Barmans in Cachar

As per population census 2024 prepared by existing "Barman Dimasa Kachari Development Council" the total population of Barman Dimasa Kachari (outside sixth schedule area) was 97,904 in five districts of Assam: Cachar, Karimganj, Hailakandi, Hojai and Nagaon.

It is worthy to share that linguistically Dimasa, Koch, Bodo, Kokborok, Deori, Garo, Rabha, and Tiwa are cognate groups.

However, since the beginning of the eighteenth century this Kingdom was on its decline; its last ruler Bhimsingha was growing old with no male heir.

The aristocracy which settled in Cachar formed a Hindu caste called BARMAN and consecrated as Kshatriya by Brahmanas and allowed to put on sacred threads (Janeo).

Like most of the indigenous peoples, the animistic perspective is so inherent that they do not even have a word in their language that corresponds to "Animism" (the term, which is an anthropological construct).

Barman Dimasa damsel while performing Baidima, the traditional dance.
Barman Dimasa damsel performing Baidima, the traditional dance.
Hojai, the Dimasa Priest (in the middle) with Baruwa (assistant priest) and Dangjuruya/Deori (assistant priest).
Hojai, the Dimasa Priest performing age old traditional ritual called Maiyaopa Garba
Dimasa Priest while performing their age old traditional ritual.