Assamese Demonology

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Assamese Demonology

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

Benudhar Rajkhowa's 'Assamese Demonology' offers a comprehensive exploration of Assam's rich mythological heritage, detailing indigenous ghosts, spirits, and supernatural entities. This faithful record of popular beliefs covers aquatic, terrestrial, and household spirits, alongside rituals, incantations, and traditional ghost lore, providing a unique window into the region's folk culture.

Summary up to 500 words

Published originally in 1905, *Assamese Demonology* by Benudhar Rajkhowa serves as a faithful ethnographic record of indigenous Assamese folk beliefs regarding spirits and demons. Compiled without editorial varnish, the text preserves the original dialect and superstitions of the populace, categorizing spirits into four territorial classes: Subterranean, Terrestrial, Aerial, and Celestial. The Terrestrial class contains the largest number of entities, including the 'bak' (tank spirit), 'dot' (demon), 'jakh' (buffalo spirit), and 'chaman' (silent forest spirit). While some spirits are benign, the majority are described as malignant. The work details specific characteristics and habitats of these entities. For instance, the 'dot' is a tall, jet-black figure with long, spike-like fingers who leads victims to water-courses to deal merciless blows, though he rarely kills. He is uniquely averse to mustard seeds, which play a crucial role in exorcism ceremonies. Other spirits include the 'jakh,' a terrible buffalo spirit that kills victims by gnawing vital parts, and the 'chaman,' a taciturn spirit associated with the cham tree that renders possessed individuals mute. The text also profiles female spirits like the 'daini,' a cannibalistic entity, and the 'alakhani,' a frolicsome imp. A significant portion of the book documents methods of exorcism using various incantations ('Ban') and materials such as mustard seeds, garlic, enchanted grass, and specific medicinal roots. The author lists notable haunted places across districts like Sibsagar and Golaghat and profiles famous exorcists. The narrative includes stories of possession, the life of domesticated ghosts, and mythological tales involving deities like Siva and Parvati. A notable legend explains the distinction between 'ahu' and 'sali' rice crops through the story of Khob and Khubi, demons who set fields ablaze. The book concludes with appendices containing songs, incantations, lists of haunted locations, and a glossary, offering a comprehensive view of the spiritual landscape that once governed Assamese daily life.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Folklore
• Supernatural Studies
• Cultural History