Indianetzone: Largest Free Encyclopedia of India with thousand of articles Indian Tribals

Art & Culture | Entertainment | Health | Reference | Sports | Society | Travel
Free E-magazine
Indian Tribals : Indian Tribal Art l Tribes of Orissa, India l Indian Tribals: Khasis l Tribal jewellery of Andhra Pradesh l Indian Tribes: Naga l Indian Tribe: Savar l
Home > Society > Indian Tribals > Maram Tribe
Forum on
Indian Tribals
Discuss about the Indian culture, custom, mores, ethnicity and tradition.

 
Free E-magazine
Subscribe to Free E-Magazine
on Indian Tribals

 
Maram Tribe

Manipur houses quite a number of tribes, mainly thronging various areas like Senapati district, Tadubi Sub-division and also Kangpokpi region. As per census report of India in the year 1981, the population of Maram has been enumerated to be 5972.

Along with the special Mongoloid features, `Caucasoid` traits also are found. The average height of men is about 165.25 cm while female statute is 153.75 cm. The origin of Maram tribes has a rich heritage behind it. In their cosmology, amongst three sons Karambungsa, the eldest brother Makikangba is considered to be ancestor of the Maram tribes.

The descendant and heritage of Maram tribes follow patrilineal ways. Their village is divided into `Sadung` or `Khel`. Each Khel has derived its own name from a common ancestor Rangnamei meaning descendants of Rang.

Marang have got Mongoloid features along with some `Caucasoid` features are also observed by various anthropologists. These Marang tribes are mainly farmers, widely practicing shifting as well as wet cultivation. Rice is their staple food. What is interesting is that among the Maram tribes, males do most of the household tasks like collection of water and firewood; women only do cooking and nurturing children etc. Although the males are busy in harvesting and cultivation, women help in digging the field for sowing and harvesting.

All the Maram tribes speak the same tongue Maram Khullel. However the village `Senapati` does not converse in the same dialect. Though easily understandable, the totality and mode of expression of this dialect is quite different from the original language.

As far as the societal division of theses Maram tribes is concerned, it is broadly segregated into three exogamous social clans. These groups again are subdivided into `lineages` with numerous sub lineages. According to the records of the anthropologists of India, three clans are `Ng`kukui (makha or lower section), DikaKuina (Khullakpa or chief`s group) and Rangbung raiyinamai (mathak or upper section)`.

Also each lineage has its individual `sagong` who is the head of the village of Maram tribes. Every Khel posses their separate gates as well as separate dormitories for young boys and girls. . Boy`s dormitory is called Rehangki whereas Rulaki is a dorm of girls.

Maram tribes, thus becoming an integral part of the Maram culture, perform various rituals. Name giving ceremony of a newly born child is done after five days or a week after turning him in the direction of sun.

Few more rituals follow afterwards. The father of the newly born baby brings a crab within 10 days and then the head of the Maram family blesses. Again a unique ritual of Purification is being performed in order to make the child a full-fledged member of the Maram family. Marriage that is fixed through negotiation is regarded as ideal one.

Costumes of these Maram tribes too bear a proof of their enriched culture. Maram males dresses up in a black cotton skirt embroidered by three or four rows of white `cowries` which very recently are being replaced by beautiful buttons.

The ladies also wear an `inner loincloth`. These are similar to a male dress. In addition, women also wear a white robe. However, in present daytime, shawls replace this piece of cloth. These shawls have a combination of black and white color.

Just like any other tribal communities of Manipur, these Maram tribes too are religious minded. They mainly worship Pantheon. Akrkot is their house deity, while powmungba is a wind deity. Sara Kachinu , Paranhaba are some of the deities of Maram.

Their houses also determine the social status of a person. Houses of Maram tribes are Ratsangki , Karatki ,Akikah , Kinaboi ,Ziileki ,Rafiiki. Although the Maram tribes are non- veggies, they, however, abstains from consuming the pork. Festivals are part and parcel of the Maram. These are namely Ponghi, Kanghi and Rakakkou. During these festivals, Maram tribes sing songs. Both the males and females take part, in great exuberance and enthusiasm.

Recently Updated Articles in Indian Tribals
  • Jenu Kuruba Tribe, Karnataka
    Jenu Kuruba tribal community of Karnataka are original residents of the forests regions of the Western Ghats.
  • Kora Tribe, West Bengal
    Almost all the Kora tribes of West Bengal have adapted to the various practices and beliefs of Hindu culture
  • Tribes of West Bengal
    The various tribes of West Bengal have added to the color of the State.
  • Paharia Tribe
    West Bengal houses quite a large number of Paharia tribes, with its rich heritage of culture and tradition
  • Oraon Tribe
    Indian Anthropologists give attention to this Oraon tribal community due to its religious practice of human sacrifice.
E-mail this Article | Post a Comment
Maram Tribe Sitemap