Some aspects of the pre-Buddhistic practices among the Tai-Khamtis of north-east India

Abstract

The Tai-Khamtis, a branch of the Shan Tai race, immigrated from Moung Khamti Long or Bor-Khamti of Upper Burma in the last part of 18th century is one of the enterprising tribes of north-east India. The Tai-Khamtis contributed a lot to the history and culture of the region. They played a significant role in the frontier history of India’s extreme north-eastern region and the resistance they offered to the colonial regime marked them out for special attention in the administrative history of the area. Although, they follow Theravada form of Buddhism, some sort of pre-Buddhistic rituals and practices are noticed in their day to day life which forms an intrinsic part of their socio-cultural life. The study of their rituals and practices reveal that their religion has absorbed some traits of pre-Buddhistic South-East Asian cultural traditions which they had brought with them at the time of their migration. The study is significant to understand India’s cultural relations with the south-East Asian countries.