Growth of Vaisnavism and Christianity in the Duar Areas of Lakhimpur

Abstract

The influences of the larger community on the minor community are indeed a general phenomenon in every society. Only the degree is different in this context. It can depend on the framework of the larger community to extend the influence on other minor communities. Hinduism has influenced the entire Brahmaputra valley from the early times. But the tribes of the Brahmaputra had to follow animism from early times. Some similarities like worship of the river, Sun, moon, animals, etc., of Sanatan Hinduism have been seen in tribal religion, but it may be considered as the direct or indirect influence of Hinduism.  In the case of the hill tribes, especially the Nyishi people are quite different. They are independent, and their society has been open from early times. There is no place for class division and the caste system in its social, political, or religious sphere. Although the Nyishi people have followed the Donyi-Polo religion since the early times. All the religious matters were handled by the priest class. There was also seen animal sacrifice in their religion. Verrier Elwin, British-Indian anthropologist, argues about the influences of Hinduism on the indigenous religious faith of the Nyishi,- the same sacrifice, the same colorful festivals, myths, and legends of a rather similar pattern. But there was no cast system and divisions in their society.