27

Chapter II The Land and People

2.1 Geographical Location Poumai Naga country is gsographically located in the Senapati District, of Manipur state, including four villages from the Phek District in Nagaland. Manipur belongs to the group of North Eastern States of India; it became a full-fledged state in 1972. Located between 23‘’50' North and 25®41 North Latitudes and 93“2'' East and 94“47' East Longitudes, ‘ the total geographical area of Manipur is 22356 Sq.km, which is only about 0.68 percent of the total area of the country. The state is bordered on the North by Nagaland, on the East by Myanmar, on the South it is again bordered by Myanmar and Mizoram and on the West by Assam and partly by Mizoram.

2.2 Topography of Manipur State Manipur is a state of hills and dales. There are numerous small lakes and swamps in the valleys. A fertile alluvial valley extends north-south. In the middle and it is surrounded on all sides by hill ranges, forming a part of the eastern Himalayas. The valleys comprise only 8% of the area of Manipur, though the total area of the state is aboutl788.48 sq.km. The hills cover 20^567^ sq.km, which is about 92% to the total area. The extent of the state from north to south is 57.92 km. and about 32.19 km from east to west. The biggest lake in North East India- the Loktaklake lies in the lowest part of the plain.

The general pattern of the slope is from North to South, roughly parallel to each other. The hills are part of the sub-Himalayan system and spread into ranges with irregular serrated ridges with ocassional cliffs. The hill ranges in the north are of relatively higher elevation. The average altitude is around 176m to 300m above msl. The ranges are separated by deep valleys come closer and and are narrower in southern Manipur, where they merge into single a range known as Arakan Yoma in Myanmar. Mount Tenipu (5016.08m) is the highest peak in Manipur.lt is located in the Senapati District in the vicinity of the Manipur-Nagaland border.^ By and large a tropical type of climate is found in Manipur though it varies considerably from place to place. The hottest months are 28 from May to July. The annual temperature recorded at Geljang (Churachandpur District) was 39.0‘’C. The coldest months are from December to February. The minimum temperature recorded in December was 0.0"C. The rainy season commences from April and continues till the end of September. From June to August are the wettest months of the year.

Fig 2.1a Relief Feature of Manipur I

I’he rainy season commences from April and continues till the end of September. From June to August are the wettest months of the year. The annual rainfall recorded at Than Ion (Churachandpur district) was 303.17 cm in 1999.’

Fig 2.1b Relief Feature of Manipur II 29

Fig. 2.2 Map of Senapati District, Manipur Showing the Study area

rhe red sandy loams types of soils are generally found in the hilly areas and alluvium soils in the valleys. The natural vegetation is rich in the hilly areas but poor in the valleys. 30

The climate and average rainfall vary in the hilly region due to variation in elevation. Though different types of forests are found in the hilly region, it is the predominantly the mixed type of forest which is commonly found in the state.

2.3 Senapati District, Manipur The present Senapati District was formed, as Manipur North District in 1972 under the extra ordinary Manipur Gazette notification of 5 ‘*’ Aug. 1983, the North District later became the Senapati District. The total area of the district is about 3271 Sq.Km. The name has been deriv^ from a Manipur countrier named Senapati, who married a Mao- Naga girl during the reign of king Charainongba in the 15* century A.D. Senapati district lies between 24°3(y north and 25°45' north latitudes and 93°30' East and 94°30' longitudes."* The Imphal East and West border is on the south, on north it is flanked by Phek district of Nagaland, on the east by the Ukhrul district and on the west by Tamenglong district.

2.4 Topography of Senapati District The general topography of the district is hilly, the general elevation ranges between 388m and 2740 m above msl. The altitude at Kangpokpi is 1061m and Mao is atl788m above the sea level. The highest peak Mount Tenipu (5015.08m) is located in this district in the north. The district comes under ther humid sub-tropical type of climate. The temperatures range from a minimum of 3.36° C to a maximum of 34.14° C. The annual rainfall varies from 671mm to 1454mm. About 80% of the total area is under forest and about 20% is arable land.^ The Senapati district is rich in flora and fauna. Some of the important rivers that flow from this district are the Barak, Iril, Imphal, and Ithai river. Mount Tenipu, Esso, Koubru, Khouchi, Houdu are the high peaks found in the district. 31

