Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources Vol. 3(3), September 2012, pp. 414-425

Ethnobotany of Chothe tribe of Bishnupur district ()

Purbashree Sanglakpam, Roshni Rajamohan Mathur and Arun Kumar Pandey* Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, Received 17 August 2011; Accepted 12 April 2012

Chothe tribe is endemic to Manipur state. An ethnobotanical survey of the Lamlanghupi village of Bishnupur district has brought to light their valuable heritage of traditional customs relating to worship/religious ceremonies, food, dress, music, marriage, wine-making and herbal medicine. From the present study it is concluded that 19 genera belonging to 13 families are used for food and 63 genera belonging to 37 families are utilized for medicinal purposes. For the preparation of the local alcoholic beverage, 8 genera belonging to 7 families have been recorded, 13 genera belonging to 9 families are associated with religious rituals and 11 genera from 10 families are associated with myths and magico-religious beliefs.

Keywords: Bishnupur district, Chothe tribe, Ethnobotany, Manipur, Traditional knowledge. IPC code; Int. cl. (2011.01)  A61K 36/00

Introduction (Fig. 1). It is bounded on the North by West Manipur, literally meaning ‘land of jewel’, is a district, on the South by district, on beautiful land-lock with valley in the centre the East by Imphal and district. It is the surrounded by many hill ranges. The total smallest district of the state and is 27 km away from geographical area of Manipur is covered by various the Imphal city. The original name of Bishnupur was types of forests and blessed with varied flora and Lumlangdong (now Lamangdong)3. The present day fauna. Manipur is located in the North-Eastern corner settlement of Chothe people in Lamlanghupi village of India. It lies in between 23°83’N and 25°68’N in Bishnupur district had shifted almost 130 years latitude and 93°03’E and 94°78’E longitudes1. It is back from the Lamlangdong village which is about bounded on the North by the State of Nagaland, on 2 km away, after an epidemic outbreak. Lamlanghupi the East by the upper Myanmar (Burma), on the South village is situated in the Bishnupur Municipal by the Chin Hills of Myanmar and the State of Council-Ward No. 12, Village No. 38, Manipur-795 (Refs 4,5) Mizoram and on the West by Cachar district of 126 . Assam. Manipur has a total geographical area of 22,327 sq. km. of which 90% are hilly regions, Materials and Methods largely, characterized by dense forests and An intensive ethnobotanical survey was carried out inaccessible terrains. The State is divided into 9 in the areas inhabited by Chothe people in the districts, viz. (1) , (2) , (3) Bishnupur district of Manipur. The survey was Churachandpur, (4) Chandel, (5) , (6) Imphal concentrated in the Lamlanghupi village inhabited by East, (7) Imphal West, (8) Thoubal and (9) Bishnupur. Chothe tribe and information on indigenous uses and The first five districts are located on hills and the knowledge of plants were collected through oral remaining four are in the valley2. means from the local healer (Thimpu), elders and village chief (Hullakpa), during the period 2009- Study area 2011. Prior consent was obtained from informants The Bishnupur district with its headquarter at before collection of data. In case of contradictory Bishnupur stretches between 93.43º E and 93.53º E information, efforts were made to explicate and longitudes and 24.18º N and 24.44º N latitudes the establish the correct one. The information such as total geographical area of the district is 530 sq. km local names of plants, plant-parts, used in various ceremonies, preparations and administration of ______*Correspondent author: medicines, plants associated with beliefs and myths E-mail: [email protected]; Phone: 09717745993 etc., collected using semi-structured questionnaires SANGLAKPAM et al: ETHNOBOTANY OF CHOTHE TRIBE OF BISHNUPUR DISTRICT (MANIPUR) 415

and entered in the data sheet. Photographs of the plants and plant-part used were also taken. Identification of plants and verification of their medicinal uses and nomenclature was done using authentic sources5-16. The specimens are deposited in the Herbarium, Department of Botany, D.M. College of Science, Imphal, Manipur.

