Hmar people are a scheduled tribe ethnic group[2][3] from the states of Manipur,[4][5] Mizoram,[6] Assam,[7] and Meghalaya[8] in Northeast India. They use the Hmar language as their primary language.

Hmar
Hmar shawl
Regions with significant populations
India[1]
Languages
Hmar language
Religion
Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Mizo people

Population

According to the 2011 Indian Census, there were 98,988 Hmar speakers (as first language).[9] The Hmar population itself (including, Hmar people who speak Mizo language as their first language) roughly stands at 200,000-300,000.[10] Several critics and scholars point out that a significant population of the Hmar people are fully 'Mizonised' in Mizoram, hence do not reflect as "Hmar tribe" population, rather as "Any Mizo tribes" in Census reports.

Language

Hmar people use the Hmar language, which closely resembles the Mizo language and uses the Roman script.[11] The script was introduced by British missionaries, including 'Pu Buanga' (James Herbert Lorrain), during the colonial era in India and is locally known as the 'A Aw B.'[12] Hmar language is within the Tibeto-Burman stock of languages.[13]

Religion

The majority of the Hmar people practice Christianity.[14] They were Christianized by Welsh missionaries in the 1910s (specifically at Senvawn village).

Place of origin

The Hmar people believe Sinlung to be their ancestral origin.[15]

Notable people

Politicians
Name Notes
HT Sangliana Indian Cop and former Lok Sabha MP. A South Indian movie, Sangliyana, was made in honor of him.
Robert Romawia Royte MLA from Mizoram and owner of Aizawl FC.
Ngurdinglien Sanate Former Minister from Manipur.
Lalnghinglova Hmar Current Minister of State (Sports) and MLA from Mizoram.
Ngursanglur Sanate Current MLA from Manipur.
Bijoy Kumar Hrangkhawl Politician from Tripura.
Pachhunga First President of the Mizo Union.
Chaltonlien Amo Former Minister from Manipur.[16][17]
Lalmuanpuia Punte Current Political Advisor[18][19] to Lalduhoma and MLA, Mizoram.
K. Sapdanga Current Deputy Chief minister, Mizoram.
M Keivom an Ambassador of India.
Sportspersons
Name Contribution(s)
Lalremsiami India women's national field hockey team player
Marina Lalramnghaki Hmar India women's national field hockey team player
David Lalhlansanga India national football team member
Alfred Lalroutsang youngest ever player to play in the Indian Super League at the age of 16 years.
Lalrinliana Hnamte Indian professional footballer.
Lalvarmoi Hmar Indian professional footballer.
Lalram Luaha Indian professional footballer
Hmar Zothanchhunga Indian professional cricketer.
 
Lalremsiami
Academics & Authors
Name Notes
Rochunga Pudaite Included the Hmar people, Anāl people, and many others as one of the Schedule Tribes of India, 1956, and the founder of Bibles for the World.[20]
Lal Dena Manipur historian.
Lalthlamuong Keivom Former Indian diplomat and writer of Zoram Khawvel series.
Zirsangzela Hnamte Author.
Lallukhum Fimate Former Director, Regional Institute of Medical Sciences[21] and Zoram Medical College.[22]
Singers, Composers & Musicians
Name Notes
Mami Varte Singer
Esther Hnamte Singer
Lalruotmawi Singer
Buonglienkung Composer
Thangngur Composer
Lienrum Composer

Clans (Pahnam)