Fig. 2.3 Senapati District with Hills Region Divisions

According to the Regional Divisions of India in 1980, the district is divided into three hilly regions:*^ 1) Northern Hilly Region 2) Eastern Hilly Region 3) Western Hilly Region 1) Northern Hilly Region The northern hilly region covers the Mao-Maram sub-division and some part of Paomata sub-division, it is located in the vicinity of Nagaland State border. The NH 39 that runs from Nagaland to Moreh (Myanmar) passes through this hilly region. The highest peak in the state - the Mount Tenipu is situated in this region, fhe main occupation of the people here is agriculture: mainly shifting cultivation and terrace field cultivation arc the common practices. 32

2) Eastern Hilly Region This hilly region covers Sadar Hill east sub-division and Purul sub-division, some part of Paomata sub-division and a small portion of Sadar Hills West sub-division. There are some important rivers, which pass through this region towards the south, except the Ngairei River in the north direction. The dense forests are found mostly in the eastern hilly region. The variation in climate and rainfall in this region is due to present of numerous hilly ranges.

3) Western Hilly Region This region covers the Southwestern part of the district, covering more than half of the Sadar Hills West sub-division, and some part of the Mao-Maram subdivision. The NH 39 runs through the eastern part of Sadar Hills and Mao-Maram sub-division. The settlement is linear and clusters along the high way. The northern part of the region is relatively more populated and more developed in some respects. Agriculture is the mainstay of this region with eminently rural characteristics.

2.5 The People of Manipur According to the 2001 census, the total population of the state was 23, 88,634.which is about 0.59 % of the total population of India. Manipuri is the common language in the state. Manipuri was recognized as a national language in 1992. The population of Manipur comprises of different social groups like the Meiteis, Nagas, Kukis and other miscellaneous groups. The two main groups are the Meteis and the tribal. Meiteis The Meiteis are commonly known as Manipuri. They are the dominant ethnic group of the state occupying the valley. They are genetically Mongoloid and speak the Tibeto- Burman language, but culturally they are distinct from the surrounding hill tribes who follow the Christian culture, while they follow the Hindu culture. The traditional Meitei religion was based on animism and before conversion to Hinduism; they were meat eaters, sacrificed cattle and practiced head hunting. But now they abstain from meat, alcohol, observe rigid rules against ritual pollution and revere the cow. Earlier they buried their dead like the tribals but now they bum them, following the Hindu custom. 33

Tribals There are four districts in the valley and five districts in the hills. More than 90 percent of the total populations of the five hilly districts are scheduled tribes and their main occupation is agriculture. There are 33 different tribes in the hills of Manipur. Over 90% of the total populations of tribals are Christians. The major tribes in the hills are the Poumai Naga, Tangkhul, Thadou, the Kabuis, Paite and Hmar.

Table 2.1 Scheduled Tribes in Manipur SL Name of Tribe SL Name of Tribe SL Name of Tribe Amol 12 Koirao 23 Poumai Naga Anal 13 Kom 24 Ralte Angami 14 Lamkang 25 Sema Chiru 15 Mao 26 Simte Chothe 16 Maram 27 Sahte Gangte 17 Maring 28 T angkhul Hmar Any Mizo (Lushai tribe) 29 Tarao Kabui 19 Monsang 30 Thadou Kacha Naga 20 Moyon 31 Vaiphei 10 Koireng 21 Paite 32 Zou Kharam 22 Pumm 33 Any Kuki tribes

Ethnically, the tribes of Manipur may be broadly classified into two groups; the Naga and Kuki-Chin. Out of the 33 tribes in^living in Manipur, 17 belong to the Naga tribes^. The Nagas are well known for their head hunting. Animism was their main religion, but now most of the Nagas have accepted the Christians faith. The Kukis who came to Manipur during the 1830s and 1840s were a nomadic tribe. The Kukis are monarchists while the Nagas are republicans. According to the Scheduled castes and Scheduled tribes Order (Amendment) Act of 1976, there are 7 Scheduled castes and 29 Scheduled tribes in Manipur .In 2002, following the Scheduled castes and Scheduled tribes Order (Amendment) Act, four more scheduled tribes were recognized by the central government. Now the total scheduled tribes in Manipur are 33 as enumerated below: 34

