History
Monsang tribe are one among the indigenous tribes of the North-East India, inhabiting the south-east part of Manipur state border to Myanmar particularly inClans
Generally in Monsang Tribe there are two clans namely (a) Simputi and (b) Rinheti. Each clan is again divided into several sub-clans. (a) SIMPUTI CLAN:- 1. Ngiiriiti 2.Kiiriiti 3. Thrumhliti, 4. Hranglumti, 5. Chahliiti, 6. Eenlha Bungjirti and 7. Serbumti. (b) RINNHETI CLAN:- 1. Rohinti, 2. Wanglarti 3. Thresongti, 4. Hongamti 5. Shongsirti 6. Khartuti 7. Khartu Bungpi.Marriage
In ancient days, negotiation between the boy's family and that of the girl preceded the formal marriage. This was known as juwr Ikhuw. However it is no longer in practice today. Jutii (engagement); for the engagement ceremony the boy's parents goes to the girl's house along with a jar of wine and a hen. If no agreement arises then the girl's parents arrange a jar of wine which is consumed by both the parties then the engagement will be cancelled. Today, in Christianity, tea has replaced wine in all such occasions. After the Jutii the boy goes to the girl's house and starts living with her at her house in union. He lives there for three consecutive years only after which the girl would go to live in the boy's house. During the boy's stay at the girl's house’ his parents will have to make three presentations to the girl's family known as Chatla, Thungpham and Mharsha or Min. Chatla consists of meat and wine. Thungpham includes a pig and a jar of wine. Mharsha or Min includes a metal gong, one pig or one hen and a cow and a basket-full of Chahao. Today, the marriages are almost replaced by the Christian ceremonies ministered by a catholic priest or a Reverend. Many of the old traditions have been replaced to a considerable degree. LHU- A unique friendship system among the Monsangs. "LHU" stands for bosom friend. Every Monsang male has a bosom friend, Lhu. Friends of this nature are distinguished from those of one's ordinary friends. In this type of friendship, there is no question of marriage between the brothers and sisters and between the children should they arise. This friendship is bound by the conviction that whatever the circumstances that may befall should be faced boldly and jointly. When any animal is killed by any of them the rear portion of the animal is given to the other. Such a trend is still practiced today in the Monsang culture. Inter-marriageReligion
Chiefs
Chiefs are notVillages officials
(Duties and Functions of Village Authority) # Chief (Eruwng) - He is the head of the village officials and also the ''ex officio'' chairman of the village authority. All developmental, educational and other economic programmes are carried out in consultant with the Eruwng. In times of crisis the Eruwng has certain extraordinary powers to make any decision which may deem justified without consulting other officials. There is no time limit or life span for the chief. He holds the position so long as he enjoys the people's mandate.. # Senapati - He is the second highest village official. During the absence of the Eruwng he acts on his behalf and may do anything in the capacity of an Eruwng. # Khullak - He upholds the third post in the traditional village council; He is obliged to take active part in all the development as programmes. He assists the Eruwng in many of the developmental programmes # Lullak - The Lullakpa occupies the fourth position in the Eruwng's council. He assists the Eruwng and makes suggestions or joins hands in other activities of the council. # Mantri - Mantri occupies the fifth post in the village council. He is also one of the members in the executive wing of the village council. # Pakhanglak - Guiding the male (unmarried ones) # Ningolak - Guiding the female (unmarried ones) # Chingsanglak - To give information about the surrounding village. # Meitei Lambu - To enquire & verify outsiders who visit village. # Langching - To lead villagers in any social work or other community work in the village. # Wangkhera - # Nahara - # Selung - # Yupaar - Usher of Ekam ritual. Ekam offered by well of people. Offered meat, food, drink etc. with ritual songs and dances. # Kerung - Ushers of any ceremony.Land holdings
Each and every individual, sub-clans, family owned land which comes down from their forefathers or grand parents known as Lhenhiing. The land is not easily transferable from one clan to another or family. It can be given or transferred to others in two conditions (1) If the particular land owner does not have male issue, it can be given to his daughter. Transferred to his son-in-law on his daughter's marriage. 1. If the land owner is too old and his family members are not interested in jhum cultivation then the land can be given to his nearest relatives or can be sold to other sub-clans. Land sole to outsiders is not encouraged as it isReferences
{{Hill tribes of Northeast India Naga people Scheduled Tribes of Manipur Ethnic groups in Northeast India Ethnic groups in South Asia