Meghalaya
In Meghalaya tribes can be broadly classified into three major groups - Khasis, Garos and Pnars or Jaintias. Garos are believed to be the descendants of Tibeto-Burman race who came down all the way from Tibet to the north eastern states while the Khasis and Pnars or Jaintias are the descendants of Proto Austroloid Mon-Khmer race.
Garos are primarily located in the Garo hills of Meghalaya and the Khasis are scattered all across the state and are known by different names in different places. Mainly the pure Khasis can be sited at the Khasi hills, the Pnars or Jaintias can be located on Jaintia hills. Apart from these, there are many other tribes in Meghalaya. The Bhois in the north of Meghalaya, Khynriams in the central and Wars in the southern region. They are all a sub tribes of Khasis and live a lifestyle similar to them.
The most noteworthy feature of tribes of Meghalaya is their parental lineage. The tribes at Meghalaya follow matrilineal lineage whereby a property's inheritance is traced through the women. In some cases, the children keep the surname of their mother. Though the women section of the tribes at Meghalaya take the responsibility of the household work, men are responsible for the mental and material life of his family. The property gets transferred to the women in the house.
Moreover, women of the different tribes at Meghalaya are free to earn their livelihood. There is only one restriction i.e., one cannot marry in the same clan and the marriage should get the approval of the family members.
The Meghalaya tribes mainly follow Christianity. Their main occupation is cultivation as the state has a vast land for cultivation. Water resources are more than enough as the state receives large amount of rainfall every year.
Assam
Assam is the cradle ground for many civilizations. Numerous ethnic groups travelled to Assam through different routes in different ages, as the land was connected to several states and countries. Negritos, Dravidians, Alpines, Tibeto Burmese and Aryans had been the major races that came and dwelled in ancient Assam. They were considered as the aborigines of Assam and even today they are an integral part of the Assamese diaspora.
The important tribal group consists of Bodo, one of the largest ethnic and linguistic groups of the Brahmaputra valley. The Dimasa is one of the important Kachari tribes. The etymological meaning of the name 'Dimasa' most probably stands for 'the children of the big river' meaning the Brahmaputra. Kacharis seem to constitute one of the early autochthonous ethnic stratums of north eastern India. Kalitas belong to the Alpine origin. They originally came to Assam from the west and like other Aryan descendants of northern India, they were tall and fair. Kalitas were the earliest Indo-European migrants to Assam and are supposed to introduce Hinduism in the North-Eastern part of India. The Karbis are the principal tribal community in the Karbi Anglong district of Assam, a district administered as per the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India, having an autonomous district of their own since 17 November, 1951. Khamti, whose name is also spelled as Hkamti by the Burmese and Khampti by the Assamese, is a sub-group of the Shan people found in the Sagaing Division, Hkamti District in northwestern Burma as well as Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh in India. The term Kuki, in literature, first appeared in the writing of Rawlins when he wrote about the tribes of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. It refers to "Hillsmen" comprising numerous clans. These clans share a common past, culture, customs and tradition. They speak in dialects that have a common root language belonging to the Tibeto-Burman group. Kuki have Mongoloid features and are generally short-stature with straight black hair, Dark brown eyes and brown skin. The different kuki clans are recognised as schedule tribe of India. They spread out in a contiguous region in Northeast India, Northwest Burma (Myanmar), and the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. Misings belong to a mixture of East Asian as well as Southeast Asian subrace of the Mongoloid race, similar to the mixture of the Mongoloid sub-races inside political China as people from Southern China may look more like the South East Asian brown-skinned Mongoloids and more towards the Northern China more fair skinned Mongoloids dwell. It's not known exactly where they migrated from, but it is popularly believed that they were dwellers of the hills of present day Arunachal Pradesh.
Manipur
The different communities of Manipur individually in order to bring out an understanding and to start a meaningful dialogue among themselves. The communities of Manipur in alphabetical order are: Aimol, Anal, Chiru, Chothe, Gangte, Hmar, Koirao, Koireng, Kom, Lamgang, Mao, Maram, Maring, Meitei, Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Tangkhul, Tarao, Thadou, Vaiphei, Zeliangrong (Zemei, Liangmei and Rongmei) and Zou. All tribes have their own distinct languages but in conversing with others they speak Meiteilon. Rice is the staple food for all ethnic groups of Manipur and meat, fish and seasonal vegetables are favorites. Meiteis prefer fish and elders usually do not take meat.
