The Bisa village in Tinsukia (Photo - @aweassam / X)

Doomdooma, May 10: The historical significance of Bisa Raja and the cultural richness of the Singpho community in Tinsukia's Margherita co-district have garnered attention beyond Assam, reaching Japan through academic research and literary works.

Recently, two books detailing the history of Bisa Raja and the Singpho community were chosen for preservation and research in Japan, following a visit from a six-member Japanese research team to Assam.

The team conducted an in-depth exploration of Margherita, focusing on the traditional tea culture of the Singpho community, especially the renowned ‘Falap’ tea, recognized as one of the earliest teas in the region.

During their stay, the researchers visited organically cultivated tea gardens in Margherita and observed the traditional preparation methods of Falap tea, which are integral to the Singpho people's identity.

The delegation also toured the historic Bisa village in Ledo, where they were welcomed by Bisa Raja Mungdang Gam Singpho. This visit allowed them to explore the historical narratives and royal lineage tied to the Bisa Raja tradition.

To further understand the community's history, each team member collected copies of two recently published works by prominent writer and journalist Jagat Changmai from Ledo – Bisa Rajar Perat Abaddha Swarnil Itihas and Singpho Jati Aru Bisa Raja Itibritta. Additional copies were secured for academic research and preservation in Japan.

The researchers expressed their admiration for the books after reading translated versions via AI-assisted Japanese translation tools. They encouraged the author to keep documenting the lesser-known histories and traditions of the region, noting that the books' journey to Japan was a source of pride for Assam.

Yoshie Matsumiya, the leader of the Japanese research team, shared her joy about visiting Assam, highlighting the state's natural beauty and cultural depth. She also praised the traditional Singpho Falap tea, calling it a unique and unforgettable experience.

Bisa Raja Mungdang Gam Singpho expressed his satisfaction with the increasing global interest in the Singpho community's history and traditions during his interaction with the visitors.

The Japanese team conveyed their eagerness to continue research in Assam, particularly in areas related to indigenous tea culture, oral history, and the preservation of community heritage.