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.
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History and Origins
The etymology of "Kharam" remains debated among scholars. Two predominant theories exist:
- Derived from "khwa ram" meaning "that land"
- 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
- Lomtang Shakteng
- 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:
- Shaichal
- Rangla (divided into Khouchung and Khounoi lineages)
- Mariem
- Saiphu
- Seilon
- Rakhou
- Jaiche
- Thanjol
Extinct clans: Keilaam, Inthiet, Neisaam, Makan
Causes of clan decline include:
- Epidemic diseases (plague, malaria)
- Kuki Rebellion impacts
- Historical conflicts with Chothe tribe
References
- Gangte, T.S. The Kharam Tribe of Manipur: A Historical Perspective. New Delhi: Akansha Publishing House, 2008.
- Manipur Tribal Research Institute. Cultural Practices of the Kharam Tribe. Imphal: Government of Manipur, 2012.
- Sharma, H. Surmangol. Tribal Languages of Manipur: A Comparative Study. Delhi: Linguistic Survey of India, 2015.
- Census of India. Special Report on Scheduled Tribes of Manipur. New Delhi: Registrar General & Census Commissioner, 2011.
