Poumai Naga Geographical Location

Geographical Location

Poumai Naga country is geographically located in Senapati District, Manipur and four villages in Phek District in Nagaland. The Manipur state is situated in North Eastern States of India. The state of Manipur became a full fledged in 1972. The state is located between 23⁰50^/ North and 25⁰41^/ North Latitudes and 93⁰2^/ East and 94⁰47^/ East Longitudes.¹ The total geographical area of Manipur is 22356 Sq.km, which is about only 0.68 percent to the total area of India. The state is bordered on the North by Nagaland state, on the East by Myanmar, on the South by Myanmar and Mizoram and on the West by Assam and partly by Mizoram.

Topography of Manipur State

Manipur is a state of Hills and Valley. There are numerous small lakes and swamps in the valley. There is a fertile alluvial valley extends North-South in the middle and it is surrounded on all sides by hill ranges forming a part of the eastern Himalayas. The valley covers only 8% of the total area of Manipur and the total area is about 1788.48 Sq.Km. The hills covered about 20567.52 Sq.km, which is about 92% to the total area of the state.

 It is about 57.92 km from north to south and about 32.19 km from east to west.   The biggest lake in North East India- the Loktak Lake lies in the lowest part of the plain.

 The general pattern of the slope is from North to South direction and roughly parallel to each other.  The hills are part of the sub-Himalayas ranges and spread into ranges with irregular serrated ridges with cliffs. The hill ranges in the North is relatively higher in elevation. The average altitude is 176m to 300m above the sea level. The ranges are separated by deep valley. They come closer and narrower in the southern Manipur and merge into single range known as Arakan Yoma in Myanmar. The Mount Tenipu (5016.08m) is the highest peak in Manipur, which is located in Senapati District in the vicinity of Manipur-Nagaland border.² The tropical type of climate is found in Manipur state and the climate varies from place to place. The hottest months in the state are from May to July.                                

The annual temperature is recorded at Geljang (Churachandpur District) was 39.0⁰C. The coldest months in the state are from December to February. The minimum temperature recorded in December was 0.0⁰C. The rainy season starts from April and continue till September. June to August is the wettest months of the year. The annual rainfall recorded at Thanlon (Churachandpur district) was 303.17 cm in 1999.³   

 The red sandy loams types of soils are generally found in the hilly areas and alluvium soils in the valley. The natural vegetation is rich in the hilly areas but poorly grown in the valley. The climate and average rainfall vary in the hilly region due to variation in elevation. Different types of forests are found in the hilly region and mixed types of forest is generally found in the state.

Senapati District, Manipur

The present Senapati District was formed as Manipur North District in 1972 under government of Manipur. Under the extra ordinary Manipur Gazette notification on 5^th Aug. 1983, the North District became Senapati District. The total area of the district is about 3271 Sq.Km. The name of the district has been derived from a Manipur countrier named Senapati, who married a Mao-Naga girl during the reign of king Charainongba in 15^th century A.D. The Senapati district lies between 24⁰30^/ north and 25⁰45^/ north latitudes and 93⁰30^/ East and 94⁰30^/ longitudes.⁴ The Imphal East and West border it on the south, on north by Phek district of Nagaland, on the east by Ukhrul district and on the west by Tamenglong district.

Topography of Senapati District

The general topography of the district is hilly. The district is located at an elevation range between 388m and 2740 m above the sea level. The altitude at Kangpokpi is 1061m and at Mao is 1788m above the sea level. The highest peak Mount Tenipu (5015.08m) is located in this district in the north. The district comes under humid sub-tropical climate. The temperature ranges from a minimum of 3.36 centigrade to a maximum of 34.14 centigrade. The annual rainfall measured from 671mm to 1454mm. About 80% of the total area is under forest and about 20% is arable land.⁵ The Senapati district is rich in flora and fauna. Some of the important rivers rises from this district are the Barak, the Iril, the Imphal, the Ithai River etc. The Mount Tenipu, the Esso, the Koubru, the Khouchi, the Houdu etc are the high peaks found in the district.

