Transition of Traditional Political Institution - Vhe (Chief of the Village) among the Poumai Naga Tribe of Manipur

Abstract

Most of the tribal societies revolve around through different traditional institutions in regulating almost every aspect of community life. The traditional political institution of the Poumai Naga tribe of Manipur is a remarkable example of this, where social, economic, political and cultural activities are governed by the Vhe (Chief of the Village). However, it has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of modern state structure, formal education and Christianity. Therefore, this paper was an attempt to explore the changing facets of the political institution - Vhe (Chief of the Village) while encountering with the modern state system, non-state forces and other influential modern elements. The central focus of the study was on the institution of chieftainship who has historically occupied a central position in the socio-political organization of many tribal societies. Central to these processes, the paper highlights the negotiations between continuity and change as this institution alignand adapt to modern state governance while maintaining its community identity.The present study was mainly based primary data collected through oral narratives, in-depth interviews (with village chiefs, elders, council members and youth) and observations by the researcher from the field of the study which was further substantiated by analysing the existing secondary literature. The study finds that while some traditional systems have retained their relevance and legitimacy, others have been reshaped or diminished under the influence of modern state structures.