Goriya Muslims of Assam
The Goriya Muslims of Assam are an ethno-religious group predominantly found in the Indian state of Assam.[1] They are part of the broader Assamese Muslim community, with distinct cultural and historical characteristics. The Goriya 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..[2]
Origins and history
[edit] |
In Assamese, the term "Goriya" has its roots in the Bengali language, where "Gori" means fair or light-skinned. The term originally referred to the people with lighter skin tones or those who were perceived to be from higher or more affluent social groups. Over time, this term became associated with a specific group of Muslim communities in Assam.
The Goriya Muslims are believed to have originated from a blend of local Assamese populations and Bengali Muslim immigrants, particularly during the 17th and 18th centuries. Over time, they adapted to the local culture while maintaining their Islamic faith. The term "Goriya" is used to describe Muslims who have integrated into the Assamese cultural and linguistic environment.[3]
Historically, the Goriya Muslims were part of the broader wave of Muslim migration and settlement in Assam, which began with the arrival of Bengali and Central Asian Muslims. However, they differ from other Muslim groups in Assam due to their closer ties with Assamese customs, language, and lifestyle.
Culture and practices
[edit] |
The Goriya 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.[4]
The community is known for its traditional crafts, including weaving and agriculture. Many Goriya Muslims in rural Assam engage in paddy farming, fishing, and animal husbandry. They also participate in the broader Assamese social life, with many marrying within the Assamese cultural context.
Language
[edit]The Goriya 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.[5]
Socio-economic life
[edit]Historically, the Goriya Muslims were involved in rural agricultural activities, particularly in the flood-prone areas of Assam. Over time, some members of the community have diversified into business, education, and service sectors. The Goriya Muslims are often characterized by their community-oriented lifestyle, where local Imams and community leaders play an essential role in guiding religious and social matters.[6]
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
[edit]The Goriya 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.[7]
Religion
[edit] |
The Goriya Muslims practice Sunni Islam and generally follow the Hanafi school of jurisprudence. 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.
References
[edit]- ^ Cultural Identity Of Indigenous Assamese Muslim
- ^ "Assam's Muslims: why some have been declared 'indigenous' and some left out". The Indian Express. 2022-07-13. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
- ^ "Assam in the Nineteenth Century" by S. K. Bhuyan
- ^ Identity, Culture and Politics in Assamese Muslim community
- ^ "Complex Case Of Goriya, Moriya, Oxomiya -- Assam Set To Separate Indigenous Muslims From Migrants". Outlook India. 2020-02-13. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
- ^ "Whither Assam Muslims? The Story of Group's Exclusion from Political, Public Spheres". thewire.in. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
- ^ "The 'Miya' question and the dilemma of Assam's Muslims". India Today. 2023-10-08. Retrieved 2024-12-28.
Other sources
[edit]- 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
[edit]- Sultana, Raihana Azmeera. Region religion and identities a study of goriya muslims of Assam (PhD thesis). Jamia Millia Islamia.