Politico-Economic Development of the Tribals of Manipur: A Study of the Zomis

The Zomis, formerly known as the Chin-Kuki-Mizo groups are found in the different states of India such as Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Assam and Meghalaya. Apart from India they are mostly found in Myanmar and Bangladesh. The volume refers this group of people under the ZOMI nomenclature. The book examines the traditional political institutions of the Zomis and their functioning. Thus it examines the origin of chieftainship, its powers and functions. It also examines the limitations imposed by the state government through legislations on the power of the village chiefs which has created many problems relating to proper administration of the village, maintenance and utilization of the village resources. The book analyses growth of modern political institutions with the setting up of the Hill Areas Committee, the District Councils and the introduction of democratic elements in the village administration. It further analyses tribal political participation in the different democratic institutions through elections and nominations. It shows the rising trend of the political participation of the tribal in the decision making process of the state. Besides, the volume makes an analytical study of the economic development of the Zomis thereby reflecting the stages of change from backward economy to a forward one. Based mainly on primary sources, this fully documented volume will be of immense help for planners and decision makers so far as tribal development is concerned. The book will be of absorbing interest to scholars and general readers alike.