SUBRAMANYAM NAIDU'S ETHNOGRAPHIC FILM ON MARAM NAGA- A HERITAGE TRIBE OF INDIA
1. Name and Synonym
Maram Tribe is mainly scattered in Senapati district, Tadubi Sub-division and also Kangpokpi region. The origin of Maram tribes has a rich heritage behind it. In their cosmology, amongst three sons Karambungsa, the eldest brother Makikangba is ancestor of the Maram tribes. They are a part of Tibeto-Burman family of Mongoloid race.
2. Origins and History
Origin of the Maram tribe G. Grierson writes that “to the South of the Maos lie the Marams, inhabiting one large village, with a population of perhaps 2500. The two tribes claim to have a common origin but are perpetually feud with each other. They are nevertheless closely allied by inter marriage”. Elwin speaks of the Marams and the Maos claiming to have descended from the Angamis.
3. Physical Features
The Maram tribal people possess Mongoloid and Caucasoid features. They belong to the ethnic group of people called the Nagas. Even though they belong to the Mongoloids, remarkable strains of Caucasoid are also observed.
4. Demography and Population Distribution
There are more than 30 Maram villages scattered in the geographical expanse generally known as the Maram Area. As per the 2001 census, the Maram Nagas numbered about 37,340 in total (Manorama Yearbook 2012, p. 576).
According to UNESCO database on endangered languages, the Maram Language was among the list which amounts to only 37,000 number of speakers (based on India Census the Maram Nagas use Roman script, as that of their own remains undeveloped.
5. Dress and Ornaments
Women's ornaments are few and simple. Among the tribe, women's ornaments are earrings, wristlets and bracelets of brass or copper, but sometimes of lead or silver.
6. Social Organization
The Maram Society is divided into 3 exogamous social groups, which are again subdivided into lineages and sub lineages. The three groups (Clans) according to Maram Khullen dialect are:
1. Ng'kukui (makha or lower section),
2. DikaKuina (Khullakpa or chief's group) and
3. Rangbung raiyinamai (mathak or upper section).
Each lineage in traditional village of Maram has its own Sagong (King) but they are subject to the sagong of Lamkhana (Khullakpa Sagei) in matter of cult and morals. Sagong was the de facto and de jure head of the village. Every Sagongki (King's House) have their own morung (dormitory). Boy's morung is called ‘Rehangki whereas that of the girl's is Raliiki.
Among the Maram, the dormitory for the unmarried boys is called ‘Hangsaki’ and ‘Kailiu’ for the dormitory of the girls. The members learn their customs, folklore, folktales, dance, music, song and discipline from their seniors. Due to the influence of Christianity the role of youth dormitory is weakening gradually.
7. Marriage
Monogamy is the common form of marriage and polygamy is rare. They follow serial monogamy and straight monogamy. Patrilineal and so the descent is traced through father's side and property is therefore, inherited by the sons.
8. Lifecycle Rituals
John Du (2015), while writing on the ritual he mentions in his thesis that “traditional system of ritual and formalities in marriage are no longer observed. The practice of negotiation and marriage arrangement, divination conducted on slaughtered animal and system of giving and distribution of bride-meat are some of the elements and modified form of traditional system of marriage which are still in practice today”.
9. Economy
The Marams are known for wet-rice cultivation on terraces of the hill slopes and the very small alluvial plain of the flat landform created by the deposition of sediment near river areas because of this labor-intensive cultivation, land is the most important form of property among them.
10. Religious Beliefs
The Marams traditional religious activities have undergone considerable changes during the last few decades.as a result of the spread of Christianity and introduction of modern educational system in the district. Now, majority has embraced Christianity. These days, on account of Christianity, almost all the festivals are no longer observed. The religious usages governed by divination system, animal sacrifices and other features are no longer important. There are few non-Christians in some of the villages in the district, but observances of these old ceremonial activities are no more seen in the area. (John Du; 2015).
11. Folk Dances and songs
The Maram tribes are very rich in dance, folksongs, and traditional music. They perform dance and music in all socio-economic and religious occasions. Sarukatu dance is a war dance, which is also very popular. Pahakatu is a traditional female dance, which is performed by young girls. Pasuba is a dance performed by married girls. There are few other types of dances like the Bangkatu and Ngang katu, which are performed, in festival days.
5 сен 2024
