In APSC CCE (P) 2024, a question was asked on recognition of ‘Bathousim’ as a religion in BTR. APSC CCE PYQ Explained with detailed facts and information.
Question (As Asked in APSC CCE Prelims 2024)
Q.The Assam Government’s decision to officially recognise ‘Bathouism’ in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) primarily aims to
(A) promote religious conversion among indigenous communities
(B) preserve and acknowledge the traditional faith of the Bodo community
(C) encourage tourism in the Bodoland region
(D) integrate Bathouism practices into mainstream Hindu rituals
Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation
The etymological origin of the word ‘Bathouism’- ‘Ba’ means ‘five’ and ‘thou’ means ‘deep philosophical thought’ forms the core spiritual heritage of the culture of Bodo community. The Bodo community is the largest indigenous group of Assam (35.06% of ST population and about 5-6% of Assam’s total population).
Cultural Significance of ‘Bathousim’
The central theme of this religion is Bathou Bwrai (Sibwrai), the supreme God symbolisingNature. This religion is based on five universal elements:
- Bar, meaning the Air
- San, meaning the Sun
- Ha, meaning the Earth
- Orr, meaning the Fire
- Okhrang,meaning the Sky
- The Sijou plant (Euphorbia splendens) functions as the sacred symbol of Bathouism.
Advantage of the Official Recognition:
The Assam Government’s decision to recognise Bathouism in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR) will provide the following advantages:
- Preservation of indigenous identity
- Protection of traditional customs and rituals
- Formal acknowledgement of the Bodo community’s cultural heritage
Hence, the government’s aim aligns directly with Option (B).
Latest Update from Current Affairs – Assam Government has declared the second Tuesday of the traditional month of Magh as a state holiday for the festival of Bathou Puja.
Additional Information:
Origin- Bodo people can be traced to ‘Kirata’ origin.
Distribution– Kokrajhar, Chirang, Baksa, Udalguri, Sonitpur, Lakhimpur and Dhemaji.
Religion–
- Bathousim
- The Bodo – Kacharis identify their chief deity Bathou with Shiva and the female deity Mainao with Parvati.
- The Bodo people celebrate Boisagu and Kherai Puja.
Costume –
- Dokhona, Jumgra( Scarf of women ), Gamcha( Male Garment), Phali( Handkerchief), Hishima( rug)
- Aronai– a small scarf used both by men and women.
- Dokhona Thousi – Bridal wear
- Dokhona without Agor ( Phul) – Salamatha / mathe.
Language–
- Bodo is the language of Bodo people.
- They had a lost script named Deodhai.
- Bodo was added to the Schedule 8 of the Constitution in 2004.
Dance– Bagarumba, Barduri Shikla, Mwsaglangnai
Musical Instrument – Rege, Bingi, Serja, Jotha, Kham, Siphung
Festival – The main seasonal festivals are – Baisagu, Domashi, Kairigacha – all parallel to Bihu.
| Lucent IAS practice questions APSC/ UPSC Prelims Q. What is the name of the lost script once used by the Bodo community? (A) Kamarupi (B) Brahmi (C) Deodhai (D) Tankari Correct Answer: C Q. “Dokhona Thousi” refers to which of the following? (A) A musical instrument (B) Traditional male attire (C) Bodo bridal wear (D) A ceremonial dance Correct Answer: C Q. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched regarding Bodo religion and deities? (A) Bathou – Vishnu; Mainao – Lakshmi (B) Bathou – Shiva; Mainao – Parvati (C) Bathou – Indra; Mainao – Saraswati (D) Bathou – Brahma; Mainao – Durga Correct Answer: (B) |
APSC Previous Year Questions
APSC 2022
Q.With respect to different ethnic groups of Assam, which of the following statements is/are correct?
(i) The Bodos are the largest tribe in Assam followed by the Dimasas.
(ii) The traditional religion of the Mising tribe is Donyi-Poloism.
(iii) The Tiwas are inhabitants of both the plains and the hills.
(iv) Baikho is a traditional festival of the Karbis.
Select the correct answer using the codes given below.
(A) Only (i)
(B) Only (i) and (iii)
(C) Only (ii) and (iii)
(D) Only (i), (ii) and iv)
Correct Answer: C
Explanation: The Bodos are the largest tribe in Assam followed by the Mising. Baikho is a traditional festival of the Rabhas.
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