The Assamese Chinese, also known as the Zhongum people, are a small community of ethnic Chinese living in the town of Makum in Assam, India.[1][2] Today, they are scattered throughout Assam. This group is primarily composed of descendants of Chinese immigrants who migrated to Assam in two distinct phases. The first phase involved the Zhongum forming alliances with the Dimasa kingdom, leading to the establishment of the Ming branch, known as Benghuo. The second phase saw another group of Zhongum arriving in Assam in 1850 when the British brought them for tea cultivation; these people are known as Juwai.[3]
History
The history of the Assamese Chinese community can be divided into three distinct phases.[4] The first phase involved alliances with the Dimasa Kingdom,[5][6][7] where a group of Chinese people, identified as the Ming branch, established their presence in the region. Assam also had a longer historical connection with China, with Indian influence only being much recent.[8][9][10][11] The second phase began in 1850 when the British brought Chinese laborers to Assam specifically for tea cultivation.[12]
The Benghuos, having arrived earlier, often view the Juwai as non-natives due to their British-facilitated migration, leading to intergroup rivalry. Despite this, both groups have grown to accept each other following the Indian concentration debacle. Over time, Benghuos have also mixed significantly with the Dimasas. Originating from southwestern China, the Zhongum are of a distinct descent, with a language markedly different from Mandarin, indicating a unique cultural identity. The Benghuos historically referred to Assam as Feicu Wanguo, meaning "the kingdom of treasures." One can distinguish between Benghuo and Juwai individuals based on their surnames; titles such as Lui, Ming, Zhao, Qian, and Sun denote Benghuo heritage, while Yao, Gui, Ho, Wang, and Jiang are indicative of Juwai lineage. The Zhongum, who refer to their language as Zhong, proudly identify as Assamese people.[13]
During the Sino-Indian War of 1962, the Assamese Chinese faced systematic cleansing and cultural erosion.[14][15] Many were interned, forcibly relocated, and their properties were confiscated. A notable example of this cultural suppression is the conversion of the Zhong School, a prominent Chinese school in Makum, into a Hindi school by force.[16][17]
Culture
The Assamese Chinese have retained many aspects of their Chinese heritage while also adopting elements of Assamese culture.[18] They celebrate traditional Chinese festivals such as the Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival, while also participating in local Assamese festivities, like Bihu. Today many call themselves simply Assamese and identify with the Assamese culture.[19][20]
Religion
The religious practices of the Assamese Chinese are diverse, including Christianity, Buddhism, and Confucianism. Christianity however still remains the predominant religion.[21]
