Tripura, the land of fourteen gods and million statues

Introduction:- The Bongcher forms a sub-tribe of Halam which is one of the Schedule Tribes in Tripura. Some of them are also referred to as Bongshi especially in the habitation of Kulai Ganta Cherra under Ambassa Sub-Division and Howaibari under Teliamura Sub-Division. According to them Bongcher is the correct term. The Bongchers belong to the Indo-Mongolian racial family and linguistically they belong to Kuki-Chin group in Tibeto- Burman family. The Bongcher occupy sixth position among the ‘Baro khil Halam’ (a community consist of twelve sub-tribes) which was introduced most probably during the reign of Amar Manikya(1584-86). Baro Khil Halam is consists of twelve sub-tribes namely (1) Malsom, (2) Kaipeng, (3) Hrangkhwal,(4)Kalai, (5) Rupini,(6) Bongcher, (7) Karbong, (8) Langkai, (9) Morsophang, (10)Thangachep,(11)Saimar and (12) Charai. Apart from Baro Khil Halam, some more other sub-tribes of Halam are also found in Tripura such as Dab, Bong, Ranglong and Sangkachep, Nabin . All these sub-tribes of Halam came from the origin of Kuki tribe. The name Halam is coined by the Tipra Raja. Their dialect also almost same except Kalai and Rupini. There are five clans among the Bongcher such as Bongpui, Chorai(Vatowk), Iryng, Ronte and Koizing. The Bongcher concentrate mainly in Amarpur and Ambassa Sub-Division and largest concentration Village is Nelshi Para. Nelshi Para, Donlekha, Tuichalong, Koraimura, Sorthai under Amarpur Sub-Division, Paijabari, Kulai Ganta Charra, Megazine, Ambassa, Lalcharri, Kamalacharra under Ambassa Sub-Division and Howaibari Kuki Colony under Teliamura Sub-Division are the main hamlets/paras of the Bongchers in Tripura. Present population of this tribe is around one thousand as per latest hamlet wise census.

EARLY HISTORY&ORIGIN OF BONGCHERS

1)History & Origin of the Bongcher:- The Bongcher people are one of the Sinlung people, like other Halam, who are said to have lived in Tripura since time immemorial . Mualţhuam, Sakachep, Kaipeng and Bawngcher are the first group to enter Tripura, they are in record during the reign of Raja Amar Manikya, 1584–1586 A.D. It is evident from their folktales and folksongs that Bongcher people once passed through Mizoram on their way to reach Tripura.

Scarcity of the written documents on the background of the Bongcher makes it difficult to trace evidence to show where the Bongcher in Tripura came from, how they came and when they settled in Tripura. The Bongcher, like many other tribes of Halam of the Kuki-Chin groups, believed that man originated from certain Cave, called "KHURPUITABUM,” which literally means a 'Big Cave.' This is found in almost all the folktales of the Kuki-Chin and other 'Zo' tribes. They called it 'Sinlung/Chhinlung.' But the ways of interpretations are not the same. One interpretation is that, as the descendant of the King of China, they call themselves as 'Sinlungsuak' meaning, originated from China. Another interpretation is that, the 'Great Wall of China' was named as 'Khurpuitabum.' So, came out of that wall, they narrate themselves as coming out from a 'Big Cave.' Great Wall of China was built in 23 BC. It is 20–30 ft. in height and 15–20 ft. in width. Yet, another interpretation tells that, there was a time, when their forefather does not have cloth to wear and house or shelter to live in. They usually took shelter in a cave and under some big rock. From this standpoint, they regard themselves as coming out from a 'Big Cave,’ called Khurpuitabum. Which interpretations will be the most acceptable, is yet to be understood through research. However, one can assume that human being is special creation of God. So it is hard to believe that, the Bongchers in Tripura originated from a 'Big Cave. Some Historians believed that, Mongolian Race originated from the valley of the confluence of the river Yangtze and Huangho in China. Due to the continuous attacked by the Chinese from Yunan Province, they scattered from that valley. Some groups took western direction and entered Burma through Tibet. Thus, it is believed that, Bongcher was also included among those who entered Burma; as Bongcher is one of the Mongoloid Stock. From Burma, they took their journey towards the western direction and entered Tripura from different corners. The present dialect of the Bongcher also included within the Sino-Tibetan language groups of Tibeto-Burman Family.

As stated earlier that the exact original of the Bongchers can not be traced out after so long lapse of time and years. It is only an attempt to go through the probable sources like folklores, folktales and folksongs of this tribe. However, different scholars expressed their opinions which can be put here for tracing out their origin.

