Identity Formation in Assam: A Case Study of the Misings

The Misings are the second largest plain tribe of Assam. Mainly inhabiting in the riverine areas north Assam, they have been practicing a colorful tradition and culture, assimilating with and contributing to the greater Assamese society. However, of late they have been noticed struggling for regional autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the constitution of India. This is not surprising in itself in the sense that the entire North Eastern Region of India is witnessing this trend for quite some time. Different groups of minority population all over the world too are seen struggling for ethnic identity for different reasons. However, the demands of the Misings for autonomy have raised many questions within Assam. What can such a demand mean for the pan-Assamese identify formation? Keeping in view of such questions, this paper intends to find out the reasons behind this ethnic identify formation which will be valuable for facing such tendencies of ethnic identify formation and demands for autonomy.