Haochong Village: Rethinking its Existence

Haochong village is situated in the eastern part of Tamenglong district (Now in Noney district) and aptly coined the Western Gate of Manipur. The literal meaning of Haochong is jumping to hao (tribal) land which was given by the legendary king of Manipur Meidingu Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (33AD-154 AD). The local name for the village is Pantong, derived from a place called Kapantong. The village is regarded as one of the oldest villages in Manipur which has been continuously settled since time immemorial. The exact date of establishment of the village is not known yet historical data recorded and available in the royal chronicles of Manipur like Cheitharol Kumbaba and Ningthourol Kumbaba date the existence of the village during the reign of Meidingu Naothingkhong (663 AD-763) and Meidingu Irengba (906-996 AD).

Partial view of Haochong (seen here is Pungkalok)

Even though the village has embraced Christianity yet some age-old cultural traditions are still cultivated and no one would defy such tradition which has held the society together for so long. Christianity was resisted during the initial years but it gradually spread and in 1995 the village (church) celebrated its Passover. Haochong village today is the biggest village in terms of its population and size in Inpui area. It is about 13 km from national highway 53 which passed through Noney. And about 47 miles from Imphal, the capital of Manipur via Kangchup Tamenglong (KT) road which currently is under rapid construction in view of India’s Act East Policy funded by Asian Development Bank. The said highway will pass through Inthan (Waphong), Ijeirong, Bakuwa, and Kabuikhullen. Haochong continues to be the connecting link for the neighboring villages such as Khundong, Nurathel, Ijeirong, Puichi, Pungmon, Waphong, etc.

Stone slab used in the past to keep track of the population in the village (located at old village site)

Haochong village is a centre of transaction for the villages in the area as the village has basic facilities- like Physical Health Centre, Haochong High School, FCS Godown, Branch Post Office, ICDS Anganwadi Centre, Veterinary Dispensary, Sub Deputy Collector which soon will be upgraded to Sub Divisional Office, defunct office like LAMPS. The office of Inpui Naga Union, Manipur & Nagaland (INU). All Inpui Students’ Union (AISU), Inpui Naga Baptist Churches Association (INBCA) and other various registered NGOs are located in the village. The village presently is divided into two main localities based geography - Inmwan, which literally means village to denote the old settlement area, and Pungkalok, (meaning oval) the new settlement area which is now fast expanding (Pungkalok was one of the earliest settlement but was deserted to be resettled again). And the village is further subdivided into colonies like Koudop, Inlu, Amulutui (Bazingmun), Inmwanzai, etc. but according to the traditional village set up, the village was divided as Thanrwang kasak and Thanrwang kathwei which is used for division of labor and other functions of the village.

Education and Literacy:

The village though rich in cultural heritage and traditions were not known to the outside world except for few contacts with the Meitei king and with the foreigners especially the Britishers and the Japanese in the late 19th century and 1st half of the 20th century. In the past education was transmitted/imparted traditionally through the day-to-day observation and practices inculcated from parents, relatives, and friends and not necessarily by the school. And in that process, Morung played a very vital role. The existence of the village seems to be in the Morung as every known knowledge and expertise were imparted and inculcated to the youngsters, from social etiquettes, manners, various art and craft to how to work and cultivate the field. Modern education arrived in the 1920s under the aegis of British officers and local interpreters, after many requests and determined persuasion they got permission to establish a school and later was upgraded to lower primary and Middle English School (1950s) later absorbed by the government in 1965. Finally, it was upgraded to High School by the Government of Manipur in 1980. The village was once an educational hub in the district. Now Haochong has the highest number of graduates and the highest numbers of government employees compared to the surrounding villages. The village has the highest literacy rate in Inpui area with a total of 92.33 according to the 2011 census. The establishment of a privately funded English medium school known as Rose English School (1977) by some pioneers of the village is worth mentioning though the school has stopped functioning yet it has imparted quality education and brought tremendous change on how the villagers view education and the benefits it can endow.

How did Haochong survive to exist as a village for thousands of years?

