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Clans in Rongmei

The social organization of the Rongmei Naga tribe, a constituent group of the larger Zeliangrong community, is fundamentally structured around a system of exogamous clans and their subdivisions, known as lineages. These kinship units form the bedrock of social identity, regulate marriage, and govern inter-personal relations, deeply influencing the individual's place within the community.¹ (ref)

Image: from Binnakandi

Major Clans and Totemic Identity

The primary clans within the Rongmei social structure include Gonmei (also spelled Golmei), Kamei, Gangmei, and Rwangmei (or Longmei). Each of these major clans is uniquely identified by a totem, which serves as a symbolic emblem or representation of the clan or family. This totem is not merely a symbol but is intrinsically linked to a food taboo, typically manifesting as an animal, a specific bird, or certain plants or trees. This totemic connection establishes a sacred bond between the clan members and their designated totem, often dictating specific behavioral restrictions, particularly regarding consumption.²

The distinct totems associated with these major clans are:

  • Gonmei Clan: The Roingao bird (likely a species of hawk or eagle, signifying strength and keen vision).³

  • Kamei Clan: The Ahuina (green pigeon), symbolizing peace and abundance.⁴

  • Gangmei Clan: The Tiger, representing power, courage, and a fierce protector.⁵

  • Rwangmei Clan: The white pumpkin or the dog, indicating qualities associated with these entities, such as purity, sustenance, or loyalty.⁶

These totemic affiliations reinforce clan identity and contribute to the rich tapestry of Rongmei cultural beliefs and practices.

Clan Subdivisions: Lineages

Each of these major clans is further subdivided into a number of lineages. A lineage is a crucial intermediary unit that operates between the nuclear family and the broader clan, serving as a socially binding entity. These smaller units maintain closer kinship ties and often play a role in regulating internal affairs, land ownership, and ceremonial duties within the larger clan.⁷

The subdivisions for specific clans are:

  • Gonmei/Golmei Clan is subdivided into lineages such as:

    1. Gonthangmei

    2. Gondaimei

    3. Remmei/Riamei

    4. Maringmei

    5. Dangmei

    6. Panmei/Palmei

    7. Thaimei⁸

  • Kamei Clan comprises lineages including:

    1. Pamei/Phaomei

    2. Siangongmei

    3. Ngaomei

    4. Khandangmei

    5. Malangmei

    6. Kamson

    7. Daimei⁹

  • Gangmei Clan also possesses distinct lineages such as:

    1. Kamang Gangmei

    2. Pheiga Gangmei

    3. Sidou Gangmei

    4. Jukhao Gangmei

    5. Goijaichang Gangmei

    6. Taokhondai Gangmei

    7. Pongring Gangmei¹⁰

Notably, in the case of the Rwangmei clan, the presence of explicit internal lineages is not commonly documented in the same manner as the other major clans, suggesting a potentially different internal structure or nomenclature.¹¹

Clan Antiquity and Marital Regulations

Beliefs surrounding clan antiquity are significant. The Gonmei/Newmei and Kamei/Pamei clans are widely considered to be among the older, more foundational clans within the Rongmei social system. This perception of seniority is paralleled in other Zeliangrong constituent tribes, where Newmai and Pamai are considered older clans in Liangmai society, and Newme/Hau and Pame/Heu hold similar status among the Zeme. This shared recognition of certain ancient clans underscores the common historical and cultural roots of the Zeliangrong people.¹²

A fundamental tenet of Rongmei customary law, congruent with broader Naga traditions, is the strong discouragement, and often outright prohibition, of marriages within the same clan or sub-clan. This rule of exogamy is crucial for promoting social cohesion by fostering alliances between different kinship groups and preventing the potential for genetic complications associated with endogamous unions.¹³

Kinship Terminology and Marriage Patterns

The Rongmei kinship terminology presents a fascinating case for anthropological study, exhibiting what Claude Lévi-Strauss (1949) considered a typical feature of many Naga kinship systems: a unique blend of "generalized exchange" and "restricted exchange" patterns.¹⁴

Generalized exchange refers to systems where marriage alliances flow in one direction (e.g., A gives women to B, B to C, C to A), creating long chains of alliances. Restricted exchange, on the other hand, involves direct, reciprocal exchange of women between two groups (e.g., A gives women to B, and B gives women back to A).¹⁵

Several equations within the Rongmei kinship terminology strongly suggest the practice of matrilateral cross-cousin marriage (MBD marriage), where a man marries his mother's brother's daughter. This pattern points towards a form of asymmetrical or generalized exchange, where wives are continuously received from one specific kinship category. The prevalence of matrilateral cross-cousin marriage among the Rongmei has been consistently reported by most anthropological authors studying their social structure. This practice plays a vital role in forging and maintaining complex, long-term alliances between families and clans, ensuring a structured flow of women and resources within the broader social network.¹⁶