Results Origin Chothe tribe has its own folklores and mythical beliefs which passes down the generations through oral tradition4,5. According to their belief, ancestors of Chothe originated from a cave known as Hui- pithoranga (meaning the invincible python), which was covered by a slab of stone. The term Chothe was derived from the word “Kachokte’’ i.e. name of the first man of Chothe. According to their belief, the indefinite God Hui pirengpa, created the first man Kachokte and his wife Thanidam. Kachokte and his wife Thanidam had seven sons and two daughters when they lived in the cave. Chothe people consider themselves as the descendents of Kachokte and Thanidam. The seven sons of Kachokthe, named Fig 1  Map of Manipur showing the study area Bishnupur Aihung, Yahlung, Thao, Makan, Marim, Lungkung Khiang and Parpa, became the founders of the seven Culture and Customs Administration clans named after each of them17,18. In every Chothe village/settlement, there are three Chothe tribes are settled in 17 different villages in institutions acting as the judiciary body: Urinta- Manipur, viz. Lamlanghupi, Chothe Khunou, bungkung, Tangngaringta-bungkung and Nungak- Khongkhang, Tampak-khul, Faihu, Chumpang, Old nuthei-bungkung4. Wangparal, New Wangparal, Chandolpokpi, Apart from these institutions, there is one general Ziontalang, Salemthar, Lirungtabi, Lungleh, Lunghu, body known as Hu bungkung. During war-time and Azousu, Phantu and Pumthapokpi. According to the emergencies all the major decisions are passed by this locals, Lamangdong village in Bishnupur district and institution. The village chief (hullakpa) is generally Kongkhang village in were the main the head of this institute. Under him, important Chothe villages. The present settlement of Chothe at leaders of the above mentioned three institutions Lamlanghupi village in Bishnupur district was shifted constitute this body. from the Lamangdong village which is about two kilometers away from the present settlement. Majority Costumes of the people here are non-Christians and for that 4,5,17,18 The traditional costume of the Chothe tribe is reason, their customs are still virgin . highly artistic and rich in cultural heritage. There are separate clothing for both man and woman. The Population Chothe men are strong, well-built, and muscular with The Chothe population is found to increase in broad chest and well developed limbs33. The number steadily in Manipur according to the census traditional clothes of Chothe male is simple and data available, except for the year 1981 when a consist of Aikang (a bandana like headgear) and a decline in number was noticed. There are number of draperies used as wrapper as well as shawl approximately 200 people residing at present in the e.g., Ampi, Purun-oan, Thaikui-am, Thalang Lamlanghupi village4,5. According to 2001 census thumpun, Reng-am, Langou-am, Rang-ngam busum, Chothe population in Manipur was 2675(Ref. 19). Dongtho, Choutanam, Awangtangthum and Kare . 416 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, SEPTEMBER 2012

Chothe women are fair and beautiful, with black number of draperies used as both wrapper and shawl hair and brown eyes. Traditionally they grow their namely Tongkap-nik, Eekuk, Punbil, Sheepar-Shibib, hair long, comb back from forehead and tie into a Shandolik, Shandorol, Ngoujam, Punjum, Khentra. knot behind the head20. The traditioanal dress of A khwang-chek (sash) is tied around the waist Chothe female consists of Leikui (headgear), a (Plate 1).

Plate 1  A-Noble-men of Urinta Bakung, B-An old man in traditional dress, C-An old woman in traditional dress, D-Aikang (head-gear for man), E-Chothe youths in traditional dresses, F-Offerings to ancestor deity, G-Youth in dance costumes, H-Chothe man playing Roshem (a musical instrument), I-Chothe man playing Siki (a musical instrument). SANGLAKPAM et al: ETHNOBOTANY OF CHOTHE TRIBE OF BISHNUPUR DISTRICT (MANIPUR) 417

Marriage christianity4,17. Plate 1 shows the culture and customs The Chothe tribe is a patriarchal society and of the Chothe tribe. practices exogamy. Polygamy is allowed in the Chothe tribe but seldom practiced. Divorce is Ethnobotany theoretically allowed but practically negligible. The The Chothe tribe has a rich tradition of association main clans of Chothe tribes are Marim, Makan, with the plant community surrounding them. The Parpa, Rangsai, Khiyang, Yulung and Thao. A man majority of the Chothe are settled near the adjoining cannot give his sisters in marriage to those clans from whom he is supposed to take his bride. areas between the hills and valleys. They have a strong influence of both the hill and valley not only in terms of culture and tradition but also in the uses of Myths and belief 22 The Chothe people believe in animism as well as plants for food, medicine and rituals . There is a long ancestor worship. Wizardry and belief in black magic list of plants used by Chothe people in their day to still exists in the Chothe society. The main God of day life as medicines, as food and in various rituals. Chothe tribe is Huipirangpa and the village God is The information collected from Thimpu and other known as Pu Lungchungpa. Each clan also worships village elders has helped in identifying about 70 plant their own ancestors. Every year the Chothe people species used by Chothe people as medicines (Plate 2). present offerings to their Gods. These functions can Many of the uses of some plants are unique to this be again divided into two types i.e. one for the village tribe. Tribal medicine-man uses specific plant parts in community and the other for a respective family4,17. different dosages to cure different ailments. The Present day Chothe have deviated from most of their plants as a whole or plant parts are used freshly or ancient customs and traditions except the system of after drying in the form of decoction, powder or as self-administration and marriage customs. The external application depending on the type of disease. marriage rituals within the tribe and village Many taxa belonging to the families: Acanthaceae, administration are carried out by following the age- Alliaceae, Amaranthaceae, Anacardiaceae, 4 old norms despite the arrival of Christianity . Annonaceae, Apiaceae, Araceae, Arecaceae, Asparagaceae, Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Bixaceae, Traditional festivals Bombacaceae, Burseraceae, Caryophylaceae, Music plays a major role in the life of Chothe Combretaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae, 21 people, in both grief and sorrow . Hence dance and Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Magnoliaceae, Meliaceae, music are part of birth, marriage and death rituals. Menispermceae, Phyllanthaceae, Plantaginaceae, Some musical instruments used by Chothe people are: Plumbaginaceae, Poaceae, Portulacaceae, Hung (a drum made of wood and covered by the dry Ranunculaceae, Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae, skin of animals), Sum (drum made of brass), Siki Saururaceae, Solanaceae, Theaceae, Verbenaceae and (horn of buffalo or an ox) and Roshem (a kind of wind 17 Zingiberaceae are used in ethnic treatment by Chothe instrument), etc. . people. Ethnobotanical uses of plants by the Chothe A number of festivals are celebrated by this tribal tribe for various purposes are given in Table 1. community. They are Urinthin Lin (New Year Many of the uses of some plants are unique to this Festival celebrated in April-May), Innampei Lin (a festival of harvesting crops celebrated in February- tribe. They relish plants which are rarely used as food March), Achui Lin (offering of bread to ancestor god by people from other parts of India. Tender shoots of Pakhangba celebrated in August-September), many bamboo varieties are also delicacies for Chothe Shanhonglin (a festival observed before sowing of people apart from leaves and inflorescence. There is a rice celebrated in October-November), Yairitha Lin (a long list of plants used by Chothe people in their day festival/obituary of remembering deceased persons), to day life as food (Table 2) and in various rituals Taiton Loh (festival of menfolk), Najui Loh (festival (Table 3 & 4). They use various plant parts during the of womenfolk). Apart from these, Christmas, New fermentation process of traditional wine making. Year and Good Friday are also celebrated by Plants used in different local alcoholic beverages have the Chothe people who have converted to been listed in Table 5. 418 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, SEPTEMBER 2012

