (50% to be precise), the other 50% is made up of “Hindutva” (not to be confused with Sanatanatva). To say one makes up our identity and not the other is exclusionist, especially when one is given more emphasis than the other.
The fact that 40% of Assamese speak Axomiya is scary. This is something most Assamese Muslims would also agree with, and the Appendix also mentions this clearly. This is in line with Savarkar’s version of Hindutva (where if any Muslim considers Bharat their punyabhumi they are Hindu). Conversely, many of these Assamese “Muslims” could do gharwapsi to differentiate themselves from the colonizer too, furthering the assimilation of Axomiya people.
As the tandav of kalyug continues, we will see how this turns out.
The best parts:
The book is, on the other hand, really well written. It talks about the various kingdoms of Axom, the cultural links it has to the East Asian world (although yes I desired more links to the mainland as well), the practices and the folk songs.
The best chapters in this book do talk about the artisan skills of Axom, the handicrafts, the music, the movies; the cultural aspect. The book left out Axomiya meme culture, the traceless tasteless aspect, or even newer singers like Kaysee who represent my generation much better (Gen Z), but it is alright. What we get instead is some very high quality movie buff history of a regional cinema that is not being funded enough. I would even love to read the cited books next, simply because the regional cinema history of our country is equally fascinating and underrated.
The author’s research, her visit to various artisans’s houses, their interviews and questions on their identity, their wants and need for preservation, GI tags, amenities, etc; it really reflects in the depth of research.
Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty truly paints the Assamese people in her own image; and what a vivid painting it is! Outside of her blind spots for Sanatani culture (leaving it unexplained), I would say this is a great book. Highly recommend it, but do beware of the biases in the narrative. Unless narratives of history can entirely divorce themselves from political considerations, true history and True Indology will seldom be found in our books and in our identities. Such books can be a great start to self discovery of our identity; but they are in no way the end of it.
Sadly, the criticism ran longer than the praise, but it is simply because the devil is in the deets; this book deserves its due despite its bias.
Score:
7/10
Follow me on Medium! @karthikthegovil
The biases:
The book goes above and beyond to implicate the Aryan theory, that too as an invasion in particular, on the reader. The book explores how people from across SE Asia and Himalayas and Austric people and even Mainlanders immigrated here over the centuries. But it tries to claim “Aryan” people as a race of their own, which is a gross (and racist) misuse of the word. It would be right to say the “Vedic” people came. “Arya” is an adjective (i.e a describing word), like “beautiful" or “smart”. A race cannot be “Arya” unless it has Aryan qualities; which we cannot say for every single mainlander. Additionally, Yunnan used to be Sanatani as well. It had a Puranic culture, and it was the Aryan Yunan people who took Yamaraj to the Chinese mainland. This is where the Ahoms came from as well, from Yunnan (illegally occupied by China today).
I support the complete end to using the foreign word “Hindu”, but even without the word used even once I hate seeing the mislabeling so common in the archaic academia of the left.
Additionally, the author seems to insist mention of Islamic tradition in Axom even if the contribution is minimal or even peripheral, or happenstance. Now I am not inherently against this; but when the book goes out of its way to tell us about Ali’s children’s beheading when describing an Islamic tradition, but fails to mention the story of Krishna even once in the MULTIPLE aspects of Axomiya culture from Sankardev to other arts, I do question why this blind spot exists.
I will put political considerations of the author aside (which I do think they were; will explain why), but I think that, just because we grew up in Hindu households, and these stories are known across the length and breadth of Bharat, that they’re common knowledge. We take them for granted. And when someone reads book after book with this exact blind spot suddenly sees it, they find themselves open to a whole new world. The left is unable to claim this aspect of culture due to their insistence on coaxing the Jewish 40% instead.
