History of the
Thangkhals
~ Lianzalal,
MA( Pub. Admn.)
[Seminar paper presented during National
Seminar on Zou Language and History conducted by Zou Literature Society (ZLS),
Manipur on January 3-5, 2013 at Zogal Hall Complex, Churachandpur, Manipur,
India.]
There is almost no account of the Thangkhals, however, we cannot simply deny their existence. This is evident from our oral history. Our history, customs and culture evolved from the oral accounts, tales, folklores,
folk songs, etc. Narrating or story telling was common among the Thangkhals in
the olden days. The Thangkhal peoples want to preserve their dialect which
became their identity in the present.
ORIGIN
The Thangkhals belong to ‘Chin-Kuki-Mizo-Zomi’ family of
Tibeto-Burman race. This stock originated from the Mongolian race. The
Thangkhal, themselves were known as ‘Zou’ in the olden days. They believed to
be the descendants of the progenitor ‘Zo’ or ‘Jo’ or ‘ Yao ’. The early
descendants of ZO progenitors were believed to be ‘Songthu’, ‘Songza’ and
‘Zahong’.
Terminology
The word ‘Thangkhal’ derived from the two syllables
-‘Thaang’ which means ‘a hilly region’, while ‘Khalh’ means ‘a dense form of
fog’. Similarly, the other possible root word of ‘Thangkhal’ is believed to be
‘Thaang Kaai’, which signify a mountainous region, where no one landed before.
Traditional shawls
The traditional tribal clothes like ‘Puanlaisan’, a shawl
made of red-woven fabricated thread; and ‘Puandum’, a textured of white, green
and red coloured shawl, were their traditional shawls. The Thangkhals called
‘Gungal Puan’.
Festivals
The Thangkhal peoples were fond of celebrating festivals
throughout the year. Some of their festivals are:- Gaal Aih (Head Hunting
Festivals), Sa Aih (Wild Beast), Miim Kut (Maize), Taang Kut (Barley), Khuadou
Pawi (Harvesting Festivals) and Ton (A festival of a prosperous and famous
person). All the festivals were celebrated in prompt and gaiety. During
festivals, the most common part is dancing ‘Laamkaih’ and singing ballads
‘Sannemla’ together by holding each other. On this occasions, local made wine
‘Zupi’ is usually served to everyone.
Village administrations
Every Thangkhal village has a Chief (hausa) assisted by
few selected village elders in looking after the administration of a village.
Decision taken by them was final and binding. The Chief is the most powerful
administrators in the village. Beside, some important persons of the village
includes namely, Tualupa (Senior elders), Siampu (Priest); Taangsampa
(Messenger); Sa-aineite or Sazawlneite (Good hunters/ Sharp shooters);
Galhangte (Brave Warriors) and Sikkhengpa (Blacksmith).
Family life
The father is the head of the family and the eldest son
usually took charge when the father dies. However, there are certain appointed
close relatives to stand by the family through thick and thin, and these
persons are collectively called the ‘Innsung Dongta’. They are - (i) Bangkua,
(ii) Bangkuazom, (iii) Thusa, (iv) Zawl,(v) Nuphal, (vi) Sasem. Besides, there
are - (i) Tanutaak, (ii) Tanuzawm, (iii) Tanu Thumna, (iv) Tanu Lina, (vi) Tanu
Ngana.
Taitam - the first home of Thangkhals
Literally, the word ‘Taitam’ has two similar meanings
i.e., ‘Long staying escaped people’ or ‘Numerous survivours’. It is the first
village built by the Thangkhals somewhere in China-Burma border, after leaving
the dreaded Khul cave. The village was said to be built before the Thangkhals
built their own village in Burma or elsewhere.
The Thangkhal have a peculiar type of dialect called
‘Thangkhal Haam’ from time immemorial. Thangkhal dialect is closely related to
Paite, Tedim and Zou tribe. These dialects were indeed, similar, but a varied
differentiation in tones, accents and meanings, too. The Thangkhals practised a
common dialect, culture, custom and tradition from the time immemorial. Some
typical words of Thangkhal dialect were- Vevaw, Tazen aw, Niaknuak, Valong and
Mataw. Thangkhal dialect has its uniqueness which could identify themselves
from their neighbouring tribes.
