Integration of Martial Arts in the Dance forms of the Tai Ahom Commuinty
Author(s): 1.Chintamoni Molia, 2. Dr. Dilip Kumar Kalita
Authors Affiliations:
1. Research Scholar, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Assam, India
2 Supervisor, Professor, Department of Performing Arts, Mahapurusha Srimanta Sankaradeva Viswavidyalaya, Assam, India
DOIs:10.2017/IJRCS/202509012     |     Paper ID: IJRCS202509012This study examines the distinctive artistic integration of martial arts and dance among the Tai Ahom community of Assam. By reviewing historical records, conducting field observations, and engaging in interviews with practitioners, the study investigates how martial traditions are integrated in the performing arts of the Tai Ahom and other Tai communities. It emphasizes the evolution of martial skill from an imperative in warfare to a form of artistic expression, preserved and showcased in traditional dance forms. Additionally, the study explores how these dance forms function as a method of folklore, enriched by the use of traditional music and instruments, which reflect both the community’s historical legacy and its cultural heritage.
1.Chintamoni Molia, 2. Dr. Dilip Kumar Kalita (2025); Integration of Martial Arts in the Dance Forms of the Tai Ahom Community, International Journal of Research Culture Society, ISSN(O): 2456-6683, Volume – 9, Issue – 9, Pp.65-67. Available on – https://ijrcs.org/
- Terwiel, B. J. (1980) The Tai of Assam & Ancient Tai Ritual (Volume-I). South East Asian Studies, Gaya, Bihar, First Published.
- Gait, E. (1984) A History of Assam: Delhi, Surjeet Publications.
- Gogoi, L. (1990) The Tai Khamti of North-East India. New Delhi.
- Gogoi, P. & Gogoi,B. (1994) Tai Sanskriti. Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha (Eastern Tai Literary Association) Central Office, Sivsagarh.
- Buragohain, H. (1994) Tai Sanskritir Parash. Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha, Siba Buragohain Bhavan, Dhemaji, Assam.
- Gogoi, P. (1996) Tai of North-East India.Shumphrs Printers and Publishers Pvt Ltd. Dhemaji, Assam.
- Phukan Gogoi, Banti Rani (2002) Asomor Bouddhadharmavalambi Tai Sokolor Janajivanat Abhumuki. Published by Purbanchal Tai Sahitya Sabha, Gargaon, Sivsagar, Assam.
- Doley, B. K. (2009) Asamar Janagosthi. Naba Kumar Kalita, Kiran Prakashan, Dhemaji, Assam on behalf of Dr. Amiya Kr. Bhuyan, General Secretary, Reception Committee, 70th Session of Assam Sahitya Sabha, First Edition.
- Singh, B.K. (2010) Encyclopaedia of Ai-Tai Khamti. Chow Meohou Namchoom, Chongkham,Dist-Lohit (Arunachal Pradesh), Second Edition
- Sarma, P. (2016). The Buranjis: Chronicles of the Ahom Dynasty. Guwahati: North East Research Institute.
- Phukan, G. (2017) Folk Culture of Indigenous Communities of Northeast India. DVS PUBLISHERS, H. B. Road, Panbazar, Guwahati-781001, First Published.
- Phukan, G. (2019) Tais of Northeast India and Southeast Asia. B. Road, Panbazar, Guwahati-781001, Assam, India & WZ-33, Lane No.2, Shiv Nagar, New Delhi-110058, India
- Chetia, C. (2022) Asomor Janagusthiyo Lokosanskriti. Jagaran Sahitya Prakasan, Dhing, Nagaon.

