উত্তরবঙ্গের মেচ জনজাতি : ইতিহাস, সংস্কৃতি ও ঐতিহ্য/ The Mech Tribe of North Bengal: History, Culture, and Heritage

Abstract

This article examines the rich and evolving literary tradition of the Mech tribe, an integral branch of the Bodo-Kachari ethnolinguistic community. Although the Mech language historically lacked an indigenous script, its adoption of the Eastern Nagari (Bengali–Assamese) script has significantly contributed to its literary development. This transition has facilitated the documentation, preservation, and expansion of a wide range of literary expressions, encompassing folklore, oral histories, and contemporary belles-lettres, thereby reinforcing the cultural identity of the Mech people. Distinguished scholars and cultural leaders such as Dr. Kameswar Brahma and Subin Shoaiba have played a pivotal role in advocating for the official recognition of the Bodo language and in promoting Mech literature within the broader linguistic and literary framework of the region. This article further explores the vibrant oral literary heritage of the Mech community, which includes myths, folktales, legends, and social narratives that have historically served as repositories of collective memory, cultural values, and indigenous knowledge. Sustained efforts to document, study, and disseminate Mech literature have led to the emergence of a substantial body of written works that reflect diverse aspects of the community's social organization, religious beliefs, everyday life, and relationship with the natural environment. These literary initiatives have played a crucial role in preserving the distinctive worldview of the Mech people and fostering their cultural revitalization in the face of modernization and external socio-cultural influences. Furthermore, Mech literature embodies the community's indigenous Bathou religious tradition while simultaneously reflecting the assimilative influences of Hinduism and the Brahmo faith, thereby revealing the unique spiritual and philosophical foundations of Mech society. The ongoing growth of Mech literary activity represents a significant milestone in the preservation of cultural heritage, linguistic empowerment, and the affirmation of ethnic identity. It ensures that the language, literary traditions, and cultural legacy of this historically marginalized community are safeguarded for future generations. Ultimately, this literary renaissance not only consolidates the cultural identity of the Mech people but also enriches the diverse literary landscape of Northeast India.