History of Thangkhal: Seminar paper presented...

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. 

Thangkhal dialect

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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