The Biate people are an indigenous tribal people, or "hill tribe", of Assam. Their language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman family.[1] Though they are less in term of population, they have their own identity with a rich and distinctive history, culture, dialect and religious heritages. They are also one of the oldest living tribes in North East India especially among the Chin-Kuki-Mizo family.[2] The term Biate comes from the word Biete. The word ‘Bia’ or ‘Bie’ means ‘speak’ or ‘worship’. ‘Te’ is a suffix denoting plurality. Hence, the two words combine to form the word Biate which means ‘worshipper’.[3] According to legends, while they were in Saitual, a group of people known as the Koilam or Kawilam from Rulchawm village of Mizoram (India) used to sacrifice human to appease a large python called Rulpui, believing that the snake had supernatural power. Thus, some writers are of the opinion that the word Biate originates from the term ‘Rul-Bia-Te or Rul-Biak-Te’ which means snake-worshippers in other dialect. However, this hypothesis is highly objectionable because the Biates as a tribe never fed or worshipped a snake except one.[3] The offering sacrifices done by one village was also not to worship as God, but due to their fear and timidity and that too only for sometime.[1] Some other tribes call them in different names. The Thados call them ‘Beite’ the Bengalis & other plain tribes call them ‘Baite,’ the Dimasa Kacharis call them ‘Bedesa’ and the Khasis call them ‘Hadem’ which includes all the old-Kuki tribes of Meghalaya. Soppitt C. A. a renowned English writer account as ‘Bêtê’.[4] The Biate tribe is recognised as Schedule Tribe under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution of India as ‘Any Kuki Tribes’ in Serial No. (i) of the list.
| Regions with significant populations |
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| India Assam · Meghalaya · Mizoram · Tripura · Manipur |
| Languages |
| Religion |
| Related ethnic groups |
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The present population of the Biate tribe are distributed in many parts of the North-East states India viz., Mizoram, Tripura, Assam, Meghalaya and Manipur. However, the main concentrated area of the population is in Dima Hasao district of Assam and Jaintia Hills district of Meghalaya.
According to legends, like other Chin-Kuki-Mizo tribes the Biates were the descendents of Manmasi whose progeny were Riama and Vaia. Riama (ancestor of the Biate tribe) descended by Kuangpuia and Vaia who was descended by Khuangzang, Khuangsai, Chilzang, and Lamzang (Lamkang). Kuangpuia had a son named Ralkhana whose wife Kolsingi gave birth to five children namely Beia, Thianga, Laia, Ngola and Thiaia.[5] They are believed to have originated from a place called Khurpui or great cave. The ancient home of the Biates is also known as Sinlung (Sinlung means the core of Sin or cave close with stone) supposedly believed to be the Qin dynasty ruled by Qin Shi Huang. The conjecture of Sinlung as the origin of the Biate tribe is strongly supported by a folk song which tells us the glory of Sinlung.
"Ken siangna Sinlung ram mingthang,
Kinu ram kipa ram ngai;
Chongzil ang koi kir thei chang se,
Kinu ram kipa ram ngai.”
"My genesis famous land of Sinlung,
Land of my mother and father;
Could it be called back like Chongzil,
Land of my mother and father.”
The word Chongzil in fact, seems to be a mispronunciation of Changzhi, which is situated in the province of Shanxi, in Central China. Chongzil is the place where the Biate ancestors began their historical migration. Tracing back through the stories that have been passed down orally through the generations the Biate tribe with its cognate clans is believed to have started their migration from China in the year between 206 B. C. to 202 B. C. a gap between the fall of Shi Huang kingdom and before the emergence of the Hun dynasty in China. Their migration according to L. H. Songate, was due to acute oppression and maltreatment in the construction of that great wall or fortress by a cruel king Shi-Huang. At the same time many of them lost their lives.[6] The tribes then proceeded towards south met stiff resistance when they began to settle in the bordering area of Burma and China. They finally waged a war against ‘Zainghong’ and won a triumphant victory. This victory has been immortalised in a song which runs as,
“Ki pa lam tlâk atha’n dang,
Sinlung lam tlak atha’n dang;
Shan khua thaphoi in vang,
Tuaichongi ranlu a thluna;
Thloimu siaka ken ane ril,
Zainghonga ranlu bah kan sal.”
“My father’s position was extremely good,
Sinlung’s position was extremely good;
We showed our prime life in Shan,
Tuaichongi brought the head of enemies;
As foretold by the eagle’s claws,
At Zainghong we showed our ability to our foes."