Darngawn
Ruolngul Faiheng Tlau Fatlei
Banzang Sinate Famhawite (Famhoite) Chonghmunte
Lamchangte Sanate
Faihriem
Saivate Khawral Khawkheng Tuollai
Tuimuol Bapui Tusing Khawlum
Sekong Seling Thlangnung Salhmar
Dulien Aimuol Khawhrang Sote
Thanghnieng
Ngurtedescendants of Santleichal
Sanate Saingur Zallien Bungran
Chiluon Singa Tuolthla Para Thla
Pusingathla Saidangthla
Hrangkhol
Ponatu Phuoitong Dumker Cholkha
Khuolhring (Khawlhring)
Lungen Thlaute Midang Leidir
Suokling Chunthang Lozun Pieltel
Milai Rawlsim Khintung Zahrin
Khawbungdescendants of Tingkul
Fenate (Fente) Pangamte Pazamte Riengsete
Laising Muolphei Phunte (Punte) Bunglung
Sierthlang Siersak
Lawitlang
Hrangchal Laiasung Sielasung Darasung
Tungte Sungte Suomte Tlawmte
Chawnsim
Rawite
Pieltu Sawrte Buite Arro
Zate Aite Hnungte Seldo
Zote[23] (Joute)descendants of Vanso
Pusiete Chuonkhup Singphun Hriler
Chawnghau Chawngvawr Buonsuong Chawngtuol
Barkhawlai Tlangte Parate Saihmang (Saiate, Sailung, Saite)
Ngaiate Chawnhnieng Darte Darkhawlai
Vaithang Thangsuok Maubuk Hrangngam
Hrangdo Hrangate Chawngsieksim Ngaite (Hauler, Tlurha, Saichawnkhup, Sailientuol)
Hmangte Chante (Chamte) Hrangsote Parate (Bualthang, Khawtial, Rualngai, Zani)
Leiri
Neingaite Puruolte Pudaite Pulamte
Puhnuongte Thlandar
Changsan
Zilchung Zilhmang Ngulthuom Ngaithuom
Hrawte Hranhnieng Chaileng Thangngen
Kellu Armei
Ṭhiek[24]
Athu Amaw (Amo) Tuolor Thilsong
Buhril Hekte Ralsun Chawnghekte
Thluchung (TC) Kungate Selate Tuolte
Ṭaite Hnamte Kangbur Khawzawl
Lalum Laldau Saibung Vankal
Pangote Pangulte Khawbuol Pakhumate
Khumthur Khumsen Thlihran Tamte
Hmante Chawnnel Zate
Lungṭau
Mihriemate Songate Infimate (Fimate) Nungate
Intoate Lungchuong Inbuon Pasulate
Keivawm (Keivom) Tamhrang Sielhnam Theisiekate
Thlawngate Khumsen Khumthur Sunate


