A historical and etymological study of the Dimasa Kacharis of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India

Abstract

The Dimasa Kacharis happen to occupy a special place in the ethnic composition of the Autonomous Hills Districts of Assam. They are mainly confined to the Dima Hasao District (previously North Cachar Hills District). However, they are also found in small scattered groups in the districts of Karbi Anglong, Nagaon, and Cachar. The Dimasas form a part of the Bodo-group of people which also include the Bodo-Kacharis, the Meches, the Rabhas, and the Koches of Assam. They are said to belong to the Tibeto-Burman group, linguistically speaking. Western-China has been traced out to be the original home of the Tibeto-Burman group of people. The Dimasa Kacharis inhabiting the present Autonomous Hills Districts and the Bodo-Kacharis inhabiting the plains of Assam are believed to belong to this same stock of people although their language and customs differ more in nature than have something in common. Here we are basically concerned with the origin and history of the two terms ‘Dimasa’ and ‘Kachari’.