Thangkhal khawpi – the first village of
Thangkhals in Chin hills
The exact date of Thangkhal khawpi establishment is not
available. However, it is believed that Thangkhal khawpi is older than the
famous ‘Tedim’. Thangkhal khawpi was established by the Thangkhals.
The reign of the Sukte Chiefs
In the 16th century, the Pawis and the Suktes emerged as
the powerful tribal kings in the entire Chin Hills . This two royal chiefs
frequently clashes over the supremacy of the Chin Hills . The feudal conflicts
lasted for many decades. During those periods, the Pawis were considered as the
fierce warriors who dominated the land.
Since the rise of Pawi kings, every tribal villager
feared them. So they gave land tax known as ‘Khasana’. The Pawis were more
advanced than the Suktes. In those days, Pu Khanthuam Sukte lived in Mualbem
villge. He is the only one among the Zomi, who could communicate friendly
towards the arrogant Pawis. His diplomatic nature earned him great honour.
Thus, the Zomis living in Tedim village requested him to send one of his sons
to be the Chief. So that, the Pawis might hesitate to attack Tedim in future.
Since the Zomis trusted Pu Khanthuam, he send his eldest son Kamhau as a Chief
of Tedim Village. Kamhau have eight sons. They are: Zatual, Lianthang, Sawm
hau, Paumang, Thuamkhawlian, Thangkhawpau, Haupum and Khawcin. Pu Khawcin did
not have son, so his brother Haupum inherited the property.
Accordig to Sukte Custom, the youngest son inherited the
property of his father. When the sons of Khanthuam got married, they were
sent-off into different villages to hold the Chiefship. In due course of time,
this led to the expansion of the Sukte kings in the Chin Hills.
During the reign of Kamhau, the Tedim villagers collected
several weapons like Zothau (tribal made gun), Thalpi-Thaltang (bows &
arrows), Teipi (Spears), Namsau (Swords), Namta (Knifes), Sou –Thaang (Sharp
pined Traps/nets), etc. as much as possible to protect from any kind of
invaders. From that time onward, the brave Pawis could not attack Tedim
village. Gradually, the Zomis began paying taxes to Kamhau and the Sukte
Chiefs. This marked the end of paying tax to the Pawis. Within a short span of
time, Pu Kamhau became the great ruler in Chin Hills.
A description of Thangkhal Khawpi
Meanwhile, the Thangkhal Khawpi is well-established and
the Thangkhals were well-settled in their own home. Pu Thuamkhawlian, the fifth
son of Sukte king ‘Kamhau’, had an envious heart to rule the Thangkhal Khawpi
when he knew the Thangkhals were free. As agreed by the Sukte family, Pu
Thuamkhawlian along with some Sukte families and servants came and settled down
in Thangkhal Khawpi. Soon, he took the ownership of Village Chief in Thangkhal
Khuapi. By that time, the majority of Zomi villages were under the rule of the
Sukte kings.
The Thangkhal Khawpi has two local areas, viz, Boutung
Veng (Upper part) and Bounuai Veng (Lower lowlands). The Chief and his Sukte
brethrens concentrated in Boutung Veng, and the Thangkhals (the village
builders) lives in Bounuai Veng. The Suktes and the Thangkhals lived peacefully
together for many decades. The Village Chief, Pu Thuamkhawlian was highly
honoured by the Thangkhals and he, too, loved the Thangkhals affectionately.
The relationship between Sukte and Thangkhals became a strong bond of
co-existence. It was around 16th-17th century AD, according to our forefathers.
The fall of Thangkhal khawpi
One day, it so happened that the childrens of Boutung and
Bounuai of Thangkhal Khawpi quarrelled fiercely by shooting one another with
Saili (catapult) and Thoupong (bamboo-made sling). The quarrel took an ugly
turn and even the adults were at logger-heads. In the turn of events, the Chief
Thuamkhawlian having noticed the attitude of the Thangkhals, approached them in
good-will by following the usual practice of the old customs and cultures. He,
thereby, offered Zu Beelpi khat (a big pot of local rice-beer) as ‘Zu Um Tun’
for appeasement of the Thangkhals. He also killed a pig and made a Lemna
Annkuang (Peace-Dinner) with the sobbed Thangkhals at Pu Thahvum's residence.