Plate 2  a-Acorus calamus, b-Vitex trifolia, c-Bixa orellana, d-Elsholtzia blanda, e-Eryngium foetidum, f-Gynura cusimbua, g-Houttuynia cordata, h-Zingiber cassumunar, i-Eupatorium birmanicum, j-Drymaria cordata, k-Plantago erosa, l-Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus

SANGLAKPAM et al: ETHNOBOTANY OF CHOTHE TRIBE OF BISHNUPUR DISTRICT (MANIPUR) 419

Table 1Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chothe tribe

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Part Treatment ACR, No name name name name used Accession no. 1 Achyranthes aspera Amaranthaceae Prickly chaff Khujum- pere Houton- Leaf, Pyorrhoea DMI, 13011 Linn. flower khoite root 2 Acorus calamus Linn. Acoraceae Sweet flag Ok-hidak Anoi-bu Rhizome Asthma, cough, DMI, 19120 insect-bites, laxative, piles 3 Allium hookeri Thw. Alliaceae Winter leek Maroi-napakpi Animapekpa Whole Blood pressure, DMI, 17807 plant stomach ulcer 4 Allium sativum Linn. Alliaceae Garlic Chanam Satun Bulb Paralysis, rheumatic DMI, 17802 complaints, muscular pains, piles, worm diseases 5 Alocasia macrorhhizos Araceae Giant taro Hong-ngu Hongtu Petiole Ringworm, leprosy, DMI, 19107 (Linn.) G. Don insect-bite 6 Aleurites moluccana Euphorbiaceae Candle-nut − − Fruit/ Kidney - DMI, 15123 (Linn.) Willd. Nut malfunction 7 Alpinia galanga Zingiberaceae Greater galangal Kang-khu Brou Rhizome Abortifier ring- DMI, 17027 (Linn.) Willd. worm, skin diseases 8 Amaranthus spinosus Amaranthaceae Spiny amaranth Chengkruk Arintuipa Whole Leucorrhoea, DMI, 13006 Linn. tingkhangpanbi plant haemorrhoid, gonorrhoea 9 Aphanamixis Meliaceae Pithraj tree Heiraang-khoi − Bark, Liver and stomach DMI, 4328 polystachya (Wall.) R. leaf complaints, Parker leucorrhoea, alopecia 10 Asparagus racemosus Asparagaceae Satavar Nungalei − Leaf, Boils, memory DMI, 17811 Willd. root tonic, impotency, female diseases