Ethnic Cultural Items

Traditional Shawls
Name Picture Original Designer
Hmarpuon
 
Hmarpuon (Hmar ethnic shawl)
Fimneizo
Thangsuopuon
Ngoteker
Puonlaisen
Hmaram

Literature

  • Allen BC, Gait EA, Allen CGH, and Howard HF. Gazetteer of Bengal and North East India. Mittal Publications. New Delhi 1979.
  • Bapui, VLT & Buruah, PN Dutta. 1996. Hmar Grammar. Mysore: Central Institute of Indian Languages. CIIL Press, Mysore.
  • Bapui, Vanlal Tluonga. 2012. Hmar Ṭawng Inchukna (A Lexical Study of the Hmar Language & Usages). Guwahati, Assam: The Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes. Hi-Tech Printing & Binding Industries, Guwahati
  • Cassar, T. 2013. Only 36,000.
  • Cassar, T. 2017. Oh God - Now it's 75K (and it's only getting worse)!.
  • Dena, Lal. 1995. Hmar Folk Tales. New Delhi: Scholar Publishing House. Bengal Printing Press, New Delhi.
  • Dena, Lal; In search of identity: Hmars of North-East India; New Delhi 2008.
  • Fimate, L. Thina Râpthlak.
  • Hmar, RH Hminglien. 1997. Hmangaitu Hmel.
  • Hminga, FT. 1991. Hmar Pipu Thilhming Lo Phuokhai. Churachandpur, Manipur: Dr. FT Hminga.
  • Hminga, FT. 1993. Hmar Ṭawng Indiklem. Churachandpur, Manipur: Dr. FT Hminga.
  • Hminga, FT. 1994. Hming Umzie Neihai. Churachandpur, Manipur: Dr. FT Hminga.
  • Hrangate, HC. 1996. Pathien Kut.
  • Lalhmuoklien, 2009. Gospel Through Darkness. Churachandpur, Manipur: Rev. Dr. Lalmuoklien. SMART tech Offset Printers, Churachandpur
  • Ngurte, SN. 1991. Damlai Thlaler.
  • Ngurte, SN. 1994. Rengchawnghawi.
  • Ngurte, SN. 1995. Kanaan Phaizawl. HL Lawma & Sons Publication.
  • Pakhuongte, Ruolneikhum. 1983. The Power of the Gospel Among the Hmar Tribe. Shillong, Meghalaya: EFCI. Ri Khasi Press, Shillong.
  • Pudaite, Jonathan. 2011. The Legacy of Watkin R. Roberts.
  • Pudaite, Mawii. 1982. Beyond The Next Mountain: The Story of Rochunga Pudaite. Tyndale House Publishers.
  • Pudaite, Rochunga. 1963. The Education of the Hmar People. Sielmat, Churachandpur. Indo-Burma Pioneer Mission, 1963.
  • Pudaite, Rochunga. 1985, The Dime That Lasted Forever. Carol Stream, Illinois: Tyndale House Publishers.
  • Pudaite, Rochunga. 2008. English-Hmar Dictionary. Partnership Publishing House.
  • Pudaite, Rochunga. 2011. Ka Hring Nun Vol-1. Thomson Press, Harayana.
  • Pudaite, Rosiem. 2002. Indian National Struggle for Freedom and its Impact on the Mizo Movement (1935-1953 AD).
  • Pulamte, John H. 2011. Hmar Bûngpui. Imphal, Manipur: Dr. John H. Pulamte. BCPW, Imphal.
  • Ruolngul, Darsanglien. 2009. The Advance of the Gospel (Part One). Churachandpur, Manipur: Rev. Darsanglien Ruolngul. SMART * tech Offset Printers, Churachandpur.
  • Ruolngul. Darsanglien. 2013. Kohran. Churachandpur, Manipur: ICI. Diamond Offset, Churachandpur.
  • Sanate, Ngurthangkhum. 1984. Ngurte Pahnam Chanchin. Churachandpur, Manipur/
  • Sawngate, Thangsawihmang. 2012. Hmangaina Parbâwr. Churachandpur, Manipur.
  • Sinate, Lalthankhum. 2001. Kohran Hring.
  • Songate, H. 1956. Hmar History-Hmar Chanchin. Imphal: Mao Press.
  • Songate, H. 1967. Hmar Chanchin (Hmar History).Churachandpur: L & R Press.
  • Thangsiem, JC. Zilsi Varzan. Rengkai, Churachandpur.
  • Ṭhiek, Hrilrokhum. 2013. History of the Hmars in North East India, Guwahati, Assam: Rev. Hrilrokhum Ṭhiek, Bhabani Offset Private Ltd., Guwahati.
  • Ṭhiek, Hrilrokhum. 1996. Maichâma Mei Chu Sukchawk Zing Ding A Nih.
  • Thuomte, H. 2001. Joute Pahnam Inthladan (Joute Genealogy). Churachandpur, Manipur
  • Various. 2008. Lal Remruot - Saidan Chanchin. Delhi. Hmanglien & Sons. Rai's Ad-venture, Delhi.
  • Zaneisang, H. 2003. Sinlung. Churachandpur, Manipur: H. Zaneisang. Diamond Offset, Churachandpur.
  • Zote, Timothy Z. 2007. Manmasi Year Book (Vol-II), Churachandpur, Manipur: Manmasi Year Book Editorial Board. BCPW, Imphal.
  • Sungte, Robert L. 2007. Impact of Religious Journals on the Hmar tribe in Manipur, Karnataka. Mangalore University, Mangalore.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang. 2016. Revisiting Sikpui Ruoi of the Hmar Tribe. Anthropology Today. Vol. 1, No. 2. ISSN 2454-2709. Pp. 60–72.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang. 2017. In Search of the "Holy" Confluence: A Journey to the Barak River. In: Queenbala Marak (Ed) "Doing Autoethnography". Serials Publications: New Delhi.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang & Lalthakim Hmar (ed). 2016. Highland Musing. 2016. IndigeNE: Imphal.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang & Lalthakim Hmar (ed). 2016. Sinlung Sermei. IndigeNE: Imphal.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang. 2014. Hmar at the Crossroads. IndigeNE: Imphal.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang. 2014. Culture and Development: Hmar of Tipaimukh in Transition. IndigeNE: Imphal.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang. 2019. Ruolevaisuo a Hohlimna Thusim Thlirletna. 2019. In: Nunhlui-II (Hmar MIL Textbook for TDC Third Semester), Assam University, Silchar, Hmar Literature Society, Assam.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang. 2014. Traditional concepts on honour, wealth, happiness and self-reliance vis-á-vis planned development: Case of the Hmars. In: Aheibam Koireng Singh, Amol Sanasam and Sushma Phurailatpam (Ed) "Knowing Manipur from Endogenous Perspective". Centre for Manipur Studies, Manipur University and Indian Council of Social Science Research: Imphal. Vol. 2.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang. 2011. Indigenous Knowledge System, Identity, Freedom and Tipaimukh Dam: An Anthropological Perspective. In: Lal Dena (Ed) "Dialogue on Tipaimukh Dam". Akansha Publishing House: New Delhi.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang & R. Th. Varte. 2017. Hmar Traditional Practices in Conflict Resolution: An Anthropological Perspective. In: Melvil Pereira, Bitopi Dutta and Binita Kakati (Ed) "Legal Pluralism and Indian Democracy: Tribal Conflict Resolution Systems in Northeast India". Routledge: New York.
  • Varte, Immanuel Zarzosang. 2005. Pre-historical Heritage of Ruong Le Vaisuo. "Hmar Arasi". Souvenir on the occasion of Cultural Festival-cum-Sikpui Ruoi, 2 – 5 December & 50th General Assembly-cum-Literary Meet, 15 – 16 December. Hmar Students' Association General Headquarters: Churachandpur.