According to the Regional Divisions of India in 1980, the district is divided in to three hilly regions namely, ⁶

1)      Northern Hilly Region

2)      Eastern Hilly Region

3)      Western Hilly Region

1) Northern Hilly RegionThe northern hilly region covers the Mao-Maram sub-division and part of some Paomata sub-division. It is located in the vicinity of Nagaland State border. The NH39 runs from Nagaland to Moreh (Myanmar) passes through this hilly region. The highest peak in the state – the Mount Tenipu is situated in this hilly region. The main occupation of the people in this region is agriculture –shifting cultivation and terrace field cultivation are the common practices.

2) Eastern Hilly Region

This hilly region covers Sadar Hills East sub-division and Purul sub-division, some part of Paomata sub-division and a small portion of Sadar Hills West sub-division. There are some important rivers run through this region towards the south except the Ngairei River in north direction. The dense forests are found in eastern hilly region. There is variation of climate and rainfall in this region due to present of numerous hilly ranges.

 3) Western Hilly Region

This region covers the Southwestern part of the district, covering more than half of the Sadar Hills West sub-division, and some part of the Mao-Maram subdivision. The NH39 runs through in the eastern part of Sadar Hills and Mao-Maram sub-division. The settlement is in linear and clusters along the high way. The northern part of the region is relatively more populated and more developed in some aspects. Agriculture is the main occupation of this region with rural in characteristics.

      Table Tribe wise Population in Senapati District, Manipur 2001

Name of the Tribe	Population	Villages	Houses	% to District total population
1. Poumai Naga	1,44505	60	16,462	38.1
2.Mao	58,212	26	7,122	15.35
3.Maram	26,478	25	3,751	6.89
4.Liangmei	10,287	14	1,202	2.71
5.Tangkhul	8,769	41	1,563	2.31
6.Rongmei	3975	14	683	1.04
7.Zemei	6,675	9	940	1.76
8.Kuki &others	120313	401	1,3881	31.7
Senapati District	3,79,214	595	46,391	100%

    Sources: Hill house Tax, Assessment Report, 1999- 2001

    A profile: Senapati District-2002, Some Basic Facts of Senapati District: Page-3

 

The Poumai Naga tribe has the highest population in single tribe in Senapati district with the population of 1, 51,005.  The second highest comes the Mao tribe with the population of 58,212. The Poumai Naga comprise of 38.1% to the total population of the district. About 10.1% of the total villages in Senapati district are Poumai Naga villages. It is interesting to note that the Poumai Naga has only 60 villages but with the population of 144505 people, where as the Kuki and including some other Naga tribes have 401 villages but with the population of 120313 people only. On an average the total population of one Poumai Naga village is about 2408 people, where as the total population of one Kuki village or other small Naga village is about 300 people in Senapati District.

The Poumai Naga People                       

The Poumai Naga country is geographically located in Manipur and Phek district in Nagaland. The Poumai is one of the oldest and major Naga tribe and biggest tribe in Manipur. According to Hill house tax in 2001, the total population of Poumai tribe is 151,005. (including the Poumai in Nagaland). About 95.7% of the total population of Poumai inhabits in Senapati district, Manipur. There are four villages in Phek district, Nagaland with a population of about 6500 people⁹. The Mao and Poumai progenitor was same and they are supposed to be called as Poumai or Poumai Naga but the Poumai Naga tribe (excluding Mao) was recognized as the sub-tribe of Mao due to erroneous information passed by some interpreters to the British Anthropological survey teams in Manipur.¹⁰ Thus the Poumai Naga and Mao are recognized as MAO tribe till the Poumai Naga tribe was recognized as separate tribe. The Poumai Naga tribe is one the important tribe in Manipur and Nagaland since time immemorial. Their Pottery and Poutai (Pou salt) production was well known to the entire tribal areas in Manipur and Nagaland in ancient time.

