Author
Masatoglu, Mehmet
Publication Place
Firat University -
Firat University
Subject
Ancestor worship, Group identity
Type
Book
Language
ara,eng
Digital
Yes
Manuscript
No
Library
Leitir Library
Library Asset ID
ISSN: 1304-639X, DOI: 10.58568/firatilahiyat.1614360
Record ID
cdi_doaj_primary_oai_doaj_org_article_2148483448384492b175d5415b77305e
Library Location
DOAJ Directory of Open Access Journals
Notes
The belief system of the Rabha People focuses on the nature-based beliefs, rituals and social structure of the Rabha tribe living in the northeastern regions of India. The study examines the traditional religious and philosophical structure of the Rabha people through their deep ties with nature and the central role of these ties in their social life. This belief system, based on the sanctity of nature and ecological balance, shapes the community's lifestyle, agricultural practices and social relations. Rabha religion is considered not only a belief system, but also a symbol of social solidarity and a representation of a continuous existence in harmony with nature. This study adopted an analytical and critical approach to understand the Rabha religious belief and aimed to examine the belief system of the community in both its historical and philosophical dimensions. In the research, the rituals and spiritual practices of the Rabha people were discussed in detail and how they shaped their cultural identities and social solidarity was tried to be analyzed. The research was developed by analyzing ethnographic data available in the literature, examining oral history studies and evaluating written sources. Thus, it has been revealed how the Rabha society maintained its religious and cultural continuity. The religious structure of the Rabha community has preserved and enriched its identity by flexibly interacting with various cultural and religious influences. The community's particularly prominent rituals reflect a deep spiritual connection with nature. Belief in the sanctity of nature is evident in rituals focusing on agricultural activities. For example, the Rabhas aim to ensure the fertility of the soil by making offerings to Āya-Khoksi, the goddess of agriculture. Similarly, while praying to Langa for rivers and water sources, they consider Hasong sacred as the protector of forests and wildlife. Rabhas attach great importance to maintaining the balance between the spiritual world and the material world. Ancestor worship plays a central role in the religious and cultural structure of this community. Offerings made to ancestors and rituals allow individuals to strengthen their ties with their roots and strengthen social solidarity. Ceremonies aimed at pleasing the spirits of ancestors are not only a religious practice for the Rabhas, but also a quest for social harmony. Rabha religion is based on a balance between good and evil gods. In this context, while the search for prosperity and happiness continues by praying to good gods who represent positive values, it is aimed to keep the community safe by performing certain rituals against evil spirits. For example, in cases where natural disasters or diseases are believed to be the effects of evil spirits, animal sacrifices or ritual practices are used to reduce these effects. These religious practices play a critical role in maintaining spiritual balance for the Rabha community. The main purpose of this research is to reveal the methods of preserving the cultural identity of the Rabha people and to understand how this identity resists despite external dynamics. The religious practices of the Rabhas have been transmitted from generation to generation through oral traditions, creating a social and cultural memory. This examination of the Rabha religion contributes to our understanding of the community's faith-based identity, social life and relationship with nature. In this context, Rabha religion, beyond being a system of worship, ensures the continuity of the community by offering a lifestyle in harmony with the social roles of individuals and nature. The Rabhas adopted their religion not only as a system of worship, but also as a way of life and a framework of existence in harmony with nature.
Detaylı Başlık
Rabha Halkının İnanç Dünyası ve Ritüel Pratikleri
