Liangmai tribe of Mongoloid race inhabits Nagaland and Manipur states of Northeast India. The area of their domination spreads across Peren district in Nagaland state and Tamenglong, Senapati and Imphal district in Manipur. Dominating town of the Liangmais include Tening town, sub-division of Peren district, and Tamei town, sub-division of Tamenglong district.
It is a community of about 80,000 people. Liangmai population in Manipur state is higher than that of Nagaland. No Liangmais in Manipur follow any other religion but Christianity since 2003. There are still non-Christians in Nagaland but very less in number. Liangmais are obsessed to socializing which could be one reason why they are not conservative but broadminded. They are known for excellent hospitality in their homes.
With popular football and volleyball come-in, once upon a time common sports including wrestling, taming of wild bull and climbing up to the tip of bamboo post are in the verge of complete wipe-off. The trend of living at high altitude still continues though some have now moved down at the foothills. The Liangmais, even today enjoy the maximum luxury of nature – Pollution free air, spring water, organic food and the blue mountain range that don’t seem to end. Love for music came down from generations and it is skeptical that music would be given a fullstop in generations to come. Openness for pop, jazz, country music and rock are followed by gospel music.
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Liangmai, as a separate tribe, was recognised by the Government of India on the 22 of December,2011.
The Liangmais belong to the Mongoloid race. History says that once there was a family of three brothers. With the growth in their age, a time came for them to earn their living separately. The two brothers moved away from the family. They are today known as Zeme Naga and Rongmei Naga. Liangmai, being the youngest stayed back home, tended the family property and preserved the culture of his ancestors which he practices till today.
The Liangmais communicate among themselves in Lianglad. Literally translating, Lianglad means the language of the Liangmais. Legend has it that Lianglad is the ‘language of the gods’. Before the advent of Christianity, the people practiced paganism. Thus according to their belief, nature like mountains, caves, rivers, trees, etc are ruled or governed by gods. And it is these gods that speak Lianglad.
Lianglad spoken in Nagaland and Manipur differ from each other in the accent. Even within Nagaland and Manipur, the accent changes with regions. For example, in Manipur, the northerners have a gentler accent than those of the southerners.
In 2002, Lianglad was listed as one of the endangered dialects. But today, with the increasing number of its people, its speakers are increasing, and it is one of the most spoken dialects among the dialects of the Nagas. Researchers and scholars have started audio recording of the dialect as parts of their thesis and projects, and at the same time, these recordings will serve a great deal in the preservation of the dialect in the long run.
Liangmai is made up of two words liang and mai. Mai means people. Thus, Liangmai means the people of liang. Different people has their own version for the meaning of the word liang. But till today, the exact meaning is not yet known. The fact that the meaning remains unknown advocates the fact that Lianglad is the ‘language of the gods’ and thus the meaning itself remains a mystery to mortal beings.
The attire is one of the cultural heritages of the Liangmais. Mostly, the traditional attires are hand-woven. Some popular clothes of the community are Maranpan, a shawl for both men and women; Henglan nina, a wrap around for women; Tareh phai, a shawl for men. The Liangmai community has different attire for different occasions. Each piece of cloth has a specific connotation attached to it. For example, there are attires which are meant only for married women or for maidens. Also, there is a particular attire to be worn to funerals, to weddings, to celebrations etc.
The staple food of the Liangmais is rice. Popular traditional food items are jiangdui, a taste maker extracted from the juice of mustard leaves; tasun, potted bamboo shoot; and tasang, processed soya.
Today, the Liangmais engaged themselves in different occupations and professions. They work as government servants, social workers, businessman and businesswoman, farmers, cultivators etc. Rearing of animals is also a major part of their livelihood.
Chaga-Ngee, the biggest festival of the Liangmai community celebrated in the month of October. Today, this festival that showcases Liangmai's rich culture and tradition is celebrated on 30 October every year. The venue of Chaga-Ngee is usually held at Tamei and Dimapur town. According to historical accounts, Chaga-Ngee is a celebration for victorious war to honour brave warriors. It is also a festival of purification/sanctification and re-dedication for their next assignments. However, in the modern context, the prime reason of organizing this event is to keep alive the rich culture and tradition of Liangmai. On this day, both old and young Liangmais gather in their traditional attires and sing folk songs, dance folk dances, play traditional games and sports, etc.
Liangmai Naga being a Christian community, their other main festivals and celebrations are Christmas, Easter, the New Year and Thanksgiving.
These celebrations are accompanied by singing, dancing, feast and merrymaking.
Kaimui, a Delhi-based bi-monthly newsletter in Liangmai