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Kharam Naga

The Kharam Tribe of Manipur: A Comprehensive Study

Introduction

The Kharam are an indigenous tribal community residing primarily in Manipur, northeast India. Recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act of 1976, the Kharam people maintain a distinct cultural identity within India's diverse tribal landscape.

History and Origins

The etymology of "Kharam" remains debated among scholars. Two predominant theories exist:

  1. Derived from "khwa ram" meaning "that land"
  2. A compound of "kha" (south) and "ram" (land), translating to "southern land"

The Kharam language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family, showing close linguistic affinities with Kom, Purum, and Aimol languages. Primary Kharam-speaking villages include:

  • Tuisenphai
  • Laikot Kharam
  • Kharam Khullen (the oldest and largest Kharam settlement)

Social Organization

The Kharam social structure features several unique characteristics:

Governance System

  • Traditionally led by a democratically elected chief (non-hereditary)
  • Governed by the Kataar (village council of elders)
  • Modern system incorporates a Chairman and Village Secretary

Social Groups

  1. Lomtang Shakteng
  2. Lomtang Thangteng
    • Responsible for village security and gate maintenance
    • Assisted by Kalen Nai during emergencies

Declining Traditions

  • Dormitory system: Clan-based residence for marriageable males (now discontinued)
  • Lapu/Lapi groups: Cultural custodians maintaining songs and dances (declining influence)

Religious Practices

While historically animist, contemporary Kharam society shows:

  • Over 95% Christian conversion rate
  • Only 2-3 households maintaining traditional religious practices

Clan System

The Kharam recognize twelve major clans, though several face extinction:

  1. Shaichal
  2. Rangla (divided into Khouchung and Khounoi lineages)
  3. Mariem
  4. Saiphu
  5. Seilon
  6. Rakhou
  7. Jaiche
  8. Thanjol

Extinct clans: Keilaam, Inthiet, Neisaam, Makan

Causes of clan decline include:

  1. Epidemic diseases (plague, malaria)
  2. Kuki Rebellion impacts
  3. Historical conflicts with Chothe tribe

References

  1. Gangte, T.S. The Kharam Tribe of Manipur: A Historical Perspective. New Delhi: Akansha Publishing House, 2008.
  2. Manipur Tribal Research Institute. Cultural Practices of the Kharam Tribe. Imphal: Government of Manipur, 2012.
  3. Sharma, H. Surmangol. Tribal Languages of Manipur: A Comparative Study. Delhi: Linguistic Survey of India, 2015.
  4. Census of India. Special Report on Scheduled Tribes of Manipur. New Delhi: Registrar General & Census Commissioner, 2011.

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