THE MUGA CULTURE OF TAI AHOM PEOPLE OF ASSAM,INDIA PART-1

PREAMBLE

   Assam, a land made up of the mighty expanse of the Brahmaputra valley and Barak valley as well as the undertaking terrains of Karbi  Anglong and Dima  Hasao is an integral part of the Northeastern region of India. The state is well known for its natural beauty,lush forests,meandering rivers,variegated topograohy and its culture.In this context we may say that –the life and culture of various ethnic groups have contributed towards the growth and development of a synthesized Assamese society and culture through the ages.Tai groups and Tai Ahom peoples of tai groups  are one among these groups.,Tai people that accompanied the Tai prince Sukaphaa into theBrahmaputra valley in 1228 and ruled the area for six centuries.The socio cultural life of the Tai Ahom peoples are very colourful.

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The main objective of this Article is to highlight the muga culture of the Tai Ahom people of Assam and a flash on present scenario of muga culture.

Importance and significance of the study

The golden muga silk culture of Assam is as old as Assamese culture. Even today it occupies a very important place life and culture of Assamese people. Muga culture is a pride and a part of traditional attire of this region. Presently, Muga culture has been providing bread and butter to approx 30,000 families of Assam and there is a bright prospect of Muga culture in the North Eastern part of India including Assam.

Extent of the study

Though the climatic condition of the region is almost favourable for producing all the three varieties of silk-eri,muga and mulberry… my study will be confined in the Muga culture of the Tai Ahom people of Assam only. Specially the paper discusses the life cycle of Muga, Muga culture at different stages such as seed production, rearing, cocoon production and reeling and spinning of cocoons, yarn production and preparation of weaving etc.