11 Aquilaria agallocha Thymelaeaceae Eaglewood-tree Agorbak Machi Bark Diarrhoea DMI, 14501 Roxb. 12 Azadirachta indica A. Acanthaceae Neem Neem Theichak Leaf, Skin diseases, Juss. bark toothache, constipation, asthma, bronchitis 13 Bauhinia variegata Fabaceae Orchid tree Chingthrao Angbaak Bark Diabetes DMI, 5726 Linn. angouba 14 Benincasa hispida Cucurbitaceae Ash - gaurd Torbot Torbot Fruit Liver enlargement DMI, 7517 (Thunb.) Cogn. 15 Bixa orellana Linn. Bixaceae Achiote Ureirom Lotkan Leaf, Antipyretic, DMI, 1701 bark, astringent, snake- seeds bite 16 Blumeopsis falcata Asteraceae − Haochak Phiphi Leaf Bronchial DMI, 8824 (D. Don) Merr. congestion 17 Bombax ceiba Linn. Bombacaceae Silk cotton tree Tera Terea Bark, Female diseases, DMI, 3261 fruit, skin diseases, flower snake-bite 18 Canarium strictum Burseraceae Black dammar Mekruk Boro Gum Rheumatism DMI, 4205 Roxb. 19 Centella asiatica Apiaceae Penny-wort Peruk Arifon Whole Colic, ulcer, tonic DMI, 8001 (Linn.) Urb. plant 20 Clerodendrum Lamiaceae Bleeding-heart - Sok noudo Leaf, Cold, cough , DMI, 12633 serratum (L) Moon. khanum root dyspepsia 21 Curcuma caesia Roxb. Zingiberaceae Black turmeric Yaimu Aisan Rhizome Wounds, pox, DMI, 17011 tumour (Contd.) 420 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, SEPTEMBER 2012

Table 1Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chothe tribe(Contd.)

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Part Treatment ACR, No name name name name used Accession no. 22 Curcuma longa Linn. Zingiberaceae Turmeric Yaingang Ahangpa Rhizome Carminative, DMI, 17012 stimulant 23 Curcuma zedoaria Zingiberaceae White turmeric Meitei Yaingang Rhizome Common remedy DMI, 17013 (Christm.) Roscoe yaingang angouba for Diabetes 24 Cynodon dactylon Poaceae Doob grass Tingthou Sanahuplang Whole Wounds, urinary DMI, 20009 (Linn.) Pers. plant problem 25 Dactyloctenium Poaceae Egyptian Pungphai Foiphung Whole Fever, small pox DMI, 20013 aegyptium (Linn.) Willd. crowfoot grass plant 26 Drymaria cordata Caryophyllaceae Whitesnow Tanda mana Dungdeipai Whole Diarrhoea, nasal DMI, 2206 (Linn.) Willd.ex Schult. plant bleeding 27 Eclipta prostrata (Linn.) Asteraceae False daisy Uchisumbal − Leaf Cough, fever, liver DMI, 8803 Linn. enlargement 28 Elsholtzia blanda Benth. Lamiaceae Lomba Lomba Lengtu Leaf, Astringent, DMI, 12622 inflor- asthma, nervous, escence spasms 29 Eupatorium cannabium Asteraceae Hemp - Laangthrei Aripung Leaf Ulcer, burning DMI, 8829 Linn. agrimony sensation 30 Euphorbia hirta Linn. Euphorbiaceae Asthma weed Pakhangba − Whole Cough, colic pains, DMI, 15108 leiton plant dysentery 31 Eryngium foetidum Linn. Apiaceae Sawtooth Awaphadigom Somey Whole Hepatic problem DMI, 8016 leaf 32 Gynura cusimbua (D. Asteraceae Hill gynura Tera paibi Muhun lou Leaf Wounds, DMI, 8805 Don) S. Moore antiseptic 33 Goniothalamus Annonaceae − Leikham Aham Leaf Insecticide, DMI, 511 sesquipedalis (Wall.) blood purifier Hook. f. & Thomson 34 Hedychium marginatum Zingiberaceae Red ginger lily Takhellei Wairei Rhizome Carminative, DMI, 17030 C.B. Clarke angaangba bronchitis 35 Holmskioldia sanguinea Lamiaceae Chinese hat Kharam- Leiningthong Leaves Rheumatism & DMI, 12637 Reitz. leishok Backpain 36 Oroxylum indicum (Linn.) Saururaceae Lizard tail Toningkhok − Whole Dysentery, DMI, 13906 Kurz. plant gonorrhoea, stomach ulcer, skin diseases 37 Justicia adhatoda Linn. Acanthaceae Adulsa, Nongmangkha Anha Leaf Muscular and DMI, 12216 Malabar nut rheumatic pains, cold, bronchial congestion, jaundice, asthma 38 Kaempferia rotunda Linn. Zingiberaceae Resurrection lily Yaikhammanbi Thamnajai Rhizome Gastric problem, DMI, 17041 hair growth 39 Leucas aspera (Willd.) Lamiaceae Dronapushpi Mayanglembum Adimlou Leaf, Headache, blood DMI, 12607 Link shoot purifier 40 Michelia champaca Linn. Magnoliaceae Champaca, Leihao Anou-lei Root Dyspepsia, DMI, 401 Champak gonorrhoea