Even though, the Chief adopted different ways to persuaded the angry Thangkhals
not to leave the village. The Thangkhals, on the other hand, were adamant to it
and vowed to leave the place once and forever secretly.
One day, there was a festival in the village. In the dead
of the night, the Thangkhals destroyed all their ovens to mark the end of
living in their house. The Thangkhals secretly left their sweet home in tears,
before the dawn break. Two young girls were left forgotten while they served
the festive villagers on that fateful night.
On the following morning, Pu Thuamkhawlian, the chief
came to knew all the doors of the Bounuai were closed. Besides, a silent
atmosphere prevails in the Bounuai areas. This alarmed the Suktes of the
Boutung. So much so that, the Suktes intended to kill all the Thangkhals who
left home. In this traumatic situation, the Village Chief consoled the hearts
of the furious Suktes.
Pu
Thuamkhawlian, calmed down his fellow men with a word, "My dearest
villagers, please calm down the idea of persuading our Thangkhal brethrens. If
you do so, you might not return home safe and sound. May it be known to all of
us that Pu Thahvum, Pu Phungsel, Pu Lingtut were great warriors who had never
missed their target even once in their attempt. They were brave and courageous.
From their threshold, they even had the courage to shoot down an egg placed
upon the heads of their wives. Not only that, they had with them ten brave
warriors whose skilled was second to none in shooting of guns. We were not
worthy to be mentioned to match their skill. Rather, we should negotiate them
by peaceful means only." By then, the Chief un-expectedly succeeded in
persuading his villagers who tried to pursue the Thangkhals by any means.
The journey of
the Thangkhals
Just after
leaving the Thangkhal Khawpi, warriors of sharp shooters led the crowded people
and a number of strong men guarded them throughout the journey. After moving
from the Thangkhal Khawpi, they came and crossed the Meitei Guun (Imphal river)
which is situated below the village of Tuithang beyond the river. Even to this
border, Pu Thuamkhawlian and his men chased them, and met them. He strongly
persuaded the Thangkhals to return back home and settle peacefully in the same
village. But the Thangkhal peoples turned down his request by saying that they
would not settled in a place where they had already destroyed their ovens. Pu
Thuamkhawlian returned home dejectedly.
Ancrestral
journey
After the
ancestors had left the Thangkhal’s village, they had travelled through these
places, viz, Thangkhal, Tuithang, Ngialzang, Suangsang, Philnak, Tal-ek,
Nivangtaang, Singgial, Khawdam, Aisih, Siallutaak, Hiangtam, Paldai,
Thangkhallamtun, Tuita, Tanmun, Thonghau Thangpikot, Tuaiteng Vum, Gallamtaang,
and Mulaam.
The Mulaam
village
Mulaam Village
came to be the first village of the Thangkhals in Manipur Southern Hills. While
arriving at the mountain, the elders of Thangkhals discussed to set-up their
own village so that they could live together again. By that time, they saw a
soaring kite casting a lot upon which animal or insect could be its prey.
Taking as a clue from the kite, the Thangkhals believed that the hill where the
shadow of an eagle fell would be a suitable place to live in. Thus, the
Thangkhals set-up a hilly village called ‘Mulaam’, which means ‘A soaring
kite’. It was around the 1800-1850 A.D that the Thangkhals came to settle in
Manipur.
Mulaam is
situated on the top of a mountain lying between the left hill ‘Khulh Vum’ and
right hill ‘Gamdawng Vum’. The geographical location of Mulaam contributes
significant advantages to the villagers in many ways. The village was entirely
surrounded by mud walls, which has two holes – Entry (in) and Exit (out), in
order to protect from any attacks. At Kulh Vum hill, a sentry (duty) post was built
and a wooden gong was hung throughout the day. From Kulh Vum, the surrounding
village is completely visible. This hill was the duty place of the Thangkhals
in the early days.
Separation from
Mulaam village
Pu Thahvum and
Pu Phungsel had advised and gave the caretaker of Mulaam village into the hands
of their nephew Pu Mangminthang. After that, they separated each other and
established different village in search of fertile land. Pu Phungsel
established Tuallian village and Thahvum established Sialkawng village. Pu
Thahvum also established another village Suangkuang. And some of them who
neither live at Tuallian nor Sialkawng settled at Kamkeilon. Thus, the
Thangkhals scattered and established their own village as they wish. A number
of Thangkhal villages existed within a short span of time.
