Neihsial

The Neihsial ethnic group is largely concentrated in the Churachandpur, Senapati, and Chandel districts of the Indian state of Manipur, shown on this map in red.

Neihsial traditional attire pattern

The Neihsial is an ethnic group found in northeastern India.^[1] Members of this group are largely concentrated in the Churachandpur, Senapati, and Chandel districts of the Indian state of Manipur. There is also a sizable population in the neighboring Chin State of Myanmar.

The Neihsial speak a Tibeto-Burman language similar to the Vaiphei and Gangte tribal dialects. A large portion of the Neihsial are scattered among the Vaiphei, Gangte, Paite and Thadou tribes in India, where a good number of them speak the Neihsial dialect and follow its traditions. At the present time, the Neihsial are not recognized as a tribe in India. Instead, the Neihsial are classified under the nomenclature Zomi.

They practice Jhum or slash-and-burn cultivation.

Origin

“Neihsial” is a combination of “neih" (have/possession) and “sial” (boasting). Scholars believe that the name is derived from the phrase “boasting of wealth.” Due to the lack of written documentation, historians differ in their views of where the Neihsial originated. One theory holds that the Neihsial originated during the construction of the Great Wall of China, when the original members hid in "Khul" to avoid being pressed into service in the construction of the wall. The precise meaning of the term "Khul" is unclear; it could mean hole or cave, but it could also refer to a small oval shaped plain surrounded by hills. Historians note that the "so stated cave is believed to be the present ‘Great Wall of China’ built by Qin Shi Huangdi."^[2] Qin Shi Huangdi was the King of the state of Qin (r. 246–221 BC^[3]) who conquered all other Warring States and united China in 221 BC.^[3] He was the first emperor of China and among other feats unified the many walls of China into one Great Wall. See History of the Great Wall of China.

Distribution of Neihsial population

According to the 1948 Neihsial Custom Book published by Thuamlal Singto and Kaikhual Singto, the Neihsial comprise the following clans: Aikhoh/Lutsing, Banlawng, Chilzaang, Daalvung, Dolbak, Engtheng, Haulai, Liangen/Lengen, Nunthuk, Santou, Tualkhen/Selngul, Singngil, Singtou, Sumngaak/Singlul, Thahgen, Thanhing, Thuknel, and Tungling.^[4]

The numbers of Neihsial households as recorded by Pu Thuamlal Chief of Lengluang in 1948 are:

• Lengluang - 22
• Tuzangvaichuang - 2
• Kaihlam - 1
• Luangpi - 15
• Gampum - 2
• Sinzawl - 1
• Siampat - 3
• Phaibungjang - 4
• Mualpheng - 3
• Sekjang - 7
• Phualjang - 7
• Bukpi - 2
• Gallawn - 3
• Imphal - 2
• Hansip - 1
• Luangphailum - 4
• Sakang - 3
• Pangen - 1
• Bekra - 1
• Thikhup - 1
• Phaijang - 8
• Bobonkhal - 3
• Tuining - 4
• Nahthialbawk - 18
• Chukadam - 2
• Valpakawt - 1
• Lailong - 12
• Kharkhuplian - 1
• Thawlawruok - 4
• Singmun - 2
• Haflong - 3
• Gangpibul - 1
• Naupanglawn - 1
• Khaimai - 1
• Gangpimual - 6
• Khanpi - 2
• Zote - 1
• Ngurte - 1
• Suangphuh - 1
• Tuipajang - 5
• Tuikham - 2
• Bungkawt - 1
• Gelngal - 2
• Thingchawm - 1
• Nungatang - 1
• Suangpekjang - 2
• Khuangphah (Lus 2 Vantungbung 14 hai Hills)
• Chagobung - 2
• Pangmual - 4
• Pangsang - 4
• Kalambum - 1
• Losan - 7
• Mawngbung - 4
• Sawngchal - 4
• Kangpokpi - 3^[5]

Religion

It is possible but currently unproven that before the 19th century A.D., the Neihsial had their own religion and practices. The traditional religion of the Neihsial is a combination of ancestor worship and animism. The Neihsial believed in the existence of a supreme deity whom they called “Pathian.” Besides Pathian, the Neihsial revered and feared a number of supernatural beings. Sacrifices of fowls, pigs, dogs and goats were made to appease the deities. The important traditional festivals of the Neihsial include Sa-ai, Gallu-ai and Lawmzu nek. .^[6] During the late 19th and early 20th centuries,^[7] foreign missionaries, mostly from the Western world, converted many Neihsials to Christianity.^[8]

Moral values of the Neihsial

The Neihsial society is patriarchal. It is patrilineal and patrilocal with a focus on the extended family. In the Neihsial society, it is traditional that husband and wife never use each other's proper names as a sign of respect. Children also never use their parents' names. The parents are addressed as "Pa" (father) and "Nu" (Mother). The father and mother of another family are addressed by elders in the name of their eldest child, preceded by "Pa" or "Nu".^[9]

References