Who Are the Tiwa?
The Tiwa (also called Lalung) are a Tibeto-Burman indigenous people of Assam, India, numbering approximately 300,000-400,000 people. They speak Tiwa, a Tibeto-Burman language of the Bodo-Garo branch. The Tiwa inhabit two distinct ecological zones: the Hill Tiwa live in the Karbi Anglong and West Karbi Anglong districts, while the Plains Tiwa occupy areas of Morigaon, Nagaon, and Kamrup districts. These two groups have developed somewhat different cultural practices due to their environments. The Tiwa are famous for the Jonbeel Mela, a unique annual barter fair that preserves ancient trade traditions and celebrates Tiwa kingship.
Jonbeel Mela
The Jonbeel Mela is a unique three-day barter fair held annually in January at Jonbeel, near Jagiroad. It is one of Asia's last surviving barter fairs, where goods are exchanged without money. Hill Tiwa bring forest products, dried fish, and hill produce to exchange with Plains Tiwa who bring rice, vegetables, and other goods. The fair centers on the ceremonial role of the Gobha Raja (Tiwa king), who presides over rituals and community court proceedings. The event includes traditional sports, dances, and communal fishing in Jonbeel Lake. The Mela preserves ancient economic traditions, reinforces Hill-Plains Tiwa connections, and maintains traditional kingship institutions.
Hill and Plains Tiwa
The division between Hill Tiwa and Plains Tiwa creates interesting cultural variations within the community. Hill Tiwa, living in the Karbi Anglong hills, maintained more traditional practices including jhum (shifting) cultivation, distinct dress, and stronger adherence to traditional religion. Plains Tiwa, interacting more with caste Hindu neighbors, adopted wet rice agriculture and absorbed more Hindu influences. Language dialects differ between the groups. Despite these variations, common identity is maintained through shared festivals, the Gobha Raja institution, and events like Jonbeel Mela that bring both groups together. This diversity within unity characterizes Tiwa society.
Contemporary Tiwa
Modern Tiwa have Scheduled Tribe status and have organized politically for greater recognition. The Tiwa Autonomous Council provides some self-governance in Tiwa-majority areas. Education has expanded, producing Tiwa professionals, though economic development remains uneven. The Tiwa language faces pressure from Assamese, particularly among Plains Tiwa youth. Cultural organizations work to document traditions and promote language use. Traditional festivals including Jonbeel Mela continue as markers of identity. Environmental changes affect both hill and plains communities. How the Tiwa maintain connections between their hill and plains populations while preserving unique traditions like the barter fair shapes their future as one of Assam's distinctive tribes.
References
- Bordoloi, B. N. (1991). Tribes of Assam - Part I
- Das, J. (1988). "The Lalungs of Assam: Society, Economy and Culture"
- Deka, P. K. (2008). "Jonbeel Mela: A Traditional Barter Fair"