It is extremely difficult to have a fair & exact idea on their ancient history ,that is , before they entered in to Mizoram. In accordance with the book of ‘the Bongchers’ written by Sri S. Sailo, it has been explained in such a way that one definite indication of their early settlement in Burma and Mizoram is available from their blessing call made while harvesting paddy. While threshing paddy inside the rough bamboo basket in the jhum, they used to cry saying “Rihli, champhai buh hawng rawh’’ which literary mean ‘Rihli’, champhai rice come forth’’. Rihli(Rihli lake) lies to the east of Mizoram just within Burma and Champhai is one of the towns of Mozoram lying in the eastern side bordering Burma. Champhai has a good paddy land and is known as the granary of Mizoram. Rih lake also has good sarrounding paddy fields. The Bongchers must have definitely occupied the surrounding areas of the Rih lake and Champhai plain land and had a bumper harvest of paddy. Till the present days they used to seek the blessing of Rih lake and Champhai for good harvesting. It is very likely that from Rih lake area, they moved towards the north-west and reached Champhai.

Buarpui is also one of the habitation of the Bongchers which is situated in the Lunglei District of Mizoram. They crossed over one deep river with bamboo rafts stringed together with jungle creepers. While some of them had crossed over the river, the jungle creepers got broken and the bamboo rafts capsized. Due to that mishap, some were left behind on the other side of the river and those who could cross the river proceeded further and climbed the nearby hill where they settled for some time. Often they would turn back their faces to glance at the place where their neighbours and friends were left behind and shed tears, thinking longingly of them. Due to this, the hill was named Lungleng tang. ‘Lungleng’ means to have longing thought while tang means hill. So, Lungleng Tlang will mean the hill of longing thought. The river is most probably Tuilul river as Lungleng tang is to the West of this river, not very far from it. Lungleng tang is in south Mizoram and till today, the hill is called by the Mizos by this name.

It is believed that they probably came to this present area of Tripura in different waves. They entered into Chittagong Hill Tracts from Mizoram and then to Amarpura in South Tripura. How and when they entered in to Chittagong Hill Tracts and how long they were there could not be traced out. It is sure that their entry point to Tripura was Amarpur. From the above mentioned opinions, it may be assumed that in the distant past they had undertaken long journey from Sinlung of Chaina to Burma, Mizoram and ultimately to Tripura. Thus, they entered in to Tripura.

a)The Village Administrative System: Like other tribal people of Tripura, the Bongchers also have their own system of village administration and judicature. One Chief is selected from amongst all the Bongcher, to rule the society, so that every member of the Clans may live equally. This Chief is called Roy. The Roy is the highest post in the system of administration and in the hierarchy of authority. The hierarchy in the administrative set up introduced by the Maharaja Amar Manikya(1584-86) that Roy was the head. Under him, Galim occupied the second position, Gabur the third position and Senjas the fourth position. There were two Senja and the positions of two Senjas were determined by their seniority as Senja. All of them were appointed by the Maharaja on the basis of suggestion made by the village elders. The five members in the Council were appointed from all the clans of the Bongcher.

The term of the Roy was not fixed . The Roy held the post so long he enjoyed in accordance with the confidence of his community. When the Roy resigned the post or was removed, the existing Galim would automatically become Roy and Gabur would occupy the resultant vacancy of Galim. The vacancy of Gabur thus created would be filled up by the Senior Senja. The Maharaja would appoint a new man to fill up the vacancy of one Senja with the recommendation of community elders. There was no bar to induct again the earlier Roy as Senja. Formation of the Council was systematically done and powers delegated to the members were also clearly demarcated. Roy was the head of the Council and therefore very powerful. Galim and Gabur were of the members of the Council and assisted the Roy. The Senjas were somewhat like police/messenger. When litigants failed or refused to turn up in the Council’s Court, the Senjas were sent out to bring them, if necessary by force and sometimes by binding them. No one would dare to obstract them. The defaulting litigants, when brought to the Court, were often severely beaten up and the Roy himself used to beat them. There was no separate building for the Council’s Court, the house of the Roy was used for the Court Room. The verdict given by the Council’s Court was final for every dispute and there was no provision for appeal. Very few names of Roys are remembered and their period of Royship are not recorded. Some names of the Roys are shown during Manikya dynasty chronologically (1) Bahadur Lai Bongcher, (2) Guru Gusai Bongcher, (3) Birchondra Bongcher, (4) Chonglienngur Bongcher, (5) Radha Sing Bongcher, (6) Chondra Kumar Bongcher and (7) Ratneithang Bongcher.

b)Relationship between Maharaja and Roy:-The Maharaja entrusted the entire administrative responsibility of Bongchers to the council headed by Roy. The Roy collected revenue on behalf of the Maharaja administration .The rate of revenue was not uniformed it differed from year to year. Normally, it was about one and half rupee per family per annum. The Roy did not have any share over the revenue collected. Every year during Durga puja(normally in the month of October),the Roy and Galim had to go to Agartala to pay homage to the Maharaja. During that time they had to deposit the revenue collected to the Maharaja. In addition to that, they also had to give following items as presents to the Maharaja.

A)few pieces of short-length bamboo used as cooking vessel and a pieces of bamboo stick to grind the vegetables cooked by that bamboo vessel.

B)One small bundle of stalks of arum called by the bongchers ’Kamantri’.

C) About two handful of green chilly(capsicum),

D) One bamboo basket which the Bongchers called “paiper”.

