Dynamics of Tai Ahom’s “Me-Dam-Me-Phi” Ritual beyond the Socio-Political Context of Assam, India

Abstract

The research paper is to study and understand social and cultural change, especially in traditions and rituals “Me-Dam-Me-Phi” of the Tai Ahom ethnic group in the economic, political context of Assam and India by anthropological research methodology beyond the concept of ethnicity and ethnic identity. We used participatory observation, including in-depth interviews, with the high priests of the rituals (the gurus), and leaders/representatives of the Tai Ahom communities in the Upper Assam State of Northeast India during 2018 A.D.

“Me-Dam-Me-Phi” is an ancient ritual of worshiping the ancestors of the Tai Ahom, Assam state, India since the reign of Genesis King of Ahom Kingdom (Chao Luang Sukapha, 1228-1268 A.D.). This ritual existed in ancient documents named Ahom Buranji, or the chronicles of the Tai Ahom, which mentioned the ritual was performed by Tai Ahom King for many periods to show gratitude to the ancestors and celebrate the victory after the great wars. At present, Tai Ahom people settled across the upper Assam state to perform this ritual at the same time every January 31st. That day, the government of Assam declares an annual public holiday. The research result found that the role of traditions and rituals have changed, evolving and integrating with the scheme of language and culture revival movements of Tai Ahom leaders and intellectuals that continue and concentrate in many organizations. This phenomenon reflects the political and ethnic identity consciousness of Tai Ahom in the midst of the multi-ethnic society of Assam and Northeast region of India.