Karbi Oral Narratives on Jir Kedam’s Discontinuation: Special Reference to Amri, West Karbi Anglong

The Karbi, remarkable in their agricultural practices since a distant past, continued to practice the Jir Kedam most informally. Their way of Jhum cultivation still resembles that from the days of the actual Jir Kedam. Even in the age of technology, where machines do the work of farmers directly or indirectly, the traditional way of farming still fills the landscapes in the remote regions of Karbi Anglong, in contrast to those of urban or modern agricultural activities. In recent times, the location of the tragic event of last Jir Kedam and the place of their mass suicide, Cheleng Athepai, still attracts visitors who wish to get a sense of the hardships in their minds.             There still exist many gaps to be filled in the history of Jir Kedam, its origin, the dates, rules and regulations of Jir Kedam. This research paper is a qualitative work done from the oral narratives made available to the research scholar. Therefore, more research is needed to fill the missing links for the benefit of the Karbi community and historians alike.

1.      Stein, Burton. A History of India. Oxford: Blackwell Publishing, 1998. 2.      Lyall, Charles. The Mikirs. Guwahati/Delhi: Spectrum Publications, 1908. 3.      Phangcho, Sar Sarmen. Interview with Sarthe (Village Chief of Langorkhon), January 20, 2025. 4.      Lekthe, Sar Sarthe. Interview about the event through his inherited song, n.d. 5.      Phangcho, L. Kuleng Alir (25th Amri ZKYF), 25. 2017. 6.      Site visit to Jirlong Anglong, Putsari Hills, February 28, 2025.