Archive · 2 Nov 2025
Assam's Dhulia Tradition Fades Amidst Modern Entertainment
Imagine a time long ago in Assam when a special drum, called the bor dhol, was like the village's loudspeaker.
People called the drummers Dhulias, and they didn't just play music; they told stories, made people laugh with jokes and funny characters, and even shared important news.
It was a big part of village life.
But now, with phones, TVs, and DJs playing loud music, fewer people are watching or listening to the Dhulias.
The young generation often doesn't even know about this art.
Also, the performers don't earn much money, making it hard to keep going.
Experts say we need to help Dhulias by teaching others, giving them support, and showing them off in schools and festivals.
It's important to keep this unique art alive so it doesn't disappear forever, but we must keep it real and not change it too much.
The Dhulia tradition, a blend of drumming, dance, acting, and storytelling in Assam, is facing a significant decline.
Modern entertainment like DJs and digital media, along with economic hardships for performers, are contributing to its fading popularity.
Dhulia performers historically served as messengers, philosophers, and jesters, using the bor dhol drum to engage communities.
Lack of institutional support and cultural policy integration hinders the preservation and revival of this ancient art form.
Suggestions for revival include establishing training centers, offering scholarships, integrating Dhulia into cultural policy, and valuing its authentic expression.
- Who
- Dhulia performers and the Assam community
- What
- The fading of the traditional Dhulia art form, characterized by drumming, dance, acting, myth, and mimicry.
- When
- Currently, with a long-term decline observed.
- Where
- Assam, India.
- Why
- The tradition is being overshadowed by modern entertainment, economic struggles of performers, and a lack of structured preservation efforts.
- Tradition
- Dhulia (Bor Dhulia/Kamrupi Dhulia)
- Core Instrument
- Bor Dhol (a large drum)
- Traditional Role
- Messenger, philosopher, jester, storyteller
- Decline Factors
- Modern entertainment (DJs, digital media), economic hardship, lack of institutional support
- Proposed Solutions
- Cultural policy integration, training centers, scholarships, subsidies, school workshops, valuing authenticity