The word Zainghong seems to be a corrupted word of Jinghong which is situated in the province of Yunnan. They are also believed to have settled in the area of Mengban, Lancang, Menglian and Menghai for some time in the bygone days. The tribe flourished and was mark by a period of prosperous condition and life of ease. They learned and improved their art of war and began to observe and celebrate religious festivals. The tribe were now much more advanced than they were in Sinlung.[3] C. A. Soppitt has accounted that the tribe had already reached Burma previous to the introduction of Buddhist doctrines, that is to say, in the 8th or 10th century.[4] However, opinion varies among writers. According to P.M.Gangte the Mizo tribes (Old Kuki) has already occupied the present Chin Hills before the end of the 8th century A.D.[7] While the tribes settled in Shan (Burma), Zamadian (Zamadiai according to Songate, L. H.) was the Biate (Reng) monarch of all the Khawthlang tribes.[6] The Khawthlang or Thlangfa tribes (Westerner) as considered by J. Shakespeare, were the Old Kukis, the Biate (Beteh), Hrangkhol (Hrangchul) and other cognate clans.[8] Zamadian introduced almost all the customary laws of the Biate tribe and except for a few, most of them are still in use. Traditions tell us that Zamadiana had a written script 'Savunziak' of Kung-fu-tzu or Confucius. This script however was lost after his demise when a dog carried it away.[1][9] He is believed to be the first to introduce ‘Zolbûk’ among his people. Zolbûk is a kind of dormitory or club, where young people use to learn different kind of art in it.[10] Folk song tells of the migration of the Biate tribe from Shan to Kachin state, Sagaing, and Chin state and to Mizoram, India.
Mizo Historian K. Zawla, mentioned that the Biate were the first to set their foot on the soil of Mizoram.[11] They also claim the hills round Champhai as their places of origin, and the sites are still known by their names.[8] In the early days of their settlement in Mizoram, the Khawthlang tribes were ruled by the Biate king Vannuailala, son of Tengtonga Khoreng, who gave himself the title of ‘Chonpuimang’ (Chonmang in the account of Songate, L.H.). The Biates by spreading to all sides of the corner of Mizoram settled for nearly a thousand years, numerous hills and mountain, rivers, lakes, and places of Mizoram were named by the Biates, being a forerunner of the land. While they were settling in and around Invol (believed to be present day Lunglei district) they were invaded by the king of Ava (1364–1555), a new kingdom founded by king Thadominbya after the Mongols left the Irrawaddy valley, Burma.[12] During the invasion, one of the Biate clan the Ralvong Thiaite was hiding in a Ralvawng cave. These particular clans including the Ngamlai clans of Troi (present day Tawipui, Mizoram) who faced the brunt of the Ava invasion still tells of the account today.
"Ava ten khua hong fanga,
Kua Invol laia;
Aimo zola an ril,
Khua Invol laia."
"Ava had invaded us,
The time we were in Invol;
They tell in the valley of Aimo,
While we were in Invol."
In olden days Aizawl was called Aimo zôl (Aimo valley) by the Biate tribe. Aimoroi is a kind of wild ginger found in that place, the term Aimo is believed to derived from the name aimoroi. According to traditions soon after the invasion of Ava, the Pawi tribe took advantage of their weakness, waged a tribal war with the intention of driving them out of their land and finally succeeded in chasing majority of them out of their land.[1] From Mizoram they scattered in different places like Chittagong (Bangladesh), Rengpuiram (Tripura), Cachar, N. C. Hills Assam, then Jaintia Hills Meghalaya & some part of Manipur. Lamlira and a few of his followers were the first to migrate to the present land N. C. Hills, Assam and Jaintia Hills, Meghalaya. According to B. Pakem, Lamlira (A Biate legendary hero) led a section of the Biate tribe to their present hills. This was sometime in the thirteen century of the Christian era.[10] That was before the invasion of Ava. Their migration was believed to be in search of better land. Lamlira marked the land with his handiwork by moulding stones in different shape and sizes like man, animal, stone altar and different kind of vessels. The artefact could still be seen today in the Biate area and some other tribes occupying area of Assam and Meghalaya. Pakem, also wrote that these round stones and hollow ground resemble those which are also found in the nearby Sumer Elaka in between Umkyurpong and Kseh villages in Meghalaya. He also believed that it might have been the sacrificial or dancing places of the Biates forefathers of the forerunner.[10] In Biate it is called ‘Lamlira Lung Sin’ meaning ‘handiwork of Lamlira’ Many of the relics have gradually got destroyed with time, naturally or by man, as it has been left abandoned and unguarded till today. The vast mountainous region of Jaintia and Naga Hills in the north according to G. A. Grierson, is the home of the Kuki-Chin tribes.