Dimasa Traditional System

tribes of the district are Dimasa, Kachari, Jeme Naga, Hmar, Kuki, Karbi, Biete, Jayantia, Hrangkhal, Khelma and Vaiphei (Barooah, 2007: 2-5).

Traditional Dimasa polity was based on a hierarchical structure with the Khunang at the apex and with the Jalairao at the bottom. But the fulcrum of social structure was the bachelor’s dormitory (Nodrang). The topmost offices in the council were held by the Khunang, the dilik and the Daulathu who held their offices during their life time. The village headman (gaonbura), known as Khunang, looks after the welfare activities of the people and the village in general. He acts as the sole and responsible authority in delivering judgment or taking decision on any village affairs (Barooah, 2007: 14-15). Traditional practices have a very strong hold and these are still functional. Disputes are mostly settled according to customary laws by the traditional law enforcing social institutions. At the first level, disputes are tried by the village council (Panchayat, a term used by the Dimasas). At

Tripuris claim themselves as the rulers of Tripura from time immemorial (Barooah, 2009: xvii-xviii). They belong to Bodo group of Indo-Mongoloid origin and their language (Kokborok) belongs to the Tibeto-Burman sub-family of Sino-Tibetan family of languages. There are two categories of tribes in Tripura, i.e., indigenous and non-indigenous tribes. The indigenous tribes comprise of Pancha Tripuris, i.e., Puran Tripura, Deshi Tripura, Reangs, Jamatias and Noatias, Halams Chakmas and Mogs. Six minor tribes, namely, Munda, Oraon, Santhal, Bhil, Lepcha and Bhutias are non-indigenous tribes who migrated to Tripura as platation (tea garden) labourers. Among the Pancha Tripuris, the Tripui community constitutes 54.08 per cent of the total tribal population (Barooah, 2009: