KHAR KHUA AXOMIYA | KHAR: AROMAS OF NORTHEAST | ASSAM | ACS

Summary

This video explores the historical significance of the term 'Kharkovia' in Assamese culture, explaining its roots in the scarcity of salt in Assam. The term originates from the use of 'Khar', a traditional substitute for salt made from banana peels and other local fruits. The script highlights how this alternative was crucial in Assamese cuisine and daily life, particularly during British colonial rule and the Salt March led by Mahatma Gandhi. The term 'Kharkovia' reflects the resilience and ingenuity of the Assamese people, transforming a historical challenge into a point of cultural pride.

Takeaways

• 😀 Captain Wells, the first British officer in Assam, arrived in 1792 at the request of Swargadeo Gorina Tengho to assist in the battle against the Burmese.
• 😀 Captain Wells' report detailed the scarcity of salt in Assam, which was only produced in two areas: Hodia and Naga Pahar.
• 😀 Salt produced in Assam was of low quality and expensive, leading to the importation of higher-quality salt from Britain.
• 😀 In the absence of quality salt, the Assamese people used 'kar,' a traditional sodium bicarbonate substitute made from banana peels or stems.
• 😀 'Kar' became an essential alternative to salt in Assamese cuisine and had various uses, including for washing clothes.
• 😀 The use of 'kar' dates back to medieval times, making it a longstanding cultural practice in Assam.
• 😀 Assam’s cooking methods, such as preservation, drying, and fermentation, heavily relied on salt, and 'kar' was used in its place.
• 😀 The scarcity of salt and reliance on 'kar' in Assam can be linked to the larger context of the Indian independence movement, particularly the Salt March.
• 😀 During the Salt March, the people of Assam boycotted British-imported salt, including the expensive Liverpool salt, and continued to use 'kar' in their daily lives.
• 😀 The expression 'kharkovia' is a term of pride, highlighting the resilience and cultural richness of the Assamese people and their unique food practices.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The main topic of the video is the historical and cultural significance of the expression 'Khar Kovia' used to describe Assamese people, and how it relates to the use of 'khar' as a salt substitute in Assamese cuisine.

Who was Captain Wells, and why is he mentioned in the video?

Captain Wells was a British officer who came to Assam in 1792 at the request of Swargadeo Gorina Tengho to help fight off the Burmese. He is mentioned in the video because his report highlighted the salt scarcity in Assam and described the use of 'khar' as an alternative.

What was Captain Wells' contribution to understanding Assam's salt situation?

Captain Wells documented that salt was scarce in Assam, with only two places—Hodia and Naga Pahar—producing salt, and it was of low quality. He also noted that salt was an expensive commodity imported from the British, which led to the use of 'khar' as a substitute.

What is 'khar', and how is it used in Assamese cuisine?

'Khar' is a traditional alternative to salt made from banana peels or papayas. It has many medicinal properties and is commonly used in Assamese cooking, including in recipes for preservation, drying, and fermentation.

How did the scarcity of salt in Assam influence its use of 'khar'?

Due to the scarcity and high cost of salt in Assam, 'khar' became an important substitute in cooking. The people of Assam adapted to this lack of salt by incorporating 'khar' in their culinary practices, which became a vital part of their culture.

What historical event is connected to the use of 'khar' during the Indian independence movement?

The use of 'khar' in Assam is linked to the **Salt March** led by Mahatma Gandhi during India's independence struggle. While Gandhi's movement was focused on producing salt and protesting the salt tax, the people of Assam used 'khar' due to the lack of natural salt production in the region.

Why is the expression 'Khar Kovia' used to describe Assamese people?

'Khar Kovia' is a term used to describe Assamese people because of their historical use of 'khar' as a substitute for salt. The term symbolizes pride in the unique culinary and cultural practices of the Assamese people.

Is the term 'Khar Kovia' derogatory?

No, the term 'Khar Kovia' is not derogatory. Instead, it is a matter of pride, reflecting the Assamese people's resilience and their distinctive cooking traditions, especially in the face of challenges like the salt scarcity.

What are some uses of 'khar' other than in cooking?

'Khar' is not only used in cooking but also has medicinal properties. It has been used historically for washing clothes and for various health benefits, making it a versatile and valuable product in Assamese culture.

What is the significance of Assam's contribution to the Salt March?

Assam's contribution to the Salt March was symbolic. Although Assam could not produce its own salt due to a lack of natural salt sources, the people of Assam supported the boycott of British-imported salt and used 'khar' as an alternative. This support was a part of their resistance against British colonial rule.