|
Hmar is the name of one of the numerous tribes of India, spread over a large area in the northeast.
Hmar live mostly in the hills of south Manipur, Mizoram, Cachar, North Cachar, Meghalaya, Tripura and Chittagong Hill tracts. Although these areas are within different administrative divisions, they are geographically connected. In Manipur, the Hmars reside in the south, especially in the Churachandpur District and its adjoining areas. These areas, except Tuthaphai (the Khuga Valley/Churachandpur), are hilly. Tuiruong (Barak), Tuivai and Tuithapui (Khuga) are some of the important rivers flowing through this area. In Mizoram, the Hmar live mostly in the north, especially in the Aizawl District. In Assam, the Hmars live in the Cachar and North Cachar District. In Meghalaya, the Hmars live mostly in the Jowai District. In Tripura, the Hmars mostly live in and around Darchawi, a village on the Mizoram Tripura border.
The Hmars trace their origin to Sinlung, the location of which is hotly debated. The Hmars are generally short statured, sturdy, dark haired, brown skinned, and known for their bravery and head hunting culture. The Hmars still treasure and garner their traditional arts, including folk dance, folk songs, etc., representing scenes of adventure, battle, love, victory, and other experiences throughout history.
The majority of the Hmars are cultivators. Through missionary influence and the introduction of Western education, the majority of the Hmar population are educated, but hostile. The Hmar people have shed their traditional norms and customs and have embraced Christianity since 1910, and conflict with the Dimasas are frequent.
Today, the Hmars are one of the highly educated tribes, employed by the Government of India in different fields and department of government services.
External Links
|
