The Saga of Preservation of Ethnic Tribal Identity in the Society: An Analysis of the Mataks of Assam

Abstract

Ethnicity is a key feature of human identity which is manifested differently in different societies. Ethnic identity is the nucleus of ethnicity. Ethnic identity has received much empirical and theoretical attention in the social sciences, given its wide- ranging implications for inter alia, intergroup relations, linguistic behavior and psychological well-being. But with the passage of time the ethnic identity of ethnic groups are on the verge of disappearing due to the process of homogenization of national identities and the tendency of assimilation rather than accommodation of various socio-cultural identities into the mainstream politics. One such case is the Mataks of Assam whose rich and unique ethnic identity is on the path of disappearing and as such numerous endeavours has been undertaken to revive and re-gain back their lost glorious history and ethnic identity.