Description

About The Book

The present study elucidates the customs and cultures of the Kukis, encompassing the entire life cycle from pregnancy to death. It provides a detailed account of traditional practices in village life and administration, marriage and death rituals, musical instruments, folk songs, and folklore. The book is organized into twelve chapters.
Chapter 1 introduces the study, explaining the purpose, defining the concepts of custom and culture, outlining the methodology, and noting the limitations. Chapter 2 focuses on customs surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, child dedication by the kho thempu (village priest), and blessings by pute (maternal uncles). Chapter 3 explores different forms of marriage, including arranged marriages, elopement, and associated taboos. Chapter 4 discusses kinship principles and relational terms such as Mi-Upa, Naopa, Tucha, Sunggao, Teh le Khang, Nulam Sanggol, and Tu le Be.Chapter 5 covers death-related customs including Kosa, Longman Del, Sahnit & Salnit, Toltheh, Hemkham, Gamlo, and Kulsamnu. Chapters 6 and 7 detail village administration, roles of chiefs and villagers, and customary judicial systems. Chapter 8 describes traditional jhum cultivation and the use of wild and domestic fruits, vegetables, and animals. Chapter 9 discusses festivals, dormitories, and indigenous sports like Chon le Han, Sa-Ai Chang-Ai, Lom Somge, and Golseh. Chapter 10 explains traditional healing practices and epidemic prevention. Chapter 11 includes folklore, folk songs, paolui (old words), and paotah (new words). The final chapter, Chapter 12, highlights additional customs, including signs used for predicting the future, traditional clothing, war gear, seasonal names, idioms, and phrases.

About The Author

Dr. Onkholun Haokip is a professional social worker. He completed his Master of Social Work from Indira Gandhi National Tribal University (IGNTU) and earned his Ph.D. from Assam University, Silchar. He served as a Village Secretary for more than 20 years, and this experience has enriched his understanding of Kuki customs and culture. He has published two articles on Kuki tribal chieftainship and village administration in reputed peer-reviewed journals. He also has hands-on experience with various tribal customs, cultures, and development programs through his field visits to tribal areas in Jharkhand and Vidarbha while working at the Society for Promotion of Tribal Welfare and Development (SPTWD), a Delhi-based national NGO. His areas of interest include tribal land ownership, entrepreneurship and skill development, and youth studies.