Halam tribe

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

The Halam community are various tribes native to the state of

Korbwng, Dab and Rupini
.

Halam
(Riam, Old Kuki)
Total population
58,000(approx.)
Regions with significant populations
Saimar language · Dab
Religion
Christianity · Hinduism · Animism
Related ethnic groups
Chin · Kuki · Mizo

History

In terms of ethnology and language, the

Purum, Tikhup and Vaiphei of Manipur also asserted that they are the descendant of a couple who came out of ‘Khurpui’ meaning ‘cave’ (B. Lalthangliana, 2001, Mizo Chanchin, Remkungi, Aizawl
, p. 37)

According to S.B.K. Dev Varman, the

Kukis, who had submitted to the Tripura Raja, came to be known as Halam (http://www.tripuratribes.ac.in
).

Regarding the origin of the term ‘Halam,’ some suggest that ‘Halam’ means ‘killer of human beings’ (K.S. Singh, People of India, Vol. V, p. 1243). Perhaps, the neighboring people might name them ‘Halam’ as they were ferocious and used to killed strangers in olden days. The term ‘Halam’ is expected to be coined by others. One interpretation is that, in Tripuri language, ‘Ha’ means ‘earth’ and ‘Lam’ means ‘route’. So it means ‘earth route.’ It is said that when they came in contact with the king of Tripura, the Maharaja had given them the title ‘Halam.’ From this definition, it can be presumed that Halam migrated to their present place of settlement through earth route. However, there is no agreed point on the origin of the term ‘Halam.’ In the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes orders (Amendment) Act. 1976, Halam is placed at No. 6 in the list of Scheduled Tribes of Tripura.

Changes in religious practices

Conversion to Christianity started about the mid-1900s.[citation needed] About 30% of the Halam are Christians.[citation needed] The spread of Christianity among the Halam does not interfere with cultural activities (except religious activities). The Christian Halam attended the socio-cultural ceremonies of their Hindu neighbors. They participate in and depend on the traditional village administration as do their Hindu neighbors. There is a reason why the Tripura Raja differentiate Halam from Kuki, Halam people do not have king or chief nor their own god to worship. So, the Raja appointed Sordar to rule Halam people, and an idol for each clan to worship. E.g. Mualţhuam/Molsom sub-tribe are given an idol made from Gooseberry tree, they called Zobawmthang.[2] Bawngcher sub-clan are given Thirlum Thirphrai. Thirlum is an iron ball smaller than the size of cricket ball, Thirphrai is an iron plate, a size of thumb. Both have no inscriptions on them.[3]

Diaspora

During the

Kokborok language is rapidly decreasing with the Bengali language being more common nowadays. They are divided into 12 clans; Machafang, Migli, Chorei, Bongcher, Hrangkhol, Molsom, Rupini, Mitahar, Langkai, Ranglong and Kaipeng.[4]

References

  1. ^ Varman, S.B.K.: The Tribes of Tripura – A dissertation. Gov't Press. Agartala. Directorate of Research. 1986. 2nd Edition. p. 25.
  2. ^ Lalthangliana, B.: History and Culture of Mizo in India, Burma & Bangladesh. 2001. Aizawl. RTM Press. p. 85.
  3. ^ Sailiana Sailo: The Bongchers. p. 27.
  4. ^ Jengcham, Subhash. "Halam". Banglapedia: National Encyclopedia of Bangladesh. Asiatic Society of Bangladesh.
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