Nongpok Haram : The Easterners In Pre- Colonial Manipur

Abstract

The ancient kingdom of Manipur is a cradle of human civilization and home of various groups. It was known by different names to her neighbours such as Kathe to the Burmese, Meklee to the Ahoms, Mooglei to the Cacharies and Cassey to the Shans. Since the earliest period, waves of migration had come into Manipur from different directions. They settled down in different parts of the valley and were gradually assimilated in the host society. The immigrants had contributed to the economic, social and cultural development of the state. The people coming from the east into Manipur during the reign of different Kings were known as Nongpok Haram. On the other hand, the people who had migrated from the west were known as Nongchup Haram. The paper is an attempt to give insight about the Nongpok Haram people. This paper throws light on the migration of the people belonging to this group. There will also be an attempt to study the process of their assimilation in the society as well as the changes they brought especially in the fields of economy.