India’s
tribal belt is spread over North West and Central India where as different
tribal groups are found in West, North, Northeast, East and South. According to
Article 342, of India Constitution, there are 697 tribes as notifies by Central
Government of India. When we talk about
Northeast, it is an abode of tribal communities in a large number. In other
words, by breaking the monotony, let’s nail the major tribes that recount,
evoke and designate their cultural aura and traditions and efforts to preserve
some of the dying lifestyles in the chronicles.
I
would describe the Northern states as a giant grinder that blends every
(states) literature, music, paintings, philosophies which get enlightens as a
result of strong faith and beliefs sustained for the generations to come!
Alphabetical chronology of the complex nonpareil is common, let’s jot the
states in a descending order!!
1. Tripura:
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| Tripura: Tribal women carry drinking water at Reang refugee camp in Tripura. A PTI file Photo |
The
most indigenous tribe that holds Tripura tourism as one of the best place in
Northeast India is the aborigines of ‘Tripuris’. Until 1949, Tripura was under
the rule of Tripuri king. Ethnically, Tripuri belong to the Indo-Mongoloid and
speaks Kok-Borok like the other tribes in Tripura. The popular tourist
attraction in Tripura is the Ujjayanta Palace situated in Agartala; the capital
city. Hinduism is followed all over the state but they also have beliefs in
deities, rites and traditions followed through generations. Garia, Musak
Surmani, Lebang, Mamita are the folk dances performed during occasions
galvanized with flute, Champreng in musical instruments. With an epic rise in
Northeast Tourism, the most visited destination all over India is this colorful
land of Tripura!
2. Sikkim:
The hilly terrain of Sikkim is commonly known as Rongkup, Rongpa or Rong; they are the indigenous ownerships among the tribes of Sikkim and some neighboring places like Darjeeling. They speak Himalayish; which means a mixture of Tibeto-Burmish language. Sikkim tourism preserves this interesting story that the Lepcha king; Pohartak Panu sent his army to ChandraGupta Maurya for war with the Greeks in Takshashila. The clans of Lepcha’s are divided into many parts and each clan has their sacred lake and mountain peak. Few clans for example are Rongong and Sada. Lepcha’s follow Tibetan Buddhism but a large number have adopted Christianity. Patriarchal lineage is followed in marriages. Traditionally Lepcha women wears ‘dumdem’; an ankle length garment, whereas ‘Dumpra’ is worn by men which is a hand woven piece worn over white shirt and pant.
3. Nagaland:
Most
of us do not know the actual reference of Naga people. It is an agglomeration
of different tribes inhabiting Northeaster region and northwester Burma. The
ethnic tribes contribute strongly to Nagaland tourism. Angami-Pochuri, Ao,
Inpui are among the different languages spoken all over the state, but
Nagamese; a Creole based on Assamese is preferred to communicate between
villages and communities. Audacity of Nagaland is its 17 different tribes.
Every tribe has their own identity, culture and very strict towards its
tradition. ‘Konyak’ is the largest populated tribe which is recognized for its
tattoo imprints in face and hand; also called as land of Angh’s. The USP of this tribe is that they were known
as the “Head Hunters” who were very fond of wars and would attack nearby
villages of different tribes and used to cut head of the opponent and hang them
in ‘Morong’; the public house. Northeast tourism does hold these thrilling
stories of the tribes that differ from each other.
4. Mizoram
Famous
for its bamboo dance across the world; Mizoram has a distinct culture and
tradition. Among the tribes of Mizoram, Hmar’s are considered as the aborigines
who came through Himalayas from Mainland China. Hmar’s belong to Chin-Kuki-Mizo
tribal groups having dark hair, brown eyes also known for their bravery. Mizoram
tourism protects their rich culture and tradition which can be seen in their
dance form and in few musical instruments like Khoung (drum), pheiphit (whistle
made from bamboo). Hindi, English and Hmar are spoken and Christianity is
practiced all over the state. Rice is staple and pig meat is favorite. Patriarchy
is followed where Monogamy is prevalent and Polygamy is allowed. Northeast
India has this uniqueness across all the states.
5. Meghalaya
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| Garo Hills is home to the Garos – one of the 3 leading tribes of Meghalaya (Garo,Khasi, and Jaintia) |
The
header is going to prove that Meghalaya is unique in its own way. Among the
Khasi’s of this region, matriarchal affair has been practiced since time
immemorial. Meghalaya tourism boasts being the only state in India that has a
matrilineal lineage where mother is the head of the family. This tribe has
seven clans and marriage between same clan is barred. Child marriage does not
exist and divorce and remarriage is allowed. Northeast tourism guides on the
different food cultures and attires to. Women wear ‘Ka- jympiem’, men wear
‘dhoti and chaddar’.
6. Manipur
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The
little paradise of Manipur is also known as the Switzerland of the East.Kom
tribe of Manipur is found in Senapati and Churachandpur district of Manipur. The
languages spoken are Aimol, Koireng and Chiru. There are many interesting local
stories that fascinate its history. Kom’s are farmers focusing on shifting and
wet cultivation. Christianity is practiced. Artistic acuity is inherited in Kom
tribe which is also a fascinating fact of Northeast India.
7. Arunachal Pradesh
The scenic beauty of Arunachal Pradesh is simple
worth witnessing. Among the various tribes of Arunachal, Nocte stands out of
the box having a population of 33,000 spread over Patkai hills of Tirap
district. Their origins lie in Myanmar and have migrated in 1670 to 1700. This
dying tribe of Northeast India was followers of Buddhism ad Animism but later
on got influenced by Shri Sankardeva. They worship ‘Jauban’; the supreme God
who have created human beings. Few indigenous communities of Nocte in the past
were head hunters and to mark the number of heads, they wore brass lockets as a
replica of heads. The major attractions are the well preserved human skulls in
the village museums are displayed publically.
8. Assam
Assam is culturally juxtaposed with varied indigenous
tribes. The colorful attires, folk songs-dances, authentic delectable dishes
take all the credit in creating this part of North east India as a cultural
hub. The Northeast Tourism boasts for its different tribes namely the Bodo,
Mishing, Deori, Karbi, Tiwa, Rabha, Sonowal Kachari,Khamti, Dimasa and Hajongs
to name a few. This culturally rich state with these many tribes has a varied
form of cultural practices and traditions. Though it’s Patriarchy, dowry is a
big no no in entire Northeast. The major attractions here is that every tribe
have their different language and dialects, but Assamese is spoken commonly to
connect with each other. Rice is staple but variations of cooking vary in each
tribe. Bihu is the major celebrated festival in three forms.
Refresh yourself from the tedium trips to the
popular tourist attraction of India and give a break in exploring the various
tribes with their peculiar traditions and customs, get dizzy by consuming the
local made beer; healthy in its terms, and thrill yourself with the stories
behind every activities that were been practices once upon a time, but have got
faded with due course of time and rapid urbanization. So… drill yourself for
the most exquisite and elaborate journey towards the Tribes of Northeast and
mark your presence by capturing wonderful memories!!
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