International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Assamese Folk Literature and Sustainable Cultural Development: A Critical Study

Abstract Folk literature is one of the most significant manifestations of a community’s collective consciousness, cultural memory, and traditional knowledge. It embodies the lived experiences, beliefs, customs, values, and worldview of a people, transmitted across generations through oral traditions. Assamese folk literature, enriched by the diverse ethnic and linguistic communities of Assam, represents a vital component of the region’s intangible cultural heritage. It includes folk songs, folktales, proverbs, riddles, ballads, myths, legends, and folk theatre, each reflecting the socio-cultural realities of Assamese society. In the contemporary era, characterized by globalization, urbanization, and technological advancement, traditional cultural forms face unprecedented challenges. The decline of oral traditions, changing lifestyles, and the growing influence of mass media has significantly affected the transmission of folk literature. Nevertheless, Assamese folk literature continues to demonstrate resilience through adaptation, documentation, educational integration, digital preservation, and community participation. This paper examines the nature, forms, characteristics, and cultural significance of Assamese folk literature while analyzing its role in sustainable cultural development. It argues that the preservation and revitalization of folk literature are essential not only for safeguarding cultural identity but also for promoting social cohesion, linguistic diversity, environmental awareness, and intergenerational knowledge transmission. The study concludes that sustainable development of Assamese folk literature requires collaborative efforts involving educational institutions, researchers, cultural organizations, governments, and local communities.