Sonowal was a multicaste '
khel' (guild) of the many khels that existed in the
Ahom Kingdom of the
late medieval period. This khel was involved in the
gold-washing business and it consisted of paiks from different communities viz,
Kacharis, Bihiyas (
Chutias),
Koch, and
Keot. However, the
Kachari and
Bihiya Sonowals were most numerous. Most of these Sonowals migrated from
Sadiya and
Sisi-Dhemaji regions respectively and resided in the forested area between the
Buri Dihing and
Dibru rivers (Matak territories) during the early 19th century. Gold-washing was the occupation of Sonowal paiks but other paiks sometimes used to join them and receives their share. Although the designation of these
paiks was
Sonowal, they were generally known only by the names of their 'khel' or tribe or chief under whom they resided. They were placed in different parts of the country (Assam) under the authority of
Phukans,
Baruahs and other chiefs. However, the
Kachari Sonowal was a distinct class from rest of the Sonowals. And unlike others, they were entirely under the orders of the King himself, and they supplied him with gold when called upon to do so. They formerly resided at
Sadiya and its vicinity. The Keot Sonowals went extinct in due course of time. The Kachari Sonowal is the only khel that exists today and is recognized as one of the
Scheduled Tribes (
ST) of Assam. == Surnames ==