Political and socio cultural life of Rongmei tribe in colonial Manipur

Abstract

Manipur is one of the eight north-eastern states of India. Geographically Manipur state may be broadly divided into two regions, namely: (i) The Valley and (ii) The Hills. Manipur was earlier an independent princely state. With the British conquest of Manipur in 1891, the hill tribes were directly administered by British officials. There are different groups of tribals inhabiting the hills of the Manipur state. The Rongmei are an indigenous Naga tribe living in the states of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in North-East India. The political and socio-cultural life of the Rongmei is determined to a great extent by the physical environment which surrounds their habitation. The political system of Rongmei is essentially a democratic gerontocracy. Gerontocracy is their form of Government, according to which the whole administration of the Rongmei society is regulated by the elders. The Rongmei society is based on kinship, lineage and the family and this society happens to be a well-knit clan. The Rongmei tribe have their own social life based on the old traditional customs, which have been in practice since times immemorial and handed down to them by their fore-fathers. The Rongmei have a cultural heritage which always been expressed through their folk dances, songs, religious beliefs, cultural festivals. The Rongmei people have always enjoyed a rich culture of their own. These cultural activities are closely related to the day to day life of the community. Therefore these cultural activities give a meaningful experience to the Rongmei people. The Rongmei have a rich heritage of custom and culture which is the source of joy and happiness in life. newline