Mayong’s Folk Traditions and the Colonial Gaze: Reclaiming Indigenous Knowledge in the Shadow of Superstition and Nationalism

Abstract

This research delves into the intersection of Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) and Mayong's folk traditions within the context of colonial encounters, exploring the impact of colonialism on the indigenous knowledge of this unique Assamese region. Mayong, long misunderstood through colonial stereotypes as a land of black magic and superstition, offers a fertile ground for examining the resilience of its cultural and folk practices amidst the shadow of colonial influence. Colonial narratives, shaped by European romanticism and nationalism, painted Mayong’s traditions as mystical and backward, leading to a historical neglect of its indigenous knowledge systems. This study aims to bridge the gap in IKS research by focusing on how Mayong’s folk traditions were both misrepresented and, later, reclaimed in post-colonial discourse. The paper will explore how these traditions were preserved, altered, and revitalized through colonial and post-colonial periods, with a particular focus on the tension between modernization and the desire to retain indigenous cultural practices.Through an interdisciplinary approach, this study will analyze the ways in which colonial perceptions shaped the image of Mayong, but also how local resistance to these external forces led to a reaffirmation of indigenous knowledge. The findings reveal a complex dynamic where Mayong’s people have, over generations, successfully maintained and adapted their cultural practices—ultimately contributing significantly to the larger discourse of IKS preservation. By examining Mayong's struggle, resilience, and transformation, this research sheds light on the role of folklore and indigenous knowledge in shaping both regional identity and national pride. This research adds a new dimension to the field of IKS studies by focusing on the localized experience of Mayong, offering insights into the on-going reclamation of its cultural legacy and the role of folklore in modern India.