DEPARTMENT OF SOCIOLOGY

NAMRUP COLLEGE, P.O. PARBATPUR, DIST: DIBRUGARH, ASSAM

Website: www.namrupcollege.edu.in

Report of the Field Study conducted by the Department of

Sociology at Kachari Pathar village, Namrup on 26^th March, 2025

Introduction:

The students of the 6^th Semester, Department of Sociology, Namrup College, conducted a field study at Kacharipathar Village, Namrup, on March 26, 2025. The Kachari Pathar village is located 2.5 km east of Namrup. Most of the people residing in the village belong to the Bodo community. A total of 16 honours students under the guidance of 4 nos teachers have conducted the field study on the topic of economic and cultural aspects of the Bodo community living in the village and the dimensions of changes in the respective fields. Each student has interacted with 10 households on his/her assigned topic and collected data with the help of an interview schedule and observational notes.

Objective of the Field Study:

The objective of this field study is to motivate and encourage the students towards the significance of practical knowledge gathering and learning in a realistic situation. The field study was conducted as a part of the syllabus of the course Research Method-II (Course Code: SOC-14). Being students of Sociology, to get acquainted with Research Methodology, they were trained and guided to collect data from the universe and to make an analytical discussion on their findings. The specific objective of this study is to investigate the factors and the dimensions that lead to changes in the cultural and economic life of the Bodo community residing in the Kachari Pathat village, which is adjacent to the industrial town of Namrup.

Rationale of the Study:

Being a student of Sociology, it is essential to inculcate knowledge about different social aspects in real field situations, which may attract the students towards the fascinating subject. The theoretical knowledge gained through books and literature is not enough to capture the precise idea and understanding of any fact of society. Field experiences enhance and often spark the curiosity and motivation to learn more. Culture and economy are constantly changing due to factors like technology, education, migration, industrialization, etc, and studying these changes helps to know how people adapt over time and what drives social transformation. Particularly, the tribal people with their distinct ethno-cultural pattern of life have experienced more changes, which may threaten their unique ethnic identity. Therefore, this study bears importance from this point of view.

Outcome of the Study:

The students gained incredible field experience during their interactions with the respondents of the Bodo community living in Kachari Pathar village. The tools for data collection were applied, such as an interview schedule, observation etc. The field study provided the experience of experimental learning to the students in a real-life setting.

The field study provides valuable insights into the community's ongoing transition due to modernization, state policies, and globalization. In case of language and identity, the Bodo language remains a strong marker of identity, but the younger generation increasingly uses Assamese, Hindi, or English, especially in urban areas and schools. Traditional dances (e.g., Bagurumba), music, dress, and rituals are still practiced, but their frequency has declined.

The influence of modern culture has altered some indigenous rituals and belief systems. Regarding the social structure of the Bodo community, patriarchal family norms persist, but women's roles are expanding in education, employment, and community leadership. Traditional institutions like village councils are now supplemented or replaced by formal political structures.

As an result of modern media exposure to TV, internet, and social media has led to the adoption of urban lifestyles, modern dress codes, and changing aspirations among youth have emerged. There is a growing cultural blend, with traditional values coexisting with modern norms.

In the economic sphere of the studied Bodo tribe, it has been seen that traditional subsistence farming is gradually giving way to commercial farming (e.g., paddy, vegetables, and horticulture). Use of modern tools, fertilizers, and irrigation has increased productivity, though access is unequal. There is a noticeable shift toward non-agricultural employment: government jobs, the private sector, small businesses, and migration to cities for work. Handloom and weaving, once domestic activities, are being revived through cooperatives and self-help groups. Participation in rural development schemes (MGNREGA, PMAY, etc.) has contributed to infrastructure improvement and financial inclusion.

The field study reveals that the Bodo tribe is undergoing significant cultural and economic transitions. While modernization has opened new opportunities, it also brings challenges in preserving cultural identity and ensuring inclusive development. Sustainable progress depends on culturally respectful policies, community participation, and balanced development strategies that honor Bodo heritage while embracing change.

Some glimpses of the field visit :