Draft:The Thangkhal

• Comment: In accordance with Wikipedia's Conflict of interest guideline, I disclose that I have a conflict of interest regarding the subject of this article. ~2026-51124-36 (talk) 20:09, 22 September 2026 (UTC)

---

INTRODUCTION:

The Thangkhal (pronounced as Thang-Khaal) tribe of Manipur belong to the Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi group of tribes presently spreading across the Indo-Burrna border and as far as Chittagong Hill Track in Bangladesh. Although they speak different dialects, they all originated from tie same root. The word Thangkhal is a name Of a village in present day Chin State of Myanmar, where a number of different clan settled together speaking the same dialect which afterwards came to be known as the Thangkhal dialect. They have their own culture, custom and tradition which is distinctive from the other tribes in the Chin- Kuki-Mlzo group.

Thangkhal

Thangkhal
Total population
3500-4000(primarily in Manipur, India)
Regions with significant populations
Manipur, India * Chin State, Myanmar * Chittagong Hill Tracts, Bangladesh
Languages
Thangkhal Haam (Chin–Kuki–Mizo-Zomi group)
Religion
Christianity (majority, post‑colonial era) * Traditional animist beliefs (Pasian, spirits, ancestor worship)
Related ethnic groups
Chin people * Kuki people * Mizo people * Hmar people Zomi

Songs:

Pu Zamchinhang, Chief of Suangkuang village which was Common to the Thangkhal upto this day. It sung as follows:-

Eiteng khawl khawm a tuam umlou

Van nuai chiteng 'KHUL' a Piang

Tun Sung khat a piang hi ngei ngei e...

Tun Sung khat a piang hi ngei ngei e..

Suapih Sanggam laijui zom hi ngei ngei e... "

History of Village:

The Thngkhal also lived among their cognate tribes in 'Ciimnuai' and as other tribe migrated to other places, they too migrated and settled at a place called 'TAITAM'. From Taitaam the village Thangkhal was founded. The Thangkhals consist of many clans and families of different villages like Muabem, Phaileeng, Gamngai, Phaiza, etc.

In course of time, this little village increase and multiplied and grew big communities and due to lack of communication and in some cases, complete isolation, a distinct culture, custom tradition and language was developed. In present day situation, the Thangkhal consist of clans like: Baite, Guite(Mimvak), Hangsing, Hangluah, Holhang, Haokip, Khongsai, Kjpgen, Lianzaw, Mangte, Mate, Manlun, Mantuang, Mangson, Milun(Aakgal), Munluo, Ngaihte, Phiamphu, Samte, Suantak(Dopmul), Thangniang, Tungdim, Tungnung etc. they claim individuality on the basis of language distinct from other tribes although there might be a close affinity between them.

From village Thangkhal where they developed a distinct identity. They migrated to other lands and places wherever they go the culture and tradition and language they developed at the village Thangkhal went with them, making them distinctive form other tribes. One of the most important settlements since they migrated out of the village Thangkhal is a place called "MULAM". The name is free English Translation means "the place where eagle cast a lot" It is one of the oldest village of the Thangkhal in Manipur.

Traditional Administration

• Chief (hereditary): Absolute head of the village, collected taxes (paddy, salt, animal parts).
• Privileges: Saliang (right leg of hunted animal), Taangsen (basket of paddy), free house construction.
• Assisted by Hausa Upa (Council of Ministers):
  • Manchili (Prime Minister)
  • Taangsam (Messenger)
  • Siikkheng (Blacksmith)
  • Siampu (Priest)
• The Youth Commander (Val Upa) held influence by leading village youth.

Religious Beliefs (Pre‑Christianity)

• Belief in Pasian (Supreme Being, merciful creator).
• Rituals to appease spirits/demons causing illness.
• Ancestor worship for health and fortune.
• Elaborate burial rites for warriors/hunters, with songs like Sai La (elephant song), Sial La (mithun song).
• The Siampu (Priest) acted as mediator, healer, and spiritual leader.

Socio‑Cultural Structure

• Patriarchal families, mostly monogamous. Eldest son inherits property.
• Childbirth celebrated with rituals (red cock sacrifice, rice beer feast).
• Festivals: Somzunek, Somsanek, Khodou, Sa‑Ai, Tang‑Ai, Gal‑Ai.
• Skilled in arts, crafts, bamboo work, and jhum cultivation.
• Entertainment: dances, games, rice beer (Zu) and tobacco (Zaa).

Marriage & Inheritance

• Preferred marriage: boy with maternal uncle’s daughter (Neite).
• Bride price: five mithuns (SialNga), paid in installments.
• Widow remarriage allowed; divorce possible (fines varied).
• Naming tradition: children often named after grandparents.
• Strict punishments for crimes, especially against women (Sialpi leh Salam = fine of one mithun + one pig).

See Also

• Chin–Kuki–Mizo tribes
• Manipur tribal communities
• Oral traditions of Northeast India