Origin

The Bodo people, also known as the Boro, have a rich and ancient history that spans thousands of years. They are an ethnolinguistic group native to the Indian state of Assam and are part of the greater Bodo-Kachari family.

The Bodo consist of a large number of tribes. Their western tribes include the Chutiya, Plains Kachari, Rabha, Garo, Mech, Koch, Dhimal, and Jaijong , the eastern tribes include the Dimasa (or Hill Kachārī), Galong (or Gallong), Hojai, Lalung, Tippera, and Moran.The Bodo were formerly dominant in Assam until about 1825.The term ‘Bodo’ is derived from ‘Boro,’ which means ‘man’ or ‘human being’ in the languages used by the Bodo-Kachari peoples. Their language, Bodo, is a Sino-Tibetan language belonging to the Boro-Garo group of the Tibeto-Burman languages branch. It is recognized as one of the twenty-two scheduled languages of India and is an official language in Assam and the Bodoland Territorial Region. Historically, the Bodos are believed to be among the earliest settlers in Assam.They migrated to the Brahmaputra Valley at least 3,000 years ago from the Tibeto-Burman ethnic group. Settling primarily in the lower regions of the valley near the foothills of the Himalayas, they established the Bodo-Kachari Kingdom. This kingdom ruled over vast territories, including parts of present-day Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and West Bengal.The Bodo society has a unique cultural heritage. Traditionally, they practiced Bathouism, worshipping a supreme God known as Obonglaoree. Over time, some Bodos have adopted Hinduism and Christianity, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the region.Bodos are recognized as a plains tribe in the Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. This recognition grants them special powers in the Bodoland Territorial Region, an autonomous division. They are acknowledged as a minority group, which has been instrumental in their struggle for political rights and cultural preservation. The Bodos have contributed significantly to Assam’s social fabric. They have vibrant traditions of dance, folklore, and mythology. The Bwisagu dance is a prominent part of their cultural expression. Festivals, art, and literature further enrich their heritage.The history of the Bodo people reflects their resilience, migration, and adaptation. Their story is intertwined with the broader history of human civilization in Northeast India, making them an essential part of the region’s cultural tapestry.