Kwoireng, Liyang, Liangmai jat | |
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![]() Liangmai traditional attire | |
Total population | |
60,000 approx. (2011) [1] | |
Languages | |
Lianglad | |
Religion | |
Majority:![]() Minority: Polytheism | |
Related ethnic groups | |
Part of a series on |
Naga people |
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Ethnic groups |
Languages |
The Liangmai people are a Tibeto-Burmese ethnic group that inhabit Nagaland and Manipur states of Northeast India. Their villages are mostly spread across Peren district in Nagaland and Tamenglong, Senapati, Kangpokpi in Manipur. They are a part of the larger Naga tribes and have a similar language and culture. A majority of the Liangmai people practise Christianity while a small section in Tening village of Nagaland still adheres to traditional Heraka religious practices. [3]
The word “Liangmai” is a compound word made up of liang + mai. Here, liang is construed as kyliang means a ‘sector in a village’ and mai means people, which is best translated as “a group of people from one sector”, probably referring to a group of people from one segment of Makuiluangdi village. Secondly, liang is interpreted as north, which means people from the north. The interpretations are closely connected and possibly accurate as the Liangmais settled in the Northern part of the present Hamai (Zeliangrong or Luangdimai) territory. At the same time, the Liangmai people might be a number of people from the same kyliang or sector in Makuiluangdi village who lived there as the ruler of the land. [4]
The Liangmai community is known for its diverse cultural traditions, distinct language, and unique social practices, many of which have developed and adapted over a long historical period. Their way of life reflects influences from their ancestral heritage as well as interactions with neighboring groups, making their cultural identity both deeply rooted and dynamic. [5]
The Khangchiuky (for boys) and Liuchiuky (for girls) were traditional youth dormitories in Liangmai society, where unmarried members of the community lived until marriage. These institutions served as centers for socialization, discipline, and cultural education. Within the dormitories, young people were trained in oral traditions, customary laws, music, dance, and various crafts, while boys also learned hunting and martial skills. Membership was compulsory, and children were symbolically affiliated with a dormitory from birth. Unlike in some other Naga groups, Liangmai dormitories were often housed in large private homes offered by influential families as a public contribution. The system played an important role in preparing youth for adulthood and preserving the community’s cultural and social structures. [6]
The diet of the Liangmai community is shaped by local environmental conditions, cultural practices, and religious beliefs. Their food includes a variety of vegetables, fruits, spices, meat, poultry, fish, and edible insects. Rice (Te) serves as the primary staple, supplemented by two types of millet, locally called Thathiu and Tasi/Tasiu, which are especially consumed during the lean season. Historically, roasted or boiled maize, roots, and millets were common staple foods. Boiling is the preferred cooking method for both red and white meats, often combined with locally available leafy spices and roots, while roasted meat is occasionally consumed in lean periods. Edible oils are rarely used, and cooking generally involves simple preparation without elaborate processes. Smaller catches, such as fish, insects, or small game, were traditionally consumed within the family, whereas larger animals were typically sold to support household expenses. [7] Among the traditional foods of the Liangmai Nagas are Nziangdui and Tesiugan. Nziangdui is a distinctive chutney made from fermented mustard, notable for its black colour and strong flavour. Tesiugan is a curry prepared with rice, typically cooked with chicken or other meats, and combined with vegetables. [8]
