Abstract:

Assam is the homeland of several tribes. These tribes migrated to Assam in the distant past from different places and at different times. They are the aboriginal people of Assam.  Each of the tribes has its own dialect and culture. The backward tribal communities of Assam had to face various political, economic, and social changes during colonial rule. They were exploited by the government. They also began to feel that they were oppressed and subordinated by the people of the upper castes of Assam. So, some of the tribal peoples of Assam aimed to establish their identity through their efforts. They decided to form their organizations for the development of their respective communities. As a result, several organizations were formed by the ethnic communities of Assam. Initially, the organizations worked independently, but later they merged to form a united organization. This happened because tribal leaders like Bhimbor Deuri and some others decided that only a united front could help their organization in achieving its objectives. Assam’s tribal leaders saw that they would become stronger if they worked unitedly, which would gain them attention from political parties and the government. As a result, the Tribal league of Assam, specifically the All-Assam Plains Tribal League, was established in 1933 with the primary objective of protecting tribal lands and rights under the leadership of Bhimbor Deuri. He was the key figure of the tribal movement advocating for the rights and interests of the tribal people of Assam. The Tribal League under Bhimbor Deuri worked to safeguard tribal lands in Assam’s plain areas and advocated for their inclusion in the Fifth or Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. The league played a significant role in shaping tribal politics in Assam and emphasized the distinct cultural and socio-economic experiences of tribal communities. At the same time, the Tribal League under Bhimbor Deuri sought the development of Assam as well as the people of Assam.