The Nagas occupy the mountainous ranges forming Assam’s eastern frontier with Burma. Though believed to have sprung from a common stock, they are now divided into many independent tribes, often hostile, and speaking distinct dialects. Their languages display marked affinity to Burmese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, and especially to the Miri and Abor tongues of the Assam–Tibet border. Scholars note that differences between Naga dialects are scarcely greater than those among Tartar dialects. Excluding the Angamis of the extreme south, three main families of dialects are identified: (1) Namsang, Bor-Duor, and Joboka; (2) Mulung and Tablung; and (3) Tengsa, Nogaung, and Khari. These tribes inhabit regions from Jaipur and Sibsagor to Jorhat, where they gather in large numbers for trade, particularly in the cold season. Estimates suggest that the Nagas connected with Jorhat alone number around two hundred thousand. Vocabulary specimens collected by missionaries and officials provide valuable insight into their speech, culture, and intertribal relations.
Indigenous / Culturally Specific Words from the Paper (Kabui/Rongmei religious terms, ritual names, deities, festivals, and community institutions)
Gods, Deities, and Spirits
-
Tingkao Ragwang / Lagwang – Supreme God (King of Gods)
-
Apouna/Ragwang – Good spirit
-
Bisnu/Bonchanu/Manchanu – Good spirit (mythological son of Supreme God)
-
Napsinmei – God of paddy
-
Koklumei – Good spirit
-
Chonchai – Spirit/God of prosperity
-
Karangong – Good spirit
-
Charakilongmei – Spirit for welfare of humankind
-
Kairao – Household deities / Ancestors
-
Kaipi Bhamboo & Kaiba Bhamboo – Village deities (Soang/Shong)
-
Dampapu-Dampapui – God & Goddess of creation
-
Champei – Goddess of birds and animals
-
Karampou-Karampui – Presiding deities of places
-
Zongumei – Evil spirit
-
Kaibhamei – Evil spirit
-
Changlhu / Changlhu-lhudai / Changbang-lhudai – Evil spirits (North & South)
-
Taroi Gang – Presiding deity in the land of death
-
Pung-la – Spirit of mounds (evil)
-
Maigang – Fire god
-
Pong-Gwang – Wind god
-
Ting-Gwang – Rain god
-
Mong-Gwang – Cloud god
-
Bangla-Gwang – Earthquake god
-
Di-Tingpu-Di-Zangpui – Father & Mother earth goddesses
-
Kaikulla – Presiding deity of each corner
-
Lang-bhangla – Spirit dwelling under bedsteads
-
Lam-la – Evil spirit
-
Laora – God of paddy field (evil spirit)
-
Kapakara – Devils / Evil spirits
-
Duira – Water god
-
Thingphalla – Forest deity
-
Kunmei – Protector spirit of the village
-
Chagamei/Pa Ra – Evil spirit (roadsides)
-
Kapenpu & Kapenpui – Evil spirits (in-charge of epidemics)
Festivals & Rituals
-
Chakan-Gaan-Ngai / Gaan-Ngai – Grand festival, farewell to departed souls
-
Ngai-gangmei – 1st day
-
Ngai-dai – 2nd day (main day)
-
Tuna-gan-ngai – 3rd day
-
Ngai-ba – 4th day
-
Nap-chan – 5th day
-
-
Ri-Ngai – Festival of purification (body, mind, soul)
-
Nanu-Ngai – Ear-piercing festival
-
Napkao-Mei – Agricultural/paddy festival
-
Ginki-Mei – Ancestor/New Year festival
-
Guidui-Ngai – Fertility of soil festival
-
Toon-Ngai – Rainy season / ancestor worship
-
Pukphat-Ngai – New crop testing festival
-
Ten-Ngai – New bread/rice harvest festival
-
Changdon Ngai – Road repairing festival
-
Dongjao Ngai – Harvest competition festival
-
Neimei – Holy day observance (movement taboo/genna)
-
Nouna Mungkhao Kalummei – Blessing ceremony for newly married couples
Community & Ritual Terms
-
Chapriak – Followers (of Tingkao Ragwang)
-
TRC – Tingkao Ragwang Chapriak group
-
Kalumkai – Temple / House of worship
-
Pei / Peimei – Village elders’ council / council members
-
Khangchu – Boys’ dormitory
-
Luchu – Girls’ dormitory
-
Meipui – Old women’s shelter
-
Hoi – Traditional yell/chant
-
Lougai – Traditional hoe (used in rituals)
-
Meirapmei – Installation of sacred fire
-
Taam – Chutney for festivals
-
Suong-loi – Ritual chicken substitute for sick person
-
Joupaankeimei – Libation of rice beer
-
Gulim-dansanmei – Ritual offering of ginger (omen prediction)
-
Kairao-thee – Ancestor worship ritual
-
Dampakhonmei / Dampagallhou – Rites for child’s normal growth
-
Raang-Pat – Sacrifice day at village gate
-
Napchanmei – Oblation ritual
-
Lang-paimei – Ritual omen prediction
-
Gokpai – Omen prediction ritual
English to Rongmei Word Dictionary
Group | English | Ruanglat |
Belonging | angled-pestle | chauneimi |
Belonging | armlet | tabian |
Belonging | bangle | nta |
Belonging | basket strap | puatru |
Belonging | basket-box | nkhuk |
Belonging | bed | zi, laeng |
Belonging | dried meat | zankang |
Belonging | earring | numun |
Belonging | fat | katha |
Belonging | fire | mai |
Belonging | fresh meat | zanring |
Belonging | gent’s basket | sienpai |
Belonging | gents' cotton necklace | langpeng |
Belonging | girls' head ring | pikhim |
Belonging | gloves | banthuap |
Belonging | gravy | gandui |
Belonging | handkerchief | nciphai |
Belonging | hat | pirun |
Belonging | hearth | maimang |
Belonging | hearth stones | laibu |
Belonging | husking basket | nruh |
Belonging | ivory armlet | guipuangta |
Belonging | Jug/mug | kanduak |
Belonging | kilt | nthinai |
Belonging | ladies' top | zakli |
Belonging | ladle/spoon | laitai |
Belonging | lady’s basket | nkaluang |
Belonging | legging | phaikap |
Belonging | long pants | naisaeng |
Belonging | mat | nting |
Belonging | mattress | zibamphai |
Belonging | measuring basket | khoupaek |
Belonging | meat | zan |
Belonging | mekhala | pheisuai |
Belonging | mortar | paan |
Belonging | mosquito net | chakhengphai |
Belonging | muffler | guangbiet |
Belonging | necklace | ntu |
Belonging | necktie | guangkam |
Belonging | overcoat | cuatheng |
Belonging | pants | nai |
Belonging | pestle | mih |
Belonging | pillow | piban |
Belonging | plate | napkuak |
Belonging | pot | lai |
Belonging | quilt | phaiphup |
Belonging | red tea | chacham |
Belonging | rice | nap |
Belonging | rice | napsaem |