 

The Central Government of India had recognized Poumai Naga as a separate tribe in 2002, under the Constitution of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled tribe Order (Amendment) Act 2002. The percentage of Poumai Naga to the total population of scheduled tribe in Manipur was about 19.8 percent and about 71.34 percent to the total population of scheduled in Senapati district in 1991.  The percentage of Poumai Naga to the total population of Senapati district is 38.1 in 2001. About 43 percent of the total villages have no bus service and about 10% of the total villages have no jeep able road linking to other village. There are many villages, which cannot ply jeep in rainy season. The villages located in the dense forests in the central and eastern parts have to travel on foot for about 5-6 hours to catch the bus from the nearest bus station in other village. In 1990s, there are some changes in respect of transportation and communications, which brought little ease to the Poumai tribe in some villages.

 The Topography of Poumai areas

The Poumai country in Senapati district is border by Phek district, Nagaland on the north, Ukhrul district on the east, Tadubi sub-division on the west and Saikul sub-division on the south. The total area of Poumai Naga Dominated Areas (PNDA) is about 1200 Sq. km., which lays between 93⁰47^/E – 94⁰18^/ E longitudes and 25⁰10^/N – 25⁰31^/N latitudes.¹¹ The land is fertile with copious flora and fauna.

 

Some of the famous rivers in Manipur like the Barak, the Iril and the Ngari River rise from the land of Poumai. The general elevation of the area is sloping form north-south direction and they are roughly parallel to each other. The land of Poumai is endowed with aesthetic nature that anybody who loves the nature will feel at home and develop a close bond with the land. The land is abundant with natural resources like forest resources, land resources, mineral resources and water resources.

 Climate and Rainfall

The Monsoon type of climate is found in entire Poumai Naga dominated areas. The Poumai villages are situated in the hilly ranges with dense forest. There is different climate in the northern and southern parts of Poumai land. The area is small but due to many hills and ranges, the different areas prevails different weather. The higher altitude of the central parts received relatively more rainfall and other part of the land. The northern part of the area is relatively colder as compare to the southern villages. However the entire Poumai country experiences a moderate temperature through out the year. The coldest months are December and January, while the hottest months are May and June and the highest rainfall also recorded in these two months.

 

The maximum temperature is 34.0⁰ centigrade and the minimum temperature is 3.0⁰ centigrade, which was recorded in 2000 at Kangpokpi. Kangpokpi is about 55 Kms away from the interior part of the Poumai villages. There is heavy rainfall during the Monsoon, but in winter with scanty rainfall or dry. The rainy season commence from the month of April, which is the time for the farmers to sow the seeds. About sevens months i.e. from April to October received rainfall in the areas. The annual rainfall recorded was 1031.42 mm in 1986 and 1910.75 mm in 1989 at Kangpokpi. The annual rainfall on an average in Poumai country is around 1400mm.

 Flora and Fauna

i) Flora

Both evergreen and deciduous forests are found in Poumai Naga villages. The evergreen forests and mixed forests in the area show the entire land a beautiful landscape. Some of the trees in the mixed forests shade their leaves in February-March. The entire forests land of Poumai looks very beautiful and romantic in April as the new leaves sprouted and bloom in spring. The elevation of the northern and central parts is higher with more thick forests, while the southern and western parts are less dense forests. Some pastureland is found in the southern villages like Koide, Tunggam, Ngamju villages etc. Some of the important trees found in the area are the Pine, Oak, Teak, Vaosii, Raisii, Chesii etc. The soil is mostly deficient in nitrogen, but it contains fair amount of phosphorous, potassium and other plant food ingredients. This made the entire villages with rich forests in Poumai land.

 

Every year the trees are cut down abundantly for Jhum cultivation and for firewood. The forest areas were consequently depleting year by year. As the population increases, there is more consumption of firewood. However there is not much problem for firewood in present situation since there is continuous regeneration of forestland and people are gradually realizing the important of forest. Wild fire is another threat to the forests in the land. The villagers were ignorance of wild fire and destroyed the forests in abound.