However, the question of symmetrical exchange, such as the sister-exchange type (where two groups directly exchange women with each other), remains less conclusive. While some elements in the terminology might hint at such a pattern, empirical confirmation has been elusive. Furthermore, some informants within the Rongmei community explicitly state that symmetrical exchange marriage is actually prohibited by their customary law, adding complexity to the analysis of their marriage system. This blend of tendencies, where the preferred matrilateral pattern is more clearly established while symmetrical patterns face ambiguity or prohibition, highlights the intricate and sometimes contradictory nature of actual marriage practices versus ideal rules in complex kinship systems.¹⁷

The study of Rongmei clans, totems, and kinship terminology thus provides a comprehensive lens through which to understand their intricate social organization, their deep-seated cultural beliefs, and the sophisticated mechanisms that govern their communal life.(ref)


Footnotes:

¹ This introductory paragraph synthesizes the roles of clans and lineages in Rongmei social organization. See: Jeuti Barooah, Customary Laws Of The Kabuis Of Manipur (With Special Reference to their Land Holding System) (Guwahati-1: Law Research Institute, Eastern Region, Gauhati High Court, 2011), 20-25; Beeju Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur: Special Reference to Rongmei (Kabui) Tribe," International Journal of Social Science and Humanity 4, no. 2 (2014): 152.
² The concept of totems as symbols, emblems, and food taboos for clans is a widely documented feature of many tribal societies, including the Rongmei. See: Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 152; Barooah, Customary Laws Of The Kabuis Of Manipur, 25-27.
³ Specific totem for Gonmei clan. See: Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 152.
⁴ Specific totem for Kamei clan. See: Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 152.
⁵ Specific totem for Gangmei clan. See: Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 152.
⁶ Specific totems for Rwangmei clan. See: Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 152.
⁷ The role of lineages as intermediary social units is a standard concept in kinship studies. See: Barooah, Customary Laws Of The Kabuis Of Manipur, 28-30.
⁸ Lineages of Gonmei clan. See: Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 152-153.
⁹ Lineages of Kamei clan. See: Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 153.
¹⁰ Lineages of Gangmei clan. See: Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 153.
¹¹ The specific mention of the Rwangmei clan not having listed lineages is directly from the user's provided text.
¹² The belief about the older clans and parallels with other Zeliangrong tribes is from the user's provided text.
¹³ The discouragement of intra-clan marriage (exogamy) is a fundamental rule in Rongmei customary law. See: Barooah, Customary Laws Of The Kabuis Of Manipur, 25; Kamei, "A Way of Life of the Zeliangrong Nagas in Manipur," 152.
¹⁴ The reference to Claude Lévi-Strauss and the blend of exchange patterns is a direct quote from the user's provided text, referencing his work, likely Les Structures élémentaires de la parenté (1949).
¹⁵ Explanations of generalized and restricted exchange are standard anthropological concepts from Lévi-Strauss's structuralism. See: Claude Lévi-Strauss, The Elementary Structures of Kinship (Boston: Beacon Press, 1969), 46-52.
¹⁶ The prevalence of matrilateral cross-cousin marriage (MBD) as a key feature in Naga kinship, often pointing to asymmetrical exchange, is widely discussed in anthropological literature on the region. See: T. C. Hudson, The Naga Tribes of Manipur (London: Macmillan and Co., 1911), 70-75 (general Naga kinship); J. P. Mills, The Ao Nagas (London: Macmillan and Co., 1926), 200-205 (specific examples of marriage patterns).
¹⁷ The ambiguity and potential prohibition of symmetrical exchange, despite some terminological suggestions, highlight the complexities of observed vs. ideal marriage patterns. This specific nuance is derived from the user's provided text, which mentions empirical confirmation lacking and customary law prohibition by some informants.

Rongmei Script

The Development of Rongmei (Ruangmei) and Naga Scripts

The diverse linguistic landscape of the Naga tribes, including the Rongmei, has historically been characterized by rich oral traditions. For centuries, knowledge, history, myths, and customary laws were passed down verbally from one generation to the next. While this oral heritage is robust, the modern era has brought a growing recognition of the importance of developing indigenous scripts to formally document, preserve, and promote native languages and cultures in written form. Many Naga communities have embarked on journeys to create or adapt scripts for their distinct dialects, and the Rongmei (or Ruangmei) tribe is a notable example of this cultural and intellectual endeavor.¹

Image: from G Gangmei's Books

The Rongmei's efforts to establish their own written script reached a significant milestone with the formal launch of Ruanghiak, their distinct tribal script. This historic event took place at the Conference Hall of RBCC Centre Church in Tarung, Imphal, marking a pivotal moment for the community's linguistic and cultural self-assertion. The occasion saw the presence of numerous prominent figures and community leaders, signifying the collective importance attached to this development.²