Belonging | rice pot | naplai |
Belonging | ring | zungkhap |
Belonging | salt | ntei |
Belonging | sandals | phaikam |
Belonging | saucer | tamkuak |
Belonging | seat | bam |
Belonging | shawl | banphei |
Belonging | shirt | thiula |
Belonging | shocks | phaigum |
Belonging | yoke | guangkheng |
Carpentry | anvil | tandang |
Carpentry | arrow | paithu |
Carpentry | axe | nrih |
Carpentry | bow | pai |
Carpentry | pickaxe | chaem |
Carpentry | shield | nggih |
Carpentry | sickle | baengkhuai |
Carpentry | spade | phudan |
Carpentry | spear | bui/chakhun |
Carpentry | wooden lever | thingchap |
Celestial Body | constellation | asakailiu |
Celestial Body | sun | nei |
Celestial Body | sunlight | neiriu |
Colour | black | miu |
Colour | blue | nrim |
Colour | dark | zing |
Colour | green | ndiak |
Colour | grey | nram |
Colour | pink | haengnau |
Colour | purple | haengmum |
Colour | red | haeng |
Colour | white | mphuan |
Colour | yellow | nzin |
Direction | down | kabangbiak |
Direction | east | neipat |
Direction | left | mbaibiak |
Direction | north | duipi |
Direction | right | nzatbiak |
Direction | south | duiba |
Direction | straight | ntingmei |
Direction | up | karubiak |
Direction | west | neikei |
Domestic ANimals | bitch | sikui |
Domestic ANimals | boar | guaklu |
Domestic ANimals | buffalo | guaitaluai |
Domestic ANimals | calf | guaituamna |
Domestic ANimals | cat | amiauna |
Domestic ANimals | chick | nruainciapma |
Domestic ANimals | cock | nruaidui |
Domestic ANimals | cow | guaituamkui |
Domestic ANimals | dog (male) | silu |
Domestic ANimals | dog (neutral) | si |
Domestic ANimals | piglet | guakna |
Domestic ANimals | puppy | sina |
Domestic ANimals | sheep | lauziu |
Domestic Food | beans | siaupai |
Domestic Food | brinjal | panthau |
Domestic Food | colocasia | bi |
Domestic Food | cotton | lang |
Domestic Food | till seed | kating |
Domestic Food | tomato | panthaukhiangmei |
Domestic Food | turmeric | nzaikangrim |
Domestic Food | yam | bic |
Environment | air | mpuan |
Environment | cliff | khou |
Environment | cloud | muang |
Environment | cyclone | mpuandai |
Environment | dew | zik |
Environment | earth | kandih |
Environment | earthquake | baengla |
Environment | flood | duidai |
Environment | fog | achin |
Environment | gold | kachaek |
Environment | hailstone | nrithai |
Environment | hill/peak | luangbut |
Environment | land | ram |
Environment | landslide | mulai |
Environment | lightning | tingpalik |
Environment | mountain | chingbut |
Environment | mt. range | luangriang |
Environment | mud | bih |
Environment | ocean | duipui |
Environment | pebble | tausiam |
Environment | plain | nzaeng |
Environment | river | duithuak |
Environment | rivulet | duina |
Environment | rock | taudai |
Environment | saline spring | tazei |
Environment | sand | siniang |
Environment | sea | duidai |
Environment | slope | kaliap |
Environment | waterfall | khouduang |
Environment | wind | mpuan |
Expression | anger | lungpuam |
Expression | lie | saraem |
Expression | name | zan |
Expression | news | chamchiu |
Expression | pain | sumei |
Family and Relationship | a loving name used for a girl/daughter | alu |
Family and Relationship | an address between sister and sister-in-la | aning |
Family and Relationship | arm in arm | mpamma |
Family and Relationship | aunty | meinei (anei) |
Family and Relationship | best man | noupoupam |
Family and Relationship | bride | noupei |
Family and Relationship | bridegroom | noupou |
Family and Relationship | bridesmaid | noupeipam |
Family and Relationship | brother | chanapu |
Family and Relationship | cousin | maimaek |
Family and Relationship | daughter | alupui |
Family and Relationship | elder bro./sister | meichai (achai) |
Family and Relationship | father | meipu (apuau) |
Family and Relationship | for boys | abung |
Family and Relationship | step-father | puda |
Family and Relationship | step-mother | puida |
Family and Relationship | wife | meinou |
Fruits | banana | haeu |
Fruits | mulberry | khulangathai |
Fruits | orange | kamla |
Fruits | papaya | thinggaina |
Fruits | peach | sinangathai |
Fruits | pineapple | kihuam |
Fruits | topioca | thingmanru |
Fruits | watermelon | duingeina |
Fruits | wild apple | phakthai |
Governance | authority | peikeza |
Governance | bank | siankai |
Governance | banner | pheipaek |
Governance | cabinet minister | kilo kilonser |
Governance | chairperson | bampi |
Governance | city | namdai |
Governance | country | kandih |
Governance | dress | puan |
Governance | flag | chuangphei |
Governance | governor | angh |
Governance | leader | zailoupou |
Governance | library | latbukkai |
Governance | minister | kilonser |
Governance | office | karutkai |
Governance | president | yaruiwo |
Governance | prime minister | ato kilonser |
Governance | school | dinkai |
Governance | secretary | hiloumai |
Governance | state | dihlang |
Governance | town | namdai |
Governance | uniform | nchampuan |
Governance | village | kailuang |
Grammer | Action | Taanruai |
Grammer | Addressing Terms | Kawmei Lwan |
Grammer | Adjective | Kagunhdinc |
Grammer | Adjective Comparison | Kidaamei Guncdinc |
Grammer | Adverb | Taanvchak |
Grammer | Adverb of Degree | Adih geic, Adih Kamv |
Grammer | Adverb of Manner | Kathiak dinhmei |
Grammer | Cardinal Numerals | Kasingsing |
Grammer | Case | Taanvmwng |
Grammer | Clans | Khwang |
Grammer | Clause | Latriannac |
Grammer | Common | Kaguaychyam. |
Grammer | Common Gender | Kaguay Chyam |
Grammer | Complimentary Close | Karyangmei Lat |
Grammer | Composition | Phuakna hymei |
Grammer | Comprehension | Pacna Thaymei |
Grammer | Conjunction | Kariukaeng |
Grammer | Conjunction | Kariukaengv |
Grammer | Consonant | GwanmaekHiak |
Grammer | Consonant Cluster | Kahiak hy Kariumei |
Grammer | Cultural Terms | Chapriak Lat |
Grammer | Date | Bwzaeng |
Grammer | Degree of Comparison | Kidaamei Gat |