41 Melothria perpusilla (Bl.) Cucurbitaceae − Lamthabi Bemangjam Whole Jaundice, renal DMI, 7519 Cogn. plant infection 42 Mimosa pudica Linn. Fabaceae Sensitive plant Kangphal Ajatpithinga Leaf, Pile, post-delivery DMI, 5735 ikaithabi root uterine pain 43 Mentha viridis (Linn.) Lamiaceae Spearmint Nungshihidak Nungshi-tak Stem, Diarrhoea, DMI, 12606 Linn. leaf antihelminth 44 Mussaenda frondosa Rubiaceae Magballi Hanulei Hanubalei Root, Jaundice, DMI, 8420 Linn. leaf snakebite (Contd.) SANGLAKPAM et al: ETHNOBOTANY OF CHOTHE TRIBE OF BISHNUPUR DISTRICT (MANIPUR) 421

Table 1Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chothe tribe(Contd.)

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Part Treatment ACR, No name name name name used Accession no. 45 Meyna laxiflora Robyns Rubiaceae Muyna Heibi Theipi Leaf, Blood purifier, DMI, 8607 ripe fruit skin texture 46 Oroxylum indicum (Linn.) Bignoniaceae Indian Samba Maklong Leaf, Muscle pain, DMI, 12008 Kurz . trumpet flower bark epilepsy 47 Paederia foetida Linn. Rubiaceae Stinkvine Moisukjam Leaf, root Paralysis, piles DMI, 8617 48 Phlogacanthus Acanthaceae #NAME? Nongmangkha Anha akhapa Leaf Leucoderma, DMI, 12220 thyrsiflorus (Roxb.) Nees sanamachu gastric problem 49 Phyllanthus niruri Phyllanthaceae Gale of the Chakpa heikru Sheichuraa Whole Diabetes DMI, 15115 Linn. wind plant 50 Phyllanthus fraternus Phyllanthaceae Gulf-leaf Chakpa heikru Sheichuraa Leaf Fever, cough DMI, 15116 G. L. Webster flower 51 Plantago erosa Wall. Plantaginaceae Plaintains Yempat Auntapot Leaf, seed Boils, wounds DMI, 12705 ex Roxb. 52 Plectranthus parvifolius Lamiaceae − Khoiju Khoichu Leaf Antiviral, skin DMI, 12645 Talbot disease 53 Plumbago zeylanica Linn. Plumbaginaceae Leadwort Teelhidak Lumkobilei Seed Digestion, muscle DMI, 985 pain 54 Portulaca oleracea Linn. Portulacaceae Common Leibak kundo Leibak Whole Liver enlargement, DMI, 2307 purslane kundo plant urinary problem 55 Ranunculus sceleratus Ranunculaceae Cursed Kakyella Kakyella Whole Pneumonia, DMI, 005 Linn. buttercup plant asthma 56 Rhus succedanea Linn. Anacardiaceae Wax tree Heimang Hokma Leaf, fruit Renal problem, DMI, 5307 hair colour 57 Sapindus trifoliatus Linn. Sapindaceae Soapnut Kekru Lingshi Fruit Jewellery detergent, DMI, 5104 fruit piles, worm diseases 58 Schima wallichii (DC.) Theaceae Needlewood- U-shoi Ahing Bark expulsion of DMI, 2803 Korth tree intestinal worm

59 Scutellaria discolor Lamiaceae − Yenekhat Alakhat Whole Muscle pain, DMI, 12658 Colebr. plant rheumatism 60 Sida rhombifolia Linn. Malvaceae Queensland Uhal-ukabi U-ahan Leaves Fever DMI, 3121 hemp 61 Solanum virginianum Solanaceae Yellow berried Leipungkhang Sumtok arikpa Fruit Asthma, bronchitis, DMI, 11406 Linn. nightshade fever 62 Spilanthes acmella Murr. Asteraceae Toothache Leisabi Machisabi Flower Relieves toothache DMI, 8827 plant 63 Terminalia arjuna (Roxb. Combretaceae Arjun tree Mayokpha Mayokpha Bark Cardiovascular DMI, 6603 ex DC.) Wight & Arn. disease, dysentery, piles 64 Tinospora cordifolia Menispermaceae Guduchi Ningthoukhongli Ningtho- Whole Antipyretic, DMI, 609 (Willd.) Miers ukhongli. plant diuretic, 65 Toona ciliata M. Roem. Meliaceae Toon Tairen Ateithing Leaf Skin diseases, DMI, 4311 vomiting 66 Verbena officinalis Linn. Verbenaceae Common Tharo-phijub Arkea Leaf, shoot, Gastric problem, DMI, 12513 vervain root intestinal worms 67 Vitex negundo Linn. Verbenaceae Chaste tree Urik-shibi Erikshibi Leaves Diabete DMI, 12524 68 Vitex trifolia Linn. Lamiaceae Simple Urik-shibi Erikshibi Leaf, fruit, Rheumatism, DMI, 12626 chaste tree root toothache

