INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI | Volume XII Issue X October 2025
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A Study of the Educational Status of Sonowal Kachari Girls in
Panitola and Tingkhong Blocks of Dibrugarh District, Assam
Ankita Baruah
1*
, Dr. Gitanjali Choudhury
2
1
Research Scholar, (Mahatma Gandhi University, Meghalaya), Assistant Professor, Department of
Education, Duliajan College.
2
Research Guide, Principal, West Guwahati College of Education
*Corresponding Author
DOI:
https://dx.doi.org/10.51244/IJRSI.2025.1210000232
Received: 29 October 2025; Accepted: 03 November 2025; Published: 15 November 2025
ABSTRACT
Sonowal Kachari is one of the oldest tribe of Assam. They are one of the indigenous tribes of Assam who are the
third largest tribal community of Assam. Sonowal. Sonowal Kachari tribe has a very rich culture. They are a
very simple and cheerful race by nature. They live mainly in Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji,
Jorhat and Golaghat districts of Assam and parts of the state of Arunachal Pradesh in Northeast India. The
Sonowal Kachari has a patriarchal society and as per the norms and values of the society the male is considered
to be head of the family and the decision maker of the house. They are of Mongoloid origin, and linguistically,
the Sonowal Kachari people belong to the Tibetan language family. They have their own distinct culture,
customs, and traditions, which separates them from other communities. This article attempts to highlight the
educational status of the sonowal Kachari girls. From Panitola block, the villages Bindhakata Gaon, Muluk
Gaon, and from Tingkhong block, Ouphalia Gaon, Chakalia Pathar, have been selected as samples. The
objectives of this study are-to examine the Enrollment and participation levels of Sonowal Kachari girls in
different stages of education (higher secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate) and to analyze the challenges faced
by Sonowal Kachari girls in pursuing education. The methodology of this study is descriptive in nature. The
study concludes that the progress of education in Ouphalia Gaon and Chakalia Pathar of Tingkhong block, as
well as in Bindhakata Gaon and Muluk Gaon of Panitola block, remains very slow.
Keywords: Sonowal Kachari girls, educational status, Panitola block, Tingkhong block.
INTRODUCTION
Sonowal Kachari tribe is an indigenous tribe of Assam. This is the plain tribe of Assam of Mongoloid origin and
belongs to the Tibeto-Burman linguistic family. Presently this tribe is the inhabitants of several districts of upper
Assam namely, Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sibsagar, Lakhimpur, Dhemaji, Jorhat and Golaghat districts of Assam.
This tribe is very rich in their customs and traditions. They have their oral traditions, customs, performing arts
and material culture. The Sonowal Kachari claim themselves of Kirata origin and Lord Siva whom the Sonowal
Kacharis call ‘Baitho’, is their principal deity.
Area Of the Study
To study the educational status of the Sonowal Kacharis giris two villages from each of the two blocks of
Dibrugrh district have been selected. . From Panitola block, the villages Bindhakata Gaon, Muluk Gaon, and
from Tingkhong block, Ouphalia Gaon, Chakalia Pathar, form the limits of the study. Field data and related
information will be collected only from these villages. Bindhakata gaon and Muluk gaon , located in the
Tingkhong block of Dibrugarh district is situated approximately 38 kilometers from the district headquarters of
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI | Volume XII Issue X October 2025
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Dibrugarh. Ouphulia Gaon, Chakalia Pathar, located in the Panitola block of Dibrugarh district, is approximately
40-45 kilometers by road from the district headquarters of Dibrugarh. The people of these villages are primarily
engaged in agricultural activities, with tea cultivation also being a significant part of their livelihood. Assamese
is the local language spoken in these villages.
Objectives Of the Study
The objectives of this study are:
1. To examine the enrollment and participation levels of Sonowal Kachari girls in different stages of
education (higher secondary, undergraduate, postgraduate)
2. To analyze the challenges faced by Sonowal Kachari girls in pursuing education.
Research Question
1. Is the development of education in the villages progressing at a very slow pace?
METHODOLOGY
This study is primarily descriptive in nature. Primary data were collected from the people of the targeted village
using a semi-structured questionnaire. Secondary data were gathered from various sources, including journals,
books, periodicals, census data, and other official documents. The participant observation method was also used
for data collection whenever necessary.
