Goria People

The Goriya or Goria of Assam are an ethno-religious group predominantly found in the Indian state of Assam. They are part of the broader Assamese Muslim community, with distinct cultural and historical characteristics. The Goria Muslims are primarily known for their rural lifestyle, involvement in agriculture, and specific customs and practices that differentiate them from other Muslim communities in the region..

Origins and history

The Goria Muslims of Assam represent a unique community that emerged from the interaction of Islamic influences with local Assamese culture. Over centuries, the Goriya Muslims have established themselves as an integral part of Assamese society while retaining their distinct religious and cultural identity. Their history spans the medieval era, the colonial period, and the modern age, reflecting the socio-political and economic transformations of the region

In Early Times (13th–15th Century)

The history of Islam in Assam dates back to the 13th century, with the arrival of Muslim traders and missionaries along the Brahmaputra River. The initial contact between local communities and Muslim settlers laid the groundwork for the assimilation of Islamic culture into Assamese society. By the 15th century, Muslim influence had begun to grow due to trade, migration, and the advent of Islamic missionaries, or Sufis, who were instrumental in spreading Islam in the region.

The Goria Muslims likely originated as descendants of Bengali Muslim immigrants who intermarried with local Assamese populations. This blending of cultures marked the foundation of the Goria Muslim community, which became distinct for its integration of Assamese customs with Islamic beliefs.

Medieval Period (16th–17th Century)

During the 16th century, the Mughal Empire expanded into parts of eastern India, including Assam. Although the Mughals failed to establish complete control over the Ahom Kingdom, their influence introduced Islamic culture, administration, and trade to the region. The Goriya Muslims emerged as a distinct community during this period, as many Mughal soldiers, artisans, and merchants settled in Assam, often intermarrying with local Assamese families.

The rise of the Ahom Kingdom also played a significant role in shaping the Goria Muslim identity. Unlike other regions of India, Assam under the Ahoms allowed a relatively harmonious coexistence of different religious groups. The Goria Muslims adapted to Assamese customs, adopting the Assamese language while practicing Sunni Islam.

Colonial Era (18th–20th Century)

The British colonial period brought significant changes to Assam's socio-economic and political structure. With the introduction of modern administration and the commercialization of agriculture, many Goria Muslims transitioned from traditional occupations like farming and fishing to small businesses and wage labor. The colonial census reports from the late 19th century categorized the Goria Muslims as part of Assam’s indigenous Muslim population, distinct from Bengali-speaking Muslim immigrants.

During this time, the Goria Muslims actively participated in preserving Assamese culture. They contributed to local festivals, music, and art while maintaining their Islamic identity. The community's distinct identity as Assamese-speaking Muslims set them apart from other Muslim groups in the region.

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Post-Independence Period (1947–Present)

Following India’s independence in 1947, the Goriya Muslims faced new challenges related to identity and migration. The partition of India led to a significant influx of Bengali-speaking Muslim refugees into Assam, which sometimes created tensions between the indigenous Assamese-speaking Muslims (like the Goriya Muslims) and the newer migrant communities. The Goria Muslims continued to emphasize their Assamese identity, participating in state politics, education, and cultural activities.

In modern times, the Goria Muslims have made significant contributions to Assamese society. Many have achieved prominence in fields like education, literature, and public service. However, the community continues to face socio-economic challenges, including limited access to higher education and modern employment opportunities.

Culture and practices

The Goria Muslims of Assam are an indigenous Assamese Muslim community with a rich cultural heritage that blends Islamic traditions with local Assamese customs. Their cultural identity is characterized by unique practices in language, attire, cuisine, and social rituals

Attire and Dress

Traditional attire among Goria Muslims reflects a synthesis of Islamic and Assamese influences. Men typically wear the kurta and lungi, complemented by the gamosa, a traditional Assamese cloth.

Women often wear the mekhela sador, the traditional Assamese dress, adapted to align with Islamic principles of modesty. This blend signifies their respect for both religious and regional sartorial traditions.

Cuisine

The culinary practices of Goria Muslims incorporate Assamese flavors while adhering to Islamic dietary laws. Their cuisine features a variety of traditional dishes, including pitha (rice cakes) and doi (curd), which are integral to Assamese gastronomy. Additionally, they prepare special dishes during Islamic festivals, showcasing a harmonious blend of cultural and religious culinary traditions.

Social Rituals and Practices

Religious Observances: As Sunni Muslims, the Goria community observes Islamic rituals, including daily prayers, fasting during Ramadan, and celebrating festivals like Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Notably, they also participate in regional Assamese festivals such as Bihu, reflecting a syncretic cultural identity.