As for the final chapter, the book does make the argument that communalism is bad for Axom. It brings up the’jatiotabad’ movement of Axomi sovereignty, which every state has its own version of and is commonly called “Jatitva” today. While it is true that Jati makes a good chunk of our Indic identity (50% to be precise), the other 50% is made up of “Hindutva” (not to be confused with Sanatanatva). To say one makes up our identity and not the other is exclusionist, especially when one is given more emphasis than the other.
The fact that 40% of Assamese speak Axomiya is scary. This is something most Assamese Muslims would also agree with, and the Appendix also mentions this clearly. This is in line with Savarkar’s version of Hindutva (where if any Muslim considers Bharat their punyabhumi they are Hindu). Conversely, many of these Assamese “Muslims” could do gharwapsi to differentiate themselves from the colonizer too, furthering the assimilation of Axomiya people.
As the tandav of kalyug continues, we will see how this turns out.
The best parts:
The book is, on the other hand, really well written. It talks about the various kingdoms of Axom, the cultural links it has to the East Asian world (although yes I desired more links to the mainland as well), the practices and the folk songs.
The best chapters in this book do talk about the artisan skills of Axom, the handicrafts, the music, the movies; the cultural aspect. The book left out Axomiya meme culture, the traceless tasteless aspect, or even newer singers like Kaysee who represent my generation much better (Gen Z), but it is alright. What we get instead is some very high quality movie buff history of a regional cinema that is not being funded enough. I would even love to read the cited books next, simply because the regional cinema history of our country is equally fascinating and underrated.
The author’s research, her visit to various artisans’s houses, their interviews and questions on their identity, their wants and need for preservation, GI tags, amenities, etc; it really reflects in the depth of research.
Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty truly paints the Assamese people in her own image; and what a vivid painting it is! Outside of her blind spots for Sanatani culture (leaving it unexplained), I would say this is a great book. Highly recommend it, but do beware of the biases in the narrative. Unless narratives of history can entirely divorce themselves from political considerations, true history and True Indology will seldom be found in our books and in our identities. Such books can be a great start to self discovery of our identity; but they are in no way the end of it.
Sadly, the criticism ran longer than the praise, but it is simply because the devil is in the deets; this book deserves its due despite its bias.
Score:
7/10
Follow me on Medium! @karthikthegovil
November 30, 2023
Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty's magnum opus, "The Assamese," meticulously navigates the intricate tapestry of Assam, unraveling the multifaceted layers that define this venerable Indian community. With an evocative opening, the author poses the fundamental question, "Aami kun? Who are we?"—a poignant preamble to an exhaustive exploration.
Pisharoty adeptly dissects the physical heterogeneity of the Assamese populace, offering profound insights into its implications for their ancestral roots. The narrative, steeped in historical inquiry, traverses the epochs of numerous kingdoms and rulers that have indelibly shaped the region, with a discerning focus on the indomitable Ahoms.
Language, a cultural cornerstone, assumes a central role as Pisharoty delves into the Assamese language's intricate linguistic heritage. The reader is ensconced in a vibrant depiction of folk beliefs and festivities, notably the transcendent Bihu celebrations that defy caste and religious confines.
The omnipotent Brahmaputra River emerges as a protagonist, weaving its influence through the lives of the Assamese people. From quintessential culinary delights to distinctive cooking methodologies, Pisharoty paints a sensory tableau of the region's gastronomic landscape.
The narrative extends into the realm of cultural expression, casting a spotlight on exclusive Assamese forms—attire, jewelry, literature, music, dance, cinema, drama, and art. Pisharoty masterfully interlaces colorful anecdotes and indelible character sketches, crafting a vibrant tapestry of Assamese life.
In its denouement, "The Assamese" scrutinizes the political terrain, unraveling the intricate interplay between politics and the state's character. The book bequeaths valuable insights into contemporary Assam, culminating in a profound understanding of the region.
Pisharoty's narrative prowess seamlessly amalgamates history, anthropology, and personal narratives, elevating "The Assamese" to the echelons of a seminal work.