ii). Fauna

There is variation in elevations, climatic conditions and vegetation in Poumai land. A variety of animals are found in the land. To an avid explorer of wild life, the rich variety of rare birds and animals will be of immense interest. Many wild animals are found in Poumai country. Different kinds of birds are found in the area. One of the most important birds found in the land is Hornbill. Hornbill feather and wings are used for decorating pierced ears holes during the tribal festivals. Many migratory birds also flooded in the land during the winter.  Bison or Mithun is mostly found in Poumai villages. Mithun (buffalo) is mainly rear for ploughing paddy fields. The wild pig, wild cat, Otter, field mouse, porcupines, stag, deer, monkey, bear etc are mostly found. Some of the important villages where wild animals are found are – Ngamju, Ngari, Khongdei, Kodom, Tingsong, Khamsom etc. All the wild animals are mostly confined in the eastern part of the land, where there is less population and more forests. Hunting is not an important occupation of the people but the villagers continue to hunt the wild animals and the population of the fauna is diminishing year by year.

 

 

References

1. Geography part I Board of Secondary Education Manipur, (First edition), Imphal: Published by

   Secretary of BSEM, 1984: Page-129

2. Ibid: Page-129

3. Statistical Abstract of Manipur 2001, Imphal: Directorate of Economics and Statistics, 

    Government of Manipur: Page-39

4. District Handbook, Senapati District, Manipur, Census of India 1991, Series 15, Part xii-A&B,

    Page-4

5. A profile: Senapati District 2002, Published by District information officer, Manipur:

    Senapati District, 2002 Page-1

6. District Handbook, Senapati District, Manipur, Census of India 1991, Series 15, Part xii-A&B,  

    Page-4

7. Issue relating to the territorial Integrity of Manipur-A Naga perspective, compiled and published by the United Naga Council working group, December 10, 2002 p-5

8. A profile: Senapati District 2002, Published by District information officer, Manipur:

    Senapati District, 2002 Page-4

9. Rhi Zhonyi 2002, Poumai Community in Nagaland, Souvenir: Poumai Thounii Celebration 2002 p-23

10. Personal Interviews with R. Vio on 03-6-03 at Vakho.

11. Poumai Naga Tribe Recognition, 2003, PTM, Delhi, Souvenir, p-1

  

 

Hail the Heroes of the Native Faith

Courtesy: John Basho Pou

Fiftyfive years ago, my village (Koide) was purely a pagan village. But now, only eight pagans have been left unconverted into Christianity. The rest of the villagers have now embraced Christian faith. I said, these eight persons are the bravest defenders of the traditional religion, and invincible warriors. I hail them as the heroes of the aged old traditional pagan’s faith like Chinua Achebe who immortalizes Okonkwo, the protagonist in his famous novel” Things Fall Apart”. Okonkwo, the main character in this novel was a hero in his village, Umuofia in Africa who have bravely defended his native faith and culture till his last breath. He fought against the whites vehemently, knowing very well, that his culture and native region was slowly eroding due to the invasion of Christian faith and colonial rule.
Being a lover of culture and customs, and admirer of Okonkwo for his unconquered ambition and faith who courageously withstood against colonialism and died unwanted due to his die-hard spirit, I can proudly conclude that those eight pagans in my village are the bravest warriors who defend my culture and traditional practice which are on the verge of extinction.      
To many, my admiration for these strong pagans from village and others may seem like a laugh-at write-up. But, don’t get me wrong, folks. I am not through up religion conversion debate here. Let freedom of conscience do the talking. What exactly I am worried is who will take care and uphold our rich culture and traditions with the extinction of pagans who are the true keepers of the native faith and traditions. How many of us know how to count aged old traditional date and month just by gazing at the moon in the sky? Are we still celebrating traditional festivals at the right time or seasons? Are we not misusing cultural customs which are sacred, and highly valued and honoured by our great forefathers?  And still many more reasons why I strongly opine that these pagans should stay and uphold the culture, customs and tradition which is the very identity of my generation and many more to come.
To be frank, Christian priests and pastors came knocking on their doors with the similar message “We have been sent by this great God to ask you to leave your wicked ways and false gods and turn to Him so that you may be saved when you die” that has been used by the Christian Missionaries as a weapons for wining over the native faith in Umuofia in the novel “Things Fall Apart”, but these pagans in Koide village have politely shut their doors for culture and tradition sake. They foresee that someday this great culture and traditions will also vanish with the death of the pagans as they are the only traditions and culture keepers in the village. An old folk in my village got converted into Christian fold of late. But after then, he found no solace in his life as he was one of the few old pagans who used to observed sacred rituals and practices. Finally, he got reconverted into his original pagan faith. And he said, “I will die as a pagan, and in a pagan way”.
It happens in many other villages too. For instance, Maiba village in Senapati has only a single pagan who still practises pagan’s faith. I hail Him too as a great hero. He is another Okonkwo. The rest of the villagers are all Christians. And my thumbs-up to Liya village that has, perhaps, the highest population of pagans in Senapati. It has more than 300 pagans.
They work on the Sabbaths. Fast and pray to their deity after the deadly storms or lighting to save life of the humanity. When the villagers suffer from drought, they pray for rainfalls to save them from starvation. They tell the correct date for genna, and season of the year, time for festival, seasonal activities looking at the moon or else the whole villagers would be cursed by their deity. They have no records for folklores, yet they entertain villagers every festive time with forks songs and folktales. They pray before meals or drinks, and offer a pinch of their share to the spirits of their households before they put their hand into the plates. They observe rituals before the transplantation of paddy to save from nature fury, and for bountiful harvest. They believe all humanity will enter the same gate after death. Those who live a good and sinless life, their soul will go up into sky through seven stages, and the souls of sinners will go deep down the earth passing through seven stages. To live a good and sinless life is their motto

