A Study on the Socio Economic Characteristics of the Singpho Tribe of Assam

Abstract

Inhabiting mostly in the Tinsukia district of upper Assam, the Singpho tribe of Assam has unique socio-economic and demographic characteristics with varied living patterns and a rich culture. However, it is felt that despite it being an important tribe of Assam, not much study and research has been so far done on the tribe. And whatever research has been done so far concentrates mostly on the ethnographic and cultural aspects of the tribe. Keeping in mind the aforesaid gaps in earlier studies, this study primarily aims at studying the socio- economic characteristics of the Singpho tribe of Assam, in order to know about the society and its economy as a whole. Apart from this, the study also aims at tracing the historical background, ethnographic and cultural aspects concerning the tribes while also identifying and delineating the socio-economic problems faced by them. Based on both primary and secondary data, the research focuses on ethnographic, demographic and socio-economic data of the Singphos of Tinsukia district of Assam. Multi stage random sampling has been used for collection of primary data, information regarding Singpho villages and population size have been collected from Margherita Development Block and Singpho Development Council. To understand the socio-economic characteristics, broad indicators like demographic composition, family, education, transport, occupation, income, housing, sanitation, size of land holding, drinking water facilities etc. have been taken into consideration.