Answer/answers to the above question can lie in the following:

1. Location of the Village:

The village is located on a mountaintop overlooking the low lying areas giving a perfect place for settlement which contributed to defending the village from coming enemies as headhunting, inthim raan (hiding war), inter-village, inter-tribal conflict was commonly practiced. The geographical location of the village, its gentle slope which is not prone to land/ mudslide, and rapid erosion also gave the people a sense of security and protection. The village faces the rising sun and this also may have contributed to giving the land a favorable climatic condition that is suitable for gardening and plantation. Oranges were said to be its main plantation crop in the village but now different fruits and crops are being introduced for both domestic consumption and market produce. Tribal villages or societies are usually situated in a strategic location like the rugged mountain and inaccessible hilly region which provided them with security and just enough providence.

2. Road Connectivity:

The village also has easy access to Imphal, the capital city of Manipur, and also with the western part of Manipur like Tamenglong, Jiri, etc connecting with mainland India. Through Kangchup Tamenglong road the people established a close and cordial relationship with the neighboring tribes (Zeliangrong, Chiru, Kharam & Kuki) and more importantly with Meitei royals and their culture. The road provided easy access to neighboring villages and towns and helps them in transacting business (barter system was in vogue before money as a means of a transaction was introduced).

3. Availability of Water:

The availability of water from different sources particularly village ponds and small springs which is one of the main elements in the establishment of the village. In the past, villagers have two to three waterholes in the lower low lying area of the village which was guarded and protected by the youth. Most of the said water sources have disappeared due to a lack of conservation and preservation. After the village expanded the people lookout for new sources of water to meet the needs of the ever-increasing water demand and supply. Today, iron & plastic pipes are used to draw water and provide a connection to every household in the village.

Main water supply tanks

4. Availability of Resources: The vast land area of the erstwhile undivided Haochong and the availability of other natural resources like plants and animals (flora & fauna) in the village have sustained the people for generations. Various animals like civet cats, stag, fish, deer, wild boar, bear, porcupine, squirrel, vulture, eagle, hornbill, peacock were in abundance but due to excessive exploitation of resources like unregulated hunting, jhum cultivation, etc, the resources have dwindled and some are believed to be extinct or force to migrate to other hospitable regions. The village even after its division into four villages which includes Nungtek I & II, Pungmon and Makhwam continue to provide the much-needed resources till today. Due to the above factor, the village also attracted people from other tribes to come and settled in Haochong, assimilating into Inpui culture and taking their identity.

Farm produced (king chilly)

5. Fertility of the Soil:

What one might overlook is the fertility of the soil. The village has rich forest cover which when slashed and burn gives a favorable condition for any plants or vegetables to grow. The productivity as compared to the past has been decreasing yet almost every area of the village is still cultivated to produce necessary food and providence even to an extent of marketing the surplus produced.

6. Social Systems/Strict Values & Norms:

A deeper study of the social system reveals a much deeper answer giving an insight as to how a village can survive for so long without disintegrating. The norms and values cultivated can be counted as a strong factor for the sustenance of the village till today. The village has strong cultural ethics and values which every person in the village of fear and respect. The inclusion of a person in the village may be welcome but migration from one village to the other is a long and tedious process. The fears of losing one’s traditionally own land and property may have also have contributed to their dilemma of deserting the village.

Main Historical Sites Worth Seeing While on a visit to the Village:

1. Ramah nu Inkamriak (Queen's Hiding Place):

The first answer to the question of which is the most frequented historical site in the village will be Ramahnu Inkamriak. It is the best-known historical site maintained by HSO. The rock cliff was once used by the villagers to hide queen Kumudini of Manipur and his son who were on their way to Cachar (Assam) in a bid to escape a war. The place is about 4 km from the village.

Visitors at the historical sites-Ramahnu inkamriak@Isaac Inkah

2. Bok Inkamriak:

Also used as a hiding place for Meitei king who was disguised as a pig by the villagers to escape the enemies. The site is just about 300 metres from Zeilwang nampaak (junction) at Pungkalok.

