Rongmei Naga

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For the language, see Rongmei Naga language.

Rongmei
Kabui
Artiste from Song & Drama Division Kolkata, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting performing Naga dance at Public Information Campaign on Bharat Nirman, at Yangang, South Sikkim on June 02, 2011.jpg
Artiste from Song & Drama Division Kolkata, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting performing Rongmei dance
Total population
170,800 (2011 Census)
Regions with significant populations
Northeast India
Languages
Rongmei language
Religion
Christianity (majority), Poupei Chapriak, Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak
Related ethnic groups
Zeme, Liangmai, Inpui, Other Naga people

The Rongmei (also known as Kabui) are one of the major indigenous communities a part of the Naga tribes of North-East India. The Rongmei Naga are a scheduled tribe under the Constitution of India.[1] The Rongmei have a rich culture, customs and traditions. They share similarity with their kindred tribes of Zeme, Liangmai and Inpui which together are known as Zeliangrong.

Kabui group of people

Festival[]

The Gaan-Ngai festival (post-harvest festival) is celebrated annually between December and January. It follows the lunar calendar and is celebrated on the 13th day of the Wakching or Gaan Ngai buh. It is celebrated to worship the Supreme God Haipou Tingkao Ragwang and other sylvan Gods. Among Naga tribes, they are known for colorful dances and traditional attire.

Geographical Distribution[]

The Rongmeis are mostly concentrated in the three states of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland in Northeast India. They make up the majority in Tamenglong district and Noney district of Manipur.

Rebellion[]

Rongmei territory was conquered by the British in the nineteenth century. In 1891, they imposed a house tax on the people of Tamenglong. The Rongmei refused to pay any tax from 1891-1894. In response, C.L. Crawford, Assistant Political Agent of Manipur, used force to collect the tax from the Tamenglong hills in 1894. Four years of defiance by the Rongmei and its consequences aroused national consciousness among the Rongmei.[2] Eventually, under the leadership of Haipou Jadonang[3] and his successor Rani Gaidinliu,[4] the Rongmei rebelled against British rule in the 1930s. This rebellion gave momentum to and garnered support for the vision of Naga Raj. The government of India recognized Rani Gaidinliu as the most prominent freedom fighter from the Northeast India region.

Economy[]

The Rongmei are agriculturists. Jhum cultivation is especially common. Artisans are skilled in bamboo, wood, blacksmith, and pottery works. Bamboo baskets, mats, shields, etc., are manufactured in abundance.[citation needed]

Notable people[]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ "The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes): Order, 1950". Ministry of Law and Justice (India).
  2. ^ Puanthanh Gangmei (19 November 2017). "The Struggle And Plight Of The Rongmei Tribe During The British Era". Rihpyan. Retrieved 10 February 2018.
  3. ^ G. K. Ghosh (1 January 1992). Tribals and Their Culture in Assam, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. Ashish Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7024-455-4. Retrieved 5 June 2013.
  4. ^ Kusumlata Nayyar (2002). Rani Gaidinliu. Ocean Books. ISBN 978-81-88322-09-1. Retrieved 12 June 2013.
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