LITERATURE REVIEW
Saikia, Juri (2019): ‘A Study of Vaishnavism among the Sonowal Kacharis of Assam in Historical Perspectives.’
In her study focuses on how the Sonowal Kacharis have been practicing Vaishnavism at the same time within
the same society despite their own traditional religion. This work is an attempt to study the Vaishnava practices
and new changes of the Sonowal Kachari society along with the similarity and dissimilarity of such social
changes with other ethnic people of Assam. Hazorika, Ronjit Kumar (2020): ‘Socio Political Development Of
Sonowal Kacharis in Assam: The Role of Sonowal Kachari Autonomous Council’. This study is intended to
throw light on the origin and development of the movements for autonomy of the plains tribes of Assam in
general and the Sonowal-Kacharis in particular. It also examines the role and achievements of the Sonowal-
Kachari Autonomous Council (SKAC). The present study highlights the constraints and challenges before the
Council in its working and a sincere effort is made to suggest for better working in the days ahead. Chetia Nilim
(2020): ‘Sonowal kachari folklore as folk media’. The research study is carried out to explore folklore of Sonowal
Kacharis considering it as Folk media. This study is tried to appreciate the Sonowal Kachari folklore and its
inherent power as folk media. The study is carried on the all the four divisions of Folklore materials that means
Folk narratives, Folk social customs, Material culture and Folk performing arts of Sonowal Kachari tribe as Folk
media. Duwarah, Suravi Gogain (2021): ‘Social folk customs of the sonowal kacharis and thengal kacharis of
assam a comparative study’. This is a comparative study between the Sonowal Kachari and Thengal Kachari
communities, focusing on their social folk customs. The study aims to analyze the trend and continuity of change
in the social folk customs of these tribes. It also focuses on the degree and trends of assimilation with the
indigenous Assamese people.
Significance Of the Study
The study titled “A Study of the Educational Status of Sonowal Kachari Girls” is highly significant, as education
is the most powerful means for proper individual development and social transformation. Historically, the
condition of girls’ education before independence was deplorable, and even after independence the literacy rate
of girls has not reached the desired level. Among tribal communities, in particular, the literacy rate of girls
remains relatively poor. For instance, among the Sonowal Kachari community, male literacy stands at 93.20%,
while female literacy is 79.75%, indicating a clear gap between boys and girls.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
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Education plays a pivotal role not only in improving the quality of life of individuals but also in bringing about
progress in society. Therefore, this study attempts to explore the educational status of Sonowal Kachari girls of
Bindhakata Gaon and Muluk Gaon under Panitola block, and Ouphalia Gaon and Chakalia Pathar under
Tingkhong block. It also seeks to identify the challenges faced by Sonowal Kachari girls in pursuing education.
Data Analysis and Interpretation
To study the educational status of Sonowal Kachari girls, two villages—Bindhakata Gaon and Muluk Gaon from
Panitola Block, and two villages—Ouphalia Gaon and Chakalia Pathar from Tingkhong Block—were selected
as samples. To know the exact position of girls’ education, the researcher conducted home-to-home visits in
random order. For this study, a questionnaire was prepared, and some families were selected for data collection.