Among the distinguished attendees were Dinganglung (Dipu) Gangmei, who serves as the Chairman of the Hill Areas Committee (HAC); Amu Kamei, the President of the Rongmei Naga People Organization; Thuankubui Pamei, a former President of the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur (RNCM); Ramkung Pamei, the current President of the Rongmei Naga Council Manipur; Ragongning Gangmei, President of the Rongmei Literature Society; and Rev. KG Jaojianlung Gangmei, who chairs the Interim Body for Ruanghiak Development and Promotion (IBRDP). Their presence underscored the broad support for and official recognition of the Ruanghiak script.³

During the ceremony, Chairman Dipu Gangmei notably emphasized the critical importance of formally recognizing and honoring Huaineiguang Rwangmei, who holds the positions of General Secretary of IBRDP and the Rongmei Literature Society. This commendation was specifically for his dedicated and tireless efforts in the intricate creation and development of the Ruanghiak script, acknowledging his profound contribution to the community's linguistic heritage. Ragongning Gangmei, President of the Rongmei Literature Society, described the launch as an unequivocally historic moment for the Ruangmei (Rongmei) community, signifying the culmination of years of meticulous research and the collective intellectual contributions of numerous Ruangmei scholars and intellectuals who had diligently worked towards this significant achievement.⁴

The newly launched Ruanghiak script is a comprehensive writing system, thoughtfully encompassing a full range of vowels and consonants necessary for capturing the nuances of the Rongmei language. Furthermore, it includes a dedicated numerical system, allowing for complete written communication and calculation. To aid in its adoption and learning, a supplementary booklet detailing the Ruanghiak script was also formally unveiled during the event. The widespread community endorsement of this initiative was evident from the diverse attendance, which included leaders from various Ruangmei civil society organizations, energetic student groups, proactive youth organizations, and representatives from Rongmei Luphuam Manipur, all converging to witness this landmark occasion for their cultural future.⁵

The formal launch program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Kadongai Panmei, the Secretary of the Rongmei Literature Society, expressing gratitude to all participants and contributors. The event was brought to a spiritual close with a prayer delivered by Rev Fr Tinglung, the Assistant Parish Priest of Khoupum Parish, symbolizing the blend of traditional culture and modern aspirations within the Rongmei community. This momentous occasion marks a significant step towards the preservation and promotion of the Rongmei language and cultural identity through written form.⁶


Bibliography:

  1. The Sangai Express, Chronicle News Service, via e-pao.net, "Ruanghiak script launched," February 18, 2024, https://e-pao.net/GP_News.asp?src=7&ptype=n&id=180224.

  2. General ethnographic studies on Naga languages and cultural preservation efforts.


Footnotes:

¹ This introductory paragraph provides context on the general trend among Naga tribes to develop written scripts from their oral traditions. See: General ethnographic studies on Naga languages and cultural preservation efforts.

² The formal launch of the Ruanghiak script in Tarung, Imphal, is a central event as described in the provided text. See: The Sangai Express, Chronicle News Service, via e-pao.net, "Ruanghiak script launched," February 18, 2024, https://e-pao.net/GP_News.asp?src=7&ptype=n&id=180224.

³ The list of prominent figures and their organizational affiliations at the launch event is directly from the provided source. See: The Sangai Express, "Ruanghiak script launched."

⁴ The emphasis by Dipu Gangmei on honoring Huaineiguang Rwangmei and Ragongning Gangmei's description of the event as historic are key details from the provided text. See: The Sangai Express, "Ruanghiak script launched."

⁵ The components of the Ruanghiak script (vowels, consonants, numerals), the unveiling of a related booklet, and the attendance by various community organizations are all specific details from the provided source. See: The Sangai Express, "Ruanghiak script launched."

⁶ The conclusion of the program, including the vote of thanks and closing prayer, is directly from the provided text. See: The Sangai Express, "Ruanghiak script launched."

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.

Migration Theory of Rongmei Naga

Makhel Makhel is believed by several Naga tribes like Angami, Chakhesang , Mao, Maram, Pochury, Poumai, Rengma, Thangal, Zeliangrong, etc. to be a village of their origin and a point of dispersal in their migration to their respective habitats. The history of Makhel as an ancient village of migration has been collaborated by the stone megalith of dispersion, Tamraratu in the present Mao village of Makhel. T.C Hodson wrote in 1911, “At Makhel is to be seen a stone now erect which Marks the place from which the common ancestor (of the Nagas) emerged from the earth. Makhel is regarded as the centre from where the migration took place “. The first Man at Makhel had three sons Alpha, Tutuwa,and Khepio. The brothers for unknown reasons decided to depart from Makhel and constructed a Megalith as the place of their dispersal. Legends tell that the ancestors of the Zeliangrong people are descendants of the inhabitants Makhel. They also left the place in course of time. Ramting Kabin(First village of Zeliangrong). From Makhel the ancestors of the Zeliangrong people went westward and took temporary shelter at Ramtin Kabin. Ramting Kabin means “Old squeezed land”( Ram = land/village, Ting = Old and Kabin = squeezed). The ancestor of the Zeliangrong people moved across the densely forested western spur of the Mt. Essau. According to the Zeme legend they left Makhel and settled at Nrimrengdi, then to Ramting Kabin. Ramting Kabin is near Chawang Phungning. 

