Browsing by Author "Goswami, G."

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Acoustic similarities between Sinhala language and Assamese
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Goswami, G.
The study of specific languages which are linked to certain areas of research has become increasingly common and essential to the understanding of the language as a whole. This paper aims to study, analyze and compare two languages – Sinhala and Assamese and find out the similarities in them. The researcher came in close contact with the aboriginal Sri Lankan people who speak Sinhala language and found surprising similarities between Assamese and Sinhalese language. Seeing this similarity, the researcher got in touch with more people, went through research journals and related books and found that the roots of both the languages are same as they trace their history to the Indo Aryan language which itself is a fallout of the Indo European family. About fifty percent of the world’s population speaks a language belonging to the Indo European family. Languages of this family are spoken on all continents, but are predominantly seen in Europe, Russia, Australia and parts of South Eastern Asia and India.
Golden Thread Glorifying Assam
(International Seminar on Assamese Culture & Heritage, 2018) Goswami, G.
The silk industry in India is quite famous from time immemorial with respect to analyzing the human culture, civilization, customs and traditions. Among all the different types of silk, the natural golden colour silk known as “Muga” is one of the most recognized and beautiful which Assam has been traditionally producing from ancient times. There are references of Assam silk in the records written by Hiuen Tsang, where he has written about the use and trade of Silk, in Kamrupa during the rule of King Bhaskar Varman. Production of golden Muga silk is unique and at present 20,000 hectares of land is used for it. Muga production received great importance from the Ahom Dynasty under whose reign Muga culture became popular and also an integral part of the socio-economic life of Assamese people. Royal and senior class people were able to afford and wore clothing made of that silk. Muga was a royal statement back then and was kept to show off the status of the family or person who owned them. Queens personally were involved in training people to weave silks including Muga. One of the main materials to be exported during Ahom Dynasty rule was Muga silk. The objective of this study is to show that Muga is one of the best known silks in the world in terms of durability and beauty and how it holds a very important place in the hearts of Assamese folk. It is the pride of the Indian State of Assam.
PALANQUIN : The symbol of Royalty and luxury of ancient Assam: Special reference to wedding rituals and bearers profession
(The International Conference on Land Transportation, Locomotive Heritage and Road Culture - 2017, 2017) Gogoi, H.D.; Goswami, G.
Palanquin was a means of land transport which is especially used in eastern Asia as well as in Assam usually for one person that consists of an enclosed box-like litter borne on the shoulders of men by means of poles. It was a passenger conveyance vehicle, usually for one or two person. Owning one and keeping the staff to power it was a luxury affordable even to low-paid clerks. The time of Ahom emperors in Assam, dula served as military ambulances, used for carrying the wounded from the battlefield. In that period the most prevalent mode of long distance transport for the affluent was by palanquin. The royal messengers could arrange, with a few days’ notice, relays of bearers to convey a traveller's palanquin between stations. The distance between two important places averaged about 10 miles (16 km), and could be covered within three to four hours. A relay's usual complement consisted of two torch-bearers, two luggage-porters, and eight palanquin-bearers who worked in a group of four, although all eight might pitch in at steep sections and also in dark also to make it easier. A passenger could travel straight through or break their journey at certain stations. Modern use of the palanquin is limited to ceremonial occasions. A dula carries the bride in a traditional wedding and they may be used to carry religious images in Hindu processions. During tour, the bearers practiced some specific folk songs to overcome their tiredness and pain. In wedding rituals there are thousands of songs in Assam related with palanquins. Now these practices are nearing extinction due to modernization and passage of time. These practices carry a rich cultural value and need a brief study to maintain the cultural heritage of Assam. Through this study people will be enlightened and the new generation will be aware of their heritage.
Tradition of Domesticating Elephants and its Inherent Association with the Folklore of Assamese Society
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Goswami, G.
Elephants, one of the biggest animals to have walked on the planet, have always been part and parcel of human evolution. They are one of the most respected animals for different reasons for diverse communities. Right from prehistoric times the relations between human and elephant has been documented in various forms like folklore, art, music or written manuscripts. It has been a status symbol signifying the higher sect of the society. For many others it is also a living God, mainly for the Indian people and in particular the North East people. This study is an attempt to study this relationship and the current roadblocks it is facing.
Tradition of Domesticating Elephants and its Inherent Association with the Folklore of Assamese Society
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2016) Goswami, G.