ME AND MUSEUM

This article explores the science of Meitei belief system culminating with traditional pre-vaishnavite form of religion. Worship of Pakhangba and beliefs and practices associated with Paphal cult are instrumental in the cultural and social integration of the people of Manipur. The abode of Paphal in sacred places, groves, lakes, mountains, river, caves and forests are merely not a matter of its cultural existence but also prove its biological concern by taking a decisive role in conserving nature.   Paphal representing Ningthouja (royal) clan Religion plays an important role in the growth of human civilization and every society are religious in expressing culturally laid resolution of social and psychological problems. Every society, be it ancient or modern, passes through naturalism and animism. The animistic and naturalistic faiths, those of which are deeply rooted in the beliefs and practices of a society, remain to exist in some forms even if it has undergone c...

* Banita Behera IGRMS, BHOPAL T he remarkable scanty cloth 'Ringa' of Bonda tribe of Odisha is other wise known as 'Nadik'. The Bonda women look exceptional when they are in their traditional wear Ringa . The Bonda with very few population is one of the most primitive tribal group found in Malkangiri and  undivided Koraput districts of Odisha.The long inhabitation of this tribe make this region as Bonda country and the hillock present in this region is known as Bonda hill. The inclination towards their own culture stand them as a most primitive tribe in India . The community gained it's name from 'Bondi Mahadevi'. The clustered settlement pattern and beautiful head touching mud-plastered houses beautifully thatched with Pir grass reflect the nature loving characteristic of the Bondas.With the extraordinary culture of  age gap marriage custom, the beauty of beads together with Ringa wear the women of this  community now beco...

Saling- a memorial of the ancestral past

* From the Kom tribe of Manipur Kom is an important tribal group among the 33 Scheduled Tribes of Manipur. They are found largely in Churachandpur & Chandel and Senapati districts of Manipur. From the available oral tradition of the tribe, they believed that their ancestors have come out to present land from the Khurpui (a cave) by piercing a ferocious tiger that stood on their way. This is well reflected in their folk songs, myths and legends. Kom tribe of Khoirentak village are fondly referred to as the turbaned people by the neighbouring villages of Manipur valley because they adorn their Lukom (traditional turban) symbolizing a prestigious head dress among every male of the tribe. The tradition of erecting memorial pillar as a symbol of status for a noble or rich person in a village was prevalent among the Kom tribe of Manipur in their ancient past. Such kind of memorial pillar, traditionally known as Saling  represents a unique structure o...

* From the Meitei cosmological beliefs Oral tradition occupies an important place among the folk and indigenous societies. These oral treasures, belief system and practices are deeply woven into the life and culture of Meitei people. One such folk belief concerning the Koubru Mountain whom they believe as their guardian deity controlling the Northern direction. It is believed that earlier there was a vast expanse of water and earth was submerged in the water. At the time of creation, the Taibang Panba Mapu (creator) drawn up the earth to form hills. These hills were Koubru, Nongmaijing, Thangjing and Wangbrel which forms the foundation of the world. Koubru was the first to be drawn and represents the head in the bio-physical structure of the land. Rivers originated from these hills forms the arteries of the body and Loktak Lake as the pelvic zone. After the divine creation when the water gets gradually receded, extension of the valley settlement took place. The place where first ...