BODO WOMEN AS PAINTED IN LITERATURES AND THEIR ROLE IN SOCIETY DURING COLONIAL PERIOD

Abstract

The Bodos have rich folktales, myths, legends, songs, proverbs, cultures and traditions. They constitute an ethnic group in northeast India with their distinctive culture and linguistic traits. The Bodos are one of the earliest settlers in Assam as well as its adjoining areas like West Bengal, Bangladesh, Nepal and others, who are believed to be migrated from northwest China between the head waters of Hoang-Ho and Yang-Tze-Kiang River. Bodos have number of legendary figures of both sexes. The legendary women like Tengpakri, Gambari and others had played roles in society with their male counterparts. Thengpakhri was assigned as a collector of revenue in erstwhile Goalpara district of Colonial rule in Assam. She showed a courageous role among Bodo women by serving as a collector. Gambari had also played an important role against the Bhutias operation in the plain of Bodo dominated areas. She helped Bodo youths of both sexes from the captivity of the Bhutias. Apart from these two legendary women others also played role in society and were considered as the symbol of courage in society.