The Chang Naga Tribe: A Comprehensive Overview
The Chang are one of the prominent Naga tribes inhabiting Nagaland, India, and are officially recognized by the Indian government as a Scheduled Tribe.¹ Historically, during the period of British rule, they were often referred to as "Mazung."² Neighboring tribes have their own unique names for the Chang, including "Changhai" by the Khiamniungan, "Changru" by the Yimchunger, and "Mojung" by the Konyak.³
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| johangerrits.com |
Origin and Migration
According to their rich oral traditions, the Chang people trace their origins to a place called Changsangmongko, from where they later migrated and settled in a location known as Changsang.⁴ The very name "Chang" is believed to be derived from the word "chognu," which means "banyan tree," a reference linked to a mythical banyan tree believed to have stood at their ancestral home.⁵ An alternative theory suggests that the name "Chang" translates to "Eastern," indicating a migratory path from the east.⁶ Some Chang communities also acknowledge a historical kinship with the Ao Naga tribe, a connection supported by shared folklore and traditional narratives.⁷
Demographics
The Chang people primarily inhabit the Tuensang District of Nagaland. Their traditional cultural and social center is located at Mozungjami/Hakű village within this district.⁸ As per the 2011 Census of India, the total population of the Chang tribe was recorded at 64,226 individuals.⁹
Social Structure
Clan System Chang society is fundamentally organized into exogamous clans, locally known as phangs. These clans play distinct roles within the social fabric, governing marriage alliances and communal responsibilities. Prominent among these clans is the Ong (Tiger clan), which is traditionally associated with priestly functions within the community.¹⁰ Other significant major clans include Chongpo, Ung, Lomou, Kangshou, and Kudamji.¹¹ While some historical accounts and external observations might suggest clan-based spiritual connections to animals like the tiger, wild cats, or birds, Chang society traditionally rejects rigid, hierarchical social stratification, emphasizing a more egalitarian structure.¹²
Traditional Governance In the pre-colonial era, Chang villages operated with a unique system of governance:
Lakbou (Chief): The position of a chief, or Lakbou, was often earned through prowess, particularly in headhunting, a practice that was a significant part of their traditional warfare system until its abolition following British rule.¹³
Mullang Shon: Village administration and the resolution of disputes were centrally managed through the Mullang Shon, a designated common platform for communal discussions and justice.¹⁴
In the modern administrative framework, Chang villages participate in contemporary governance structures:
Village Development Boards (VDBs): These bodies are instrumental in implementing various government development schemes at the grassroots level, focusing on local progress and welfare.¹⁵
Village Councils: Composed of representatives from different clans, these councils are responsible for handling civil disputes and maintaining village order, largely based on customary laws.¹⁶
Dobhashis (Interpreters): These are traditional legal interpreters who assist in legal matters and act as intermediaries between the local community and the district administration, bridging traditional law with modern legal systems.¹⁷
Religion
Originally, the Chang people were animists, practicing a traditional indigenous faith that involved the worship of nature spirits. A particularly important spiritual entity in their belief system was Sampule Mukhao, the spirit associated with paddy fields, whose appeasement was vital for agricultural prosperity.¹⁸ However, with the introduction of Christianity to the region in 1936, a profound religious transformation occurred.¹⁹ As of the 2001 census, Christianity now predominates among the Chang, with approximately 99.5% of the population adhering to the faith. The Chang Naga Baptist Association, established in 1940, stands as a key religious body influencing the spiritual and social life of the community.²⁰
Culture and Traditions
Language The Chang people speak the Chang language, which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family.²¹ In addition to their native tongue, many Chang people also speak Nagamese (a creole used widely in Nagaland), English, and Hindi, reflecting linguistic influences from broader regional and national interactions.²²
Clothing Traditional Chang shawls, known as Mohnei, are renowned for their intricate designs and vibrant colors. Historically, the patterns and quality of these shawls could indicate the warrior status or social achievements of the wearer.²³ While traditional attire remains important for cultural events, modern clothing styles have become common due to increased external contact and the influence of Christianity.²⁴
Cuisine The staple diet of the Chang, like many other Naga tribes, primarily consists of rice, meat (especially pork), and fish.²⁵ Historically, rice beer was a traditional beverage, integral to social gatherings and festivals, but its consumption largely ceased following the widespread Christianization of the tribe.²⁶
Music Traditional Chang music features indigenous instruments such as xylophones, drums made from animal hide, and bamboo flutes, which are used during festivals and ceremonial occasions.²⁷ In contemporary times, the guitar has gained immense popularity, and modern musical influences are increasingly evident in Chang musical expressions.²⁸
Festivals The Chang celebrate several significant festivals that are deeply interwoven with their agricultural cycles and traditional beliefs:
Naknyu Lem (Festival of Light) Naknyu Lem is a particularly important 6-day celebration rooted in ancient myths and traditions:
Day 1-2: Involves animal sacrifices and thorough village cleaning, marking the beginning of the purification process.³²
Day 3: Features the ritual of Vui long, where omens are read by observing the explosion of seeds in fire, guiding future communal activities.³³
Final Days: Conclude with extensive feasting and rituals dedicated to honoring the dead, reinforcing community bonds and respect for ancestors.³⁴
Economy
The primary economic activity of the Chang people remains jhum (shifting cultivation), where they cultivate staple crops such as rice, millet, and various pulses.³⁵ Beyond agriculture, secondary economic activities include traditional barter trade, exchanging intricately woven shawls for other essential goods. They also engage in skilled craftsmanship, particularly woodcarving and weaving, producing unique cultural artifacts and textiles.³⁶
References (Footnotes)
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe," accessed July 28, 2025.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Braja Bihari Kumara, Naga Identity (New Delhi: Concept, 2005), 120.
Ibid., 121.
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe."
Ibid.
Hamlet Bareh, ed., Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Nagaland, vol. 6 (New Delhi: Mittal, 2001), 150.
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe."
Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Nagaland, 152.
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe."
Sajal Nag, Contesting Marginality: Ethnicity, Insurgence, and Subnationalism in North-East India (New Delhi: Technical, 2002), 75.
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe."
Ibid.
Ved Prakash, Encyclopaedia of North-East India, vol. 5 (New Delhi: Atlantic, 2007), 180.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Nagaland, 153.
Ibid.
Ibid.
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe."
Ibid.
Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Nagaland, 154.
Ibid.
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe."
Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Nagaland, 155.
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe."
Ibid.
Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Nagaland, 156.
Ibid.
johangerrits.com, "Chang Naga Tribe."
Bareh, Encyclopaedia of North-East India: Nagaland, 156.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Prakash, Encyclopaedia of North-East India, 182.
Ibid.
