Page 210 - Sanidhya 2025

TRIBES OF MANIPUR
TRIBE
NIPUR
S OF MA

Manipur known for its diverse landscapes from the misty blue hills and verdant forests to
the unique Loktak lake in Northeast India. It is a home to a diverse range of indigenous
tribes, with the Meitei people being the largest and most dominant group, inhabiting the
Imphal Valley. The surrounding hills are primarily populated by Kuki-zo tribes in southern
districts and Nagas including tribes like Mao, Maram, Tangkhul and Thangal inhabiting in
the northern districts of the state.

Tracing the Origins of Tribes of Manipur

Meitei
Meitei people, who are indigenous to often depicted as a dragon, is pride. Manipuri Raas Leela,
Manipur, India, are complex and considered the progenitor of the characterized by its gentle, graceful,
shrouded in various theories and Meitei people in some traditions. and rhythmic movements, often
traditions. Most scholars and depicting themes from Hinduism’s
traditions agree that they are of About two-thirds of the people are Vaishnava tradition, particularly the
Mongoloid origin and are part of the Meitei (Meetei), who occupy the Krishna-Radha lore. Other dances
Tibeto-Burman language family. The Manipur valley and are largely Hindus. include Jagoi, Cholom, Phum cholom
Meitei are believed to have been Meitei culture is a dynamic blend of each with its own variations and
among the earliest inhabitants of the traditions and beliefs, constantly nuances Thang Ta is a traditional
Manipur Valley, with their history evolving while maintaining its core Manipuri martial art that combines
potentially dating back 3500 years. identity. They speak the Meitei armed and unarmed combat
Traditionally, Meitei society is language, also known as Manipuri, techniques with dance and spiritual
structured around seven clans (salais): which is a Tibeto-Burman language elements. While Meitei people
Ningthouja, Angom, Khuman, with its own script. They are known for maintain their cultural heritage, they
Luwang, Moirang, Sarang their vibrant festivals, intricate dances, are also part of the modern world,
Leishamthem, and Kha-Nganba. A and mesmerizing music, all of which with influences form Hinduism,
mythological figure named Pakba, reflect their strong sense of cultural Christianity and Islam and