Marriage Customs: Goria Muslims practice arranged marriages, often within close kin, as arranged by family elders. Their matrimonial ceremonies incorporate elements from both Islamic and Assamese traditions. For instance, the ritual of murot tel diya before the nikaah is influenced by the Assamese Hindu practice of maah halodhi diya.

Social Structure: The community maintains a patriarchal and patrilineal family system, with inheritance customs allowing women to inherit a portion of their father's property. They observe social norms similar to Assamese Hindus, including specific avoidance relationships between certain in-laws

Festivals and Celebrations

The Goriya community actively participates in both Islamic and Assamese festivals. They celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha with religious fervor, while also engaging in Bihu, the major Assamese festival, reflecting their integrated cultural identity. This participation underscores their dual heritage and the seamless blending of religious and regional festivities.

Craftsmanship and Occupation

Historically, the Goria Muslims have been associated with various crafts and occupations. While many have traditionally engaged in agriculture, some communities, like the Moriyas, are renowned for their skills in brass metalwork and blacksmithing. These crafts have been passed down through generations, contributing significantly to Assam's cultural and economic landscape

Language

The Goria Muslims primarily speak Assamese, although some may also speak Bengali or Urdu. Assamese, being the dominant language of the region, is used in daily life, education, and religious practices. The community has also contributed to Assamese literature and culture, particularly through their religious schools (madrasas) and local mosques.

Socio-economic life

Traditional Occupations

Historically, the Goriya were fishermen and ferry-men, particularly along the Ganges River. In contemporary times, many have transitioned to agriculture, engaging in paddy farming, fishing, and animal husbandry. Some have diversified into small businesses and wage labor.

Craftsmanship

The Goria community is known for traditional crafts, including weaving and brass work, contributing to the local economy and cultural tapestry.

They are also known for maintaining a strong sense of social cohesion, with numerous madrasas, mosques, and social organizations that focus on both religious education and community welfare.

Demographics and distribution

The Goria Muslim population is primarily located in Assam's Brahmaputra Valley, with the largest concentrations found in the Kamrup, Barpeta, and Nalbari districts. Although they make up a smaller segment of Assam's total Muslim population, their influence within the region's cultural and religious landscape is significant. They are known to maintain close ties with both other Assamese Muslims and the broader Assamese-speaking population.

Religion

The Goria Muslims are primarily Sunni Muslims and follow the Hanafi school of thought. While they adhere to Islamic religious practices such as daily prayers (Salat), fasting during Ramadan, and performing the Hajj pilgrimage, they also celebrate regional Assamese festivals like Bihu and Magh Bihu. This blend of Islamic and Assamese customs makes their cultural identity unique.

They are well-integrated into the Assamese Muslim religious network, which includes regular participation in Islamic festivals such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. The community places a strong emphasis on family and religious values, with local mosques and madrasas serving as centers for religious learning.

Religious Practices

While adhering to Sunni Islam of the Hanafi school, Goria Muslims incorporate local customs:

Sufi Influence: The teachings of medieval Sufi saints like Azan Pir have significantly influenced their religious practices, leading to the adoption of certain local traditions.

Syncretic Rituals:Some practices, such as observing post-mortuary rites on the third, seventh, and tenth days after death, mirror local Hindu customs, diverging from traditional Islamic practices.

Other sources

• Sarwan, S. (2018)."The History and Demography of Muslims in Assam". New Delhi: Oxford University Press.
• Islam, M. A. (2012)."The Muslim Communities of Assam: A Sociocultural Study". Journal of South Asian Studies, 17(3), 125-143.
• Choudhury, T. K. (2014)."Assamese Muslim Culture and Heritage". Guwahati: Assam Publications.
• Mohammad, A. (2016)."Religious and Social Identity of Assam’s Goriya Muslims". Assam Studies Quarterly, 32(4), 80-95.
• Hussain, A. (2010)."The Goriya Muslims of Assam: A Cultural Integration". Asian Ethnography Review, 15(2), 220-240.

External links

• Sultana, Raihana Azmeera. Region religion and identities a study of goriya muslims of Assam (PhD thesis). Jamia Millia Islamia.
• Beyond common consciousness: understanding the rise of separate identity consciousness among indigenous Muslims of Assam. By Nayan Moni Kumar
• THE STORY OF ASSAMESE MUSLIMS. By Zafri Mudasser Nofil
• Gharia- World Culture Encyclopedia.
• Gorias- Optimizes IAS
• Between ‘Indigenous’ And the ‘Others’: The Tangled Identity Question of Muslims In Assam.– Shofiul Alom Pathan