Assamese Gamosa [UPSC Notes]

During an event in March 2023, the Bangla Sahitya Sabha Assam presented a hybrid scarf made by cutting an Assamese Gamosa and a Bengali Gamcha in half and sewing them together to honour guests. This led to protests in various regions of the state. In this context, know what is the Assamese Gamosa and how it is different from the Bengali Gamcha and other details for the IAS exam art and culture segment.

What is Assamese Gamosa?

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The Assamese Gamosa is a traditional handwoven cotton cloth from the state of Assam in India.

• It is usually white with red or maroon stripes on the borders, and may also have decorative motifs woven into it.
• The Gamosa is a multipurpose cloth that can be used as a towel, handkerchief, head covering, waistband, or even as a gift wrapper.
• It is an important part of Assamese culture and is used in various social, cultural, and religious ceremonies.
• The Gamosa is also a symbol of hospitality, friendship, and respect. It is often presented as a gift to guests or used to honour important people.
• In recent years, the Gamosa, also called Gamucha, has gained popularity beyond Assam and is now recognized as a symbol of the entire northeast region of India.
• The Assamese Gamosa was granted Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2020. This recognition provides legal protection to the unique identity of the product and ensures that only authorized manufacturers or producers in the designated geographic territory are allowed to use the name “Assamese Gamosa” for their products. It also helps in promoting the product’s cultural heritage and local economy.

About Bengali Gamcha:

• Bengali Gamcha is a traditional cotton towel, commonly found in West Bengal and Bangladesh.
• It is usually made from handloom cotton and is characterized by its distinctive checked patterns, which come in a variety of colours.
• Gamchas are lightweight, absorbent, and quick-drying, making them a popular choice for everyday use.
• They are commonly used as towels, but can also be used as scarves, headwraps, or even a tablecloth.
• Like the Assamese Gamosa, the Bengali Gamcha also holds cultural significance and is often used in Bengali weddings, religious ceremonies, and other festive occasions.
• In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in traditional handicrafts, and the Bengali Gamcha has become a popular choice for fashion designers and home decor enthusiasts.

Reason for protest: 

• Cultural appropriation: Some people in Assam may feel that the use of the Bengali Gamcha in the hybrid creation was a form of cultural appropriation, as the Gamcha is traditionally associated with Bengali culture and not with Assamese culture.
• Threat to Assamese identity: For some people in Assam, the use of the hybrid Gamcha may represent a threat to the state’s cultural and linguistic identity, as it blurs the lines between Assamese and Bengali culture.
• Political tension: Assam has a complex political history, with tensions between different ethnic and linguistic groups. The use of the hybrid Gamcha may have sparked protests among some groups who feel that their cultural or political interests are being marginalized.
• Symbolic significance: The Gamosa and Gamcha are both culturally significant items in Assam and Bengal, respectively. The use of a hybrid creation that combines these two items may be seen by some as disrespectful or inappropriate.

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