This comprehensive and nuanced portrayal not only exalts the diversity of Assam but also stands as a seminal contribution to unraveling India's cultural mosaic.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
Pisharoty adeptly dissects the physical heterogeneity of the Assamese populace, offering profound insights into its implications for their ancestral roots. The narrative, steeped in historical inquiry, traverses the epochs of numerous kingdoms and rulers that have indelibly shaped the region, with a discerning focus on the indomitable Ahoms.
Language, a cultural cornerstone, assumes a central role as Pisharoty delves into the Assamese language's intricate linguistic heritage. The reader is ensconced in a vibrant depiction of folk beliefs and festivities, notably the transcendent Bihu celebrations that defy caste and religious confines.
The omnipotent Brahmaputra River emerges as a protagonist, weaving its influence through the lives of the Assamese people. From quintessential culinary delights to distinctive cooking methodologies, Pisharoty paints a sensory tableau of the region's gastronomic landscape.
The narrative extends into the realm of cultural expression, casting a spotlight on exclusive Assamese forms—attire, jewelry, literature, music, dance, cinema, drama, and art. Pisharoty masterfully interlaces colorful anecdotes and indelible character sketches, crafting a vibrant tapestry of Assamese life.
In its denouement, "The Assamese" scrutinizes the political terrain, unraveling the intricate interplay between politics and the state's character. The book bequeaths valuable insights into contemporary Assam, culminating in a profound understanding of the region.
Pisharoty's narrative prowess seamlessly amalgamates history, anthropology, and personal narratives, elevating "The Assamese" to the echelons of a seminal work.
This comprehensive and nuanced portrayal not only exalts the diversity of Assam but also stands as a seminal contribution to unraveling India's cultural mosaic.
🌟🌟🌟🌟✨
November 25, 2023
-Communities are People-
An overview of ‘The Assamese’ by Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
🖋️📖
‘Aami kun?’ Who are we? Asks Pisharoty in her extensive treatise on everything Assamese. When someone asks her ‘Are you Assam-i?’, she replies ‘No, I’m Assamese. Assam-i in my language means somebody accused of a crime.’
She begins with who settled and lived in Assam, the meaning of the name itself (unequalled? Peerless?). She writes about the royals of Pragjyotisa-Kamrup, the earliest ones who were considered to be of danab/asura lineage ie Bhauma dynasty then Varman dynasty, Mlechcha dynasty, and Pala dynasty.
She poetically wonders- ‘Who walked on the land by the Brahmaputra that I call home?’. She extensively writes about Bhupen Hazarika singing who is this unknown boatman preparing his meal on the sands of the Luit? On the other hand, she also mentions the annual devastation that the river Brahmaputra wreaks on the riverine people.
About the food, she especially mentions ronga saah (red tea), Khaar (an alkaline concoction made from peel of a ripe banana), xaak and Jolokia (greens and chillies), Tenga and Tita (tart and bitter ie acidic foods), Pitika (a mash with and without meat), Fish , Bamboo and Rice. She writes how natural aroma of a food is used to make it palatable.
She writes about the literature, food and art along with a general sense of piety and beliefs, the politics and what lies behind.
She highlights - ‘Communities are people. They are not abstractions. They are not rhetoric. They are human beings.’
It won’t be a hyperbole if I say that this book has embraced an entire land with its living and their practices.
An overview of ‘The Assamese’ by Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty
🖋️📖
‘Aami kun?’ Who are we? Asks Pisharoty in her extensive treatise on everything Assamese. When someone asks her ‘Are you Assam-i?’, she replies ‘No, I’m Assamese. Assam-i in my language means somebody accused of a crime.’
She begins with who settled and lived in Assam, the meaning of the name itself (unequalled? Peerless?). She writes about the royals of Pragjyotisa-Kamrup, the earliest ones who were considered to be of danab/asura lineage ie Bhauma dynasty then Varman dynasty, Mlechcha dynasty, and Pala dynasty.
