Theravada Buddhism in North-East India: a study of the Tai-Khamtis

Abstract North-East India is an abode of colourful ethnic communities having distinct cultural pattern and way of life. Among the ethnic communities of North-East India, the Buddhist ethnic communities are significant as far as the history and culture of the region is concerned. Among the ethnic communities of the region, professing Theravada form of Buddhism the ethnic groups namely, Tai-Khamtis, Tai-Phakeys, Tai-Khamyangs, Tai-Turungs, Tai-Aitons, Singphos, Tikhak Tangsas, Chakmas, Moghs, Boruahs etc are prominent. Among the eight states of North-East India, the state of Arunachal Pradesh is notable for Theravada Buddhism.The Tai-Khamtis are the largest Theravada Buddhist community of Arunachal Pradesh. The paper attempts to glean on the Theravada Buddhism among the Tai-Khamtis living in present day Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.The methodology followed in the paper is both historical and analytical. The study reveals that Theravada Buddhism forms an intregal part of the life and culture of the Tai-Khamtis. They are the follower of Theravada form of Buddhism after Burmese (Myanmarees) tradition. Their tangible and intangible cultural heritage bears traits of South-East Asian culture. The religious belief and practices of the Tai-Khamtis are more or less similar to those of the Buddhists of South-East Asia. The study of the Theravada Buddhism is significant to appreciate India’s relations with South-East Asian countries in a proper perspective.