Ethnographic Report on the Hmars of Assam

Abstract

This is an ethnographic study on the Hmar tribe of Assam. Being an ethnographic study, it endeavors to document the Hmar society, its life and culture from the way the Hmars themselves perceive it. The study revolves around documenting the origin and history of Hmars, their migration into Assam, their material culture, family and clan tradition, religious beliefs, rites and rituals, festivals and folk songs, traditional dances and traditional sports apart from other details of the community. The Hmar tribe has gained recognition as one of the Scheduled Tribes as per the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India. The Tribal List of India published in 1951 classed the Hmars as a sub-tribe of Lushai along with other sub-tribes in Lushai Hills. The Government of India, in its revision of the List in 1956, declared Hmar as a separate Tribe of India, independent of the Kukis or Lushai. However, till date in Barak Valley, the Hmars are not recognized as ST (Hills). Nevertheless, the Hmars constitute an important ethnic group in the N C Hills district of Assam. They have a sizeable population in Cachar district also. Apart from Assam, Hmars live mostly in the hills of south Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Tripura and Chittagong Hill Tracts and although these areas are within different administrative divisions, they are geographically connected.