The Marams are a Naga ethnic group, inhabiting Senapati district of Manipur state. The Maram people are united by a common past, language, customs, and practices. Well known for their rich cultural heritage, the Maram folk songs and tales speak of a glorious past.
According to folk lore, the first parents of the Marams were Madungkasyii and S’mutingdangpui, each believed to have been fashioned out by the creator from a creature of the earth. Madungkasyii is made out of N’set (worm) and S’mutingdangpui out of Atingpui (water creature). Since N’set bores into a tree it becomes symbolic of the male principle and Atingpui, being the water creature, becomes symbolic of fertility and regeneration. [i]
The Marams live in villages (numbering around forty) scattered all over the geographical expanse generally known as the Maram Area. The Marams are surrounded by other Naga ethnic people in all directions: Mao, Poumai, Thangal, and Zeliangrong (Liangmai and Zeme). According to the 2011 Census of India, the total population of Marams is 40,658, out of which 20,967 are males and 19,691 are females. [ii]
The people speak the Maram language. Maram Khullen (also called Maramei Namdi) is the biggest and oldest Maram village. The quintessential role of Maram Khullen as the preserver of the Maram’s culture, social norms and ethos continues to hold sway. It zealously guards the many customs and traditions of the Maram people. The village follows the “LUNAR” calendar for its customs and traditions. Willong is the second-largest Maram village where, awareness about and practice of, traditional mores and culture are still prevalent.
The Marams use Roman script in writing their language. Agriculture is the main occupation of the people. Although the food habit of the people is quite similar to that of the other Naga people, in the past the Maram people did not consume pork.
The two major festivals of the Marams are Punghi (celebrated around July) and Kanghi (around December). It also celebrates a unique festival called Mangkang around April every year dedicated to the women folks.
Among others, three places of interest in the Maram area may be mentioned here: Tomb of Apou Rangtaiba; Stonehenge-like monoliths; and Sadim Lizai. The tomb of Apou Rangtaiba is located in Maram Khullen. Apou Rangtaiba is believed to be a man with supernatural powers. The stonehenge-like monoliths are located in Willong Khullen. Legend has it that the number of monoliths is uncountable because there is a spirit that deliberately confuses you midway while counting them. Sadim Lizai is a lake located on the mountain top of Sadim Pukhri Village, covering an area of around 600 square metres. The lake has historical connections with the legend of Apou Rangtaiba and his friend Apou Pungtingpii. At present, the lake is well-known for its natural richness in snails and fish.
The Maram Nagas continue to maintain a form of monarchy. The present king K. Namba was crowned on 28 April 2011. [iii]
Although the majority of the population has embraced Christianity, some people still follow the traditional religion which may be characterized as a form of animism.
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NOTES:
[i] Kanga Monica (2009), “Folk Tales of Maram: A Critical View”, Tinghaa, A newsletter published by the ‘Maram Students’ Union, Delhi’
[ii] A. Stephen, et al (2020), “Problems of Higher Education among Maram Naga Tribal Women: An Empirical Study”, Journal of Critical Reviews (ISSN- 2394-5125), Vol. 7, Issue 19
[iii] This followed the death of his mother, the Queen who passed away on 27 August 2010. After the current King’s father (Karang) died, the mother (Hinga) had carried on the tradition as the Queen. With the coronation, Namba is officially referred to as Sagong Namba (Sagong means King in Maram language).
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Contributed to the International Council of Naga Affairs (ICNA) by Peter Ki, PRO, Nagaland University. ICNA reserves all rights.
Featured Image: Tumuyon Dance Troupe / Photo: Maram Naga
Content Image: First top four images: Maram Naga FB; Second four images: Maram Naga FB. The picture has been reworked/merged by the International Council of Naga Affairs (ICNA).
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