The present paper discusses various dimensions of child-rearing practices a
mong the Sonowal Kacharis (second largest plain tribe) of Assam. The study
reveals the characteristics of a simple society. Neither special care nor e
xtra stress is given in any stage of child-rearing process. No special diet
is given during pregnancy mainly due to poor economic conditions. As there
is no mid-wife, the elderly women of the community help in delivery.
Adequate safeguards are taken to protect the infant against evil eyes. Wear
ing of amulet and copper coins are popular among the Sonowal Kacharis. They
also preserve the dried navel cord, and it is believed, that the water ext
racted from this cord is useful in diseases like dysentery, fever etc. chil
dren are vaccinated, but they have faith in indigenous medicine and take he
lp of bej (folk medicine man) for safe delivery and illness. Many of the be
liefs have similarities, not only among the communities of Assam; but even,
among some communities of Punjab.