Kom people (Manipur)

The Kom are one of the tribes in a family of people called the Kom-rem naga mainly found in Manipur and in Mizoram of North-East India. [1] Koms were also known as the Old Kukis by the British. Even though they are referred as "Kom", among themselves they refer to themselves as Kakom kom naga. Kom-rem consist of six subtribes: Chiru, Aimol, Kharam, Purum, Koireng and Kom. Kom-rem are found in the Northeastern states of Manipur and Tripura. The majority of the Kom population reside in Manipur. They are found in almost all the districts of Manipur and concentrated mainly in the districts of Churachandpur, Bishnupur, Chandel, Kangpokpi, Tengnoupal, Thoubal, Kakching and Senapati.

Kom
(Kom Rem)
Total population
14,000
Regions with significant populations
India
(Manipur)
Languages
Kom
Religion
Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Hmar · Chiru · Mizo · Kuki

According to the 2001 Census of India, the population of Kom is 14,602.[2]

Origins

Their origin is unclear as they were nomadic people until they entered Manipur. Kom myth holds that the people emerged from a cave in Tripura. The location of the cave is believed to be somewhere in the borders of China. Karong (referred to also as Shongthu and Puvom), Leivon, Serto, Hmangte(Lampui/Nimrang/Ranthui), Telen/Thingpui, Khumdon and Mirem were the names of the leaders who came out of the cave. The names of these leaders became the clan names of the Kom people.

Clan names

The present clan names and their original clan name are as follows:

Original name Present name
Shōngthu Karōng
Saiche Serto
Misai Leivon
Mirem Lupheng
Telien Telien
Mangte - Nimrang Mangte - Nimrang
Hmangte - Lampui Hmangte - Lampui

Although the clan names have changed through generations, the elders of each of the main original clans are still among the Kom people. The majority of this community are Christian. Their stories - folklore and legends - are passed down through generations by oral/verbal forms or word of mouth.

Hairstyles (traditional)
  • Kom girl
  • Kom boy
  • Kom woman
  • Kom man

References
  1. Politics and Culture. Bookwell. 2013. p. 90. ISBN 978-9380574448.
  2. 2001 Census of India. "Population of Schedule Tribes of Manipur"
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