The Moria’s of Assam and their Changing Livelihood

Brahmaputra valley is a multi-ethnic region with rich culture-traditions and a complex history. Apart from agriculture, crafting is also considered as an important traditional means of livelihood of its inhabitants. The Moria community of Assam is the traditional brass artisans who came to Assam during Muslim invasion as a warrior and later they became canon and gun makers during Ahom regime. According to Assam history, these people were originally warriors; who accompanied the Muhammedan General Turbak in the invasion of Assam. In 1532 AD, the Muslim invaders were repulsed by the Ahoms and their General Turbaq was killed and captured 900 Muslim soldiers. The Muhammadans who were taken as prisoners in this war were became brass item manufactures their livelihood. The Morias are a backward community since they don’t know cultivation beside brass manufacturing which has less demand today. Therefore, brass items manufacturing became economically unproductive to Morias and thus most of them shifted their activities to tertiary sectors for a better economic prospects and better livelihood.
In this paper an attempt has been made to explain the traditional livelihood system and subsequent changes.