Skip to main content

Kharam Naga

By Administrator

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.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts

The Nagas

By Administrator
Introduction The term "Naga" is used to describe groups of tribesmen of Indian and Chinese descent living in the hill country along the border of far eastern India and northwestern Burma. This article delves into the history, culture, and way of life of the Naga people, who were once known for headhunting. The name "Naga" was given to them by the Ahom people in Assam, and its origin remains uncertain. This article explores the Naga people's unique identity, their history, language, religion, traditions, and daily life. Historical Background The origin of the Nagas is still a mystery. Little is known about any group believed to be from China that migrated south of the Himalayas. It is believed that the Nagas and other Indians of Chinese descent originated in a region between the Yellow and Yangtze rivers in northwestern China and migrated to India in waves over several centuries. Their original settlements were around the Irrawaddy and Chindwin rivers in Burma. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

Anal Naga

By Administrator
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,...
Post a Comment
Read more

Angami Naga

By Administrator
The Angami Nagas: Culture, Society, and Traditions The  Angami Nagas  are one of the major ethnic groups of Nagaland, a state in Northeast India. Primarily inhabiting the  Kohima and Dimapur districts , they are also recognized as a Scheduled Tribe in Manipur. The Angamis are renowned for their vibrant  Sekrenyi festival , celebrated annually in February, and their unique  terraced wet-rice cultivation , a rare practice among Naga tribes. Geographical and Tribal Divisions The Angami territory, centered around Kohima, is traditionally divided into four regions: Southern Angami  – Located near  Mount Japfü , including villages like  Viswema, Jakhama, and Kigwema . Western Angami  – Home to  Khonoma (a historic warrior village), Jotsoma, and Mezoma . Northern Angami  – Encompassing  Kohima (Kewhira), Chiechama, and Tuophema . Chakhro Angami  – Small settlements near  Dimapu...
Post a Comment
Read more