Chakhwtwi ‘Alkali’ - Its Socio-Religious Importance in The Indigenous Kokborok Speaking Society of Tripura

Abstract

The socio-religious significance of Chakhwtwi ‘alkali’ in the indigenous Kokborok speaking societies of Tripura plays a fundamental role in their cultural practices, cuisine, and identity. This paper examines the historical and contemporary use of ash-filtered water ‘alkali’  among  the Borok people, a key ethnic group in Tripura, and its importance in food preparation, medicinal practices, and spiritual rituals. The traditional process of preparing Chakhwtwi involves filtering ash from specific plants through bamboo containers, a practice primarily carried out by women. This alkali water is used in various dishes, such as Chakhwtwi kwthang and Chakhwtwi kumun, often for their medicinal and digestive purposes. Additionally, Chakhwtwi plays a crucial role in social events and rituals, symbolizing cultural identity and unity. During the 1960s, it became a symbol of indigenous assertion in Tripura, particularly during the formation of the  Tripura  Upajati Yuva Samiti (TUJS), the first indigenous political party. The  consumption  and preparation of Chakhwtwi thus represent a deep connection to the land, traditions, and a political symbol of the Borok people’s identity, distinguishing them from other communities. Through food, this indigenous practice reflects the relationship between culture, politics, and ethnicity, displaying how food traditions can both unite and define  communities.