TaiAhom
Tai Ahom refers to the Tai people who migrated from present-day Yunnan province of China and established the Ahom kingdom in the Brahmaputra Valley of Assam, India. They arrived in the 13th century and ruled for over 600 years, significantly influencing the region's culture, politics, and society. The Tai Ahom language, though no longer widely spoken, is a Tai-Kadai language and has contributed loanwords to Assamese. Their religious practices initially involved ancestor worship and nature spirits, later adopting Hinduism, though many retained distinct cultural practices. The Ahom kingdom played a crucial role in resisting Mughal invasions and consolidating the region. Their administrative system, social structure, and historical chronicles, known as Buranjis, provide valuable insights into medieval Indian history. The Tai Ahom community continues to preserve its unique heritage through festivals, rituals, and cultural organizations.