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Zo people

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For the smaller, Northern Kuki-Chin-speaking group with a homophonic name, see Zou people.

Zo people
Mizo:Zohnahthlak or Zofa
Tedim:Zosuante or Zota
Thadou–Kuki:Zosuonte or Zocha
Regions with significant populations
 Bangladesh,  India,  Myanmar
Languages
Kuki-Chin languages
Religion
Predominantly Christianity, with significant minorities following Animism, Judaism (Bnei Menashe) and Buddhism
Related ethnic groups
Kachin people, northern Naga people, Karbi people

The Zo people[a] is a term to denote the ethnolinguistically related speakers of the Kuki-Chin languages[1] who primarily inhabit northeastern India, western Myanmar, and southeastern Bangladesh.[2]

The dispersal across international borders resulted from a British colonial policy that drew borders on political, rather than ethnic, grounds.[3]

Ethnonyms

Beginning in the 1990s, the generic name Chin have been rejected by some for "Zomi", a name used by a group speaking Northern Kuki languages.[4] The speakers of the Northern Kuki languages are sometimes lumped together as the Zomi's. Some Zomi nationalists have stated that the use of the label Chin would mean subtle domination by Burmese groups.[5][6]

In 2023, during the Manipur violence the Kuki tribes of Manipur were referred to Kuki-Zo, Before it was specifically only Kuki in context of Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Tripura.

Origin

The Zo people trace their ancestry to the Tibeto-Burman family, migrating from the Mekong River basin thousands of years ago. They settled in the mountainous regions of Southeast Asia and developed distinct linguistic and cultural identities. The term "Zo" is believed to mean "highlander" or "people of the hills."[7][8]

List of Zo tribes

The Zo people, also known as the Kuki-Chin-Mizo group, comprise various tribes primarily inhabiting northeastern India, western Myanmar, and southeastern Bangladesh. These tribes share linguistic and cultural similarities, speaking languages from the Kuki-Chin branch of the Tibeto-Burman family.

Here are some of the prominent tribes among the Zo people:

  • Mizo people: Primarily residing in Mizoram, India, the Mizo are known for their rich cultural heritage and traditional dances.
  • Kuki people: Kuki people are an ethnic group primarily residing in the northeastern states of India—notably Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram, Assam, and Tripura—as well as in Myanmar and parts of Bangladesh. They are part of the larger Kuki-Chin-Mizo family, sharing linguistic and cultural similarities with related groups.
  • Hmar people: Found in the Indian states of Manipur, Mizoram, and Assam, the Hmar people have a distinct language and cultural practices.
  • Paite people: Inhabiting parts of Manipur and Mizoram in India, the Paite community is recognized for its unique dialect and traditions.
  • Thadou people: A significant tribe in Manipur, India, the Thadou people are known for their vibrant festivals and customs.
  • Lai people: Predominantly found in the Chin State of Myanmar and Mizoram, India, the Lai people have a distinct language and cultural heritage.
  • Chin people: Residing mainly in the Chin State of Myanmar, the Chin people encompass various sub-groups with diverse languages and cultures.These tribes, among others, contribute to the rich tapestry of cultures within the Zo people, each with its own unique traditions, languages, and histories.
  • Vaiphei: Found in Manipur, India, the Vaiphei community is known for its unique dialect and traditions.
  • Simte: Inhabiting regions of Manipur and Mizoram in India, the Simte tribe has its own language and cultural practices.
  • Ralte: A sub-group within the Mizo community, the Ralte people are primarily located in Mizoram, India.

Geography

Zo inhabited areas

They are spread out in the contiguous regions of Northeast India, Northwest Burma (Myanmar), and the Chittagong Hill Tracts in Bangladesh. In India, they are most prominent in Manipur, Nagaland, Assam and Mizoram. Some fifty Kuki/Zo peoples are recognised as scheduled tribes.[9]

Religion

Traditionally, Zo people followed animism and practiced ancestral worship.

In the 19th century, Christian missionaries converted many Zo people to Christianity, and today, Christianity (mostly Protestant) is the dominant religion among them. Minorities practice Buddhism, Judaism or indigenous beliefs.[10][11]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ also known as Kuki-Chin-Mizo people

References

  1. ^ "Kuki-Zo bodies oppose move to review ST status of certain tribes". The Hindu. 10 January 2024. ISSN 0971-751X. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  2. ^ "Kuki-Zo tribes - Gokulam Seek IAS". 11 January 2024. Retrieved 23 May 2024.
  3. ^ T. Haokip, 'The Kuki Tribes of Meghalaya: A Study of their Socio-Political Problems', in S.R. Padhi (Ed.). Current Tribal Situation: Strategies for Planning, Welfare and Sustainable Development. Delhi: Mangalam Publications, 2013, p. 85.
  4. ^ History of Zomi T. Gougin - 1984 "In Burma the people like to renounce the term Chin in favour of Zomi. Zomi is becoming more and more popular in Churachandpur district of Manipur adjoining the Chin State of Burma as group identity in repudiating Chin. The term ..."
  5. ^ B. Datta-Ray Tribal identity and tension in north-east India Page 34 1989 "Now to accept the term Chin would mean subtle Paite domination in the matter, which the other groups like the Hmars, Zous, Anals and Koms may not coopt. A Zomi leader categorically stated that 'Chin' is a Burmese word which literally ..."
  6. ^ Keat Gin Ooi - Southeast Asia: A Historical Encyclopedia, from Angkor Wat to East ... - Volume 1 - Page 353 2004 "Until recently, there appeared to be a consensus that the term Chin was not an identity that any of these peoples would choose to describe themselves, ... Some promote the terms Zomi and Zo, stating that they are derived from the name of the mythic common ancestor of all ..."
  7. ^ "The Generic Name | Zogam .::. Home : Zomi ethnic group located at boundaries of India, Burma (Myanmar) & Bangladesh". www.zogam.org. Archived from the original on 6 August 2024. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  8. ^ "Ethnic History and Identity of the Zo Tribes in North EastIndia – Journal of North East India Studies". Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  9. ^ "Alphabetical List of India's Scheduled Tribes". Archived from the original on 10 February 2009.
  10. ^ Project, Joshua. "Zou in India". joshuaproject.net. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
  11. ^ "Ethnicity, religion, a shared history: ties that bind the Zo peoples of Manipur & Mizoram". The Indian Express. 5 July 2023. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
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