International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Reimagining Traditions: The Changing Representations of Women as Tradition Bearer in Assamese Modern Songs

Assamese modern songs have long reflected the beauty of nature, social realities, and the identities, emotions, and social positions of women within the cultural framework of Assam. Women have traditionally occupied a significant place in these songs, both as symbols of beauty and as bearers of Assamese cultural values and traditions. The culture of Assam is rich, diverse, and hybrid in nature, shaped by the interaction of multiple cultural influences over time. This paper examines the changing representation of women in Assamese modern songs and explores how traditional images and cultural expectations have been reinterpreted across different periods. Earlier songs often portrayed women as embodiments of beauty, sacrifice, and custodians of cultural traditions. However, with changing social, economic, and cultural conditions, contemporary Assamese modern songs have begun to depict women in more diverse and complex roles. At the same time, some songs also present women as objects of desire and sexual commodification. Using an observational approach and qualitative analysis of selected Assamese modern songs from different periods, this study investigates the transformation in the representation of women and the factors contributing to these changes. By tracing the evolution of women's portrayal in Assamese modern songs, the paper highlights the dynamic relationship between cultural traditions and contemporary social values. To ensure a systematic analysis, the study employs various theoretical perspectives, including Representation, Globalization, Modernization, and Feminism.