Marriage in Rongmei Naga

AN INSIGHT INTO ELOPEMENT MARRIAGE AMONG RONGMEI TRIBES

by Mary Sana Rajkumari (International Journal of Psychosocial Rehabilitation, Vol. 24, Issue 03, 2020 ISSN: 1475-7192)

1. Introduction

Among the Rongmei Naga tribe, elopement marriage is a practice where couples marry in defiance of traditional marriage norms. However, societal norms have their limits. Excessive deviation from established marriage codes not only leads to termination of the union but also exile from the community and even physical humiliation. Maintaining these limits is crucial to preserving the tribe's cultural integrity and identity.

2. Objectives of the Study

This study aims to delve into elopement marriage practices within the Rongmei tribe. Additionally, it explores the lesser-known Rongmei polyandry system in the Barak Valley of Assam.

3. Methodology

Data for this study were primarily collected from "primary" sources, including fieldwork in various locations such as Hirakandi district, Binakandi part II, and Naga Bazar (Tungbung) village in the Barak Valley. Interviews, interactions, and discussions with senior members of the Rongmei community provided valuable insights. Secondary sources, including books related to Rongmei tribe practices, were also consulted.

4. Elopement Marriage Practices

Elopement marriage, though not legally recognized, is prevalent among the Rongmei tribe in the Barak Valley. Such marriages involve a process of solemnization, where the groom's family arranges a ceremony, reciting hymns known as "Mailakmei." The couple's union is then socially recognized.

4.1. Solemnization and Observation of Omens

During elopement marriage, solemnization involves reciting the "Mailakmei" hymn, officiated by a priest called "Mai-laksoi-Duimei." This hymn marks the couple's union and is a symbolic culmination of their love journey. Observing omens is also a part of this practice. The observation of omens is performed using the spleen of a pig or the legs of a cock, determining the couple's future and the marriage's prospects.

4.2. Social Acceptance and Rituals

After the solemnization, the groom's party visits the bride's family to inform them of the union. This event is called "Laloupao Mai." A significant step follows known as "Mantimai," symbolizing the social and religious recognition of the couple. This function can be elaborate or simplified, depending on the financial conditions of the families involved. Items like a buffalo, shawl, spear, sword, and brass dish are typically part of the bridal price, known as "Maadi."

5. Polyandry and Divorce

The Rongmei tribe practices polyandry in two forms: "LangdaiNouKasomei" and "Noukasomei." The former involves a woman adulterating with another man in the presence of her legal husband, while the latter pertains to a widow's remarriage. Divorce, termed "Noumumei," exists in two types: given by the man or initiated by the woman. These practices reveal the intricacies of Rongmei marital customs.

Rongmei Christian Wedding

6. Conclusion

Elopement marriage, though socially accepted, is viewed as a nontraditional yet prevalent practice within the Rongmei tribe. Despite stringent measures in place to curb the chaos arising from elopement, the practice has persisted over time. The study underscores the intricate tapestry of cultural practices and the preservation of identity within the Rongmei community.

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The Rongmei community, a subgroup of the Naga tribe, resides across the states of Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland in India's northeastern region. They identify themselves as part of the larger Zeliangrong Naga community. The Indian government's actions have led to concerns about the preservation of their unique identities. While a significant portion of the Rongmei population is concentrated in Manipur, there is also a notable presence in Assam's Barak Valley. Their primary language is Rongmei, also known as Ruanglat. The term "Rongmei" is a combination of two words: "Nruang," meaning South, and "mei," meaning people, signifying "people of the south." The Ethnologue, an international language database, recognizes their language with the code "NBU" for the Rongmei dialect (https://www.ethnologue.com/language/nbu). The Rongmei tribe has a historical connection with Barak (Aguh) Valley, where they are considered one of the earlie...

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