Image: seawatersports.com



Chawang Phungning From Ramting Kabin they went to Chawang Phungning which is also called Gwang Phungning. The concept of Chawang or Gwang means king or chief was developed at Chawang Phungning. There are many references to the prosperity of Chawang Phungning in many ritual hymns. From this place some of the migrants took towards the North-East and arrived at Makuilongdi. Chawang Phungning is identified with present village of Oklong in north Manipur. Makuilongdi: A cradle of Zeliangrong Culture The Zeliangrong ancestors ultimately came to occupy Makuilongdi or Nkuilongdi meaning “Big round mountain”. Nothing is known about Makuilongdi before the zeliangrong migration. Many Liangmai lineages traced the origin from Chawang Phungning which was the main village of a cluster of villages which came to be known as Makuilongdi. Since the migrating people came in groups, they must have established separate settlements. Chawang Phungning was a main settlement and the settlers from this village built up Makuilongdi. These were perhaps cluster of villages or settlements under the jurisdiction of Makuilongdi that was adjacent to Chawang Phungning. The land, forest and water available at the new sites in the rounded great mountains provided enough sustenance to the people. The ancestors of Zeliangrong lived at Makuilongdi for many generations. The village became prosperous with enough land for shifting cultivation, which produced surplus food grains. From a small village it had became a cluster of small hamlets and settlements, which were established for organizing shifting cultivation, as they were quite distant from the original village. The territorial extension of Makuilongdi was far and wide. At Makuilongdi at polity was developed under a chief. Religious beliefs and social customs developed and flourished. Clans and lineages also grew up. Several migration teams were sent out to establish new villages in different directions. The people depend their lives on forest product as well and this led them to migrate from place to place in search of food,shelter and fertility of land. Exodus from Makuilongdi According to legends, the sudden mass exodus from Makuilongdi occurred after a divine warning for violating the law of nature and regular social life of the village. They devoted to the performance of Tarang ki/kai ceremonial house rituals and celebrations in a single year without any break forgetting their lunar calendar of the agricultural cycle and indulging in enjoyment and merry making. Suddenly cicada insects flew into the village and in their shrill voice announced to the people that the lunar year had come to an end. The people were shocked and horrified and made quick exodus out of Makuilongdi towards different directions. Makuilongdi was the cradle of Zeliangrong Culture. There was a well knit society based on shifting agriculture and with a well organized polity. They spoke a language a kin to the present Liangmai dialect. At Makuilongdi two major clans, Pamei and Newmei emerged at indicted by the two stones megaliths namely Pamei stone and newmei stone. However, there are references to several lineages or families that traced direct descendants from Makuilongdi. They are the sub-lineages of both Pamei and Newmei clans. Some scholars opined that the exodus from Makuilongdi could be due to the great pressure on agricultural lands as a result of the increasing population. Differences also cropped up over the succession to the office of the chief. Other reasons besides the causes mentioned above could have also prompted the exodus from makuilongdi. The Rongmei Migration The third son of Nguiba, Rembangbe(pronounced Nriengbangbe in Zeme, Rengbangbou in Liangmai) led a large group of people from Makuilongdi towards the South. They came to be known as Marongmei or Rongmei, dwellers of the fallow lands and of the Southern region. This group was the most adventurous and scattered groups. The migrants settled down at Kajinglong at present a Liangmai village, for many generations. Many lineages of the Rongmei section trace their origin to Kajinglong, which was another sub-centre of Zeliangrong migration to the Southern region. The settlement history of many Rongmei and Puimei villages points to Kajinglong as their original native village. These adventurous groups went out of Kajinglong and founded many villages that are still occupied by their descendants in the trans-Irang basin in the present Tamenglong District of Manipur. The movement of the migrating people was in small groups. Each group consisted of mostly two clans who founded the villages. Later on they were joined by the relatives and clansmen. The migration of the Rongmei continued for many centuries and they moved up to the confines of Chin Hills and Mizoram in Tuivai(Duigai) valley. The Rongmei migrated both to the East and West of the Barak and Irang basin and even to the Cachar and Imphal Valley. Source