Beyond The Veil: Unraveling The Mysteries of The Ahom's Mortuary Traditions

Abstract

The last stage of human's life culminates in mortality. After the demise of an individual the funeral practices vary in accordance with geographic location and among the specific ethnic groups or communities, and it encompasses diverse religious traditions.  The Tai Ahom ethnic group of Assam upholds a unique and culturally significant burial ritual that traces its roots to the practices of Yunan Province, their original homeland. In addition to this, various mortuary customs are followed by the Tai Ahom community, from the time of a person's death through their burial and continue even after that. Over time, the gradual influence of Hinduism has led to the transformation of some of their indigenous mortuary customs, while the traditional 'Maidam Dia'(grave) still prevails in certain areas among the Ahom populace of Assam, a tradition dating back to the era of Swargadeo Chao-lung Sukapha. This paper attempts to study the unique mortuary rituals, including the practice of 'Maidam Dia', among the Tai Ahom people of Assam, and it gives an overview of the evolution of these customs over time under the influence of Hinduism.