DOI: 10.36347/sjahss.2018.v06i09.001

Pages: 1716-1720

The Rabhas are one of the prominent distinctive Scheduled Plain Tribe of Assam. The aim of the paper is to critically evaluate the different factors responsible for forming the basis of the present autonomy movement of the Rabhas. The identity movement of the Rabhas demanding autonomy can be traced back to late eighties, but it remained subdued for a short period after the creation of Rabha Hasong Autonomous Council (RHAC) in 1995 by an act of Assam State Assembly. Poor and lackluster economic development; large scale unabated migration into their land, feeling of marginalization and social exclusion; political exploitation and failure of RHAC and creation of BTAD under sixth scheduled of Indian constitution are the prime socio-economic and political factors that led to the resurgence of the autonomy movement among the Rabhas.. This study is based on prolonged field experience as well as close interaction with the people in both personnel and group level. Secondary data were also collected to substantiate the findings of the study.