Women and Birth Ritual: A Study among the Misings of Dekapam Village, Assam

Corresponding Author: Tinkumoni Panyang, Research Scholar, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong - 793022.
Email: panyangtinkumoni@gmail.com

KEYWORDS Birth ritual, Misings, childbirth, women

ABSTRACT
Introduction: The tribal society has undergone much change in the post-independence era, and as a part of it, the role of women in tribal society has been transformed and possibly her identity too. In the Mising society, male and female have their own identities derived from the different sets of roles assigned to them. The objective of the study is to examine the various ritual practices associated with childbirth. The present study also focuses on understanding women’s role in these rituals, which are present from pregnancy till birth.
Materials and Methods: The present study is based on fieldwork conducted at Dekapam village, which falls under the Jonai Sub-Division in Dhemaji district, Assam. The primary source of data was collected through observation and semi-structured interviews. Case study method is implemented to substantiate certain findings and to have a clearer insight into the phenomenon.
Results: Birth rituals among the Misings mainly aim to solicit divine assistance and ward off misfortune. Therefore, various rituals are conducted to protect the child from such misfortune. As a result, women’s roles are seen as essential among the Misings since they support one another during childbirth.

Tinkumoni Panyang

Research Scholar, North Eastern Hill University, Shillong - 793022

DOI-DS: 07.2023-34777719
DOI Link :: https://doi-ds.org/doilink/07.2023-34777719/Frontier Anthropology/2023/12/A1

Frontier Anthropology, 2023, 12: 1-6
©Anthropological Society of Manipur

Original Article

Manuscript Timeline
Submitted: November 4, 2022
Accepted: April 25, 2023
Published: July 12, 2023