Harmony in History: Unveiling the History of Women Tea Plantations Workers Through Jhumur Songs

Abstract

This paper explores the cultural significance of jhumur songs within the context of colonial Assam's tea plantation communities. Jhumur, originating from the Sadanic language, serves as a vital narrative tool reflecting the experiences and struggles of tea plantation workers, particularly women. Through an analysis of jhumur songs and historical sources, the paper reveals the deceptive strategies employed by the British government and plantation owners to recruit and exploit labourers. Specific examples of jhumur songs are examined to illustrate themes of migration, exploitation and cultural resistance. The paper introduces two theoretical frameworks— the "Migration-Exploitation-Strategies Nexus" and the "Model of Colonial Hegemony and Cultural Resistance" to analyse the socio-cultural dynamics at play. Ultimately, this study highlights the enduring resilience and cultural identity embedded within colonial Assam's tea plantation communities as evidenced by the poignant narratives preserved in jhumur song.