Who are the Rongmeis ? Unveiling the Rongmei tribal civilization

Mark Legend Gangmei
The Rongmei people, an indigenous people of North East India, possess a rich cultural heritage that, when examined closely, reflects the sophistication of a tribal civilization with a highly organized social and political structure. The Rongmeis have developed fascinating systems of governance, law, education, culture and warfare. Their society is a testament of resilience, ingenuity, and the deep-rooted values that have sustained their way of life for centuries. In this essay, we will explore the major key aspects of the Rongmei people’s civilization, demonstrating that they were as advanced and structured as any ancient society.
1. The Village-State System
The Rongmei people trace their roots to ancient times, and their migration from Africa via China to the hilly landscapes of Assam, Manipur and Nagaland has given rise to a network of village-States. The historical narrative of the Rongmei is woven into the fabric of the East Asian, yet they maintain a distinct identity with their own language, customs, and rituals.
At the core of the Rongmei civilization lies the village-State system, a form of governance that parallels the city-States of ancient Greece or the kingdoms of early Europe. Each Rongmei village functioned as an autonomous State with well-defined borders, controlling its own territory and resources. This village-State system reflects a sophisticated understanding of land ownership, territorial integrity, and self-governance. Villages were not mere clusters of huts but well-organized political entities with social, cultural, economic, and military institutions.
The concept of maintaining borders and the defense of these borders against outsiders indicates that the Rongmei people understood the importance of sovereignty and control over their land. This political structure mirrors the organization of early civilizations, which also relied on localized governance to maintain order and protect their citizens from external threats.
2. Direct Democracy
In the traditional Rongmei society, direct democracy was a foundational element of their governance. The village, which served as the core political unit, functioned as an autonomous entity where every adult member had the right to participate in important decisions. The Rongmei people believed in communal responsibility, and decisions were made in open assemblies, where the entire village had a voice in matters affecting their collective welfare. This system ensured that governance was transparent, inclusive, and representative of the people’s will.
Functioning of Direct Democracy in Rongmei Society
Village Council and Assemblies : The Peikai (village council) was the supreme decision-making body in the Rongmei village. It was composed of the village head, who acted as the Chief Judge, and the elders, who provided counsel. However, the power did not rest solely in their hands. The entire village, including adult men and women, could participate in the decision-making process. Open village assemblies were held to discuss issues ranging from disputes, resource management, social policies, and defense strategies. Every villager had the right to speak, and decisions were often made through consensus.
Consensus-Based Decision Making : In contrast to majority rule, the Rongmei practiced consensus-based decision-making, which required discussions and debates until a decision that satisfied most, if not all, members was reached. This approach fostered a sense of unity and prevented the marginalization of minority voices. Elders played a significant role in facilitating these discussions, ensuring that decisions were made in accordance with tradition and fairness.
Clan Participation : The clan system, central to the social organization of the Rongmei people, also influenced their direct democracy. Each clan had representation in the village assembly, and clan leaders or senior members often voiced the concerns of their kin. This ensured that different groups within the community were represented, and that decisions benefited the entire village rather than just a select group.
Checks and Balances : The system of governance in Rongmei society had built-in checks and balances. Although the village head and the council of elders held significant authority, their power was limited by the collective will of the people. Important decisions were not made without the participation and approval of the village assembly, thus preventing the concentration of power in the hands of a few.
The practice of direct democracy by the Rongmei people was an integral part of their society, rooted in a deep respect for collective decision-making and community governance. This system ensured that every member of the village had a say in matters affecting their lives and that decisions were made in the best interest of the entire community. The Rongmei’s ancient democratic practices offer a remarkable example of how indigenous societies developed sophisticated forms of governance, challenging the notion that democracy is a modern or Western concept.
3. Peikai: The Supreme Court of the Village
The Rongmei people’s legal system, known as Peikai, further illustrates their advanced governance. The Peikai served as the supreme court of the village, where the village head acted as the Chief Judge, supported by a council of elders. This legal structure ensured that disputes were resolved fairly and in accordance with custom and tradition, much like the courts of ancient civilizations.
The role of the elders in Peikai signifies the importance of wisdom, experience, and communal leadership. Their decisions carried the weight of both law and tradition, much like the judicial systems of ancient societies where justice was administered by a council of nobles or wise men. This system provided a robust legal framework that maintained order, ensuring that justice was not arbitrary but rooted in the collective wisdom of the community.
4. The Morung System : Monastic Educational Lifestyle
Education and the transmission of cultural values were central to the Rongmei civilization, as evidenced by the Morung system--Khang-chu for men and Luhchu for women. The Morung was a form of monastic educational institution, where young men and women were trained in various aspects of life, including leadership, warfare, ethics, and cultural traditions. This system of education was not unlike the monastic schools of ancient Europe or the philosophical academies of ancient Greece.
The Morung instilled discipline, knowledge, and a sense of duty among the youth. It was a place where the young were groomed to become responsible adults, warriors, and leaders of the community. The inclusion of both men and women in this system indicates a progressive approach to education, ensuring that both genders played essential roles in the development of the village-State. This reflects a societal structure that valued education and the continuity of cultural practices, akin to the educational systems of ancient civilizations.
5. The Clan System
The Rongmei clan system is another testament to the social complexity of their society. Clans, or kinship groups, formed the backbone of social organization, with each clan having distinct responsibilities, roles, and privileges within the village. This structure was not unlike the family-based systems found in ancient civilizations such as the Roman gens or the tribal groups of early Celtic societies.
Each clan had its hierarchy, with a recognized leader who played a crucial role in decision-making processes within the village. This clan system fostered unity and cooperation, while also maintaining a clear division of labor and responsibilities. Inter-clan relationships, alliances, and marriages helped maintain social stability, ensuring that the village-state could function efficiently.
6. Organized Religion and Cultural Life
The Rongmei people are the only tribal community in all of North East India with a fully organized religion of their own. It is called Tingkao Chapriak. Beyond governance, law, education, and warfare, the Rongmei people had a deeply spiritual and cultural life, which further solidifies their status as a tribal civilization. Their traditional rituals, festivals, and ceremonies were designed to honor their almighty god, ancestors, and the natural world.
The Rongmei’s spiritual practices were intricately woven into the fabric of daily life. These rituals not only provided a sense of identity and continuity but also reinforced the social bonds within the community. The presence of spiritual leaders and the observance of sacred traditions ensured that the moral and ethical foundation of the village-state was maintained.
7. Warrior Tribe: Defending Against Outsiders
The Rongmei people were a warrior society, known for their ability to defend their village-States against outsiders and “barbarians” beyond their borders.

(To be contd)