3.Ramahnu Kehiak (Queen's Footprint):

This is believed to be the footprint of Meitei Queen. It is curbed out in stone slab which is on the way to Ramahnu Inkamriak.

Ramanu Kehiak@Isaac Inkah

4.Helipad:

Referred to as the pinnacle of the village as it lies on one of the highest points in the village. The helipad was constructed to be used as a camp by Manipur Rifles. It is still used until today. Further work to beautify the area is being taken up by the villagers spearheaded by HSO. 

Helipad@Isaac Inkah

6. Antrimwanbut:

   The highest mountain peak and pride of Inpui area is about 10 km from the village. If you like trekking through the jungle and sleeping under the wild canopy then this is the right place. But you would have to take the guidance of expert trekkers or hunters who frequent the place. If lost and left alone, chances of getting back to the village on time are dim. Location-Southern part of the village
7.  Old Village Settlement Site. 

Haochong village as stated above is one of the oldest villages so you can expect to find many historical ruins, ranging from old village sites to village gates to the east and north. The sites are filled with ruins like kadai riak (the place where villagers entertain themselves by playing games, though the once vast expanse of land has shrunk it still gives an insight into the past historical settings), Karung riak (where meetings were held), Rishang in where traditional rituals and rites were performed and others such as Lianbong Lung Kasin, Katang lampui, Lamuiba Inka Lungsom, Kaji khun (where salt was produced) but not necessarily located in the same area/vicinity are prominent cultural heritage. The old settlement site is filled with stones slab many of which were brought from different area of the village. It is also a perfect place to watch the setting sun goes down the horizon.

The playground at the old village site@Isaac Inkah

Partial view of the old settlement@Isaac Inkah

The above sites are maintained and protected by Haochong Village Authority. Haochong Students Organization and Haochong Youth Club.

7. Reiziawmwan: A small hillock situated less than half a kilometre act as a perfect spot for picnickers and is maintain by Baptist Youth Fellowship.

View of Reiziawmwan from Haochong@Isaac Inkah

Important Institutions in the Village Today

1.Village Authority:

It is the highest governing authority in the village. It consists of all the male members who have reached adolescence. The hierarchy of power and status is maintained according to seniority and not by meritocracy. The divisions are Thampei Rup, Inganchang Rup, Katangrwan Rup. etc. The village authority has its proper office which is used for deliberating important issues pertaining to the village. It also acts as the highest court which is used to settle issues like marriage discord, land disputes, small theft and robbery, and other domestic issues to more complicated issues like settling murder, inter-clan, inter-village, and inter-tribal conflicts. In modern times, the authority of the village court and the validity of the customary law is being put into question and to an extent tested in order to identify whether the traditional norms are valid or whether they contrasted in lieu of the emerging norms and values system. The question of gender equality is also being put forward as village authority consists of the only male which can be called an exclusive tribal’s mans club. It may be noted here that though women were not allowed to be part of the decision-making process women are treated with high respect in society. The establishment of women organizations as women society (general) which functions under the village authority is a much-needed welcome change. The women's society assists the village authority in different ways especially related to women's issues, resolving cases, act as an intermediary and also partake in resolving extreme cases like kidnap, torture, and arrest of any villagers by militants or the Indian army. The women take the forefront in confronting and solving such issues.

Karung riak (the place where decisions were made)@Isaac Inkah

2. Haochong Baptist Church:

The advent of Christianity (Protestant-Baptist) not only dawn on the religious life but led to the total transformation of the village. The church has become the sole authority in the spiritual matter. The division/separation of power between church and village authority is quite significant. The church is headed by the pastor and his council of executives consisting of deacons, the board of different branches, youth, women, and children who share their part in the decision-making process. The church has celebrated 50 years of existence in 2009. The membership of the church is rapidly expanding. The church also sends missionaries and evangelists to various parts of Manipur especially Imphal valley. The church is in the process of constructing a new building that will accommodate the rising membership.ng Baptist Church also acts as a repository of both church and village history.

