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Religion : Hinduism, Christianity,
Islam
Language : Manipuri (better known as Meiteilon in Manipur)
Regional Spread : Manipur and other northeastern states in
India. Manipuris are also present in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
Traditional Occupation: Agriculture and Handloom weaving
(mostly women are involved in this).
Population : Over 2.2 million
Food Habits : Mostly non-vegetarian
Marriage Preference :Prefer marriages in their own community
but are open to inter-caste marriages outside Manipuri community.
Famous Manipuri Dancers : Guru Senarik Rajkumar, Hanjaba
Guru Bipin Singha, Guru Chandrakanta Singha - Nartanachrya, Guru
Nilmadhab Mukharjee, Guru Haricharan Singha, Bibhaboti Devi,
Kalabati Devi
History and Origin : Manipur people are grouped into three
main ethnic communities - Meiteis those inhabiting the valley and 29
major tribes in the hills dividing into two main
ethno-denominations, namely Nagas and Kuki-Chins. Under the Meiteis,
Bamon and Meitei Pangans are also included. The legend of all tribes
including Meiteis claim that they originated somewhere in the north
from a cave. The difference came only in later parts of the history
after Meiteis were converted to Vaishnavism and the hill inhabitants
became Christians.
About Manipuri People : Manipuri people are simple and
largely untouched by the pollution of modern living. They love
outdoor life and natural surroundings. The general facial
characteristic of the Manipuris are of the Mongolian type. There is
a great diversity of the features among them. The people are very
good looking, fair, muscular and broad chested. Manipuri girls
usually have brownish black hair, brown eyes, fair complexions,
straight nose and rosy cheeks. |