What's your opinion?

Hello everyone, I have a question regarding the concept of "Adibasi" in the context of Assam. We know that the tea tribe communities in Assam were brought by the British to work in the tea gardens, and they often refer to themselves as Adibasi. While they are indeed Adivasi in the broader Indian context, I feel it is not accurate to use the term "Adibasi" for the tea tribe communities specifically in the context of Assam.

The term "Adibasi" means the first settlers or original inhabitants of a region. In Assam, the first settlers were the khilonjiya (indigenous) tribes like the Boro, Rabha, Koch, Dimasa, Hajong, Tiwa, and others. Therefore, referring to the tea tribe communities as Adibasi in Assam implies that they are the earliest inhabitants of the region, which is historically not true.

If we are to identify the true Adibasi of Assam, it would be the indigenous communities such as the Boro, Rabha, Koch, Nath, Kalita, Dimasa, Garo, and similar groups—not the tea workers who were brought to Assam by the British during the colonial era.

I want to clarify that I have no ill feelings towards the tea tribe communities. They have contributed immensely to Assam’s society and culture. However, I believe it is important to use terminology accurately, as it reflects our understanding of history and identity.

What are your thoughts on this?