SCHEDULED TRIBEljlN DIFFERENT DISTRICTS7m7 nTp UR

Fig. 2.4 Showing Scheduled Tribes in the different Districts, Manipur 35

Table 2.2 Major Tribes in different Districts of Manipur District Name of the major tribes 1. Senapati Poumai Naga, Mao, Maram, and Kuki 2.Tamenglong Rongmei, Liangmei, Kuki and Zemai 3.Churachanpur Paite, Hmar, Kuki, Vaiphei and Zou 4.Chandel Kuki, Maring, Anal, Lamgang, Thadou, Mayon 5.1mphal West Hmar, Gangte, Kacha Naga, Tangkhul, Mao 6. Imphal East Maring, Kuki, Poumai Naga, Mao, Tangkhul, Hmar, Zou 7.Bishnupur Tangkhul, Kuki, Hmar, Maring S.Thoubal Kuki, Tangkhul, Mao, Vaiphei, Zou 9. Ukhrul Tangkhul, Kuki

2.6 The People in Senapati District

According to 2001 Census, the total population of the District is 3, 79,214. The major tribes in the district are the Poumai Naga, Mao, Maram, Liangmei, Kukis etc. The Nagas are the major tribe, which is about 80% of the total population in the district. About 42.3% of the total population in Senapati district is Poumai Naga, which is the single largest tribe in the district. The density of population is 116 per sq.km in the district. The decennial population growth rate of the district in 1981-91, was 34.09. And the percentage decadal growth in 1991-2001, was 81.96%, which is the highest decadal growth among all the districts in Manipur.

The sex ratio (females per 1000 males) is 928. The percentage of scheduled castes to the total population is 0.08 and that of the scheduled tribes is 85%. The main occupation of the people in the district is agriculture. In 2001, about 38.21% of the total workers are the main workers. The marginal workers are 11.78% and the non-workers are 50.01%. About 76.19% of the total workers are cultivators and 7.32% are agricultural laborers. The literacy rate in the District is 45.11%. The literacy of the males is 50.64 % and females is 39.17%), according to the 2001 census.*

The below table shows that the highest population and the largest number of houses in the district is found in Tadubi sub-division with a population of 1, 20,774, the second largest population is found in Purul sub-division with 6,761 houses. The Saikul division has the highest number of villages and the third largest households with a population of 36

50,973. The least population is found in Paomata and Saitu Gamphazol sub-divisions respectively, but Saitu Gamphzol has the second highest number of villages in the district.

Table 2.3 Population Sub-Division- Wise in 2001 Sub-Division Villages* Houses* Population** l.Tadubi 69 13,081 1,20,774 2.Paomata 20 7,793 43,299 3.Purul 27 6,761 59,705 4.Saikul 246 9,143 50,973 5. Kangpokpi 60851 6.Saitu Gamphazol 233 9,613 43,612 Total 595 46,391 3,79,214

Sources: * Hill house tax Assessment Report, 2000 ** Census Copy 2001 A profile: Senapati District-2002, Some Basic Facts of Senapati District, p-3-4

It is seen that the Kuki tribe dominates in the Kangpokpi and Gamphazol and Saikul sub­ division though the number of villages is high; the population in these village is comparatively small as compared to the population in the Naga villages. This is because the Kukis settle in dispersed settlements unlike the Nagas who live in compact villages. The National High way No. 39 is the lifeline of the state. It runs through Mao-Maram and Kangpokpi Blocks and it has attracted settlements on both sides of the road in the form of linear settlements.

The given below table shows the literacy rate of different sub-division in Senapati District, Manipur. The highest literacy rate of 61% is found in the Kanpokpi Sadar hills. West district, the second highest literacy rate is found in Saitu Gamphazol sub-division, while the lowest and second lowest literacy rates are found in Paomata sub-division and Purul sub-division, with literacy rates of 35.11% and 41.25% respectively. The Poumai Naga tribe is concentrated in the Paomata and Purul sub-divisions where the lowest the literacy rate is found. 37

Table 2.4. Literacy 2001 Census) in1 Senapati District, Vlanipur District/Sub-Division Population Literate Person Percentage 1.Senapati District 3,79,214 1,71,100 45.11 Male 1,96,646 99,583 50.64 Female 1,82,568 71,517 39.17 2.Mao-Maram Sub-Div. 1,20,774 50,421 41.74 Male 63,231 29,026 41.74 Female 57,543 21,395 37.18 3.Paomata Sub-Div. 43,299 15,205 35.11 Male 22,156 8,862 39.99 Female 28,073 9,888 35.22 4.Purul Sub-Division 59,705 24,634 41.25 Male 31,632 14,746 46.61 Female 28,073 9,888 35.22 5.Sadar Hill West 60,851 33,549 55.13 Male 30,839 19,048 61.76 Female 30,012 14,501 48.31 6.Saitu Gamphazol 43,612 22,443 51.46 Male 23,001 13,487 58.63 Female 20,611 8,956 43.45 7.Sadar Hills East 50,973 24,848 48.74 Male 25,787 14,414 55.89 Female 25,185 10,434 41.42