The data and information collected from the villages were analyzed with the help of statistical methods under
the following heads:
Table No: 1 Total Number of Female Respondents
Block
Sl No
Name of the Village
Total no. of Female Respondents
Tingkhong
1
Ouphalia Gaon
65
2
Chakalia Pathar
41
Panitola
1
Bindhakata Gaon
19
2
Muluk Gaon
20
(Source: Primary Data)
From this table it has been seen that the total number of female respondents varies from village to village under
the two selected blocks — Tingkhong and Panitola. In Tingkhong block, Ouphalia Gaon has the highest number
of female respondents (65), followed by Chakalia Pathar with 41 respondents. On the other hand, in Panitola
block, the number of female respondents is comparatively lower — Bindhakata Gaon has 19 respondents and
Muluk Gaon has 20 respondents. It has been seen that the number of students enrolled in Bindhakata Gaon and
Muluk Gaon is very low in comparison to Ouphalia Gaon and Chakalia Pathar. Thus, it can be observed that the
participation of female respondents is higher in the Tingkhong block compared to the Panitola block.
Table-2 Distribution of the Age Structure of the Respondents in the Villages
Sl No
Name of the
Block
Name of the village
Total number of
respondence
16-18 Age
19-21 Age
22-24 Age
1
Tingkhong
Ouphalia Gaon
65
30
25
10
Chakalia Pathar
41
20
15
06
Total
106
50
40
16
Percentage
47%
38%
15%
2
Panitola
Bindhakata Gaon
19
10
06
03
Muluk Gaon
20
12
06
02
Total
39
22
12
05
Percentage
56%
31%
13%
(Source: Primary Data)
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
ISSN No. 2321-2705 | DOI: 10.51244/IJRSI | Volume XII Issue X October 2025
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The above table reflects the age structure of the respondents of Ouphialia Gaon and Chakalia Pathar from
Tingkhong block, and Bindhakata Gaon and Muluk Gaon from Panitola block. It is clear that out of 106
respondents from Tingkhong block, 47% (i.e., 50) are in the age group of 16–18 years, 38% (i.e., 40) are in the
age group of 19–21 years, and 15% (i.e., 16) are in the age group of 22–24 years. From Panitola block, out of 39
respondents, 56% (i.e., 22) are in the age group of 16–18 years, 31% (i.e., 12) are in the age group of 19–21
years, and 13% (i.e., 5) are in the age group of 22–24 years.
Table-3 Educational Status of Sonowal Kachari Girls of the Ouphalia and Chakalia Pathar Village
Sl No
Name of the
Block
Name of the
village
Total No. of
Respondents
HS
BA
MA
1
Tingkhong
Ouphalia
Gaon
65
30
25
10
Chakalia
Pathar
41
20
15
06
Total
106
50
40
16
Percentage
47%
38%
15%
From the Table 3 it has been seen that in Ouphalia gaon, 30 students who passed Higher Secondary, 38%
continues to B.A. and only 15% students went further to M.A. In Chakalia Pathar, only 20 students who passed
Higher secondary, 38% pursued B.A. and very few i.e. 15% completd M.A.
Analysis of the two villages shows that although girls are pursuing education in both villages, the percentage of
those continuing to higher education remains low. Moreover, Chakalia Pathar has a lower percentage of girls in
higher education compared to Ouphalia gaon.
Table-4 Educational Status of Sonowal Kachari Girls of the Bindhakata and Muluk Village
Sl No
Name of the Block
Name of the
village
Total No. of
Respondents
HS
BA
MA
1
Panitola
Bindhakata
Gaon
19
10
06
03
Muluk Gaon
20
12
06
02
Total
39
22
12
05
Percentage
56%
31%
13%
(Source: Primary Data)
In Bindhakata Gaon, 10 girls who passed Higher Secondary, 31% continued their studies up to B.A. level, and
13% went further to complete M.A. This shows that although the total number of students is fewer, a fair
proportion of girls are pursuing higher studies.
In Muluk Gaon, 12 girls passed Higher Secondary, among whom 30% studied up to B.A. and 10% completed
M.A. Compared to Bindhakata Gaon, the percentage of girls pursuing postgraduate education is lower here.
Both villages show that a considerable number of Sonowal Kachari girls are continuing their education beyond
H.S. However, Bindhakata Gaon has relatively higher percentages of girls in both B.A. and M.A. levels
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
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compared to Muluk Gaon. This suggests that Bindhakata Gaon girls are slightly more motivated or have better
opportunities for higher education than Muluk Gaon girls.
FINDINGS
In order to study the educational status of the Sonowal Kachari girls of the Bindhakata Gaon, Muluk Gaon under
Panitola block and Ouphalia Gaon, Chakalia Pathar village under Tingkhong block has been studied. The data’s
have been collected through personal interview, observation as well as the home-to-home visit in the study area.
In this regard, the collected data have been analysed using standard statistical methods. The analysis aims to
assess the educational status of sonowal kachari girls.
1. The study shows that the interest in education among girls is gradually increasing within the Sonowal
Kachari tribe. In both Tingkhong and Panitola blocks, educational awareness among girls is remarkable.
2. The educational qualifications of girls vary from village to village. In the Tingkhong block villages —
Ouphalia Gaon and Chakalia Pathar — a relatively higher number of girls have completed a Bachelor’s
degree (B.A.), while a lower percentage have obtained a Master’s degree (M.A.). In contrast, in the
Panitola block villages — Bindhakata Gaon and Muluk Gaon — the overall educational qualifications
are lower, though the number of graduates in Bindhakata Gaon is slightly higher than those who have
completed a Master’s degree.
3. A declining trend is observed in the number of girls continuing to higher levels of education. While many
girls complete Higher Secondary, fewer pursue B.A., and an even smaller percentage continues to M.A.
4. Socio-economic factors, personal reasons, early marriage, lack of awareness, parental apathy, and the
absence of higher educational institutions may be the key reasons for the declining number of girls
pursuing higher education.
5. Despite these challenges, the overall educational participation of Sonowal Kachari girls has improved.
This indicates a growing interest in education among Sonowal Kachari girls and a positive change in the
attitudes of parents and the community toward girls’ education.
Problems Of the Village
The following problems have been observed in the Bindhakata and Muluk gaon under Panitola block:
1. The economic condition of the people in these communities is not good. Most families depend on
agriculture for their livelihood. Due to poor economic conditions, many parents cannot afford their
children’s higher education.
2. There is a lack of a proper educational environment in these villages. Possibly due to their weak financial
condition, many parents have an indifferent attitude toward their children’s education.
3. During interviews with the villagers and students, it was found that most students have not received any
government schemes, financial assistance, or scholarships.
In this context, both government and non-government organizations have been working for the development of
the educational environment in these areas.
Suggestions
Education plays a vital role in the development of any tribe. The more educated the members of a tribe are, the
better they can keep pace with the changing times. Education can transform the thinking and mindset of
individuals as well as society, and it can promote upward social and economic mobility among people.
The following suggestions have been put forward for the upliftment of the Sonowal Kachari tribe in the Panitola
and Tingkhong blocks:
1. The government and non-government organizations should organize awareness programmes to help
people understand the importance of education and create an educational environment that enables them
to lead a better life in the future.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND SCIENTIFIC INNOVATION (IJRSI)
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2. The government should ensure that all meritorious students receive appropriate scholarships.
3. Adult education programmes should be properly implemented and monitored.
4. The younger generation should understand the value of education and take the initiative to organize
seminars and meetings in their villages to create a positive and motivating educational atmosphere.
CONCLUSION
The Sonowal Kacharis are considered to be one of the ancient tribal communities of Assam. . They are a subgroup
of the Bodo community in Assam. Like the other tribe of Assam Sonowal Kachari tribe have their unique culture,
traditions, language, rituals, customs etc. Generally, Sonowal Kchari people used Assamese as their mother
tongue.
From the study, it has been observed that the progress of education in Ouphalia Gaon and Chakalia Pathar of
Tingkhong block, as well as in Bindhakata Gaon and Muluk Gaon of Panitola block, is very slow. The study
reveals that the educational qualification of parents is very low, and the interest in higher education among
students of the surveyed families is limited. Various socio-economic factors act as hindrances to achieving higher
education within the community.
Education plays a major role in the development of any community. Therefore, the government, nongovernment
organizations, and local individuals should take initiatives to improve the educational status of the community.
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