MORAN COMMUNITY

Current Context : The Moran community of Assam has recently intensified its demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status from the Government of India.

About Moran Community

• Location: Mainly in Tinsukia district of Assam; also present in parts of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Historical Background: Had an independent kingdom at Bengmara (present-day Tinsukia) before the arrival of the Ahoms.
• Language: Earlier used a dialect from the Bodo group (Tibeto-Burman family); later shifted to Assamese.

Religious Affiliation

• Follow Vaishnavism (Moamoria sect) introduced by Sri Aniruddha Deva, disciple of Srimanta Sankardeva.
• Before Vaishnavism, they followed the Shakta faith linked to Kechaikhati Than (mother goddess shrine).

Festivals

• Gasar Talar Bihu – a traditional Bihu dance performed under a tree.
• Kheri – another popular cultural festival.