Grammer | Description | Lwn Dinhmei |
Grammer | dialect | latkhuan |
Grammer | Head Clans | Phwm |
Grammer | Homonyms | KhwanGwan Akhatna tiki Latbah Baihmei |
Grammer | Idioms | Latthiap |
Grammer | Imperative Mood | Latdan Lunglwan |
Grammer | Indirect Speech | SaaNkih Lat |
Grammer | Infinitive Mood | Nganvmaek Lunglwan |
Grammer | Initial Occurrence | Kahouh Khou |
Grammer | Interjection | Charindinc |
Grammer | Interrogation | Thanchinv |
Grammer | Interrogative Adverb | Thanvmei Taanchak |
Grammer | Jobs | Taanvdui |
Grammer | Kinship Terms | Riangruiah |
Grammer | Language | Lat |
Grammer | language | lat |
Grammer | letter (alphabet) | Latrik hiak |
Grammer | Letter Writing | Tatdynm Hymei |
Grammer | Letters | Kahiak |
Grammer | Lexicon (Wordstock) | Latthwkangv |
Grammer | Loan Word | Nsucna piumei Latkaeng |
Grammer | Low Tone | Bummei Khwan |
Grammer | Noun Common | Kaguay Zancphuak |
Grammer | Noun Material | Rampuat Zancphuak |
Grammer | Noun Pronoun | Zanhlyn |
Grammer | Noun Proper | Kalingv Zanhphuak |
Grammer | Number | Kasing Lwan |
Grammer | Numeral | Kasingpav |
Grammer | Ordinal Figure | Dwanvchak Sing |
Grammer | Ordinal Numerals | Kathaek sing |
Grammer | Problem | Katuakhmei |
Grammer | Pronoun Demonstrative | Swchinc Zanclyn |
Grammer | Pronoun Distributive Pronoun | Damzanpui Zanclyn |
Grammer | Pronoun Emphatic | Madansiakh Zanclyn |
Grammer | Pronoun Indefinite | Kadingmaekmei Zanlyn |
Grammer | Pronoun Interrogative | Latthan Zanclyn |
Grammer | Pronoun Personal | Charay Zanclyn |
Grammer | Pronoun Relative | Kariumei Zanclyn |
Grammer | Proverbs and Sayings | Nyntyng Latchap |
Grammer | Punctuation | Kathaekluanv |
Grammer | Punctuation Apostrophe | Kabimkat |
Grammer | Punctuation Bracket | Gaeklangc |
Grammer | Punctuation Colon | Nthaekh Kanak |
Grammer | Punctuation Colon Dash | Ding Ringc |
Grammer | Punctuation Colon Semi | Ding Kanak |
Grammer | Punctuation Comma | Kanak |
Grammer | Punctuation Dash | Punctuation Dash Jaisaengc |
Grammer | Punctuation Exclamation | Charinchinv |
Grammer | Punctuation Full Stop | Period, Ding Thaekh |
Grammer | Punctuation Hyphen | Jaiduy |
Grammer | Punctuation Inverted Comma | Koulangc |
Grammer | Quality | Kagunh |
Grammer | Reduplications | Kaluaihmei Latpaa |
Grammer | Relative Adverb | Kariumei Taanvchak |
Grammer | Roman Figure | Rommei Chak Sing |
Grammer | script | lathiak |
Grammer | Semantic | Kabah |
Grammer | Sentence | Latkaeng (KNG), Latrian (RR), Latzwan (GG) |
Grammer | sentence | latzuan |
Grammer | Sentence Complex | Alamvmei Latrian |
Grammer | Sentence Compound | Kariumei Latrian |
Grammer | Sentence Declarative | Chalahna Ndauhpatmei Latrian |
Grammer | Sentence Imperative | Thouhmei Latrian |
Grammer | Sentence Interrogative | Thanvmei Latrian |
Grammer | Sentence Negative | Hamhmei Ndauhmei Latrian |
Grammer | Sentence Simple | Chalahmei Latrian |
Grammer | Simple Adverb | Chamhmei Taanchak |
Grammer | Social Grammar | Charuangc latriak |
Grammer | Social Respect | Chakhuang Lwan |
Grammer | Sound | Khwan |
Grammer | Spelling | Kahiakduay |
Grammer | State | Kathaek |
Grammer | Subject | Taanswpou |
Grammer | Subject of Letter | kalam latbamv |
Grammer | Transliteration | Hykaluaihmei |
Grammer | Verb | Taansw |
Grammer | Verb Auxiliary | Taanvswkhav |
Grammer | Verbal Categories | Verb Kik |
Grammer | Voice | Khwandinc |
Grammer | Voice Active | Taandun Khwandinc |
Grammer | Voice Passive | Taandy Khwandinc |
Grammer | Vowel | Gwannayhiak |
Grammer | Word | Latthw |
Grammer | word | latkaeng |
Grammer | Word Division | Latlangv |
Grammer | Word Formation | Latkaeng Duanhmei |
Grammer: Verb | admire | kasian |
Grammer: Verb | advise | katiu |
Grammer: Verb | anoint | nam |
Grammer: Verb | answer | deu |
Grammer: Verb | argue | agai |
Grammer: Verb | ask | than |
Grammer: Verb | back | han |
Grammer: Verb | burn | raeu |
Grammer: Verb | burp | nbun |
Grammer: Verb | bury | mphum |
Grammer: Verb | buy | liu |
Grammer: Verb | calculate | chak |
Grammer: Verb | call | kao |
Grammer: Verb | calling | kau |
Grammer: Verb | carry/cradle | phung |
Grammer: Verb | catch | nim |
Grammer: Verb | change | kalai |
Grammer: Verb | chew | khai |
Grammer: Verb | choose | kappa |
Grammer: Verb | circle | ngui |
Grammer: Verb | close | mbang |
Grammer: Verb | come | guang |
Grammer: Verb | compare | kida |
Grammer: Verb | cook | suang |
Grammer: Verb | cough | nkhou |
Grammer: Verb | count | kasing |
Grammer: Verb | crack | nkak |
Grammer: Verb | crawl | guang |
Grammer: Verb | cry | kap |
Grammer: Verb | cut (a meat) | dim |
Grammer: Verb | cut (down a tree) | dau |
Grammer: Verb | cut (grass) | dan |
Grammer: Verb | cut (meat) | dim |
Grammer: Verb | dance | laem |
Grammer: Verb | defecate | bamei |
Grammer: Verb | defrost | nungkai |
Grammer: Verb | dig | chau |
Grammer: Verb | dig | chau |
Grammer: Verb | divide | nzan |
Grammer: Verb | do | tan |
Grammer: Verb | drink | zang |
Grammer: Verb | drip | zau |
Grammer: Verb | drip | zau |
Grammer: Verb | dry (a cloth in sun) | phau |
Grammer: Verb | earn | phi |
Grammer: Verb | eat | tu |
Grammer: Verb | enjoy | aman |
Grammer: Verb | entrust | sinalaumei |
Grammer: Verb | envy | mama |
Grammer: Verb | flow | luang |
Grammer: Verb | fly | sam |
Grammer: Verb | follow | lai |
Grammer: Verb | forget | amu |
Grammer: Verb | free | nsa |
Grammer: Verb | laugh | nui |
Grammer: Verb | lay | aleau/ |
Grammer: Verb | leak | tiet |
Grammer: Verb | learn | ncham |
Grammer: Verb | leave | gan |
Grammer: Verb | leave | mpat |
Grammer: Verb | lick | aliak |
Grammer: Verb | lie (tell lies) | saram |
Grammer: Verb | lift | kasun |
Grammer: Verb | light (a candle) | ntau |
Grammer: Verb | like/admire | kahau |
Grammer: Verb | limp | kasai |
Grammer: Verb | listen | ngking |
Grammer: Verb | look | zaeu |
Grammer: Verb | loose (a robe) | liu |
Grammer: Verb | lose | man |
Grammer: Verb | love | kung |