She poetically wonders- ‘Who walked on the land by the Brahmaputra that I call home?’. She extensively writes about Bhupen Hazarika singing who is this unknown boatman preparing his meal on the sands of the Luit? On the other hand, she also mentions the annual devastation that the river Brahmaputra wreaks on the riverine people.
About the food, she especially mentions ronga saah (red tea), Khaar (an alkaline concoction made from peel of a ripe banana), xaak and Jolokia (greens and chillies), Tenga and Tita (tart and bitter ie acidic foods), Pitika (a mash with and without meat), Fish , Bamboo and Rice. She writes how natural aroma of a food is used to make it palatable.
She writes about the literature, food and art along with a general sense of piety and beliefs, the politics and what lies behind.
She highlights - ‘Communities are people. They are not abstractions. They are not rhetoric. They are human beings.’
It won’t be a hyperbole if I say that this book has embraced an entire land with its living and their practices.
October 22, 2024
Very politically motivated with critical undertones of propaganda.
A tome without any maps or pictures. Overall disappointing read.
A tome without any maps or pictures. Overall disappointing read.
February 18, 2025
This is a book that assumes a greater knowledge of Indian culture than I possess.
February 11, 2024
If there is one book I am going to reread in 2024, it is going to be this one for sure!
#TheAssamese was a comprehensive book on the Assamese community and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it this year. It is not often (rather, it is very rare), to even come across mentions of Assam (or Pragjyotisha, Pragjyotishpur or Kamprup) in mainstream literature (both fiction or non-fiction). Therefore, to have this book in my hands is nothing short of priviledge on the one hand and applaud for the author, on the other.
It was really amazing to read about my history in complete - and not just get a quick glimpse of it like in our curriculum books. I think this is an updated historical as well as anthropological work that should find its way into every Assamese’s bookshelf. I unfortunately am one belonging to the generation that did not get to learn my own history fully. And now that I am aware of the same, I am trying to change that. Slowly but surely, I am getting rid of my ignorace and reclaiming my identity.
The book discusses the history and culture of the people of this region, including the origin, the physical appearance, food habits, languages and dialects, as well as the different and unique folk culture including celebrations and rituals. Moreover, the book also delves into the political scenario, in regards to the NRC, the Assamese identity, the Assam Accord, the ‘indigenous’ identity and so on.
Overall, I would like to reassert that this is a really important piece of work that will help everyone who, like me, wants to know more and delve deeper into the Assamese culture and history as we know it.
Many thanks to Aleph for sending me a review copy of this book!
#TheAssamese was a comprehensive book on the Assamese community and I am so glad I had the opportunity to read it this year. It is not often (rather, it is very rare), to even come across mentions of Assam (or Pragjyotisha, Pragjyotishpur or Kamprup) in mainstream literature (both fiction or non-fiction). Therefore, to have this book in my hands is nothing short of priviledge on the one hand and applaud for the author, on the other.
It was really amazing to read about my history in complete - and not just get a quick glimpse of it like in our curriculum books. I think this is an updated historical as well as anthropological work that should find its way into every Assamese’s bookshelf. I unfortunately am one belonging to the generation that did not get to learn my own history fully. And now that I am aware of the same, I am trying to change that. Slowly but surely, I am getting rid of my ignorace and reclaiming my identity.
The book discusses the history and culture of the people of this region, including the origin, the physical appearance, food habits, languages and dialects, as well as the different and unique folk culture including celebrations and rituals. Moreover, the book also delves into the political scenario, in regards to the NRC, the Assamese identity, the Assam Accord, the ‘indigenous’ identity and so on.
Overall, I would like to reassert that this is a really important piece of work that will help everyone who, like me, wants to know more and delve deeper into the Assamese culture and history as we know it.
Many thanks to Aleph for sending me a review copy of this book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews