Abstract

The paper primarily focuses on the material culture of Karbi Diaspora in Assam. The Karbis represent one of the major ethnic groups in northeast India and who are formerly known as Mikirs. The Karbis are ethnically Mongoloid and linguistically Tibeto-Burman particularly speaking Kuki-Chin sub group of languages. Due to lack of historical records and archaeological findings, the Karbi folktales and folklores form the only source of information with regard to their early history. The migration of Karbis from Burma into Assam probably took place at the beginning of the 17th century through northern Manipur. Although the Karbis dominantly inhibit the hills of Karbi Anglong district, Karbi settlements are also found in few other districts of Assam like Nagaon, Kamrup, Darrang, Golaghat and North Cachar hills. The Karbis have a very rich and unique material culture. The most significant aspects of Karbi material culture include architecture, food habits, costume and ornament. However, over the years there has been a gradual change in the material culture among the Karbi Diaspora in Assam due to outside influence. This may lead to a cultural dilution of the traditional Karbi material culture among the Karbi Diaspora in the years ahead.