Chaga Ngee, celebrated by the Liangmai community on October 30–31, is a major festival emphasizing purification, reconciliation, and thanksgiving. The festival involves communal feasting, cultural performances, and sharing of resources, and it is observed with strict rules to maintain social and spiritual purity. Traditionally lasting five days, Chaga Ngee begins with “Chamimalapbo” (the Day of Welcome), during which youths gather in dormitories with elders to sing, share food, and engage in playful exchanges. The second day, “Npengkiapbo,” involves shooting at a human-shaped totem while invoking ancestral names, with specific outcomes associated with different targets. The third day, “Gadi” or “pon malaungbo,” focuses on sharing meals and resources in a grand feast attended by the entire community. The final day, “chagapabo,” is reserved for women and the elderly, who consume leftover food in observance of on domestic chores until all leftovers are finished. Participants, both married and unmarried, follow rules to maintain purity, including preparing their own dishes and avoiding contact with food prepared by the opposite gender. The festival is believed to ensure bountiful harvests, reduce conflicts, and promote community well-being. [9]
Liangmai society is structured around clans, each with distinct customs and rules that regulate marriage, inheritance, and social conduct, providing members with a strong sense of identity and belonging. [10] Liangmai oral tradition speaks of two primary ancestral clans: Pamai and Newmai (also spelt Niumai). These two ancestral clans gave rise to many sub‑clans over generations through branching lineages and migrations. The ancestral homeland is said to be around the area historically called Makuilongdi, considered the cradle of the Zeliangrong, including Liangmai people. Migration stories tell of movements due to inter-tribal conflicts, resource needs, or spiritual revelations, leading to dispersion into present-day Nagaland and Manipur. Clans are often associated with specific totems or symbols, such as animals or birds, which hold spiritual significance and regulate social customs. For example, the Green pigeon is linked with Pamai clan and the Newmai with the Drongo. Liangmai clans are exogamous — one cannot marry within their own clan, promoting alliances and social cohesion across clans. Elders and clan leaders play a vital role in settling disputes, conducting rituals, and safeguarding customary law. [11]
Malangmai, Thiumai, Daimai, Abonmai, Marenmai (also Marianmai or Marienmai), Parinmai, Rimai, Dirinamai, Jiunamai, Nkhpuinamai, Chawangduimai, Chawang, Dichongdamai, Mantriaktamai, Makuimai, Singbengmai, Ijiutaa Daimai, Inkingtaamai, Rikangmai, Rampuinahmai, Dunahmai, Kainahmai, Chalunmai, Poitamai, Nkenahmai, Buijanahmai, Bungnahmai, Nroumai, Nchatmai, Wijunahmai, Matrairepuinahmai, Charigoutamai, Genpuinahmai, Charenahmai, Dinahmai, Khiuliangmai, Kalengtamai, Moitamai, Tingnahmai, Penmai, Maijintamai, Wisontamai, Jongtamai, and Namditamai. [12]
The Liangmai tribe is distributed across numerous villages, with significant concentrations in the districts of Tamenglong and Senapati in Manipur, as well as Peren district in Nagaland. [13]
1. Azailong 2. Cannan Ram 3. Mahaikam (Dungki) 4. Nchangram 5. Nkio 6. Nkio [new] 7. Nkio B 8. Ntu 9. Nzau 10. Nzau Namsan 11. Tapuan (Biurua) 12. Tening Town
1. Kalalong
1. Bena Chawangkening 2. Bena Nguang 3. Bena Tababang 4. Chakha 5. Chakha II (Khazam) 6. Taphou Liang 7. Makuilongdi 8. Maryram 9. Guangphuning 10. Namdilong 11. Oklong (Guangphungning) 12. Ramtinglung 13. Singara 14. Zuna
1. Alingsan 2. Alingsan II 3. Dikiuram Nri and Nhang 4. Dutluang 5. Kachiaram 6. Kadi I 7. Kadi II 8. Kadi III 9. Kadi IV 10. Kadi V 11. Kabuanram (Charowluang) 12. Kajinglong 13. Konphung 14. Konphung [New] 15. Kuilong I 16. Kuilong II 17. Kuilong III 18. Kuwaluang 19. Lemta 20. Lemta II (Azaining) 21. Luangdi Pabram 22. Luangdi Pabram (Atongiuning) 23. Malek (Piuleklong) 24. Machengluang 25. Maguilong 26. Nallong 27. Nallong [New] 28. Namtiram Barak 29. Namtiram I 30. Ndai 31. Nheng 32. Njeng (Kasiluang) 33. Niamning 34. Npiuluang 35. Nreng 36. Pipuram 37. Phellong 38. Riangluang 39. Chiang (Ritiang/Langmei) 40. Tadaun 41. Tadaun II 42. Takou 43. Takou[New]. 44. Tama [New] 45. Tamei (Namraining) 46. Taningzam 47. Tarianglong 58. Tedlong 49. Thalon 50. Shingkhiuram 51. Shingra I 52. Shingra II 53. Zenam 54. Thiuzaining
Other places where a huge area is inhabited by the Liangmai people:
2. Liangmai Tarung 3. Samjiuram 4. Jalukie B 5. New Jalukie 6. Jalukie Town 7. Nhainamchi
1. Tungluang 2. Pengjiang 3. Makui Thanamba 4. Marenmai 5. Pipuram 6. Ariang 7. Nsak 8. Chamdiram 9. Nkhen 10. Tucha 11. Machangram 12. Namdilong 13. Konsaram 14. Puiluang 15. Puiluang Namsan 16. K. Lungwiram 17. Kanglatongpi 18. Penjiang 19. Thebaram 20. Taniuluang 21. Asiluang 22. Chamripiu 23. Liangchi 24. Makhen 25. Tapon 26. Tapon Namsan
Under the Tadubi block, Senapati:
1. Ngouningram