69 Zingiber officinale Rosc. Zingiberaceae Ginger Shing Aithing Rhizome Asthma, cough, DMI, 17020 paralysis 70 Zingiber cassumunar Zingiberaceae Cassumnar Tekhao-yaikhu Aidou Rhizome Worm-diseases, DMI, 17021 (Thung.) Cogn. ginger Pus formation 422 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, SEPTEMBER 2012

Table 2Plants used by Chothe as food

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Part ACR, No name name name name used Accession no. 1 Alocasia indica (Lour.) Araceae Edible taro Yendem Zeikim Whole plant DMI, 19100 Spach. 2 Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae Prickly amaranth Tingkhangchengkruk Aringtuipa Whole plant DMI, 13002 3 Amorphophallus Araceae Wild taro Haopan Abai arokpa Rhizome DMI, 19109 campanulatus Decne.

4 Bambusa tulda Roxb. Poaceae Bamboo Ching saneibi Sanneipi Shoot (fresh/ DMI, 20056 fermented) 5 Benincasa hispida Cucurbitaceae Winter melon Torbot Maipoy Fruit DMI, 7517 (Thunb.) Cogn. 6 Brassica rapa L. Brassicaceae Field mustard Hangam Antum Leaf, stem DMI, 116 7 Chenopodium album L. Amaranthaceae Lamb’s quarters Monsaobi Monsaopi Whole plant DMI, 1311 8 Chimonobambusa callosa Poaceae Bamboo Laiwa Tanat Shoot (fresh/ DMI, 20062 (Munro) Nakai fermented) 9 Colocasia esculenta (L.) Araceae Taro, Eddoe Pan Abai Rhizome DMI, 19110 Schott 10 Cordia grandis Roxb. Boraginaceae - Lamuk Tamuk Leaf DMI, 11213 11 Cucurbita maxima Cucurbitaceae Pumpkin Mairen Amai Fruit, tender leaf DMI, 7506 Duchesne. 12 Curcuma angustifolia. Zingiberaceae Zeodary Yaipan Aipai Inflorescence DMI, 17009 13 Dendrocalamus giganteus Poaceae Giant bamboo Meiribob Mauru Shoot (fresh/ DMI, 20017 Munro fermented) 14 Dioscorea bulbifera L. Dioscoraceae Air potato Haa Abaira Rhizome DMI, 17602 15 Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae Sanka weed Pakhangba leiton Whole plant DMI, 15108 16 Justicia adhatoda L. Acanthaceae Malabar nut Nongmangkha Anha Leaf, flower DMI, 12216 angouba 17 Lemanea australis Atk. Lemaneaceae - Nungsham Arungsam Whole plant DMI, ALG/154 (Rhodophyceae) 18 Melocanna baccifera Poacaea Muli Bamboo Maubi Amao Shoot (fresh/ DMI, 20027 (Roxb.) Kurz. fermented) 19 Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae Banana plant Lafu Changlong Pseudostem, DMI, 17003 inflorescence, fruit 20 0ryza sativa Poaceae Paddy Cheng Chesai Staple food DMI, 20005 21 Parkia Mimosaceae Tree bean Yongchak Yongta Fruit, DMI, 5743 timoriana(D,C,)Merr. inflorescence 22 Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus Acanthaceae - Nongmangkha Anha akhapa Leaf, flower DMI, 12220 Nees sanamachu Table 3  Plants associated with religious ceremonies

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Part Ritual/ ACR, Accession No. name name name name used Ceremony no. 1 Arundo donax L. Poaceae Giant reed Yengthou Jaizou Stem Prayer DMI, 20039 (ancestor diety) Sanctification 2 Bambusa pallida Munro Poaceae Bamboo Wootang Watang Stem Festival of DMI, 20051 Chothe God 3 Bombax ceiba Linn. Malvaceae Cotton Tera mana Terea Leaf Birth of a child DMI, 3261 tree 4 Commelina paludosa Commelinaceae Swamp Wandengkhombi Bunenbu Leaf Death (suicide, DMI, 18306 Blume dayflower accident): Exorcism (Contd.)

SANGLAKPAM et al: ETHNOBOTANY OF CHOTHE TRIBE OF BISHNUPUR DISTRICT (MANIPUR) 423

Table 3  Plants associated with religious ceremonies  (Contd.)