The Present urgent needs for the Poumai Naga

By-R.B. Thohe Pou

The Poumai Naga is one of the oldest and major Naga tribe, which is located in Senapati District, Manipur and four villages in Phek District in Nagaland.

The Poumai Naga is well known to the entire tribal areas in Manipur and Nagaland since antique due to its Pouli (Poumai Earthen pot) and Poutai (Pou salt) production.

The Poumai Naga also recognized as a separate tribe in 2002 and now to bring all kinds of development in Poumai area is totally depending on our unprejudiced and sincere hard work of our Poumai leaders…

We know that we are deficient in many aspects but who will be responsible?
Who are practically working for the development of the Poumai Naga society?

We need to contemplate on the present need for the development. Why we are still lacking? How can we bring more development?

Unless we find out the practical solution – it will always remain untouched all the problems. The road transportation can be one of the most important attributes to bring pragmatic developments in Poumai Naga dominated areas.

The availability of good road transportation is indirectly affecting the present economic condition, depletion of forest, indigenous agricultural practices, health of the people, trade and commerce, mindset of the people etc.

The Poumai Nagas have very rich land resources but it is still untapped. We have also great potentiality to practice truck-farming but due to pathetic condition of the road transportation especially in the central and eastern parts of Poumai villages – it is very difficult to cultivate vegetables and fruits for commercial purpose.

At present only 9.4% of the total households is using cylinder gas for cooking and other purposes. With the availability in good road transportation, it is also possible to reduce the deforestation for firewood consumption because people can obtain cylinder gas from Maram Bazar or Senapati.

Shifting cultivation and cutting the forest for firewood are the two main factors leading to depletion of forest in Poumai villages. If we have good road transportation – the present indigenous agricultural practices also can be improved.

Many people used to die in Poumai villages since the sick persons are difficult to carry on foot without the road transportation. Once the road transportation is availability in the areas, there is also great potentiality to elevate the present trade and commerce.

Unless there is good road transportation availability in the areas, even the mindset of the people also cannot alter. To have good road transportation – we need the political leaders who will work for the Poumai Nagas.

In Poumai Naga community, the Poumai Masou Me (PMM) and Poumai Tsiidoumai Me (PTM) can play a very important task in bringing better road transportation and other developments if they are sincerely working without any biased.

They also have the authority and power to deal with any political leaders to bring development in our villages.
________________________________________

RB Thohe Pou is a regular contributor to e-pao.net . The writer can be contacted at thohepou(at)rediffmail(dot)com . This article was webcasted on April 26th, 2007

source:www.e-pao.net