Source: A Profile: Senapati District-2002,

The Kuki groups mostly live in Sadar hills West and Sadar Hills East and in Saitu sub­ division, while the rest of the sub-divisions are colonised by the Naga tribes. The literacy rate of Kuki tribes is higher than the Naga tribes as is seen in the case of the Sadar Hill West and Saitu Gamphazolin sub-division where the majority of the population is of Kuki tribes.

The given below table shows the Tribe Wise Population in Senapati District, Manipur 2001. The Poumai Naga tribe is the single largest tribe in Senapati district with a population of 1, 44,505. The Mao tribe, with a population of 58,212 comes next. The Poumai Naga comprises of 38.1% of the total population of the district. About 10.1% of the total villages in Senapati district are Poumai Naga villages. It is interesting to note that the Poumai Naga has only 60 villages, with a population of 1,44,505 people, in contrast, the Kuki, including some other Naga tribes have 401 villages, but a population 38 of only 1,20,313 people. On an average the size of a Poumai Naga village is about 2,408 people, whereas the size of a Kuki village or other smaller Naga villages is not more than 300 in Senapati District.

Table 2.5 Tribe- Wise Population in Senapati District, Manipur 2001

Name of the Population Villages Houses % to District total Tribe population______1. Poumai Naga 1,44505 60 16,462 38.10 2.Mao 58,212 26 7,122 15.35 3.Maram 26,478 25 3,751 6.89 4.Liangmei 10,287 14 1,202 2.71 5.Tangkhul 8,769 41 1,563 2.31 6.Rongmei 3975 14 683 1.04 T.Zemei 6,675 940 1.76 8.Kuki &others 120313 401 1,3881 31.7 Senapati District 3,79,214 595 46,391 100%

Sources: Hill house Tax, Assessment Report, 1999- 2001 A profile: Senapati District-2002, Some Basic Facts of Senapati District: Page-3

2.7 The Poumai Naga People The Poumai Naga country is geographically located in Manipur and Phek district in Nagaland. The Poumai is one of the oldest of the major Naga tribes and the largest among the various tribes in Manipur. According to the Hill house tax in 2001, the total population of the Poumai tribe is 151,005. (Including the Poumai in Nagaland). About 95.7% of the total population of Poumai is in the Senapati district, Manipur. There are four villages in Phek district of Nagaland with a population of about 6,500 people'^. The Mao and Poumai had the same progenitor and they are referred to as the Poumai or Poumai Naga but the Poumai Naga tribe (excluding Mao) was initially recognized as a sub-tribe of the Mao due to erroneous information passed on by some interpreters to the British Anthropological Survey teams in M anipur.Thus, the Poumai Naga and Mao were clubbed under the Mao tribe category until the Poumai Naga were officially recognized as a separate tribe in 2002. 39

Fig. 2.5 Sketch Map of Poumai Naga Dominated Areas in Senapati District, Manipur

Note; The sketch Map of Poumai Naga Dominated Areas does not show the boundary of Poumai land with the land o f other tribe; it is just a si

The Poumai Naga is considered an important tribe in Manipur and Nagaland since times immemorial. Their Pottery and Poutai (Pou salt) production was well known to the entire tribal areas in Manipur and Nagaland since ancient times. The percentage of Poumai Naga to the total population of scheduled tribes in Manipur was about 19.8 percent and 40 about 71.34 percent to the total population of scheduled tribes in Senapati district in 1991.

2.8 The Topography of Foumai areas The Poumai country in Senapati district is bordered by Phek district of Nagaland on the north, Ukhrul district on the east, Tadubi sub-division on the west and Saikul sub­ division on the south. The total area of Poumai Naga Dominated Areas (PNDA) is about 1200 sq. km .." The land is fertile with copious flora and fauna.

Some of the famous rivers in Manipur like the Barak, the Iril and the Ngari River rise from the land of Poumai. The general elevation of the area is sloping form north-south direction and they are roughly parallel to each other. The land of Poumai is well endowed with aesthetic nature and anybody who loves the nature will feel at home and develop a close bond with the land. The land is abundant with natural resources like forest resources, land resources, mineral resources and water resources.

