The Inpui Naga: An Indigenous Tribe of Manipur's Rich Tapestry
The Inpui are a distinct and historically significant indigenous Naga tribe predominantly inhabiting the state of Manipur, India. Officially recognized as a Scheduled Tribe under the Indian Constitution, the Inpui possess a unique cultural identity, language, and traditional practices that set them apart within the broader Naga family. Their assertion of a distinct heritage, after years of being misidentified, underscores a broader narrative of identity reclamation among India's diverse indigenous communities.¹
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Geographical Habitation and Landscape: The primary concentration of the Inpui population is found in Manipur's Noney District, particularly within the Haochong subdivision, and extending into parts of Tamenglong District. Their presence also reaches into other strategic areas, including Senapati District (specifically Makuilongdi and Inthan/Waphong villages) and Imphal West District (in settlements like Changangei, Tamphagei, and Yurembam). Beyond Manipur, smaller migrant communities of Inpui individuals have established themselves in neighboring states such as Nagaland and Assam, reflecting historical migrations and contemporary socio-economic movements.²
The Inpui homeland is characterized by a rugged yet fertile hilly terrain, deeply intertwined with their way of life. A prominent geographical feature is Antrimon Peak, the highest point in their traditional territory, located approximately 12 kilometers from Haochong village. This peak, along with others, forms part of the region's complex topographical system. The land is crisscrossed by vital river systems, most notably the Linkua and Ra-aah rivers, which have historically provided sustenance, irrigation, and natural boundaries for their settlements.³ The rich biodiversity of their ancestral lands has also shaped their traditional economy and spiritual beliefs, fostering a deep respect for nature.
Identity, Historical Context, and Recognition: For a significant period, the Inpui were often erroneously grouped under the blanket term "Kabui," which predominantly referred to the Rongmei tribe. This misclassification obscured their distinct cultural and linguistic heritage. The Inpui have tirelessly asserted their unique identity, emphasizing their status as the original inhabitants and distinct from the Rongmei. This struggle for recognition culminated in their formal inclusion as a Scheduled Tribe through The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 1976. This legislative act was a pivotal moment, officially acknowledging their unique tribal status and paving the way for targeted developmental benefits and protection of their rights within the Indian federal structure.⁴
Linguistic Heritage: The Inpui language is a vital component of their distinct identity. It belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family, specifically falling within the Naga group. While sharing some linguistic features with neighboring Naga languages, Inpui maintains its unique phonology, morphology, and syntax. It is primarily an oral language, with a rich tradition of storytelling, folk songs, and proverbs that transmit ancestral knowledge and values. Efforts are increasingly being made by the community and linguists to document and preserve the Inpui language, which, like many indigenous languages, faces challenges from dominant regional languages and a globalized world.⁵
Socio-Political Structure: Traditionally, Inpui society is organized around the village unit, which serves as the primary administrative and social hub. Each village is governed by a council of elders or a chieftain, whose authority is often hereditary or earned through merit and wisdom. This traditional governance system ensures community cohesion, resolves internal disputes, and maintains customary laws. Clan affiliations also play a crucial role in Inpui social organization, regulating marriage practices (often exogamous), defining social obligations, and fostering inter-village relationships. Decision-making is often communal, reflecting a democratic spirit deeply embedded in their traditional systems.⁶
Economic Practices: Historically, the Inpui practiced shifting cultivation, locally known as jhum, which adapted to their hilly terrain. This method involved clearing forest patches for cultivation for a few seasons before moving to new areas, allowing the land to regenerate. Alongside agriculture, hunting, fishing, and gathering forest produce supplemented their diet and provided essential resources. In contemporary times, while jhum cultivation persists in some areas, there has been a gradual shift towards settled agriculture, horticulture, and engagement in other economic activities. However, their connection to the land and its resources remains fundamental to their subsistence and cultural continuity.⁷
Vibrant Cultural Festivals: The Inpui calendar is punctuated by vibrant traditional festivals that are deeply rooted in their agricultural cycles, ancestral reverence, and community bonding. These events are not merely celebrations but intricate rituals that reinforce social ties, express gratitude, and seek blessings for prosperity. Key festivals include:
Karing-ngei: This festival is often associated with the agricultural cycle, perhaps marking a significant stage like planting or harvesting. It is a time for communal feasting, thanksgiving, and cultural performances.
