 Rengma Tribes are one of the main tribes in Nagaland. It is a Naga tribe found in Nagaland and in some parts of Assam. They live in a rectangular strip of land between the Angami on the south, the Semas on the east and the Lothas on the north. They call themselves by the names of ‘Njong’ or ‘Injang’. The Rengma tribes are recognised, acknowledged and identified by their distinct culture, customs and traditions.
Origin of Rengma Tribes According to the local traditions, the Rengma and the Lotha tribes were once part of a single tribe. They belong to the Mongoloid racial stock. It is believed that Rengmas along with other Naga tribes migrated from South-East Asia across the Yunnan mountain ranges and settled down on the upper Burma region. Society of Rengma Tribes The Rengma is a patriarchal society therefore the line of descent is traced through the male side and property rights goes to the male line.  Slavery was a practice among the Rengma tribes and the slaves were known by the names ‘menugetenyu’ and ‘itsakesa’. By the time the British arrived in the Naga region the slavery was a declining practice.
Economic Life of Rengma Tribes The Rengma tribes are agriculturists. They grow paddy through Jhum cultivation and wet cultivation. Besides paddy staple crops, seasonal crops and fruits are also grown. Religion of Rengma Tribes Traditionally, Rengma tribes are worshippers of supernatural beings. The Supreme god is known as ‘Teronyu’. ‘Nyensug’ and ‘Nyensugi’ are the next important God and Goddesses who are worshipped for household wealth. Now most of the Rengma tribes are Christians. Before converting to Christianity they were all animists. The ancient Rengma tribes believed in the immortality of the soul and life here after. Festival of Rengma Tribes Rengma Tribes celebrate lot of seasonal festivals that are related to their agriculture. ‘Ngada’ is the most important festival of Rengma tribes. It is celebrated after harvesting the crop or at the end of November or in the beginning of December. It is a "Thanks giving" festival of the Rengma tribes. The festival starts with the preparation of all kinds of ‘zu’ and ends on the seventh day with high hopes and great expectations. |
| More Articles in Tribes of Nagaland (9) | |
|
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
