LANGUAGE IN INDIA

Strength for Today and Bright Hope for Tomorrow

Volume 15:2 February 2015
ISSN 1930-2940

Managing Editor: M. S. Thirumalai, Ph.D.
Editors: B. Mallikarjun, Ph.D.
         Sam Mohanlal, Ph.D.
         B. A. Sharada, Ph.D.
         A. R. Fatihi, Ph.D.
         Lakhan Gusain, Ph.D.
         Jennifer Marie Bayer, Ph.D.
         S. M. Ravichandran, Ph.D.
         G. Baskaran, Ph.D.
         L. Ramamoorthy, Ph.D.
         C. Subburaman, Ph.D. (Economics)
         N. Nadaraja Pillai, Ph.D.
Assistant Managing Editor: Swarna Thirumalai, M.A.

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The Village Community among the Tangkhul Nagas of Manipur
in the Nineteenth Century

Console Zamreinao Shimrei, M.Phil., NET., Ph.D. Research Scholar

Abstract

The Tangkhuls occupy the north eastern hill of Ukhrul District, Manipur. Tangkhul people know no other life except that of “community life”. In fact, they work in groups, eat in groups, work in groups and sleep in groups wherever there are. All things are done in groups and in the full presence of the entire community. The individuals have no existence apart from the community. Interestingly, there was no place for idle men in the Tangkhul Naga community. The principle “He who does not work, neither shall he eat” is adopted by the Tangkhul Nagas. All must work and participate in the community work - may it be house building, feasts of merit or harvesting, everyone must join the community work.

In the nineteenth century, the farmers of the village community were very helpful in time of happiness and sorrow. There was no hierarchical system in the social set up. Collection of wooden materials and construction of house took only a few days. There was a strong sense of corporate responsibility present in the construction of any house including the chief’s house in the village which is an indivisible unit. The sense of collective accountability has been responsible for the integrity of the community.

In the village community ‘Longshim’ or dormitory played the most vital important role in shaping young men’s and women’s life. The ‘Longshims’ were created according to different age group of the given village. Indeed, Longshim was an admirable institution. The institution system taught them the meaning of co-operation and responsibility. It was the crucible which moulded girls and boys into responsible women and men. Thus, the village community as a whole belongs to a farming community. Their lifestyles were simple, honest and co-operative. The village community was a compact well-knit society where the customs and traditions are regulated accordingly.

Key words: Awunga (Headman/Chief of the village), Hanga/Hangva (The village elders /Councilors), Longshim (dormitory), Sharva (Clansmen’s’ priest), Shim Ameowo (House Deity).

Introduction

The Tangkhul Nagas of Manipur are the largest community after the majority Meitei community in Manipur. Ukhrul district is the home of the Tangkhuls since time immemorial. The Tangkhuls’ habitat spreads beyond the India border into Upper Burma in Somra tract and Naga hills of Burma. Many Tangkhuls have settled down in the foot hills and in Imphal valley. The Tangkhuls predominantly inhabited the whole district of Ukhrul measuring 4,544 sq. km. Jessami, Wahong, Poi, Tusom, Chalao and Kharasom are the northern most villages-boundary with the Nagaland state. In the east, Chamu, Khayang, Chatric Khullen, Kachouphung, Chahong Khunou, Kongkanthana and Kangpat Khullen villages bordering Sagaing Division of Myanmar. The Southern-most villages are Nambashi Khullen, Lairam Khullen bordering Chandel District and in the west Kachai, Champhung, Sana Keithei, Hongman, Mapao, etc., border Senapati and Imphal East.

This is only the beginning part of the article. PLEASE CLICK HERE TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLE IN PRINTER-FRIENDLY VERSION.

Console Zamreinao Shimrei

Console Zamreinao Shimrei, M.Phil., NET., Ph.D. Research Scholar
Department of History
Assam University
Diphu Campus, Diphu 782460, Assam, India
czshimrei@gmail.com
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