Kom people (Manipur)

The Kom are one of the tribes in a family of people called the Kom-rem mainly found in Manipur and in Mizoram of North-East India. ^[1] Koms were also known as the Old Kukis by the British. Even though they are referred as "Kom", among themselves they refer to themselves as Kakom. Kom-rem consist of six subtribes: Chiru, Aimol, Kharam, Purum, Koireng and Kom. Kom-rem are found in the Northeastern states of Manipur and Tripura. The majority of the Kom population reside in Manipur. They are found in almost all the districts of Manipur and concentrated mainly in the districts of Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Thoubal, Kakching and Senapati.

According to the 2001 Census of India, the population of Kom is 14,602.^[2]

Origins[]

Their origin is unclear as they were nomadic people until they entered Manipur. Kom myth holds that the people emerged from a cave in Tripura. The location of the cave is believed to be somewhere in the borders of China. Karong (referred to also as Shongthu and Puvom), Leivon, Serto, Hmangte, Telen/Thingpui, Khumdon and Mirem were the names of the leaders who came out of the cave. The names of these leaders became the clan names of the Kom people.

Clan names[]

The present clan names and their original clan name are as follows:^{[citation needed]}

Although the clan names have changed through generations, the elders of each of the main original clans are still among the Kom people. The majority of this community are Christian. Their stories - folklore and legends - are passed down through generations by oral/verbal forms or word of mouth.^{[citation needed]}

Hairstyles (traditional)[]

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  Kom girl

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  Kom boy

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  Kom woman

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  Kom man

References[]