ISBN: 978-93-94174-56-6

Socio-Cultural Profile of the Deori Tribe of Assam

Assistant Anthropologist, Anthropological Survey of India, North-West Regional Centre, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India

The Deoris are one of the prominent plains Scheduled Tribes of Assam, belonging ethnically and linguistically to the Tibeto-Burman group with Mongoloid racial characteristics. Historically associated with the priestly functions of the Chutiya Kingdom, the Deoris possess a rich socio-cultural heritage deeply rooted in traditional beliefs, agriculture, and ritual practices. This chapter presents a comprehensive ethnographic account of the Deori community, focusing on their historical migration, settlement patterns, social organization, religious beliefs, economic activities, food habits, family structure, healthcare practices, and life-cycle rituals. Originally inhabiting the regions along the Dibang, Tengapani, and Patarsal rivers, the Deoris gradually migrated to various parts of the Brahmaputra valley due to socio-political disturbances, natural disasters, and environmental changes. The chapter discusses the four major sub-groups of the Deoris—Borgonya, Dibongiya, Tengaponiya, and Patorgonya—and highlights their unique cultural identities and clan-based social structure. Agriculture remains the principal occupation of the community, complemented by animal husbandry, fishing, and traditional crafts. Religious rituals and worship practices occupy a central place in Deori cultural life, reflecting their close relationship with nature, fertility, and agricultural cycles. Traditional healing systems, temple structures, customs related to birth and death, and distinctive dress and food habits further illustrate the cultural richness of the community. Despite modernization and socio-economic transformations, the Deoris continue to preserve many of their indigenous traditions and cultural values. The chapter emphasizes the importance of documenting and preserving the traditional knowledge systems and cultural heritage of the Deori community for future generations and sustainable cultural development.

*Corresponding author; e-mail: junumaideori@yahoo.com

Cite this Chapter: Junumai Deori. 2026. Socio-Cultural Profile of the Deori Tribe of Assam. In: Dr. Shamim Ahmed Shamim Khan Barbhuiya. Dr. Saurabh Sarma. Dr. Kowser Alam Laskar. Dr. Atiqur Rahman Laskar. Dr. Gulenoor Islam Barbhuiya (Eds.), ANUSANDHAN-A Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Research Repository. Excellent Publishers, India. pp. 203-211. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/978-93-94174-56-6_22