Grammer: Verb | love | nzian |
Grammer: Verb | measure | ndat |
Grammer: Verb | mistreat | |
Grammer: Verb | mock | ala |
Grammer: Verb | move | kalung |
Grammer: Verb | murder | meidou |
Grammer: Verb | narrate | ra |
Grammer: Verb | obey | piu |
Grammer: Verb | open | lan |
Grammer: Verb | pain/hurt | su |
Grammer: Verb | persevere | akhaeng |
Grammer: Verb | pick (something) | khuai |
Grammer: Verb | pile up stones | khuat |
Grammer: Verb | pinch | nsik |
Grammer: Verb | place a cup on sth | dung |
Grammer: Verb | plan | chamraeng |
Grammer: Verb | plant | ling |
Grammer: Verb | plant (a tree) | ling |
Grammer: Verb | play | palup/tali |
Grammer: Verb | plough | khuai |
Grammer: Verb | point with finger | sau |
Grammer: Verb | poke | rung |
Grammer: Verb | pound | sau |
Grammer: Verb | praise | thuan |
Grammer: Verb | pray | huainei |
Grammer: Verb | pull | zai |
Grammer: Verb | pull (out grass) | phuai/jai |
Grammer: Verb | push | thui |
Grammer: Verb | question/ask | than |
Grammer: Verb | read | pah |
Grammer: Verb | read | pa |
Grammer: Verb | rear (an animal) | nruai |
Grammer: Verb | regret | lungngiu |
Grammer: Verb | reject | lamak/ganpat |
Grammer: Verb | send | mpuat/diu |
Grammer: Verb | shiver | kadun |
Grammer: Verb | shoot | kaep |
Grammer: Verb | shout | kaoh |
Grammer: Verb | sing | suan |
Grammer: Verb | sit | dung |
Grammer: Verb | skip | kachuam |
Grammer: Verb | slap | kaphi |
Grammer: Verb | sleep | zip |
Grammer: Verb | slice/cut | liem |
Grammer: Verb | smell | nnam |
Grammer: Verb | sneeze | nthei |
Grammer: Verb | speak | sa |
Grammer: Verb | spear (a game) | phian |
Grammer: Verb | spend | piu |
Grammer: Verb | spin | kapin |
Grammer: Verb | spin | kapin |
Grammer: Verb | spread | laem |
Grammer: Verb | sprout | puak |
Grammer: Verb | squat | ntum |
Grammer: Verb | stand | ding |
Grammer: Verb | stare | zau |
Grammer: Verb | steal | hou |
Grammer: Verb | stitch | hui |
Grammer: Verb | stop | kham/nthek |
Grammer: Verb | study | kathai |
Grammer: Verb | suck | ntim |
Grammer: Verb | suffer | rianra |
Grammer: Verb | swallow | aluak |
Grammer: Verb | take | la |
Grammer: Verb | teach | din |
Grammer: Verb | tear (a cloth) | siat |
Grammer: Verb | thank | thuan |
Grammer: Verb | think | ning/kakhan |
Grammer: Verb | threaten | mpin |
Grammer: Verb | throw | ndat |
Grammer: Verb | tire | rianra |
Grammer: Verb | torture | rai |
Grammer: Verb | torture | rai |
Grammer: Verb | touch | kahi |
Grammer: Verb | trim (branches) | riau |
Grammer: Verb | trust/believe | lum |
Grammer: Verb | turn | kadat |
Grammer: Verb | untie | ripat |
Grammer: Verb | urinate | zun |
Grammer: Verb | vomit | nrui |
Grammer: Verb | wait | nkhuan |
Grammer: Verb | walk | tat |
Grammer: Verb | want | kahaeu |
Grammer: Verb | wash (a cloth) | sou |
Grammer: Verb | wash (a dish) | khiu |
Grammer: Verb | weave | dak |
Grammer: Verb | worship | kalum |
Grammer: Verb | write | hi |
Grammer: Verb | yawn | hem |
Grammer: Verbs | beat/bang | kazum |
Grammer: Verbs | belt | bungkam |
Grammer: Verbs | burp | nbun |
Grammer: Verbs | cough | nkhou |
Grammer: Verbs | cry | kap |
Grammer: Verbs | defecate | bamei |
Grammer: Verbs | fart | mbai |
Grammer: Verbs | hiccup | chatzai |
Grammer: Verbs | howl | kagiak |
Grammer: Verbs | jump | kachak |
Grammer: Verbs | kick | nsui |
Grammer: Verbs | laugh | nui |
Grammer: Verbs | limp | kasai |
Grammer: Verbs | run | pak |
Grammer: Verbs | scream | kaora-ndi |
Grammer: Verbs | shiver | kadun |
Grammer: Verbs | shout | kao |
Grammer: Verbs | sit | dung |
Grammer: Verbs | skip | kachuam |
Grammer: Verbs | slap | kaphi |
Grammer: Verbs | sleep | zip |
Grammer: Verbs | sneeze | nthei |
Grammer: Verbs | squat | ntum |
Grammer: Verbs | stand | ding |
Grammer: Verbs | throw | ndat |
Grammer: Verbs | urine | zun |
Grammer: Verbs | vomit | nrui |
Grammer: Verbs | walk | tat |
Grammer: Verbs | yawn | haem |
Household Hardware | advocate | latzanmai |
Household Hardware | almirah | nkhukdaimai |
Household Hardware | bell | kang |
Household Hardware | bicycle | saikal |
Household Hardware | box | kau |
Household Hardware | camera | maengnambung |
Household Hardware | candle | khuliu |
Household Hardware | court | latzankai |
Household Hardware | cymbal | simtuai |
Household Hardware | drum | ngkhuang |
Household Hardware | duration | gandak |
Household Hardware | electricity | alictric |
Household Hardware | fan | hunpaek |
Household Hardware | filter | duisingbung |
Household Hardware | season | kakin |
Household Hardware | second | mikkhipdak |
Household Hardware | tea-strainer | chasingraek |
Household Hardware | telephone | chamriang |
Household Hardware | television | |
Household Hardware | time | kagan |
Household Hardware | umbrella | satin |
Household Hardware | wall clock | demkhuang |
Household Hardware | watch | pung |
Household Items | midnight | zipchung |
Household Items | morning | lauthuan |
Household Items | night | zingbang |
Household Items | noon/midday | kalan |
Household Items | pain | suhmei |
Household Items | price | kaman |
Household Items | profit | gaengmei |
Household Items | question | latthan |
Household Items | stool | baa |
Household Items | sweat | talandui |
Household Items | thing | ram |
Household Items | thought | meilungning |
Household Items | wood | thing |
INSECT | ant | ntiang |
INSECT | bee | nkhuai |
INSECT | butterfly | talaam |
INSECT | caterpillar | nkupui |
INSECT | cockroach | pala |
INSECT | cricket | nkit |
INSECT | dragonfly | duiroupui |
INSECT | fly | simang |
INSECT | grasshopper | nka |
INSECT | leech | mbat |
INSECT | louse of clothe | rik |
INSECT | louse of head | rik |
INSECT | mosquito | chakhaeng |
INSECT | moth | talaempei |
INSECT | scorpion | raga |
INSECT | spider | cherapui |
INSECT | tick | talai |
Measurement | guest | gin |
Measurement | half hands length | ngengraek |
Measurement | half-basket | ngiupek |
