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Anal Naga

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Here is your revised article with all instances of "ā" changed to "a", and the references section formatted in Turabian style (9th edition, Notes and Bibliography format):

Anal Tribe of Manipur and Myanmar: History, Culture, and Identity

Introduction

The Anal tribe is an indigenous Naga community primarily found in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur and across the border in parts of Myanmar. Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) under the Indian Constitution, the Anal are one of the 66 officially acknowledged Naga tribes inhabiting the ancestral Naga homeland. Their population is distributed between Chandel district in India and Sagaing sub-division in Myanmar.

Geographic Distribution

In India, the Anal tribe is mainly concentrated in Chandel district, with a smaller presence in neighboring districts like Churachandpur and Thoubal. In Myanmar, the Anal people live in three villages under the administrative region of Sagaing.
Historically, the Anals moved freely across the Indo-Myanmar region. However, the post-independence border demarcation limited their mobility and cross-border interaction.

Recognition as a Scheduled Tribe

The Anal tribe gained Scheduled Tribe status in 1951, largely due to the advocacy of Rochunga Pudaite, who appealed directly to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. Official tribal recognition was finalized during the Scheduled Tribes Reorganisation of 1956. The Anal language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family, and the tribe is acknowledged by the government of Manipur as one of the recognized Naga tribes.

History of the Anal Tribe

The Anal people are among the oldest tribes in Manipur. They have long inhabited the hill regions of Chakpikarong, with settlements both in India and Myanmar.
According to the 2001 Census, the Anal population in India stood at 21,242. In Myanmar, due to assimilation with larger ethnic groups, accurate demographic records are lacking.
Traditionally animists, the Anals began embracing Christianity after Indian independence. Today, over 95% of Anals are Christians, primarily in Chandel. This conversion significantly boosted literacy and education in their community.
Historically, the Anal presence dates back as early as the 1st century AD, and there are cultural ties with the Meitei people, including intermarriage recorded in ancient tales and songs.

Folklore and Origin Myths

Like many Naga tribes, the Anals believe in a mythical origin involving emergence from the earth or caves. According to legend, the Anals, along with other Pakan tribes, originated in Mongolia, where they lived in a cave guarded by a man-eating tiger. Two ancestors—Hanshu and Hantha—slew the beast with help from birds. This heroic act allowed the tribe to migrate through China, Tibet, and eventually to Manipur.
Today, the Anal are divided into two lineages—descendants of Hanshu and Hantha. This legend plays a central role in their ethnic identity.

Etymology of the Name "Anal"

There are multiple theories regarding the origin of the name "Anal":

  1. Surname Theory: Possibly derived from a person named R.D. Angnal.

  2. Meitei Word Theory: Linked to the Meitei word "anan", meaning “clean,” which may reflect the tribe's reputation for cleanliness.
    The Anal people often refer to themselves as the "Pakan", a term with deeper indigenous significance.

Ethnic Identity and Inter-Tribal Relations

Relations between the Anal tribe, the Nagas, and Kukis have historically been tense. Oral history recounts conflicts with Kukis, especially during the Kuki Rebellion of 1917, where the Anals reportedly faced oppression.
Evidence of Stone Age settlements in Chakpikarong, shared by both communities, reflects the Anal tribe's ancient roots in the region.

Demographics of the Anal Tribe

The Anal homeland is bordered by the Imphal Valley (north), Churachandpur (west), Chin Hills (south), and Kabaw Valley (east). This terrain is characterized by dense forests and rugged hills.
In 1981, the Anals were recorded in 45 villages, and by 2001, they numbered over 21,000 in Manipur alone. The tribe has retained a distinct identity despite demographic challenges.

Literacy and Education

According to the 2001 Indian Census, the literacy rate among Scheduled Tribes in Manipur was 65.9%, higher than the national ST average of 47.1%.
The Anal tribe stood out with a literacy rate of 73.9%, placing them fourth among the 13 major STs in Manipur.

  • Hmar: 79.8%

  • Paite: 79%

  • Mizo tribes: 74%

  • Anal: 73.9%
    These figures reflect a significant investment in education, especially after the spread of Christianity.

Social Life and Cultural Practices

1. Clan Structure

The Anal society is divided into two main clans:

  • Mosum

  • Murchal
    Marriages between the two are accepted; however, intra-clan marriages are taboo and may result in ostracism.

2. Economic Activities

  • Agriculture is the primary livelihood, involving crops like rice, corn, pumpkins, tomatoes, and soybeans.

  • Traditional crafts include carpentry, basket weaving, and cotton spinning.

3. Governance

Anal villages operate under a democratic system. Leaders, including the village chief, are elected by voice vote or show of hands.

4. Housing

Houses are built from wood, raised off the ground, and topped with thatched roofs. They usually have two rooms—a bedroom and a storeroom—and no windows.

5. Traditional Attire

  • Men: Lungis and simple shirts.

  • Women: Blouses, skirts, and shawls covering the body from head to knee.

  • Jewelry includes necklaces, rings, bracelets, and unique insect-wing earrings. Clothing is hand-woven by women.

6. Marriage & Family Life

  • Monogamy is standard, though polygyny is known.

  • Bride price (jol min) is customary.

  • Divorce (ithin) is allowed, sometimes requiring a fine.

  • After marriage, women join the husband’s household.