Arunachal Pradesh
Arunachal Pradesh is the home of 26 different tribal communities. The way that these tribes lead their lives were more or less the same and those they abided by the similar occupation; the societies are `casteless`. The tribes form their institutes and also select leaders according to their age for distinct social functions, for better administration. Experienced leaders of the tribal groups are revered for their position in the community. All the tribes follow `endogamy` and strictly observe the rule of `clan exogamy`. With the societies of the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, polygamy is highly endorsed and practiced by all.
Festivals are an integral part of all the tribes of Arunachal Pradesh thereby reflecting the cultural exuberances and artistry. The artic acumen of the tribes of The tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are furthered by their musical and dance bonanza as well as the vistas of exquisite crafts that they are expert in. The tribal people of this region are adept in making baskets, smithy work, weaving, pottery, wood carving, painting etc. among the tribal communities, the Monpa tribal groups are reckoned for their artistic ability in painted wooden vessels, beautiful rugs and carpet weaving. The weavings are marked for their extensive use of bright colours and patterns. Beautiful articles are also made from bamboo and cane by the Hills Miris, Adis and Apatani tribes. Apart from these, the Wancho tribes make attractive figurines from wood and bamboo. Artistic carvings on them give the articles a different look and luster. Various ornaments are made out of beads are the examples of their artistic bend of mind.
Among the several tribal communities of Arunachal Pradesh, the Adi tribes have two chief groups, namely the Bogum and Bomis, and under each there are a number of sub-tribes including Minyongs, Karkos, Shimongs etc. The Adi tribes by nature are democratic and organized village council called Kebang. Their traditional dance, Ponung is popular in the whole of Arunachal Pradesh. Adi villages are situated generally on the spurs of hills. Polygamy is socially accepted. Adi women are good weavers.
Another important tribe of Arunachal Pradesh is the Aka tribes. The Hrusso or Aka tribes have a rich history linkage. Their popular belief is that they were related with the Ahom Kings. They are mainly traders and also use black paints in their faces. Hinduism and Buddhism are the main religious practices of Aka tribes.
Mainly cultivators, the Apatani tribes produce paddy and fish in large numbers. Round `nose plugs` and facial tattoos are the identifying traits of ornamentation especially amongst aged Apatani women. However, the younger generation is quite hesitant in adopting this style. Unlike other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, the economy of Apatani tribes is stable.
The Singpho tribe has ardent belief on evil spirits. They are mainly farmers and black smiths. Khamba and Memba tribes reside in the northern province of `West Siang` ardently following Buddhism. Polyandry is prevalent among them. They do farming activities.
Polygamy is prevalent amongst the Tagin tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. Tagin tribes, resides in the Upper Sunansiri district. Their dress consists of only one piece of cloth. In addition to these tribal communities, the Khamti tribes are believed to have migrated from the Shan states of Burma. They are the only tribe in Arunachal who have a script of their own, they are Buddhist (Hinayana cult) by religion, and bury the dead in a coffin. They include Khamyang tribe.
Bugun or Khowa tribes are mainly agriculturist, just like any other tribes of Arunachal Pradesh. They are also cordial by nature.
Moreover, the Mishmi tribes can be divided into three most important groups namely- Idus or Chulikatas, Digarus or Taroan and Mijus or Kaman. Their women are expert weavers. Although agriculture is the main occupation of the people, some of them also carry of with the trade of various items like, wild medicinal plants etc.
The Monpa tribes of Arunachal Pradesh are simple, gentle, having a robust cultural heritage. They dress in artistic clothes. They follow Buddhism and each house has a tiny `chapel` close to it.the list of tribal groups of Arunachal Pradesh includes the name of Nishing tribes. The Nishing tribes are the biggest groups of people inhabiting the Lower Subansiri district. The men wear `cane bands` just about the waist. They think that after death, his spirit goes to the `village of the ancestors`.
Amongst various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, the Sulung or Puroik are considered to be one of the ancient tribes in the area. Their apparel and dresses are simple, and they follow the ` spirit culture`. In comparison to the other tribal groups, the Sherdukpen tribes are less in number and are good traders. Few people also take up agriculture as their occupation. . Their religion is a fascinating mesh of Mahayana Buddhism and some tribal `magico-religious` customs.
The Wancho tribes inhabit the western part of Tirap district, bordering Nagaland. `Head hunting` was usual practice with them in the primitive times. Their society is divided into four classes - the Wanghams (chiefs), the Wangpana, the Wangaue and Wangaas. They have a strict sense of the law and a village council protects the law and order of the society. The entire tribe is divided into about forty confederacies of villages. Tattooing is a social custom among them. They believe in two local gods, namely, Rang and Baurang. The women are good weavers and only the family members of the village headman carry out with it. They are proficient in wood carving also.
