Tenyimi people

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Tenyimi
Total population
Approx. 700,000–1,000,000
Regions with significant populations
India (Nagaland · Manipur · Assam)
Languages
Angami · Chokri · Kuzha/Khezha · Emela · Inpui · Liangmai · Maram · Pochuri · Poula · Rengma · Rongmei · Thangal · Zeme
Second language:
English · Meitei · Nagamese
Religion
Majority:
Predominantly Christianity in modern times (mainly Baptist and Catholic)
Traditionally:
Heraka · Pfütsana
Minority:
Heraka · Pfütsana
Related ethnic groups
other Naga peoples

The Tenyimis are an ethnolinguistic and socio-cultural grouping of several Naga ethnic groups inhabiting the Northeast Indian states of Nagaland, Manipur and parts of Assam, who are believed to share common ancestry and overlapping cultural traditions. The Tenyimis constitute one of the major historical and cultural blocs among the Naga peoples.[1]

The Tenyimi grouping includes the Angami, Chakhesang, Liangmai, Mao, Maram, Pochury, Poumai, Rengma, Rongmei, Thangal and Zeme communities. In broader cultural discourse, some related groups such as the Sümi Aphuyemis are occasionally associated with the Tenyimi cultural sphere.

Origins

Tenyimi oral traditions trace their ancestral homeland primarily to Makhel, an ancient settlement located in present-day Senapati District of Manipur.[2]

Another important ancestral settlement frequently referenced in Tenyimi traditions is Khezhakeno in present-day Phek District of Nagaland.

Geography

Tenyimi populations are concentrated in northeastern India.

Nagaland

Major Tenyimi-inhabited districts include:

Manipur

Major Tenyimi-inhabited districts include:

Assam

Smaller Tenyimi populations are found in:

Ethnic composition

Angami

The Angamis are among the most prominent Tenyimi communities. They are found in Kohima District, Chümoukedima District and Dimapur District of Nagaland.

Chakhesang

The Chakhesangs are a composite tribal identity formed from Chokri, Khezha and Southern Sangtam (Now Pochury). They are found in Phek District of Nagaland, Senapati District and Ukhrul District of Manipur.

Inpui

The Inpuis primarily inhabits the Noney District of Manipur.

Mao

The Mao Naga primarily inhabit northern Manipur and southern Nagaland.

Maram

The Maram Naga inhabit the Senapati District of Manipur.

Pochury

The Pochurys are found in Meluri District of Nagaland.

Poumai

The Poumais are found in Senapati District of Manipur.

Rengma

The Rengma Naga inhabit parts of Nagaland and Assam.

Thangal

The Thangal Naga are a smaller Naga community primarily located in the Kangpokpi District of Manipur.

Zeliangrong

The Zeliangrongs are a composite tribal identity formed from Zeme, Liangmai and Rongmai. They are found in Peren District of Nagaland, Tamenglong District of Manipur and parts of Assam.

Language

Tenyimi languages belong to the Sino-Tibetan family, within the broader Naga linguistic subgroup. Major languages include:

Tenyidie

Tenyidie, based largely on Angami speech, is one of the most standardized literary languages among Tenyimi peoples. It is used in education, literature and church communication.[3]

Religion

Christianity

Today, the majority of Tenyimi are Christians, predominantly affiliated with:

Culture

Festivals

Major Tenyimi festivals include:

  • Sekrenyi (Angami)

A purification and renewal festival[4]

  • Tsükhenyie (Chakhesang)

An agricultural and thanksgiving festival is the Chakhesangs

  • Chiithuni (Mao)

The festival is celebrated to mark the end of the harvest period and the beginning of a new period.[5]

Modern identity

Contemporary Tenyimi identity has been strengthened culturally through the Tenyimi People's Organisation (TPO).[6]

See also

References

Further reading

  • Hutton, J. H. The Angami Nagas
  • Elwin, Verrier. The Nagas in the Nineteenth Century