Tangsa tribes includes several sub tribes like Youngkuk, Tikhak, Lungchang, Muklom, Mosang, Morang, Lungphi, Lungri, Kimsing, Yogi, Rong Rang, Sanke, Snagwal, Havi and Tonglim. The word Tangsa means the children of the hills. The first four groups are collectively known as Tangwa. Each group of Tangsa tribe speaks a separate dialect which belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language families.

Origin of Tangsa Tribes
They are found in the extensions of Patkoi range. It is assumed that they came to this region in search of agricultural land and decided to settle here. They had migrated to the regions of Arunachal Pradesh in the 13th century from the south-west provinces of China through Burma. There are indications that they actually migrated from Burma many years ago. Their habit of wearing the dress indicates a definite affinity with the Burmese. Physically they belong to the Mongoloid racial stock.

Social Life of Tangsa Tribes
Tangsa society is patrilineal. Every Tangsa family belongs to a clan group. The operational nature of social network is based on social values, beliefs, norms, traditions and customs. Generally, they have joint or extended family structure. The house of the Tangsa tribes are characterised by having hearth in each room. Joint family is headed by the father and all members of the family work under his supervision. The daily affairs of the Tangsa tribe are taken care of by a Lungwang chief known as Khaphua. Monogamy is the rule but in special case polygamy is also permitted. Cross-cousin marriages are very common. There are significant differences among the sub-tribes of the Tangsas as far as their antecedents, complexity of social organisation, customs and rituals are concerned. There are separate dormitories for men known as Looppong and the dormitories for females are known as Likpya.

Housing Condition of Tangsa Tribes
The house of the Tangsa tribes can be divided into three parts-front, middle and back. The big hall comes under front part which is used as common room cum guest room. The middle part is meant for married couples and unmarried girls. The third part of the house is used for poundering paddy. It is also a resting place for the women. The granary is built either in one corner of a village or in the back part of each house. The construction of house is done by the villagers together.

Occupation of Tangsa Tribes
The Tangsas are agriculturists. Through Jhum cultivation and wet they grow paddy. Their staple crops are ginger, chilli, turmeric and so on. Seasonal crops and fruits such as orange, lemon, cabbage and spinach are also cultivated.

Dress and Ornaments of Tangsa Tribes
Their dress can be divided into two parts-one that is worn below the waist and the other over it. The males wear Khatsam or Lungi below the waist and Samkhong or Shirt. The women folk also use lungi to cover lower portion and Samkhatop or blouse for upper part of the body.

Art and Crafts of Tangsa Tribes
The Tangsa tribes are expert in textile designing, as well as in making bamboo and came products. They are good black smiths too. Their basketry and hand weaving are special attractions. Conical basket is the most important for them. Baskets of different shape and size are prepared.

Political Life of Tangsa Tribes
In the Tangsa society the most powerful political body in the village is the council of the elders. The entire machinery of village control revolves round this council. All cases arising in the village are brought before this council. Both the executive and the judicial powers are vested in this council. The council is headed by the village head man.

Religious Life of Tangsa Tribes
Tangsas worships supernatural beings-benevolent and malevolent. Supernatural power is the almighty God who is supposed to have created this world and rules over it. They do not worship any idol or image of this power. They offer worships through performance of various rituals like worship of tree, sacrifice of a pig, dog and black hen. The Tangsa people generally follow the Donyi-Polo religion. The Supreme Being is locally known as Rangfrah. Even Theravada Buddhism has had a major influence on the religious life of Tangsa people. As a result some of the religious rites of Theravada Buddhism have been imbibed into the lives of Tangsa people. And in the recent years there have also been a few converts to Christianity.

Festivals of Tangsa Tribes
Mol is the main festival of the Tangsa tribe which is celebrated every year in the month of May-June. A village is nominated for holding the festival. The host village sends formal invitations to all other villages of the area and makes arrangements for every body`s food and staying. It is celebrated with traditional dances and a feast. Mol is a post harvest festival. The festival is followed by feast and animals like cows, buffaloes and chickens are sacrificed for the feast.