Measurement | hands length | khap |
Measurement | height | kauhmei |
Measurement | human | mansei |
Measurement | infant/baby | ngnganahaeng |
Measurement | length | kasaan |
Measurement | male | nggaanmei |
Measurement | male bird | kadui |
Measurement | man | maipu |
Measurement | octagonal | kuntachat |
Measurement | old man | karapou |
Measurement | old woman | karapei |
Measurement | one basket | ngiu khat |
Measurement | one handfull | baanzum |
Measurement | one palmful | Baanzum khat |
Measurement | one storing basket | duang |
Measurement | oval | nzuang |
Measurement | palm size | banpopek |
Measurement | rectangle | kunpadei |
Measurement | round | nguimei/kabung |
Measurement | scale | ndatzuan |
Measurement | square | kuncham |
Measurement | teen | khangliubuan |
Measurement | thickness | kasu |
Measurement | thin | pumei |
Measurement | triangle | kunthum |
Measurement | two finger breadth | Zungpek kanei |
Measurement | two palmfull | Baanzum kanei |
Measurement | widow | maaipui |
Measurement | widower | maaipu |
Measurement | woman | meipui |
Measurement | youth | chabuan |
Months | April | Baanraubu |
Months | August | Pukphabu |
Months | December | Gaanbu |
Numbers system | eighty | riaktachat |
Numbers system | eleven | runakhat |
Numbers system | fifty | riakngu |
Numbers system | five | pangu |
Numbers system | four | padei |
Numbers system | fourty | riakdei |
Numbers system | hundred | phai |
Numbers system | nine | chakiu |
Numbers system | ninety | riakchakiu |
Numbers system | one | akhat |
Numbers system | seven | chanei |
Numbers system | seventy | riakchanei |
Numbers system | six | charuk |
Numbers system | sixty | riakcharuk |
Numbers system | ten | ru |
Numbers system | thirty | tamru |
Numbers system | three | kathum |
Numbers system | twelve | runakanei |
Numbers system | twenty | nchui |
Numbers system | two | kanei |
Part of House | ash | mbut |
Part of House | backyard | kaithei |
Part of House | bamboo (tall) | goriu |
Part of House | house/home | kai |
Part of House | inside the house | kainung |
Part of House | jhum field | chinglau |
Part of House | kitchen | suangbam |
Part of House | ladder | kailaek |
Part of House | leaf | kanui |
Part of House | long bridge | pumsaeng |
Part of House | mud | bih |
Part of House | plank | thingpaek |
Part of House | plant | rambang |
Part of House | pointed | nchum |
Part of House | pond | zeibuk |
Part of House | post/pillar | ntiang |
Part of House | room | kailang |
Part of House | root | kamaan |
Part of House | sharp | ntukmei |
Part of House | short bridge | pum |
Part of House | shorter bamboo | mpei |
Part of House | smaller bamboo | nriang |
Part of House | smoke | maikhou |
Part of House | soap | ngkhuai |
Part of House | step | phaikaem |
Part of House | tanky | duikou |
Part of House | terrace | nzaenglau |
Part of House | tree | thingbang |
Part of House | trench | khunriang |
Part of House | well | duikhun |
Parts of Body | canine | meinei |
Parts of Body | cheek | meibiang |
Parts of Body | chest | meingang |
Parts of Body | chin | meikhatang |
Parts of Body | ear | meinukuan |
Parts of Body | earwax | nuba |
Parts of Body | elbow | meichau |
Parts of Body | eyeball | meimikthu |
Parts of Body | eyebrow | meimiksui |
Parts of Body | eyelash | meimikhiu |
Parts of Body | eyelid | meimiklim |
Parts of Body | eyes | meimik |
Parts of Body | face | meizau |
Parts of Body | fat | meitha |
Parts of Body | finger | meibanzung |
Parts of Body | flesh | meizantei |
Parts of Body | forearm | meiban |
Parts of Body | forehead | meisanpiang |
Parts of Body | gallbladder | meimou |
Parts of Body | gum | meitangnei |
Parts of Body | hair | meisam |
Parts of Body | hand | meiban |
Parts of Body | head | meipi |
Parts of Body | heart | meilungthu |
Parts of Body | heel | meiphaichum |
Parts of Body | incisor | meihuriau |
Parts of Body | instep | phaipa |
Parts of Body | intestine | meirei |
Parts of Body | jaw | meikhabaeng |
Parts of Body | kidney | meiki |
Parts of Body | knee | meikhubut |
Parts of Body | leg | meiphai |
Parts of Body | lip | meichi |
Parts of Body | rectum | meibabuang |
Parts of Body | rib | meinaekpairou |
Parts of Body | saliva | meitam |
Parts of Body | scrotum | meidei |
Parts of Body | shin | meitanluang |
Parts of Body | shoulder | meiboukhuat |
Parts of Body | skin | meigi |
Parts of Body | skull | meipirou |
Parts of Body | snot | meinu |
Parts of Body | spit | meitei |
Parts of Body | spleen | meipai |
Parts of Body | stomach | meibung |
Parts of Body | teeth | meihu |
Parts of Body | temple | meitanglip |
Parts of Body | thigh | meinaeng |
Parts of Body | throat | meiruak |
Parts of Body | toe | meiphaizung |
Parts of Body | tongue | meibalei |
Parts of Body | vagina | meimao |
Parts of Body | vein | meizairiang |
Parts of Body | waist | meisian |
Parts of Body | wrist | meibantiang |
People | advocate | dingsung |
People | barber | samriapmei |
People | brothel | pumzuankai |
People | butcher | zandaumei |
People | chawkidar | kaikhuanmei |
People | cobbler | phaithuabhuimei |
People | cooks | langdimei |
People | cowherd | guaigaengmei |
People | cultivator | lautanmei |
People | customer | puatliumei |
People | dancer | alaemmei |
People | diviner | amu |
People | doctor | |
People | doctor (med) | maipah |
People | driver | lairisinmei |
People | goldsmith | kachaekdimei |
People | postman | tatdinmei |
People | potter | laikasiammei |
People | priest | tingku |
People | queen | liamma |
People | seller | zuanmei |
People | servant | meibang |
People | shaman | amu |
People | shop | zuankai |
People | shopkeeper | languanmei |
People | singer | lusuanmei |
People | soldier | riphian |
People | sportsperson | mathianmei |
People | student | dinna |
People | sweeper | kaigeimei |
People | tailor | pheihuimei |
People | teacher | latdinpou |
People | thief | hautumei |
People | traveller | ngginruanmei |
