Book & Publication Details
- Book Title: SCIENTIFIC Researches in Indian Society: A Bio-Social Approach
- Editors: Deepanjana Dutta Das and Milonjyoti Borgohain
- Chapter: Chapter Eighteen (Pages 163–167)
Paper Specifications
- Title: AN ETHNOGRAPHIC NOTE ON HAJONGS OF LAKHIMPUR DISTRICT, ASSAM
- Author: Jyoti Hazarika
- Study Area: Nakari Hajong village, Lakhimpur district, Assam
Key Findings & Discussion
1. Introduction to the Hajongs
- Origin and Language: The Hajongs are a numerically small tribe in Assam of Mongoloid origin. They belong to the Sub-Section of the Bodo-Naga section under the Assam-Burma group of the Tibeto-Burman branch (Sino-Tibetan family).
- Migration and Settlement: Their initial settlement in India was in the Kamrup district of Assam. A massive proportion of them migrated to India from their homeland in former East Pakistan (now Bangladesh).
- Current Distribution: Their population in India exceeds 100,000. They are mainly spread across several districts of Assam (Goalpara, Dhemaji, Darrang, North Lakhimpur, Dibrugarh, Cachar, Dhubri, Chirang, Nagaon, Kamrup, Tinsukia), the Garo Hills in Meghalaya, the Changlang district in Arunachal Pradesh, and parts of Bangladesh (Sylhet and Mymensingh).
2. Profile of the Study Village (Nakari Hajong Gaon)
- Demographics: The village consists of 90 households with a total population of 385 individuals. The female population is higher (51.95%) than the male population (48.05%). The overall sex ratio is 925 females per 1000 males, which is notably lower than Assam’s 2011 census average of 958.
- Family Structure: There is a heavy inclination toward nuclear families ($90\%$) over joint families ($10\%$). Most families ($81.1\%$) consist of 2 to 5 members.
- Economy & Livelihood: The villagers possess no agricultural land. The primary occupation is daily wage labor ($39.22\%$), with an average daily earning of just 120 rupees, which is insufficient to meet basic needs. Women engage in rearing livestock (goats, pigs, ducks, hens) and weaving. Other minor livelihoods include small businesses ($1.04\%$), driving ($1.29\%$), and making bamboo, wood, or cane goods. Government service is rare ($3.12\%$) and entirely restricted to males.
- Education: The educational profile is very poor. Only $5.45\%$ have attained higher secondary education, $1.04\%$ are graduates, and a meager $0.25\%$ hold postgraduate degrees. The male literacy rate ($79.46\%$) is higher than the female literacy rate ($71.5\%$). The only educational infrastructure in the village is a single Anganwadi school called Primary Jyoti Kendra.
- Infrastructure & Living Conditions: Houses are small and lack personal boundary walls. The village has no electricity facilities. The primary source of drinking water is a single shared open well, locally known as a cuwa. Rice is their staple food.
- Health Seeking Behavior: The villagers primarily depend on the local “ASHA” worker, regarding her as a local doctor. They only visit the Saboti Medical facility under critical conditions.
- Culture and Religion: Although historically animists, the Hajongs consider themselves Hindus. The village houses one Namghar and one Siv Mandir. They have a high regard for the Tulsi plant and perform traditional rituals like Bashu Puja, Radha Puja, Kartik Puja, and Padma Puja. They observe three Bihus just like the broader Assamese community and prepare varieties of Pitha (rice cakes).
- Village Governance: The village is administered by a Gaonbura (village headman) selected by the village panchayat. Disputes are settled by the panchayat if the Gaonbura fails to reach a decision.
Conclusion
The study clearly demonstrates that despite the existence of multiple tribal development schemes, the Hajong population in Nakari Hajong Gaon continues to suffer from severe socio-economic backwardness. The absolute lack of basic infrastructure—such as proper drinking water, electricity, healthcare, and educational institutions—presents a devastating picture. The author concludes that there is an urgent need for the strict and proper implementation of targeted tribal development policies to uplift their living standards and health status.
