The Dimasa Community and Kingdom: A Historical and Ethnocultural Analysis
Introduction to the Dimasa Community
The Dimasa are an indigenous community mainly living in Assam and Nagaland. They are part of the Tibeto-Burman language family, specifically the Bodo-Garo group, and their language, Dimasa, remains one of the most actively spoken languages in this branch. Culturally, they belong to the broader Bodo-Kachari ethnic family, which includes other related communities like the Bodo, Tiwa, and Sonowal Kachari.
Historically, the Dimasa established the powerful Dimasa Kingdom, with capitals at Dimapur, Maibang, and later Khaspur. The kingdom had both alliances and conflicts with neighboring powers like the Ahom, Koch, and Jaintia kingdoms, before being annexed by the British in the 19th century. Dimasa culture features a double-clan system, vibrant festivals like Busu Dima, and rich traditions in weaving, music, and oral history.
1.1 Ethnolinguistic Identity and Origins
The Dimasa are one of the oldest indigenous ethnolinguistic communities of Northeast India. The name “Di-ma-sa” is commonly understood to mean “people of the big waters,” referring to their ancient connection with rivers. Another traditional term, “Ha-Tseng-Tsa” or “Ha-Cheng-Sa,” means “people of the soil/sand,” reflecting their close ties to land and farming life.
They speak the Dimasa language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family, under the Bodo-Garo group. Culturally, they are part of the wider Bodo-Kachari ethnic family, which includes other related tribes in Assam. According to oral traditions, the Dimasas trace their origins to ancient Kamarupa and later migrated to the Brahmaputra Valley and nearby hill regions..
1.2 Geographical Distribution and Demographics
The Dimasa community is currently concentrated in Dima Hasao district (formerly North Cachar Hills) of Assam, where they are the dominant indigenous group. They also have a significant presence in other districts of Assam such as Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, Hojai, Cachar, Hailakandi, and Karimganj. Outside Assam, Dimasa populations are found in Dimapur district of Nagaland and Jiribam in Manipur.
According to the 2011 Census, the total Dimasa population is estimated at around 262,413, with approximately 110,000 active speakers of the Dimasa language.
1.3 Social Structure and Clan System of the Dimasa People
The Dimasa society follows a double clan system, meaning they follow both the father’s and mother’s clans. This makes their society very organized and unique.
• Male Clans (Sengphong):
There are 42 male clans, called Sengphong, which means “holder of the sword.” A father’s property, like land or cattle, is passed on to his sons through this line.
• Female Clans (Jalik or Julu):
There are 42 female clans, called Jalik or Julu. A mother’s property, like jewelry, clothes, or kitchen items, is passed on to her daughters.
• Marriage Rules:
They follow strict exogamy, which means a person cannot marry someone from either their father’s or mother’s clan. This helps prevent close-relative marriages and connects families with many others.
• Family and Traditions:
Although both sides (father and mother) are important, men usually lead rituals and traditional matters. The family is very important, and everyone must follow the clan rules carefully.
2.The Dimasa Kingdom: History and Governance
The Dimasa Kingdom, also known as the Kachari Kingdom, was a powerful medieval state established around the 13th century in the Brahmaputra valley. It was ruled by the Dimasa people and had capitals at Dimapur, Maibang, and Khaspur, with a governance system based on kingship and clan hierarchy.
2.1 Capitals of the Dimasa Kingdom – Dimapur, Maibang, and Khaspur
• Dimapur (13th – 16th Century):
The first capital of the Dimasa Kingdom was Dimapur (also called Hidimbapur), near the Dhansiri River. This time was known for big stone and brick buildings, including a large brick wall and mushroom-shaped pillars, showing that the kingdom was well developed.
• Maibang (16th – 18th Century):
In the 16th century, the Ahom Kingdom attacked often, so the Dimasa rulers moved the capital to Maibang in the North Cachar Hills. Maibang means “plenty of rice.” During this time, Hindu culture became stronger, and temples like the Ramchandi Temple were built.
• Khaspur (18th – 19th Century):
Later, the capital moved again to Khaspur in the Cachar plains. This happened because the Koch kingdom was becoming powerful in the area. In 1745, a Dimasa prince married the daughter of the last Koch ruler, which helped merge the Koch Khaspur area with the Dimasa Kingdom.