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Part Ritual/ ACR, Accession No. name name name name used Ceremony no. 5 Ficus benjamina Linn. Moraceae Banyan Khongnang Abungbu Leaf Birth of a child DMI, 15374 taru 6 Ficus religiosa Linn. Moraceae Peepal Khongnang Saibi Leaf Death (natural) DMI, 15375 tingkhed 7 Gossypium arboreum Malvaceae Cotton Lashing Lachon Seed Birth of a child DMI, 3118 Linn. plant 8 Lycopodium cernuum Lycopodiaceae Club-moss Leishang Leishang Sporophyte Prayer DMI, FR/56 Linn. fern (ancestor deity) 9 Oryza sativa Linn. Poaceae Rice Cheng Chesai Seed Birth of a child DMI, 20005 10 Machilus gamblei King Lauraceae _ Nungnang Aukling Leaf, Death (suicide, DMI, 14311 ex Hook.f. kori branch accident): Exorcism 11 Rhus succedanea Linn. Anacardiaceae Wax tree Heimang Hokma Leaf, Death (natural) DMI, 5307 fruit 12 Schima wallichii (DC.) Theaceae _ U-shoi Ahing Leaf, Death (suicide, DMI, 2803 Korth branch accident) Exorcism, Sanctification 13 Thysanolaena maxima Poaceae Broom Yangen Saikou Leaf, Prayer, DMI, 20027 (Roxb.) Kuntze grass sumchit /Phijung branch Sanctification 14 Zingiber cassumunar Zingiberaceae Cassumnar Tekhao Aidou Whole Birth of a child DMI, 17021 Roxb. ginger yaikhu plant 15 Zingiber officinale Rosc. Zingiberaceae Ginger Shing Aithing Leaf, Prayer DMI, 17020 stem (ancestor deity) Table 4Plants associated with myths and beliefs

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Myth / Belief ACR, No. name name name name Accession no. 1 Cynodon dactylon (Linn.) Poaceae Durva grass Tingthou Sanahuplang They believe that the leaves DMI, Pers. of this plant can drive evil 20009 spirits away. Also used for ritualistic purposes. 2 Dactyloctenium aegyptium Poaceae Egyptian Pungphai Foiphung Same as above DMI, (Linn.) Willd. crowfoot 20013 grass 3 Ficus benghalensis Linn. Moraceae Banyan Khongnangbot Bungpi kora It is not usually planted in DMI, private plots with the belief 15373 that it will harbour evil spirits. Also, restricted for use as firewood. 4 Ficus hispida Linn.f. Moraceae Hairy fig Ashi heibong Tengtrinu It is believed that the fruit DMI, theisang belongs to the death ones 15377 so it is not consumed. 5 Goniothalamus Annonaceae _ Leikham Aham They believe that the smoke DMI, 511 sesquipedalis (Wall.) Hook. of the dried leaves of the plant f. & Thomson can drive evil spirits away. Also used for ritualistic purposes. 6 Persea bombycina (King ex Lauraceae _ Nungnang Aukling This plant is used for DMI, Hook.f.) Kosterm kori exorcism in case of frequent 14311 unnatural or accidental death. (Contd.)

424 INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, SEPTEMBER 2012

Table 4Plants associated with myths and beliefs  (Contd.)

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Myth / Belief ACR, No. name name name name Accession no. 7 Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus Acanthaceae Malabar nut Nongmangkha Anha akhapa The chothe people do not DMI, (Roxb.) Nees sanamachu pluck the inflorescence of the 12220 plant on Sunday during noon- time as they believe the efficacy of the plant will be spoilt. 8 Plectranthus parvifolius Lamiaceae _ Khoiju Khoichu Same as above. DMI, Talbot 12645 9 Sida rhombifolia Linn. Malvaceae Broom weed Uhal U-ahan Chothe people have learned DMI, 3121 from their ancestors that U- ahan is the oldest tree and thinpu (the local healer) will pray on behalf of a patient to this tree. 10 Terminalia arjuna Roxb. Combretaceae Arjun tree Mayokpha _ They believe the plant has DMI, 6603 the ability to communicate with the local healer and have to pay the price if they want to pluck the leaves. 11 Toona ciliata M. Roem. Meliaceae Toon Tairen Ateithing It is believed that the leaves DMI, 4311 of this plant can drive away evil spirits. Also used for other rituals too. 12 Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. Zingiberaceae Cassumnar Tekhao yaikhu Aidou It is believed that the plant DMI, ginger can drive away evil spirits and 17021 diseases from new-borns. Table 5Plants used in the preparation of local alcoholic beverage

S. Botanical Family Common Manipuri Chothe Part used ACR, Accession No. name name name name no. 1 Albizia myriophylla Benth. Leguminosae Little-leaf sensitive- Yanglee Yanglee Dried bark DMI, 5767 briars 2 Alocasia indica (Linn.) Schott Araceae Giant taro Hungoo Hungtoo Rhizome DMI, 19012 3 Coix lacryma-jobi Linn. Poaceae Job’s tears Chaning Mum Seed DMI, 20049 4 Ficus hispida Linn.f. Moraceae Hairy fig Ashi heibong Tengtrinu Leaf DMI, 15377 theisang 5 Musa paradisiaca Linn. Musaceae Banana plant Lafu Changlong Leaf DMI, 17003 6 Oryza sativa Linn. Poaceae Rice Cheng Chesai Seed DMI, 20005 7 Phoenix humilis (Linn.) Cav. Arecaceae Miniature date palm Thangtup Amotki Seed DMI, 18713 8 Tectona grandis Linn.f. Lamiaceae Teak Teek Teek Leaf DMI, 12542

