How early Boros selected plots for constructing houses - Boro Culture and Tradition

In today's world, choosing a plot of land for constructing a house involves basic knowledge of the ground below, and depends on the type of house you want to build. While bigger projects require engineers and professionals, a small house will require few skilled masons.

However, our forefathers used several traditional techniques to evaluate the condition of the plot. These techniques may involve physical examinations, cultural significance, or spiritual beliefs. I'm sure every culture and tradition will have similar beliefs and practices associated with selecting plots for constructing houses.

This article shares the rituals and practices followed by early Boro society to select a plot for constructing a house. These practices may have disappeared from the modern Boro society, but they portray the rich cultural heritage of the Boro society.

Please Note: These rituals and practices may or may not be prevalent in the modern Boro society.

Why do Boros take so much caution before constructing a house?

It is believed that in the early Boro society, the position of the homestead had several religious and traditional significance. For instance, before constructing any house, the Boros build the granary (Bakri) in the east of the homestead. Likewise, the cowshed or Goli had to be constructed in the southeast corner.

You can learn about the significance of the granary and the cowshed from this Boro folk song.

Daokha Habnai Noawlai

Sila Habnai Noawlai

Angkhau Dadilai Apha Gosai

Mai Bakhri Nunaiao

Mosau Goli Nunaiao

Angkhou Bilaihor Apha Gosai

Angkhou Bilaihor Apha Gosai

English Translation

Do not give me in marriage to a house where the crows and the kites have easy access, Oh my father god (Gosai); give me in marriage to a house where the granary and the cowshed are easily visible, Oh my father god (Gosai).

This folk song clearly indicates that the Boro society gives much importance to the presence of the cowshed and granary in a family. Even the courtyard of the house involves several practices and beliefs, which you can learn in our Top 5 Beliefs about Boro House Courtyards.

How do Boros select a plot for construction?

Before constructing a house, Boros evaluate the land using several traditional practices. In the early Boro society, people examine the plot by cleaning the area with a spade and applying cow dung and mud plaster.

After cleaning the plot, the workers place a pair of basil leaves and nine grains of rice on a banana leaf. The people then cover the banana leaf with a bamboo basket and leave it overnight. The next morning the things are observed and if it remains intact and undisturbed, the plot is considered suitable for constructing a house. However, if the things are displaced, then the land is considered inauspicious or unfit for construction.

Another way of selecting a plot is by tasting the soil. It is believed that if the soil tastes sweet, it is suitable for constructing a house. However, if the soil has a sour taste, it is regarded unsuitable for construction. A plot's soil that tastes bitter or salty is considered medium.

Final Thought

These practices may not be prevalent in the modern society, but it clearly shows how cautious the early Boro society was before constructing a house. It is part of the rich cultural heritage of the Boros and undoubtedly worth sharing with the younger generations. 

If you like this post please comment your views on this topic and also rectify me if you find any errors. 

Source: A Study in Cultural Heritage of the Boros by Dr. Kameswar Brahma