[13] The second migration of the Biate tribe from Mizoram and nearby hills of Tripura took place between 1500-1600 A.D.[14] Whereas J. Shakespear wrote that the old Kukis made their appearance in Cachar about the end of the 18th century.[8] Those of the old Kuki that migrates in the eighteenth centuries were the left over tribes in the second migration, who moved out of Mizoram to the plain of Cachar was due to the Sailo rebellion in the hills. B. Pakem, stated that the period under reference might have referred to the popular Biate in Mizoram and not to the Biates of Assam and Meghalaya.[10] The Biate dialect is akin to Lusei (Lushai), Hrangkhol, Hmar, Khelma (Sakachep), Darlong, Chorai, Ranglong, Kaipeng and Bawm(Bawng), etc. Biate tribe have 5 (five) major clans, and each clans have sub-clans which is about 49 (forty nine) in numbers. The five major clans are, Darnei, Nampui, Ngamlai, Lalsim and Thiaite. Sub clans of the Biate are, Betlu, Bapui, Chungngol, Durpui, Darzau, Dau, Darngôn, Fathlei, Faiheng, Fairiam (Thianglai), Dôn Chungngol, Jamate, Munring, Ngirsim, Ngaite, Ngenrang, Khurbi, Khampuia, Khoreng, Khongul, Kungte, Lianate, Lungngoi, Lungtrai, Pazamate, Phungte, Puilo, Rangchal, Roichek (Roichên), Raiheng, Ranglem, Ralvong, Riamate, Saivate, Sonlen, Subuma, Salon, Theisir, Thangbei, Thloichir, Thlung-ur, Taizang, Tamatê, Tamlo, Thiaite, Thliran, Vangkal, Zali and Zate. According to Biate legends ‘Zampui tlang dunga ei om laiin Saivate namtual asuak’ meaning the term Saivate clan came into existence while they were in ‘Zampui tlang dung’ Zampui hill range, presently Jampui Hills in Tripura.
The Biate village is generally built on some high slope or ridge. They build their house with a rise platform, about 3 or 4 feet from the ground, is first put up and on this an ordinary hut is erected and a thatched roof with grass or cane leaves. In front of the main entrance, a space is left for veranda. The interior of the house is partitioned off into two, three and sometime more rooms, according to the number of inmates. Houses in the villages are built facing one another with a broad path running in the centre.
In marriage alliances a Biate is not restricted to any particular clan or sub-clan. Intermarriage may take place within the clan or the sub-clans; preference is given to get married to other sub-clan of the tribe. A Biate can marry any woman but must avoid blood relations. The marriageable age for the male and female are 21 and 18 years respectively. If the boy is willing to marry a girl, a negotiator (Palai), usually the boy’s relative is sent to negotiate with the girl’s parents. This is called ‘Ibiak’ which is basically an engagement. If negotiation is done then both the parents fixed the time for marriage and after getting married, at the same night the bride price is handed over to the girl parents which amounts to INR 185.00, along with a bronze or copper plate called Mairang. According to the tradition the groom is to stay for 7 years for 'Mak-sin' or 'in-law's duty' in his father-in-laws house to assist them in every work of life and to make a better and cordial relation with his new family. At present it is reduced to 3 years; however, very few practice this customary law presently. It better goes with mutual understanding of both sides of the parents. Divorce is rare, as they reason divorce as adultery, cruelty, barrenness, maladjustment, impotence and insanity.[15]
In Biate, the youngest son (Itlum) inherits the family properties. Women are not allowed to inherit family properties. The eldest and the middle sons also have no right to claim the family properties. The youngest son is the formal heir who lives with his parents and has the responsibility of looking after his parents in their old age. But there are no hard and fast rules with regards to inheritance. All sons and daughters can share the family properties according to the will of their father. The whole family uses the clan name as surname by the whole family; the sons take his father surname throughout their life.
The words taboo in Biate dialect is ‘iser’, ‘ikhap’ or ‘rithiangino.’ They have many believes and faith on various taboos. For instance, the Biate man had to avoid sexual intercourse with his wife before going to war or hunting. It is believed that failure to observe this will lead them to dangerous situation or death or defeat by the enemies. Another belief which prevails is, while a wife is pregnant, the husband is prohibited to kill an animal. It is strongly believed, even today, violation of this will affect the child in the mother’s womb. There is also taboo related to women. The Biate women are not allowed to carry a pair of machete, axe etc., during pregnancy. They are prohibited to eat any conjoint fruits or vegetable, it is believed that if a woman took such thing during pregnancy she will bear a twin baby with severe problem.