Conclusions The ethnobotanical aspects of the Chothe tribe have The Chothe tribe is one of the few tribes in not been documented before and the present study Manipur which has conserved its traditional gives the first-hand information about the association knowledge and is still practicing it. Chothe tribe of of this group of ethnic people with the plants for the Manipur and their traditions has not been documented first time. in detail yet due to their localized distribution and Quite often it is seen that the tribals are meager population. They only have an oral tradition conservative and reluctant to share their traditional of passing on this knowledge. There is no well knowledge. The religious beliefs directly or indirectly known record or published work on this tribe promote sustainable utilization of natural products. and the latest work done is a collection of folksong17. Rural communities and tribal groups worldwide are SANGLAKPAM et al: ETHNOBOTANY OF CHOTHE TRIBE OF BISHNUPUR DISTRICT (MANIPUR) 425

extremely knowledgeable about the usefulness of 4 Hiyang Thambaljao Chothe (hullakpa), Lamlanghupi village, local plant resources, on which they are immediately Manipur, Personal Communication. 5 Yurung Tomansing (thimpu & luplakpa), Lamlanghupi and intimately dependent. The indigenous and tribal village, Manipur, Personal Communication. people of Manipur have protected the flora and fauna 6 Sinha S C, Ethnobotanical studies of Manipur medicinal as their survival and sustenance is directly linked to plants, Front Bot, 1986, 1(1), 23-152. local biodiversity, utilization and conservation. The 7 Deb D B, Dicotyledonous plants of Manipur Territory, Bull Lamlanghupi village in Bishnupur district is one of Bot Surv India, 1961, 3, 253. 8 Deb D B, Monocotyledonous plants of Manipur Territory, the rare Chothe villages which remain untouched by Bull Bot Surv India, 1961, 3, 115. any foreign culture. Their traditional identity is 9 Deb D B, Krishna B, Mukherjee K, Bhatacharya S, gradually degrading. In the light of the ethnobotanical Chowdhury A N, Das H B and Singh T, An Edible Alga of study of the Chothe tribe presented here, it is Manipur (Lemanea australis): Presence of silver, Curr Sci, 1974, 43(19), 629. desirable to undertake detailed ethnobotanical studies 10 Guyton A C, Text book of Medical Physiology, W. B. of this area and other such rare tribes. Evidently we Saunders Company, Philadelphia, USA, 2002, pp. 997-1003. may even find plants with new and more uses. In this 11 Jugindro N, Vegetables in Manipur, Punshi Marup, Imphal, advanced era of science, study and research on 1969. ethnobotanical studies have become an indispensable 12 Sinha S C, Medicinal Plants of Manipur, Manipur Association for Science and Society. Imphal, India, 1996, subject matter not only for conserving biodiversity or p. 79. to find new potential uses of plants for future, but also 13 State of Environment Report, Manipur, Environment and to protect the rights of the indigenous people and their Ecological Office , 2009, Chapter I, traditional knowledge of ethnobotany. p. 5. 14 Tarafder C R, Ethnogynaecolgy in relation to plants. Pt. I.

Plants used for antifertility and conception, J Econ Taxon Acknowledgements Bot, 1983, 4, 483-489. The authors are thankful to the Chothe community 15 Tarafder C R, Ethnogynaecolgy in relation to plants. Pt. I. of Lamlanghupi village, for providing the useful Plants used for antifertility and conception, J Econ Taxon information for this article. Special thanks are due to Bot, 1983, 5, 572-576.

Mr. Y. Yurung Tomansing (Thimpu and Luplakpa), 16 http://www.theplantlist.org 17 Laishram Imoba and Yurung Maipak Chothe, Folksongs of Mr. Laishram Imoba, Mr. Hiyang Thambaljao Chothe Chothe, Lamlanghupi Women’s Society, 2003. (Hullakpa), Mr. N. Hemchand Singh and Mr. S. 18 Dr. Laishram Imoba, Assistant Editor, Ereibak Manipuri Gourikumar Sharma for their help in the collection of Daily, Personal Communication. data and identification of specimens in making this 19 Census of India, Directorate of Census Operations, Registrar General of India, Manipur, 2001. study possible. 20 Sen S, Tribes & Castes of Manipur, 1st Edn, Mittal Publications, New Delhi, 1992, pp. 47-48. References 21 Devi D L, Ethnobiological studies of Manipur valley with 1 http:/manipur.gov.in reference to Museological Aspect. Ph.D. Thesis, Manipur 2 Bhattacharya N N, Manipur: Land, People and Economy, University, 1989. 2006, M. L. Gupta, New Delhi, pp. 10-56. 22 Devi L Dhanapati, Folklore on the use of Indigenous plants 3 http://bishnupur.nic.in and animals in Manipur, 1995, pp. 17-145.