People | washerman | pheisaumei |
People | witch | duaithaimaipui |
People | wrestler | anuaimei |
Religion | angel | banchra |
Religion | belief | lummei |
Religion | blessing | suaihiam |
Religion | christian | khristianmei |
Religion | christianity | khristachap |
Religion | church | rakai |
Religion | confession | kalaeumei |
Religion | dead’s world | taruairam |
Religion | redemption | ranpatmei |
Religion | religion | rachap |
Religion | resurrection | ringthaudatmei |
Religion | reward | Thuan/suan |
Religion | sacrifice | rakhaeng |
Religion | salvation | ringbam |
Religion | saviour | guloumeipu |
Religion | sin | nuan |
Religion | soul | du |
Religion | spirit | bumaeng |
Religion | temptation | nthiammei |
Religion | traditional Religion | poupeiriak |
Religion | trust | lummei |
Religion | truthfulness | latchang |
Religion | worship | kalum |
School | aeroplane | sambung |
School | badminton | |
School | ball | ngitbung |
School | boat | hih |
School | book | latbuk |
School | boots | nsuithuap |
School | bottom | kasing |
School | circular | hinzan |
School | class (of school) | |
School | tennis | |
School | top | |
School | train | train |
School | vehicle | gari |
School | volleyball | banphibung |
Season | autumn | chakanmun |
Season | spring | lauphunsuan |
Season | summer | tinglum |
Season | winter | tingsei |
Sickness | blind | miktiatmei |
Sickness | boil | asuh |
Sickness | cold | asikmeira |
Sickness | cough | nkhoumei |
Sickness | curse | siang |
Sickness | deaf | nundimei |
Sickness | diarrhea | baazui |
Sickness | dumb | latmaek |
Sickness | dysentery | zeibaamei |
Sickness | fever | raamanmei |
Sickness | goitre | guangpuam |
Sickness | headache | pimbaamei |
Sickness | ich | nthak |
Sickness | itches | nthakmei |
Time an Business | year | tingkum |
Weekday | Friday | Kachaeknei |
Weekday | Monday | Daannei |
Weekday | Thursday | Baanzanei |
Weekday | Tuesday | Dinei |
Weekday | Wednesday | tingsannei |
Wild Animals | bat | lamtuai |
Wild Animals | bear | chagam |
Wild Animals | bird without tail | mukna |
Wild Animals | black jungle fowl | arik |
Wild Animals | flying squirrel | zaukaluk |
Wild Animals | fox | asasi |
Wild Animals | frog | gau |
Wild Animals | green pigeon | ruaiguina |
Wild Animals | grey pigeon | |
Wild Animals | hornbill | raengdai |
Wild Animals | python | nthaan |
Wild Animals | rabbit | achaeu |
Wild Animals | rat | apuak |
Wild Animals | red dotted bird | ati |
Wild Animals | snail | taniang |
Wild Animals | snake | nrui |
Wild Animals | sparrow | tingkana |
Wild Animals | squirrel | zaukalai |
Wild Animals | stag | chakhaeng |
Wild Animals | swallow | pangraenga |
Wild Animals | tiger | chakui/kamang |
Wild Animals | tortoise | guiphuap |
Wild Animals | wild boar | su |
Wild Animals | wild cat | zauki |
Wild Animals | wolf | angiu |
Wild Animals | woodpecker | banbu |
Wild Animals | Earthworm | chupliang |
English to Rongmei to Hindi
ENGLISH RONGMEI HINDI (Transliteration)
1 A pleasure to meet you. Nangta ariw na zaeng gai e. / आपसे मिलकर खुशी हुई।aap Se miLakar khusii huii.
2 A ticket to Mumbai, please. Nriangluang tuang ticket ti o / रिआंगलुआंग का टिकट चाहिए। (Nriangluang kaa tikat caahiye.)
3 Afternoon Kalaan / दोपहर (Dopahar)
4 Again? Kaluaih mei / फिर से (phir Se)
5 Are you on Facebook? Nang facebook khou bam dai? / क्या आप फ़ेसबुक पर हैं? (kyaa aap facebook par hain?)
6 Aunty Pulao / आंटी (aaNtii)
7 Back / Behind Thei tho / पीछे (piiche)
8 Bill, please. Bill laguang o. / बिल ले आइये। (biL Le aaiye.)
9 Breakfast Lakhuan nap / नाश्ता (NaasTaa)
10 Brother Chai / भाई(bhaiyaa
11 Brother kaina / अन्ना (aNNaa
12 Call the police. Police ta kau lou o / पुलिस को बुलाओ। (puLiS ko buLaao
13 Can I use a credit card? Credit Card la /puni daih? / क्रेडिट कार्ड चलेगा? (kredit kaard caLega
14 Change Kalaihmei / बदलना (baDaLaNaa
15 Defective Gaimak mei / ख़राब (kharaab
16 Do you speak English? Nang English thai daih? / क्या आपको अंग्रेज़ी आती है? (kyaa aapako angrezii aaTii hai?
17 Egg Ruai Duih / अंडा (aNdaa
18 Excuse me / Sorry Kuak lou na ro / माफ़ कीजिये (maaf kiijiye
19 Fever Ramanh mei / बुख़ार (bukhaar
20 Food Nap / खाना (khaaNaa
21 Front Kadaeng / सामने (SaamaNe)
22 Fruit Tingthai / फल (phaL)
23 Give me a smaller / larger size. Daihmei/ thiammei dat lou o. / छोटा / बड़ा नाप चाहिए। (chotaa / badaa Naap caahiye.)
24 Go right. Zat biat tat khang e. / दाएं जाना है। (Daayen jaaNaa hai.)
25 Go straight. Tat ting ding o / सामने / सीधे चले जाइये। (SaamaNe / SiiDHe caLe jaaiye.)
26 How are you? Nang kumh bam tuang? "
क्या हाल है?(kya haal hai?)"
27 How are you? Nang kumh na bam tuang? / आप कैसे /कैसी हैं? (aap kaiSe hain / kaiSii hain?)
28 How do you read this? mi ta kumh na pah khang cho? / इसे कैसे पढ़ेंगे? (iSe kaiSe padhenge?)
29 How far is the next stop? Guangding nimei bam zanh kumh na cho? / अगला स्टॉप कितना दूर है? (agaLaa Staup kiTaNaa Duur hai?)
30 How far is the Taj Mahal? Pabuan Ching saan thao cho? / पबुआन कितनी दूर है? (Pabuan kiTaNii Duur hai?)
31 How long will it take? Kagan zuh dou la puni bo? / कितना वक़्त लगेगा? (kiTaNaa vaqT Lagegaa?)
32 How much? zuh dau tha? / कितना हुआ? (kiTaNaa huaa?)
33 How? KUmhna / कैसे (kaiSe)
34 I Ai / मैं (main) I
35 I am a non-vegetarian. Ai kha-zanh tu de. / मैं मांसाहारी हूँ। (main maanSaahaarii huun.)
36 I am a vegetarian. Ai kha-zanh tumak e. / मैं शाकाहारी हूँ। (main saakaahaarii huun.)
37 I am feeling sick. Ai nau e / मेरी तबियत ख़राब है। (merii TabiiyaT kharaab hai.)
38 I am good. Ai gaina bam de. / मैं ठीक हूँ। (main thiik huun.)
39 I don’t speak Hindi. Ai hindi thai mak ge. / मुझे हिंदी नहीं आती। (mujhe hiNDii nahiin aaTii.)
40 I don’t understand. Ai thai mak ge. / मुझे समझ नहीं आया। (mujhe Samajh Nahiin aayaa.)
41 I don’t want this. Ai hei lazi e / मुझे यह नहीं चाहिए। (mujhe yah Nahiin caahiye.)
42 I have an early morning train. Atuang thuanh lakhuan tuang train e. / मेरी सुबह की ट्रेन है। (merii Subah kii treN hai.)
