THADOU TRIBE (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – Indian Society)

Context: The Thadou Students' Association (TSA) has established a global platform to address critical issues facing the Thadou tribes, with a focus on challenges in Manipur.

Thadou Tribe

• About: The Thadou are a Kuki people located chiefly in the hill country adjacent to the Imphal Valley in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur, covering about 26,000 square kilometers.
• History: 

oMigration Theories: The Thadou tradition suggests their origin south of their current habitat, with migration possibly driven by intertribal conflict and land needs. 

oCultural Identity: The Thadou view themselves as destined rulers of the Earth and reject any form of domination, a belief that fueled the Kuki rebellion of 1918-1919.

• Cultural Affinities: They share many cultural affinities with neighboring groups such as the Koms, Aimols, Khotlhangs, Lusheis, Chins, Pois, Suktes, Paites, and Gangtes.
• Linguistic Background: The Thadou language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman Family of the Sino-Tibetan Phylum and has similarities with Metei, Kachin, Garo, Lushei, and other Old Kuki dialects.
• Kingship: The Thadou are subdivided into several exogamous clans among which are the Shitlhous, the Dongngels, the Kipgens, the Shingshons, the Chonglois, the Hangshings, and the Phohils. 
• Marriage: Four forms of marriage exist among the Thadou: chongmu, sahapsat, jol-lha', and kijam mang.
• Religious Beliefs: The god Pathen is believed by the Thadou to have created everything. He is also believed to be the ruler of the universe.