2.9 Climates and Rainfall The Monsoon type of climate is found in Poumai Naga dominated areas. The Poumai villages are situated mainly in the hilly ranges with dense forest. Wide variation is observed in the climate in the northern and southern parts of Poumai land. The area is small but due to many hills and ranges, different weather conditions prevail in the different parts. The central parts receive relatively more rainfall than the other parts due to higher altitude The northern villages are relatively colder than the southern villages. However, the entire Poumai country experiences moderate temperature throughout the year. The coldest month falls in December and January, while the hottest months are May and June and the highest rainfall is also recorded in these two months.

The maximum temperature is 34.0° centigrade and the minimum temperature is 3.0® centigrade, which was recorded in 2000 at Kangpokpi. Kangpokpi is about 55 Kms away from the interior part of the Poumai villages. There is heavy rainfall during the Monsoon, but in winter the rainfall is scanty or dry. The rainy season commences from the month of 41

April, which is the time for the farmers to sow the seeds. About sevens months i.e. from April to October, maximum rainfall is received in the area. The annual rainfall recorded was 1031.42 mm in 1986 and 1910.75 mm in 1989 at Kangpokpi. The annual rainfall on an average in Poumai country is around 1400 mm.

2.10 Flora and Fauna i) Flora Both evergreen and deciduous forests are found in Poumai Naga villages. The evergreen forests and mixed forests in the area create a beautiful landscape. Some of the trees in the mixed forests shed their leaves in February-March. The entire forests of Poumai look very beautifiil and romantic in April as the new leaves sprout and blooms in spring. The elevations in the northern and central parts being higher have thicker forests, while the southern and western parts have less dense forests. Some pastureland is found in the southern villages like Koide, Tunggam and Ngamju villages. Some of the important trees found in the area are the Pine, Oak, Teak, Vaosii, Raisii, Chesii etc. The soil is mostly deficient in nitrogen, but it contains fair amount of phosphorous, potassium and other plant food ingredients. This made the entire villages with rich forests in Poumai land. Every year the trees are cut down for Jhum cultivation and for firewood. However, there is not much problem faced so far for firewood as there is continuous regeneration of forestland and people are gradually realizing the important of forest. The wild fire is another threat to the forests. ii). Fauna Due to variation in elevations, climatic conditions and vegetation in Poumai land, a variety of animals are found. To an avid explorer of wild life, the rich variety of rare birds and animals will be of immense interest. One of the most important birds found in the land is Hombill. The Hombill feathers and wings are used for decorating pierced ears holes during the tribal festivals. Many migratory birds are seen in winter. Bison or Mithun is mostly found in Poumai villages. Mithun (buffalo) is mainly reared for ploughing paddy fields. The wild pig, wild cat. Otter, field mouse, porcupines, stag, deer, monkey, bear etc are found here. Some of the important villages where wild animals are 42 found are - Ngamju, Ngari, Khongdei, Kodom, Tingsong, Khamsom etc. All the wild animals are mostly confined to the eastern parts where there is less population and more forest. Hunting is not an important occupation of the people but the villagers continue to hunt the wild animals and their population is diminishing year by year.

References 1. Geography part I Board of Secondary Education Manipur, (First edition), Imphal: Published by Secretary of BSEM, 1984: Page-12 2. Ibid: Page-129 3. Statistical Abstract of Manipur 2001, Imphal: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, Government of Manipur: Page-39 4. District Handbook, Senapati District, Manipur, Census of India 1991, Series 15, Part xii-A&B, Page-4 5. A profile: Senapati District 2002, Published by District information officer, Manipur: Senapati District, 2002 Page-1 6. District Handbook, Senapati District, Manipur, Census of India 1991, Series 15, Part xii-A&B, Page-4 7. Issue relating to the territorial Integrity of Manipur-A Naga perspective, compiled and published by the United Naga Council working group, December 10, 2002 p-5 8. A profile: Senapati District 2002, Published by District information officer, Manipur: Senapati District, 2002 Page-4 9. Rhi Zhonyi 2002, Poumai Community in Nagaland, Souvenir: Poumai Thounii Celebration 2002 p-23 10. Personal Interviews with R. Vio on 03-6-03 at Vakho. 11. Poumai Naga Tribe Recognition, 2003, PTM, Delhi, Souvenir, p-1