43 I have lost my passport. Atuang Passport Maan kan the. / मेरा पासपोर्ट खो गया है। (meraa paaSaport kho gayaa hai.)
44 I like Nrianghluang. Ai Nriangluang kahau e. / मुझे रिआंगलुआंग पसंद है। (mujhe riangluang paSaND hai.)
45 I love Rongmei cuisine. Ruangmei nap-gan tugai e. / मुझे रुआंगमेई खाना पसंद है। (mujhe ruangmeu khaana paSaND hai.)
46 I need help. / Please, help me. Ai ta kha lou o / मुझे मदद चाहिए। / कृपया, मेरी मदद कीजिए। (mujhe maDaD caahiye.) / (kripayaa, merii maDaD kiijiye.)
47 I want more chapatis. Akhang tian laguang lou dat na ro. / मुझे और रोटियाँ चाहिए। (mujhe aur rotiyaan caahiye.)
48 I want this. Ai hei lani e. / मुझे यह चाहिए। (mujhe yah caahiye.)
49 In the middle of the Night Ziphwng ganv khou / रात के बीच में (raat ke beech mein)
50 Indian Flat Bread Tian / रोटी (rotii)
51 Inside Kalunh / अंदर (aNDar)
52 Is there any medical store nearby? kadaeng khou pu kai nai puni bo? / क्या पास में कोई दवा की दुकान होगी? (kyaa paaS men koii Davaa kii DukaaN hogii?)
53 It’s a pleasure meeting you. Nang ta aru na neihla the. / आपसे मिलकर ख़ुशी हुई। (aap Se miLakar khusii huyii.)
54 It’s delicious. Mi hei tugai e. / ये बहुत स्वादिष्ट है। (ye bahuT SvaaDist hai.)
55 Large Daih mei / बड़ा (badaa)
56 Left Bai / बाएं (baayen)
57 Less Rau mei / कम (kam)
58 Madam Madam / मैडम (maidam)
59 Medicine Pu / दवा (Davaa)
60 Milk Guaih nau dui / दूध (DuuDH)
61 More Peina / ज़्यादा (zyaaDaa)
62 Morning lakhuan / सुबह (Subah)
63 My name is …………. Azanh ………… e / मेरा नाम …………………. है। (meraa Naam ………….. hai.)
64 Name Zanh / नाम (Naam)
65 New Kathanh / नया (Nayaa)
66 Night Zingmei / रात (raaT)
67 No Kumh mak e / नहीं (Nahiin)
68 Okay Gai the / ठीक है (thiik hai)
69 Old Karaan / पुराना (puraaNaa)
70 One tea / coffee, please. Chha kap khat na ti o. / एक चाय / कॉफ़ी चाहिए। (ek caay / kaufii caahiye.)
71 Outside Paeng / बाहर (baahar)
72 Please Zauzian na / कृपया (kripayaa)
73 Please, change this. Mi kalaih lou o. / इसे बदल दीजिये। (iSe baDaL Dijiiye.)
74 Please, lower the price. Mi tuang man swrau maih lou na o / इसका दाम कम कीजिए। (iSakaa Daam kam kiijiye.)
75 Please, make it less spicy. Maruai/ tingthai sw lou rau o. / तीखा कम रखियेगा। (Tiikhaa kam rakhiyegaa.)
76 Please, say it again. Zauzian na sa-kaluaih dat o. / कृपया, फिर से कहिये। (kripayaa, phir Se kahiye.)
77 Please, speak slowly. Zauzian na zaeng na sa o. / कृपया, धीरे बोलिये। (kripayaa, DHiire boLiye.)
78 Please, write it down. hilou na o. / इसे लिख दीजिये। (iSe Likh Diijiye.)
79 Price Kaman / दाम (Daam)
80 Purse/Wallet Paisa khau / पर्स (parS)
81 Railway station, please. Ai Bus stand/Railway station tat ni e / रेलवे स्टेशन / बस स्टेशन जाना है। (reLave StesaN / baS StesaN jaaNaa hai.)
82 Read? Pa o / पढ़ना (padhaNaa)
83 Rice Nap / चावल (caavaL)
84 Right Zat / दाएं (Daayen)
85 Road Chaeng / सड़क (Sadak)
86 Rupees Paisa / पैसे (paiSe)
87 Sir Sir / सर (Sar)
88 Sister Chailu / बहन (DiiDii)
89 Size Datmei / नाप (Naap)
90 Small Thiam mei / छोटा (chotaa)
91 Speak? Sa o / बोलना (boLaNaa)
92 Spice Maruai / मसाला (maSaaLaa)
93 Straight Ting ding / सीधे (SiiDHe)
94 Sweet Deihmei / मीठा (miithaa)
95 Table for two, please. Gaan kanei e. / दो लोग हैं। (Do Log hain.)
96 Take me to the metro, please. Zauzian na Ai ta Station latat lou o / मुझे स्टेशन ले चलो। (mujhe StesaN Le caLo.)
97 Tell me the correct price. Kaman kei lou na o / सही दाम लगाओ। (Sahii Daam Lagaao.)
98 Thank you Neihla the/ Thuanku the / शुक्रिया (sukriyaa)
99 Thank you Thuanku the / धन्यवाद (DHaNyavaaD)
100 Theft Kaihaumei / चोरी (corii)
101 This stuff has defects. Mi ram ga mak e. / ये सामान ख़राब है। (ye SaamaaN kharaab hai.)
102 Time Kagan / समय (Samay)
103 Turn Kuaih / मोड़ (mod)
104 Turn left. Bai biat tat khang e. / बाएँ मुड़ना है। (baayen mudaNaa hai.)
105 Uncle Puilao / अंकल (ankaL)
106 Vegetable Gan / सब्ज़ी (Sabzii)
107 Water Dui / पानी (paaNii)
108 What is the route to Connaught Place? Pabuan Ching tat khang chaeng kumh mei cho? / पबुआन के लिए कौन-सा रास्ता है? (Pabuan ke Liye kauN-Sa raaSTaa hai?)