The Nocte tribes of Arunachal Pradesh profess Vishnavism. They also ardently follow the Bareghar Satra of Nazira, Assam, Naga Narottam. Amongst various tribes of Arunachal Pradesh, Noctes are famous as salt producers. They are agriculturists, cultivating betel leaves on a commercial scale.
The Yobin, also called Lisus, are quite few in number mainly residing in the distant eastern most corner of the Tirap district.
Sikkim
The tribes in Sikkim have really contributed a lot in the transformation of the state of Sikkim into one of those, state in India that are recurrently visited by the tourists. The tribal folks of Sikkim are basically of the most demure and simple nature and they take a lot of pride in their glorious culture and beliefs. One main similitude that lies between the tribes across Sikkim and other hilly people is the fact that all of them are quite soft-spoken and simple.
The main reason that lies behind their extreme down to earth behavior and life style is the fact that the worm of consumerism had not yet penetrated into their households and most importantly their lives. The major tribal communities are Lepchas, Bhutias and Nepalese.
Lepchas - It has been speculated by most that it was the Lepchas tribe that had first started inhabiting in the land of Sikkim. They main religions that are followed by them are Buddhism and Christianity. Prior to that they were ardent followers of the Mune religion.
Bhutias - They are recognized as one of the very few tribes within Sikkim that bear a rich Tibetan heritage. The early part of the 15th century saw the dawn of the era of the Bhutias. As they are bifurcated into two parts, known as Lachenpas and Lachungpas respectively with reference with the fraction of Sikkim they are inhabiting.
Nepalese - Although they were the last amongst the three tribes in chronological order to have entered into the domain of Sikkim. But they soon gained the recognition of being the most powerful tribe. According to the census, they also comprised approximately 80% of the entire population.
Naga Tribe
Nagaland is entirely tribal, populated state. Nagas majorly belongs to the Indo-Mongoloid family. Nagaland is the home of fourteen major tribes. They are the Angami, Ao, Chakhesang, Chang, Khemungan, Konyak, Lotha, Phom, Pochury, Rengma, Sangtam, Sema, Yimchunger and Zeliang. The Chakhesangs were earlier known as Eastern Angamis and are a combination of the Chakri, Khezha and Sangtam sub-tribes. The Chakhesang tribe is spilt further; Pochury's who were earlier a part of it is a distinct entity. Each tribe has their own languages and cultural features. The Naga's have different stories about their origin.
The Angamis, Semas, Rengams and the Lotha's subscribe to the Kheza-Kenoma legend. It is said that the village had a large stone slab having magical properties. Paddy spread on it to be dried doubled in quantity by evening. The three sons of the couple who owned the stone used it by rotation. One day there was a quarrel between the sons as to whose turn it was. The couple, fearing bloodshed, set fire to the stone which as a result cracked. It is believed that the spirit in the stone went to heaven and the stone lost its miraculous properties.
The three sons thereafter left Kheza-Kenoma, went in different directions and became the forefathers of the Angami, Sema and the Lotha tribes. According to another legend, to which the western Angamis subscribe, the first man evolved from a lake called Themiakelku zie near Khonoma. The Rengmas believe that until recently they and Lothas formed one tribe.
The Aos and the Phoms trace their origin to the Lungterok (six stones) on the Chongliemdi hill. Some people believe that these Indo-Mongoloids are 'kiratas' frequently mentioned in the old Sanskrit literature of whom 'Nagas' were a sub-tribe.
The Angamis are politically the most conscious group. The Zeliang and Pochury tribes in Kohima district are comparatively simple and unsophisticated. The Tuensang tribes are un-spoilt children of nature. A striking characteristic of the Naga tribes is their hospitality and cheerfulness. To be greeted with a smiling face while traveling on the roads is a common experience. A visitor to Naga village is heartily received and entertained with a surfeit of rice-beer, which is generally served by the lady of the house or her young daughter with a warmth which is unforgettable.
The hill tribes in the state of Nagaland had no broad term applicable to the whole race. The word 'Naga' was given to these hill tribes by the plains people. This proved to be a great unifying force to the tribes now classified as Naga. Nagas are of sub-medium height, the facial index is very low, the nasal index corresponds to a medium nose, the hair is generally straight, the skin is brownish yellow. The eyes significantly do not show Mongolian form.
It could broadly be said that they are straight forward people, honest, hardworking, sturdy and with a high standard of integrity. They are lacking in humility and are inclined to equate a kind and sympathetic approach with weakness. The Nagas have a very strong sense of self respect and would not submit to anyone riding roughshod over their sentiments.
A COURTESY OF northeastindiatour.com
