• Dr. Lalhrilmoi Hrangchal

Abstract: Tribal traditions are replete with fascinating practices that invites notice and attract attentions. Some of these practices are long extinct with no hope of revival while some are in the process of dying. Certain reasons attributed to this are various stages of transition, Christian missionary influence and subsequent conversions, and agents of modernization. With regard to these, a very beautiful practice of the Hmar which is in the process of dying fast is worth studying. This is called Zawl-inkei which can be best explained in terms of ‘social way to entitle a friend as a blood brother’. The ceremony that marks this ‘status quo’ is simple, not elaborate but impressive. It is like an oath-taking ceremony that binds the two friends for life, to stick by each other through thick and thin. Even if motion pictures are made or the same treasured in archives, they would not compare to the real practice because their vital essence would be missing. The present article therefore, attempts to describe and analyse this simple but important ceremony in its entirety. But due to lack of works on it, there exists hardly any primary or secondary sources for reference. Therefore, this work is mainly based on little primary source and interviews with elderly, experienced, knowledgeable and reliable persons. The purpose of this study is to bring out one of the most beautiful and meaningful practices of the Hmar community of India and record the same for posterity.

Tribal practices, Zawl-inkei, transition, modernization, posterity

"Fascinating Practices of the Hmar with Special Reference to the Custom of Zawl-inkei: Past and Present Context", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 12, page no.e525-e532, December-2021, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2112465.pdf

"Fascinating Practices of the Hmar with Special Reference to the Custom of Zawl-inkei: Past and Present Context", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.8, Issue 12, page no. ppe525-e532, December-2021, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2112465.pdf