The following
are the villages established by the forefathers of Thangkhal
Old Khaukual
(1846), Tuidam (1910), T. Khajang (1915), Gangpimual (1915), T. Khuangkhai
(1920), Khuainuai (1930), Hiangtam Khonou (1938), Suangkuang (1940), Kullian
(1940), Tuibuang (1946), Ngoiphai (1946), M. Tanglian (1947), Saiboh (1950), M.
Khuangmun (1951), M. Khaukual (1955), S. Belbing (1960), Teikot (1969), Phaisan
(1970), M. Buangmun (1971), S. Geltui (1971), S. Munhoih (1973), Teisalzang
(1975), M.T. Geltam (1975), T. Kotlian (1975), V. Suangzang (1980), Zoukhuonuam
(1996), Goshem (1998), S. Phaiza (2006), M. Salzang (2006), Singheu, Kullian,
Daktum, Muallum, S. Zezaw, Kamkeilon, etc.
Christianity
There came an
old man. Pu Thawngluan, an evangelist of the erstwhile Convention Church (Now
EBCC) came to Mulaam to preach the Gospel. The Mulaam Thangkhals vehemently
opposed him so he could not enter Mulaam. Pu Thawngluan had toured and visited
all the Thangkhal’s village to preach his Gospels. The Thangkhals, on the other
hand, tortured him mercilessly wherever they met. This man of God was shot with
slings and even stoned at him. He was also splashed with swine’s food.
During those
days, the Thangkhals hates Pu Thawngluan as a sign of ‘Bad Omen’ or ‘A Curse of
Evil’. Since his arrival, the children were thought to be unhealthy, which
fuelled headache to many parents. All the blames fell on this old man. The
Thangkhals did not welcome him in their village.
Then Pu
Thawngluan approached another Thangkhal’s hamlet called ‘Khajang’ on 7th March,
1939. In this village, he was permitted to stay in the village by the chief Pu
Ulchin. From Khajang, Thawngluan began preaching the Gospel among the
Thangkhals. Pu Ulchin received Baptism from Pu Thawngluan. He was the first
baptized Thangkhal. Gradually, the Gospel touched every nook and corner of
Thangkhal’s land.
In the 1940’s, the Thangkhals became Christians. The Christians
were that time classified as ‘Tapidaw’ which means ‘Believers of Christ’. In those
days, the early Christians suffered the brunt of Lawki followers. The old-aged
Lawki religion has gradually disappeared from the Thangkhal villages. Pu
Thawngluan worked and lived among the Thangkhals till 1947. Unfortunately, he
breathed his last on July 2, 1983.
[ The life and
struggle of Pu Thawngluan among the Thangkhals was realistically portrait in ‘Taanglai
leh Tu-hun’, the first Thangkhal film ever made in the early 90s.]
Church
The Thangkhal
Christians were scattered in different churches such as – Kuki Christian
Association, Convention Church and Presbyterian Church. It was only after 42
years of Christianity, the idea of unification through church developed in the
minds of the scattered Thangkhals. Thus the Thangkhals established ‘Thangkhal
Christian Association (T.C.A)’on April 4, 1981 at M. Tanglian village. The
first Thangkhal Christian song book, Pasian It La’ came out in 1982. After that
a series of Songbook and Sunday School book/syllabus came out. A New Testament
in Thangkhal dialect was translated and released in 2010.
Social
Organisations
The Thangkhal
Peoples’ Organisation (TPO) and Thangkhal Youth Organisation (TYO) came into
being in 1978, Thangkhal Sinlai Pawlpi (TSP) in 1987 and Zomi Fins band in
1985.
* Italics by web
administrator.
Bibliography:
[1] TSP SINLAI
SUANGPHUM (Souvenir: 1987-2008)
[2] TBC Silver
Jubilee Souvenir (1981-2006)
[3] TPO History
& Custom Book (Undated)
[4]
Khalvontawi.com (Thangkhal-based online portal)
[5] Thangkhal
Yahoogroups (Discussion Forum)
[6] The
Forgotten Tribe: Thangkhal (The Sangai Express, 17-09-2006]
Note: This seminar paper is prohibited to publish or webcast in print or online without the prior permission of the administrator.
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