Who are Mao Nagas?

About Mao Nagas:

• Mao Naga is one of the indigenous tribes of Northeast India. 
• It is one of the Naga tribes in Manipur.
• Language: Their language is called Mao, and also the whole land area inhabited by them is also called Mao.
• The Mao Nagas calls themselves Ememei or Memei in their language.
• Mao is geographically situated in the northern part of Manipur, adjoining the southern part of Nagaland. 
• According to the 2011 provisional census, Mao has a population of 97,195.
• The Mao Nagas live in a compact and well-protected village usually situated in the hilltop and mountain ridges.
• Their society follows a patriarchal system where descent is traced through the male lineage.
• Like any other Naga community, the Mao Naga is divided into different clans (Opfuta), which are further divided into sub-clans.
• Economy:
  • The economy of the Mao Nagas is predominantly agrarian, and rice is their staple food.
  • Terraced rice cultivation (both dry and wet) is a customary practice that Mao people have been engaged in through generation. 
  • They emphasized cooperative and collective endeavors and believed in the system of distribution in the form of a barter system or mutual exchange.
• Religion:
  • Before the advent of Christianity, the Mao Naga had their traditional religion known as ‘Opfupe Chüna-Chüno’ (religion of the forefather).
  • They believe in the existence of a Supreme being called ‘Iyi Koki Chüku Kapi Oramei’ (a benevolent God who protect and nurture man).
  • Today, the majority of the Mao Nagas have embraced Christianity.
• Festivals: There are four main festivals celebrated by the Mao Nagas. They are Chüthuni, Chüjüni, Saleni, and Onuni.

Q1: Who are Nagas?

Nagas are a hill people who are estimated to number about 2.5 million (1.8 million in Nagaland, 0.6 million in Manipur and 0.1 million in Arunachal states) and living in the remote and mountainous country between the Indian state of Assam and Burma. There are also Naga groups in Burma. Nagas are divided into sixteen main tribal groups, each with its own name and distinct language.

Source: Manipur: Mao tribe accepts verdict on traditional land dispute with Nagaland