A Study on Bodo Weaving: Advent of Modernity and Future Prospect

Abstract

Weaving is an amalgamation of the science and art of fabrics and fibers. Like most of the tribes of Northeast region of India, the Bodo community had ensured to carry along the tradition of weaving to reflect their identity. Their clothes reflect the symbol of their identity.  The Bodos or the Boros are believed to be the earliest settlers of Assam. They constitute a very important section of the different ethnic groups and races settling in Assam with their distinct cultural and linguistic traits. Racially they belong to the Mongoloid stock of the Indo-Mongoloids or Indo-Tibetians. They are said to have migrated in Assam in ancient period. Notwithstanding the processes of cultural assimilation and fusion, the Bodos have maintained their distinctive identity through the ages. Linguistically the Boros include a large group of people who are the speakers of the Tibeto-Burman speeches of the North and East Bengal, Assam and Burma. At present, the Bodo race can be seen mostly inhabiting in the North-Eastern region of India, especially Assam, dominating the four districts of Baksa, Chirang, Kokrajhar and Udalguri.