7. Religion and Rituals

Before Christianity, the Anals were polytheistic, worshipping:

  • Asapavan (Supreme Creator)

  • Wangparel (Secondary deity)

  • Multiple spirits
    A central religious ritual called Akam, spanning six stages over six years, involves animal sacrifice and community feasts.

8. Music and Dance

Traditional instruments include:

  • Khuwang (drum)

  • Sanamba (fiddle)

  • Dolkhuwang (gong)

  • Pengkhul (trumpet)

  • Tilli (flageolet)

  • Rasem (pipe)

  • Diengdong (xylophone)
    Famous dances: Kamdam and Ludam

9. Diet

The Anal have an omnivorous diet, consuming meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Traditionally, they avoided milk, but it is now consumed with tea. They also brew traditional rice beer known as Zupar or Zuhrin.

10. Conclusion

The Anal tribe, though numerically small, remains a culturally vibrant and historically significant community within the Naga framework. Their resilience in preserving traditions, adapting to modernity, and sustaining ethnic identity across national boundaries highlights their enduring presence in the sociocultural landscape of Northeast India and Myanmar.

References (Turabian Style)

  1. Here is your updated References section with the additional sources included and formatted in Turabian (9th ed.) Notes and Bibliography style. Web sources are formatted according to Turabian guidelines for websites and government documents:

    References (Turabian Style)

    1. Jeyaseelan, Joseph. The Tribes of Manipur: A Socio-cultural Study. New Delhi: Gyan Publishing House, 2015.

    2. Shimray, A. S. W. History of the Nagas. New Delhi: Akansha Publishing House, 2001.

    3. Kipgen, Paominlien. "Emergence of Tribal Ethnic Nationalism in North-East India." Economic and Political Weekly 44, no. 37 (2009): 39–45.

    4. Census of India. 2001 Census Data – Manipur Scheduled Tribes. Government of India. http://censusindia.gov.in/Tables_Published/SCST/dh_st_manipur.pdf

    5. Singh, R. K. Ranjan. Tribes of Manipur: A Demographic Perspective. New Delhi: Mittal Publications, 2002.

    6. Gangte, T. S. The Kukis of Manipur: A Historical Analysis. Guwahati: Spectrum Publications, 1993.

    7. Devi, Lal Dena. British Policy Towards Manipur, 1891–1919. New Delhi: Mittal Publications, 1984.

    8. Vashum, R. Naga Identity. Delhi: Mittal Publications, 2000.

    9. Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. Section Table – Scheduled Tribes. Accessed July 31, 2016. http://tribal.nic.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/Section%20Table/Section1Table.pdf

    10. Government of India. The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes). Archived September 20, 2017. Accessed July 31, 2016. https://web.archive.org/web/20170920045202/http://tribal.nic.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/7%20-%20Act%201976%20No%20108%201976.pdf

    11. Ministry of Tribal Affairs. Act 108 of 1976. http://tribal.nic.in/WriteReadData/userfiles/file/7%20-%20Act%201976%20No%20108%201976.pdf

    12. Shodhganga. “Chapter 3.” http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/67748/9/09_chapter%203.pdf

    13. “A Brief Narration of Anal Naga Tribe.” e-pao.net. http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Ethnic_Races_Manipur.Anal_Naga_Tribe

    14. “Nagas in Myanmar (Burma).” https://www.nagalim.nl/nagas-in-myanmar/

    15. Hmar Ram. “Rochunga Pudaite’s Letter to Prime Minister Nehru.” https://hmarram.com/important-documents/rochunga-pudaites-letter-to-prime-minister-nehru-on-hmar-hills-autonomous-district-council/

    16. “Archived Copy of 2011 Data.” Archived August 20, 2016. Accessed August 3, 2016.

    17. Ministry of Human Resource Development. Language Education. Government of India.

    18. Hodson, T. C. The Naga Tribes of Manipur. London: Macmillan and Co., 1911. https://archive.org/details/nagatribesofmani00hods

    19. Sanajaoba, Naorem. "Roots: Manipur Peoples' Perspective, Vol. 3." http://www.e-paolive.net/download/PR/Naorem_Sanajaoba/Sanajaoba_Roots-MPP_Vol_3_2009.pdf

    20. “Chandel District Religion Data – Census 2011.” Census India.

    21. Horam, M. Naga Polity. New Delhi: B.R. Publishing Corporation, 1975.

    22. Shimmi, Yanao Lungharnao Roland. Comparative History of the Nagas, from Ancient Period till 1826. New Delhi: Inter-India Publications, 1988.

    23. Prakash, Col Ved. Encyclopaedia of North-East India. New Delhi: Atlantic Publishers, 2007.

    24. Bareh, Hamlet. Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Manipur, Vol. III. New Delhi: Mittal Publications, 2007.

    25. Shodhganga. “Chapter 2.” http://shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in/bitstream/10603/21873/8/08_chapter%202.pdf

    26. Reimeingam, Marchang. “Scheduled Tribes Population in Numbers, Manipur.”

    27. Manipur Planning Department. Manipur State Development Report – Chapter 3: Demography. http://planningmanipur.gov.in/pdf/MSDR/Chapter%203_Demography.pdf

    28. Ghosh, G. K., and Shukla Ghosh. Women of Manipur. New Delhi: APH Publishing, 1997.

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