Anal: A Transborder Tribe of Manipur

The Anal tribe is found both in India and Upper Burma. Their ethnic frontier crosses the political boundaries of the two countries. Originally, this small group of the Tibeto-Burma, speaking Kuki-Chin dialect migrated from the rugged mountains and wide river valleys of Upper Burma to the south western hills of Manipur across the Chin hills. They established cultural and political relations with the Meiteis of manipur Valley. Now they occupy the Chakpi river basin as their homeland. Ethnically and linguistically linked with the Kuki-Chin section of the Tibeto-Burmans, the Anals had acquired social and cultural traits which are nearer to their northern neighbours, the Nagas. Their geo-Political situation has made the Anals a classic case of abridge-bugger community between the Nagas and Kukis. This had led to the problem of identity of Anal community itself. Socially divided into two moieties – Masum and Mulcham, the Anals live in a well – knit social organization, the customary laws and traditions are as well adhered to by the people themselves despite odernization specially the coming of the Christianity since the colonial times. But their cultural life which was once enlivened by the performance of magnificent ceremonies, ritual and festivals which were always accompanied by beautiful dance and songs, is facing the challenge of modernity. The Anals are politically organized at the village level. Chiefs and their councilors administer the village land, maintain law and order and justice. The coming of democratic norms with India’s independence has affected the Anal political system. The greatest change is in the realm of economic development. The traditional jhum cultivators are resorting to wet and terrace cultivation; educational changes have come. The study of two villages – Anal Khullen and Saluk – brings out the phenomena of continuity as well a change in Anal Society.