Youth during HBC Golden Jubilee 2015@Isaac Inkah

3. Youth Club:
 The youth club is one of the earliest recognized clubs in the Tamenglong district. HYC is one of the most powerful decisions making body that functions under the village authority. All decision and resolution taken by the club are enforceable once it gets the assent of the village authority. Its members include all youths who have to reach an adolescent age and now youths who are enrolled in the church youth fellowship. The club with the student body is responsible for the preservation and conservation of village heritage sites and protection of forest areas called Katang ramraak. It is also responsible for the conduct of sport both traditional and modern, training of youth in traditional dance and song, etc. The youth club is not only the center of youth activities but it also represents the village and sometimes the Inpui tribes in various events like sports, cultural display, television show, etc, important events and festivals within the state and beyond. The function and activities of the youth club sometimes overlapped with HBC youth fellowship.

Youth Meeting in Progress@Isaac Inkah

Students Organization:

Haochong Students’ Organization is a constituent unit of the apex All Inpui Students’ Union (Manipur & Nagaland) and also a pioneering body in student activism in the area established in 1990. The student organizations function as an agent of change in the village. The activities of the organization are not politics but activism which benefits the village and the surrounding area as a whole. The organization is responsible for the preservation of historical monuments. And advising the village authority whenever the service is called for. Today, it is one of the most active bodies in the village. It also takes active participation in the celebration of Karingei every year, conducting students an annual day, seminars, encouraging and giving a platform to the youth. Currently, HSO is publishing “The Reformer” its half-yearly bulletin regularly.

5. General Women Society:

     Modern tribal society once resisted modernity in whatever term it was but has now adapted to new challenges that the society face. In order to meet and confront the new challenges faced by the villagers, the Haochong General Women society was formed. The HBC women society looks after the spiritual well-being of the womenfolk in the village whereas the general women society is involved in the day-to-day functioning of the village. The society functions as back up to the village authority and sometimes act as an intermediary to disputes/ conflicts that may arise in the village and its vicinity. Society is bound to give their opinion whenever the village authority seeks their views on any issues. As stated, the society takes center stage when any calamity or war occur in the village where male are restricted to enter and mediate. The position of women is respected in the village and their contribution to the development and preservation of peace and tranquillity in the village has to be accounted for. It is affiliated to Inpui Naga Women’s Union (Manipur & Nagaland).

The offices of important Inpui apex organizations like Inpui Naga Union (INU) and Inpui Naga Baptist Churches Association (INBCA) are also located in the village but the two organizations did not interfere in the day to day life of the villagers and vice versa.

Quick Facts:

•  Neighbouring villages- Khumji (Lukhambi), Nagaching (Nganchiang), Pungmon, Ijeirong (Tuilimon), Nungtek I & II, Makhwam (Marangching) & Oktan (Puichi.
•  It is the centre of Inpui tribe where major tribal apex body offices are located.
•  The village is easily accessible by road or chopper.
•  Rivers- Iring (Lingkwa), Ijei (Ra ah) and their tributaries like Tuipuikwa, Sensi Kwang, Nungrakwa, etc.
•  Population of the village-1235 (As per 2011 Census).
•  Major clans- Bariam (Bariamtak/Bariampaan), Inka (Inka kasak/ Inka kathwei) & Khumba.

Notes & References:

 1.Souvenir Golden Jubilee Celebration. Haochong Baptist Church, 2009

2. Some information needs verification as the souvenir did not necessarily quote their sources.

3. Many of the villagers have migrated to different parts of Manipur (Tamenglong, Senapati, Khoupum, Longmai, Pantilong, Yurembam, Tamphagei, Sagolband, Ragailong, Majorkhul, etc), Mizoram and Nagaland ( Jalukie, Samziuram, Dimapur, Kohima).

4. Make sure you respect the culture and tradition of the tribe. You will be awestruck by the rich historical and cultural heritage. Interact with the villagers especially the elders. They are the real repository of history, knowledge & wisdom.

Further comments, corrections, and suggestions are welcome.

For more of Inpui culture visit IsaacNka & The Tribal Show @ YouTube

For Inpui poetry visit www.isaacinkah.blogspot.com/poetryininpuinaga