See also

References

  1. ^ Census of India 2011 (2011). "Hmar" Language - India, State and Union Territories (PDF). Office of the Registrar General, India. p. 9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  2. ^ https://tribal.nic.in/ST/LatestListofScheduledtribes.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  3. ^ https://tribal.nic.in/WriteReadData/CMS/Documents/201212010344115039062File1061.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  4. ^ https://data.gov.in/resource/population-mother-tongue-2011-manipur [bare URL]
  5. ^ "Scheduled Tribes" (PDF). DISTRICT CENSUS HANDBOOK CHURACHANDPUR (PDF). Directorate of Census Operations Manipur. 2011. p. 28.
  6. ^ https://data.gov.in/resource/population-mother-tongue-2011-mizoram [bare URL]
  7. ^ https://data.gov.in/resource/population-mother-tongue-2011-assam [bare URL]
  8. ^ https://data.gov.in/resource/population-mother-tongue-2011-meghalaya [bare URL]
  9. ^ Census of India 2011 (2011). "Hmar" - Language: India, States and Union Territories (Table C-16) (PDF). Office of the Registrar General, India. p. 9.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  10. ^ https://www.ritimo.org/Hmar-Struggles-for-Autonomy-in-Mizoram-India#:~:text=Very rough estimates put the,autonomy continues to this day.
  11. ^ Lallungawi (2022). Hmar Grammar.
  12. ^ Vanlalawmpuia, C (2024). "Ṭawngkasuok: Traditional Sayings of the Hmar People". Mizoram University Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences. X (1).
  13. ^ Government of India (2011). "Census of India 2011: PAPER 1 OF 2018. LANGUAGE INDIA, STATES AND UNION TERRITORIES (Table C-16)" (PDF). p. 21.
  14. ^ "Hmar in India".
  15. ^ Dena, Lal (2008). In Search of Identity: Hmars of North East India. Akansha Publishing House: Delhi.
  16. ^ "Dr. Chaltonlien Amo(Indian National Congress(INC)):Constituency- TIPAIMUK(ST)(CHURACHANDPUR) - Affidavit Information of Candidate". myneta.info. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  17. ^ "Manipur: Senior Congress MLA joins BJP". The Indian Express. 9 January 2022. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  18. ^ "Appointment of PS to Adviser to Chief Minister" (PDF).
  19. ^ "Mizoram Legislative Assembly". www.mizoramassembly.in. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  20. ^ "About". Bibles For The World. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
  21. ^ "New Director RIMS L Fimate". e-pao.net. Retrieved 22 May 2024.
  22. ^ https://mimerfalkawn.edu.in/uploads/attachments/1327694a5fb79c2a96bceef0c08b6edd/zmc-prospectus.pdf [bare URL PDF]
  23. ^ Hrangchhuana, H.B. (1987). Hmar Chanchin (Hmar History) (1st ed.). India: Hmar Students Association Jt Hqrs Aizawl, Mizoram. pp. 4–10.
  24. ^ "Hmar Clans". Retrieved 13 August 2024.