In the olden days, the Biate tribe practiced animism but they also strongly believed in the existence of Supreme Being known as Chung Pathian which means the ‘God above.’ They believe and feel the omnipresence and thus acknowledge that Chung Pathian is above all Gods. Meanwhile the primordial God of the earth is called ‘Nuaia Malal’. Other primal Gods & Goddesses were Bolong Raja or Tarpa, Theisini Kara, Khua Vuai, Dangdo, Fapite, Sangkuru, Truanpuia etc. With the coming of Welsh Missionary Rev. Robert Evan and the Khasi missionary Mr. Khulu Malang the Biate embraced Christianity in the year 1890.[16] In fact the whole Biate population had embraced Christianity by the time it celebrated its hundred years of Christianity in 1990.
Unlike other tribes, the Biate have a self government democratic type of administration which they introduced after reaching the hills of Assam & Meghalaya, known as Kalim Kabur Dan (Law of the Chiefs). They are headed by the two head chiefs of the entire community, a Kalim and Kabur who is aided by the Lalchor or secretary to look after the internal relation of the community. Each village has their own Siarkalim (Village Chief) and under him, several people are appointed for the Village Council. The Khochor (Secretary) and Thlangva is the village announcer. Any matter relating to marriage, disputes, quarrels and fight etc. are brought before the court of Namringa Devan (Court of the five clans) which is headed by Kalim and Kabur through the Siarkalim. At present the whole Biate tribe is administered by the court called 'Biate Devanpui' meaning 'The Biates Supreme Court'. This apex body looks after the internal and external matter of the community except the law dealt by the chiefs Kalim and kabur.
Like all other hill tribes of North East India, the Biates have their own cloth making system since time immemorial. A blanket (Puanpui) made out of cotton is highly regarded for the customary marriage gift. Besides cotton work, the Biates have a tradition of rearing silkworm. A shawl (Rilungpuan) and headgear (Lukom) is manufactured out of the silk thread. Among the Chin-Kuki-Mizo group, the Biates, Hrangkhols and Sakacheps (Khelma) are the only tribes who practice weaving silk clothings since time immemorial.[17] The common dresses of Biate men and women are Puanbom (Mekhla), Zakua (shirt), Lukôm or Satoldiayr (headgear), Rilungpuan, Choipuan (especially for women to put over their shoulders). Ritai Sam ep (a hairband made out of sliced cane & bamboo), Rithei (beads) Sumngoi Banbun (silver bangles), Kuarbet (earring), Toya (round earring like horn), Zakser (arm ring) and Kaipereng is a flap of cloth hanging in front and back to cover the private parts.
As regard to their economic life, their main occupation is agriculture and they practice shifting cultivation (Loi). Each year before they start sowing their millet, rice, maize etc. the villagers observe ‘Chichoi’ or ‘Burit-in-om’ for one day. The day is spent by praying to God to ensure good crops and good luck. The Biate have many kinds of festivals; Nulding Kut, Pamchar Kut, Lebang Kut, Favang Kut etc. for different occasion. They no longer practise or observe those festivals except ‘Nulding Kut.’ The Nulding Kut festival means ‘renewal of life’ which is observed in January every year by singing, dancing and playing traditional games, after the Priest (Thiampu) pray to Chung Pathian for blessing them in every spheres of life. They have also different kinds of dances such as, Darlam, Sikpui-Zollam, Buantrum lam, Lampalak, Kolrikhek lam, Rikifachoi, Ar-ek inuai lam, Meburlam, Sul-ribum lam, Tuipui lenthluk, Chichoi-lam, Parton lam, Tuihol Sirphaia Chitu-a lam, and Salu aih-lam; etc. The year is also divided into four main seasons, Khothral-Spring, Fur-Summer, Favang-Autumn, Phalbi-Winter.
There are different musical instruments such as, Khuang-a drum, Jamluang-a large brass gong, Dar-ribu-a set of small brass cymbal, Rosem-a mouth organ, which is somewhat like a bagpipe or a snake charmer’s flute, Theile- a small bamboo flute. Tringtrang-a guitar with two strings made from bamboo or a dry gourd. The modern day guitar is called Perkhuang, Seranda-similar to a modern day violin made out of dry hollow gourd. It has generally three strings or thin cord with a bow made out of palm hair. Theiphit-a blowpipe made with a tiny bamboo. A simple stalk of bamboo with one end opened for blowing. Chompereng-similar to Mandolin, is generally played while camping in the jhum (Shifting cultivation) hut.