Womens Status in Tribal Societies A Study among the Deoris of Assam

Abstract

Women in tribal societies occupy an honorable position with considerable freedom in their daily lives. The tribal social life is devoid of evil practices towards women like that of adultery, domestic violence etc. While child marriage is unknown, widow re marriage is a common practice. They also contribute largely to the agricultural practices, although the agricultural activities are mostly taken care of by the menfolk. Interestingly however, they have little say in matters related to socio political as well as religious matters affecting the community. The Deori women contribute substantially towards the agricultural production process besides being engaged with the daily chores. This study covers 50 villages, 20 villages from Lakhimpur district, 14 villages from Dhemaji district, 10 villages from Tinsukia district while 6 villages are from Jorhat district, out of which 44 are predominantly Deori villages, while the rest 6 villages are mixed with Deoris being a majority. The study focuses on understanding the status of tribal women, in special reference to the Deori tribe of Assam.