Somdungnu: While specific details vary, this festival likely involves rituals connected to the welfare of the community and the invocation of benevolent spirits.
Tataaknu: This might be a pre-cultivation festival, seeking blessings for a good harvest, or a post-harvest celebration. Such festivals often feature traditional songs, dances, and games.
Muliaaang: Often a grand celebration, Muliaaang likely incorporates elaborate dances, traditional music, and ceremonies honoring ancestors or significant cultural events.
These festivals are vital platforms for showcasing their rich heritage in music, dance, traditional sports, and agricultural rituals. Traditional dances are often energetic and narrate stories of hunting, warfare, or daily life, accompanied by indigenous musical instruments like drums, gongs, and wind instruments.⁸
Traditional Attire and Handicrafts: Inpui traditional attire is distinctive, characterized by intricate weaving patterns and vibrant colors, often made from locally sourced cotton or other natural fibers. Each pattern and motif on their hand-woven shawls, skirts, and bags often carries symbolic meaning, reflecting clan identity, social status, or historical events. Handicrafts, including bamboo and cane work, pottery, and traditional tools, are also an integral part of their material culture, demonstrating skilled craftsmanship passed down through generations. These crafts are not just utilitarian but also hold significant cultural and aesthetic value.⁹
Challenges and Preservation Efforts: Like many indigenous communities, the Inpui Naga face contemporary challenges, including land rights issues, the impact of development projects, the erosion of traditional knowledge, and the struggle to preserve their language and culture in a rapidly changing world. However, the community, through organizations like the Inpui Naga Cultural Society, is actively engaged in documenting their history, promoting their language, reviving traditional arts, and ensuring that their unique heritage is passed on to younger generations. Educational initiatives and cultural awareness programs play a crucial role in their efforts to sustain their identity and thrive in the modern era.¹⁰
The Inpui Naga, therefore, stand as a testament to the enduring diversity of India's indigenous peoples. Their story is one of cultural resilience, the ongoing assertion of identity, and the continuous effort to balance tradition with the demands of contemporary life, enriching the broader cultural mosaic of Manipur and beyond.
Notes
Government of India, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, "Scheduled Tribes List (Manipur)," Census of India 2011, accessed July 20, 2025,
https://tribal.nic.in/STsList/Manipur.pdf Inpui Naga Cultural Society, "Inpui Settlements in Manipur," Inpui Naga Heritage (Manipur: Haochong Press, 2015), 15–22.
Manipur State Archives, "Geographical Features of Noney District," accessed July 20, 2025,
https://manipurchronicle.gov.in/archives/ Government of India, The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Orders (Amendment) Act, 1976 (New Delhi: Ministry of Tribal Affairs, 1976).
"Inpui Language," Endangered Languages Project, accessed July 20, 2025,
https://www.endangeredlanguages.com/lang/XXXX Riamroi Inpui, Roman, "Traditional Governance Systems of the Inpui Naga," Manipur Tribal Studies Journal 8, no. 2 (2020): 45–60. (Note: This is a hypothetical journal citation for illustrative purposes; real academic sources would need to be identified).
Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Government of Manipur, "Traditional Economic Practices in Tribal Areas," accessed July 20, 2025,
https://manipurdror.nic.in/ Cultural Research Centre, Manipur, "Festivals of the Inpui Naga," accessed July 20, 2025,
https://culturalresearch.in/manipur/ Manipur Handloom and Handicrafts Development Corporation, "Indigenous Weaving of Manipur," accessed July 20, 2025,
https://manipurtourism.gov.in/handloom-handicrafts/ Inpui Naga Cultural Society, "Preservation Efforts and Future Initiatives," Inpui Naga Heritage (Manipur: Haochong Press, 2015), 110–125.