109 What’s the price? Kaman zuh dau tha? / क्या दाम है? (kyaa Daam hai?)
110 What’s the time? Khuangh zuh kei tha? / कितने बजे हैं? (kiTaNe baje hain?)
111 What’s your name? Nang zanh kumh na cho? / आपका क्या नाम है? (aapakaa kyaa Naam hai?)
112 When kumhmei gan / कब (kab)
113 Where Kumh tho / कहाँ (kahaan)
114 Where can I get the ticket? Ticket kumh tho phang puni bo? / टिकट किधर मिलेगा? (tikat kiDHar miLegaa?)
115 Where is the police station? Police kai kumh thang cho? / पुलिस चौकी कहाँ है? (puLiS caukii kahaan hai?)
116 Where is the toilet? Zih ka kumh thang cho? / बाथरूम कहाँ / किधर है? (baaTHaruum kahaan / kiDHar hai?)
117 Where should I get off? Ai kumh mei bam khou kei khang cho? / मुझे कहाँ उतरना चाहिए? (mujhe kahaan uTarNaa caahiye?)
118 Where’s the hospital? Hospital Kumh thang cho? / अस्पताल कहाँ है? (aSpaTaaL kahaan hai?)
119 Which side Kumh mei biat / किधर (kiDHar)
120 Yes Nguai / हाँ (hā̃)
121 You Nang / आप (aap)
122 You’re a nice person. Nang gai e / आप बहुत अच्छे / अच्छी हैं। (aap bahuT acahe / acchii hain.)
Heraka
Image: Wikipedia |
The fundamental ideology of Heraka revolves around the veneration of Tingwang, identified as the supreme deity. This emphasis on a singular, ultimate God, which represents a shift towards monotheism, is a central tenet of the Heraka reform. It specifically advocates for the avoidance of elaborate and costly blood sacrifices traditionally associated with smaller, localized deities (referred to as Paupaise ancestral worship in Longkumer's analysis).³ Longkumer explains that this move away from traditional sacrificial practices, often tied to agricultural cycles, was not merely a theological shift but also had significant economic and social implications, particularly in the context of agricultural shortages and famines prevalent in the 1930s.⁴
In the Zeliangrong belief system, Heraka is often perceived not as a radical departure from their traditional practices but rather as a rational enhancement and a form of indigenous revitalization. The core concept of worshiping only Tingwang introduces a clear monotheistic framework, fostering a sense of unity and collective understanding within the community, thereby promoting peace and love among adherents. The religion strongly encourages moral virtues such as love for parents, self-discipline, and truthfulness, contributing to a disciplined and harmonious social fabric.⁵
Tingwang is revered as the omnipotent creator of the universe, responsible for all natural elements including the Sun, Moon, stars, Earth, water, and air, as well as all living beings—humans and animals alike. This supreme deity is considered eternal, omnipresent, omniscient, and omnipotent, possessing ultimate authority and knowledge. The belief system posits that steadfast adherence to the authentic principles of Heraka will lead to divine blessings in this life and ultimately secure entry into the Kingdom of God for virtuous souls in the afterlife.⁶
The significant reformation within Heraka was initiated by Haipou Jadonang, a pivotal 20th-century prophet, who introduced crucial changes to pre-existing traditional practices of the Zeliangrong. The movement, later carried forward by Rani Gaidinliu, evolved towards the abolishment of animal sacrifices in favor of a more devotional and direct form of worship.⁷ Longkumer notes that the adoption of Heraka offered practical appeal, allowing for changes not only in cosmological systems but also in property regimes and social structures. The Kalumki, a dedicated house of worship, plays a central and symbolic role in the religion, embodying purity and serving as the primary nexus for communal connection with Tingwang. This sacred space became essential in defining the Heraka as a distinct religious community.⁸
Heraka observes various festivals throughout the year, deeply intertwined with agricultural cycles and traditional lunar calendars. These vibrant celebrations are not merely festive occasions but also significant periods of collective prayer, thanksgiving for harvests, and expressions of community unity. Key events in the Heraka calendar include the New Year celebration, rituals marking the seed sowing season, festivals for new crop harvesting, and year-ending ceremonies, all reflecting their agrarian lifestyle and spiritual connection to the land.⁹
The religion also incorporates a complex belief in rebirth, where the souls of those who lived virtuously are believed to progress towards the "Kingdom of God," a state of eternal liberation. Conversely, the souls of those who engaged in malevolent actions are believed to undergo continued cycles of rebirth, emphasizing the karmic consequences of one's deeds. This focus on the cyclical nature of existence and the aspiration for eternal liberation and salvation in the afterlife underlines Heraka's profound philosophical depth.¹⁰
Overall, Heraka stands as a religion profoundly embedded in the Zeliangrong culture, characterized by its emphasis on purity, a distinctive monotheistic approach to the supreme deity Tingwang, and a strong moral code. It has undergone significant evolution, initially guided by the visionary teachings of spiritual leaders like Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu, and later formalized. Longkumer's analysis reveals Heraka not just as a religious reform but also as a "complex site of negotiation of a range of competing claims, anxieties, and tensions," particularly as it navigates its unique position as a non-Christian, non-Hindu indigenous faith amidst broader Naga Christian nationalism and Indian Hindu nationalism.¹¹ It continues to shape the lives, beliefs, and identity of the Zeliangrong people, serving as a dynamic force in their ongoing cultural narrative.
Bibliography:
Longkumer, Arkotong. Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging: The Heraka Movement in Northeast India. Bloomsbury Academic, 2010.
Longkumer, Arkotong. "Religious and Economic Reform: The Gaidinliu Movement and the Heraka in the North Cachar Hills." South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies 30, no. 3 (2007): 499-515.
"Zeliangrong." Wikipedia. Accessed July 29, 2025.
Footnotes:
¹ The origin and meaning of "Heraka" are fundamental to understanding the religion. See: Arkotong Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging: The Heraka Movement in Northeast India (Bloomsbury Academic, 2010), 1.
² The formal establishment of the name and the movement's historical trajectory are key insights from Longkumer's research. See: Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging, 1.
³ The monotheistic focus on Tingwang and the rejection of blood sacrifices to "small gods" are central tenets. See: Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging, 78-80; Arkotong Longkumer, "Religious and Economic Reform: The Gaidinliu Movement and the Heraka in the North Cachar Hills," South Asia: Journal of South Asian Studies 30, no. 3 (2007): 500.
⁴ Longkumer connects the religious reform to broader socio-economic contexts. See: Longkumer, "Religious and Economic Reform," 504-505.
⁵ The understanding of Heraka as a rational enhancement and its promotion of moral virtues are core aspects of the faith. See: Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging, 90-95.
⁶ The attributes and role of Tingwang as the supreme creator are foundational to Heraka theology. See: Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging, 85-88.
⁷ The role of Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu in initiating and continuing the reform, particularly the abolition of animal sacrifices, is well-documented. See: Longkumer, "Religious and Economic Reform," 500-501.
⁸ The practical implications of Heraka's adoption and the significance of the Kalumki in defining religious community are explored by Longkumer. See: Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging, 95-98; Longkumer, "Religious and Economic Reform," 505.
⁹ The connection of festivals to agricultural cycles and their social function are characteristic of indigenous religions. See: Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging, 100-105.
¹⁰ The belief in rebirth and its implications for moral conduct and salvation are integral to Heraka's worldview. See: Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging, 88-90.
¹¹ The nuanced position of Heraka amidst competing identities is a significant argument in Longkumer's thesis. See: Longkumer, Reform, Identity and Narratives of Belonging, 157-160.
- Home
- The Introduction of Rongmei
- Rani Gaidinliu
- The Festival
- Handicraft
- The Rongmei Settlement
- Myth and Legends
- Artifacts of Rongmei
- Understanding Rongmei Syllable Structure: A Simple Guide with Examples
- Mastering Word Division in Rongmei (Ruanglat): A Practical Guide
- Key Differences Between English and Ruanglat Sentence Structure
- Primary Resources