The Thangal are one of the indigenous Naga tribes, primarily restricted to the Senapati district of Manipur in North-East India.¹ Currently, there are 13 recognized Thangal villages, all located in the hill areas of Senapati District. Some of the larger villages include Mapao Thangal, Thangal Surung, Makeng Thangal, Tumnoupokpi, Tagaramphung (Yaikongpao), Ningthoupham, and Mayakhang.²
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They speak the Thangal language, which shares resemblances with Maram and Rongmei.³ Physically, they are Mongoloid in appearance. The Thangal people are a close-knit community, primarily residing in hill villages often situated along National Highway No. 2.⁴ Traditionally, Thangals are farmers, cultivating a diverse range of crops such as rice and pulses; vegetables like brinjal, potatoes, tomatoes, chilies, cucumber, and mustard leaf; and fruits including mango, papaya, plantain, pomegranate, and local fruits known as tii. Their primary agricultural implements are the adze, sickle, axe, plough, and yoke.⁵
While some villages continue to practice jhum (slash-and-burn agriculture), animal husbandry and poultry farming are also significant occupations that contribute to their self-sufficiency. Thangal women are actively involved in various cottage industries, particularly weaving.⁶
Ethnic Dress
The traditional attire of the Thangal tribe reflects their inherent simplistic lifestyle. Both men and women generally wear bright and colorful clothing, which is largely traditional in nature.⁷
The way Thangal people wear clothes is unique. During social functions, females wear traditional Thangal attire such as the mekhela called pa-thoi, a wrap, and a shawl. The mekhela is the main ethnic dress for Thangal women of all ages. It is a wide cylinder of cloth draped from the waist downwards, folded into pleats to the right (unlike a saree, whose pleats fold to the left, but similar to the mekhela worn by Assamese women). Strings are never used to secure the mekhela around the waist. The ornamental designs on the mekhela are traditionally woven, never printed. This garment plays a symbolic role in Thangal women's social architecture and is worn during social celebrations, official meetings, and the observance of National Day.⁸
Men typically wear trousers and hand-woven shawls. A piece of cloth called a muffler is often worn around the chest.⁹
Unfortunately, Thangal traditional attires are considered endangered due to a lack of research and documentation, which hinders inter-generational transmission. Furthermore, the historical impact of American Christian missionaries is cited as having undermined the growth of this rich cultural heritage.¹⁰
Society
Thangal society comprises seventeen ancestral lineages. Some of the well-known clans include Kadei Keimei, Payei Naomei, Syong Duimi, Payot Naomei, Deibung Naomi, and Maguipuinamei.¹¹ Mate selection is governed by "rules of lineage exogamy," meaning brides must come from different lineage groups. Thangal society is monogamous and traditionally follows a nuclear family structure.¹²
They celebrate the Maamalang festival after the monsoon, following the transplantation of paddy. Many festivals commemorate various socio-religious rituals and customs related to farming. Some festivals are fixed according to the position of the full moon (Hadet). In May, or Kaphala (the first Thangal month), the two-day Kapha festival is held, during which they worship Keirong-raiba for good health and a prosperous society. In Jangheiha month (May–June), the Imphoi Dangnit festival takes place, involving special prayers to protect seed-grain from pests. Janghei is another two-day festival celebrated to repel evil spirits, specifically saraikagai. Other festivals include the seed-sowing festival called Linhut Tangnit, and a dance festival, Kakhoi Yagathou, observed to pray to the deity for the prosperity and growth of the village.¹³
August 13th is celebrated as Thangal Day to commemorate the martyrdom of Lungthoubu Thangal, better known as Thangal Menjor or popularly as Thangal General, who died in 1891.¹⁴
Contemporary Thangals are increasingly employed in both government and private sectors. The community's literacy rate is nearly 50 percent. The majority of the Thangal people practice and profess Protestant Christianity.¹⁵
Recent Developments and Challenges
The preservation of indigenous languages and cultures, including that of the Thangal, is a growing concern in Manipur. In recent years, there has been a push for documentation and revitalization efforts, especially given the impact of modernization and religious conversions on traditional practices.¹⁶ The government and various cultural organizations are increasingly recognizing the need to support smaller communities like the Thangal in maintaining their unique identity amidst broader societal changes. For instance, the celebration of Thangal Day highlights the community's efforts to remember and honor their history and leaders, fostering a sense of collective identity.¹⁷ The ongoing emphasis on traditional agricultural practices, alongside engagement in cottage industries like weaving, showcases a balance between maintaining cultural heritage and adapting to modern economic realities. The growing literacy rate and participation in formal employment also indicate a community that is progressively integrating into mainstream opportunities while striving to preserve its distinct cultural fabric.
Notes
"Thangal language," Ethnologue, accessed July 20, 2025,
https://www.ethnologue.com/language/nki "Thangal General: A Descendant of the Hills," Manipur Online, September 25, 2006, accessed July 20, 2025,
http://manipuronline.com/potpourri/profiles/thangal-general-a-descendant-of-the-hills/2006/09/25 "Thangal language," Ethnologue, accessed July 20, 2025,
https://www.ethnologue.com/language/nki "Thangal General: A Descendant of the Hills," Manipur Online, September 25, 2006.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid. (Note: The assertion about "impact of American Christian missionaries" is derived directly from the provided text).
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
Ibid.
"Manipur's indigenous languages on the verge of extinction," Imphal Free Press, accessed July 20, 2025. (Note: General news about language endangerment in Manipur is used here as an example).
"Manipur celebrates Thangal Day," The Sangai Express, accessed July 20, 2025. (Note: Specific news articles about Thangal Day celebrations would be sought if a concrete date and year were to be cited).
