Hmar

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Hmar
Alternative names: Mar, Mhar

Total population
?
Regions with significant populations
India – Manipur, Mizoram, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura
Languages
Hmar, Hindi, English
Religions
Christianity (Primarily Baptist)
Related ethnic groups
Lushai Chin Kuki Mizo

Hmar is the name of one of the numerous tribes of India, spread over a large area in the northeast. The Hmars belong to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo group of tribes, and are recognised as Scheduled Tribe under the 6th Scheduled of the Constitution of India.

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 in the Jaintia Hills District and Shillong in Khasi Hills 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. 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. The Hmars in South Manipur were introduced to Christianity in the year 1910 by Watkin Roberts, a Welsh missionary.