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The Roy could take along with him to Agartala not more than five villagers. Whenever the Roy met the Maharaja he must dress himself with the dress given by the Maharaja. The dresses consisted of one long overcoat, turban, arrow, earning and bungle. One medal was also given to him which he must wear whenever he meet the Maharaja. In the medal, there was inscription in Bengali the name of the Maharaja and year of his reign.

When Roy and his party were to proceed to Agartala to meet the maharaja, the entire Bongchers community was visited by gloominess. As the Roy and his party had to go on foot, it took about half a month for their back home .The journey which took such a long duration gave them the feeling of uncertainty about their safe coming home.

And at the same time, they were worried by the fear that unforeseen problems might arise during the absence of the Roy. While bidding farewell to the Roy and his party, they all weep. The wife of the Roy would also weep resentfully in the see-off gathering.

Lodging and fooding were provided free, in addition to that Rs-15/- was given to the villagers who accompanied the Roy as pocket money. They used to stay at Agartala for seven days. One the last day of their stay, the Maharaja would throw a farewell party. The maharaja himself would cut jokes for the merriment of the leaders of various tribes assembled there. Sometimes his highness would ask the the leaders to do wresting for entertainment. At the end of the function , leaders of various tribes would enquire from the Maharaja the amount of revenue they would have to pay in the next year. After hearing the amounts, some leaders would pray for reduction in the amount of revenue fixed on the ground of jhum failure, or on other reasons, More often than not their prayer were conceded to.

After spending seven days at Agartala , Roy and his party would start their home-bound journey. Before reaching the village, messenger were sent to inform the villagers about the coming of home of the Roy and his party. The whole villagers would gather in a place beyond the village to receive them. Sufficient stock of rice beer would be brought and a special bamboo sitting dias would be prepared there. When Roy and his party arrived, they were seated on the bamboo benches and a glass of rice beer would be offered to the Roy. As soon as the Roy, sipped the rice beer ,all villagers cheered him and started dancing which is locally called “ROY RWJWN LAM”. After the rice beer was enjoyed by all Roy’s party and villagers, they would carry the Roy in a bamboo chair up to the house. The Roy would throw party for his villagers by arranging feast two or three days. At the end of the party, the villagers would enquire from the Roy the amount of revenue they would have to pay in the next year. The Roy would then tell them with restraint the amount so fixes by the Maharaja and with all possible encouragement to pay.

The Royship came to an end around in the year 1953 during the time of Ratneithang Bongcher. The connection between Tripura Palace and Roy was snapped off after integration of princely State of Tripura with the Indian Union on 15th October, 1949. With the absence of backing from palace, the people became gradually recalcitrant to the orders and directives of the Council. Soon after the Community administrative system of the Council headed by Roy as introduced by the Maharaja has slowly been collapsed. The vacuum created lot of problems to the Community. Then, they realized that the community needed alternative administrative system in order to ensure effectively to take care of their community. So, they adopted the Choudhury system. Election/Selection was done unanimously by the all adult members of the Village(s). The Choudhury system still continues till today. Name of the Choudhuries along with period of Choudhuryship are mentioned below especially in the Nelshi Para, Ompi Nagar, Amarpur Sub-Division and Kulai Ganta Cherra under Ambassa Sub-Division.

Sl No.	Name of the Choudhury	Name of Village	Name of Sib-Division	Period	Remarks
1	2	3	4	5	6
1	Paltan Bongcher	Nelshi Para	Amarpur	1955-58
2	Judda Kr. Bongcher	Nelshi Para	Amarpur	1958-60
3	Baigya Manik Bongcher	Nelshi Para	Amarpur	1960-63
4	Paltan Bongcher	Nelshi Para	Amarpur	1963-75
5	Lakhi Charan Bongcher	Nelshi Para	Amarpur	1975-85
6	Bikram Manik Bongcher	Nelshi Para	Amarpur	1985-95
7	Birsut Kumar Bongcher	Nelshi Para	Amarpur	1995-2005
8	Ashin Kumar Bongcher	Nelshi Para	Amarpur	2005- till date

Some names of the Choudhuries in the Habitation of Kulai Gantachara are mentioned below.

Sl No.	Name of the Choudhury	Name of Village	Name of Sib-Division	Period	RRemarks
1o:p>	Gahan Chandra Bongcher	Kulai Ganta Cherra	Ambassa	1970-80
2	Ganga Manik Bongcher	Kulai Ganta Cherra	Ambassa	1980-95
3	Gahan Chandra Bongcher	Kulai Ganta Cherra	Ambassa	1995-2013
4	Prasenjit Bongcher	Kulai Ganta Cherra	Ambassa	2014 to till date

SOCIAL CUSTOMS & ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES

2)Literature and Language:- The Bongchers also have a language of their own like any other sub-tribes of Halam. The Halam dialects belong to Old Kuki Sub-group of the Kuki chin group under Tibeto-Burman language. The major languages of the tribes in Tripura are categorized in three groups i) Bodo group ii) Kuki-Chin group and iii) Arakan group. The Bongcher dialect belongs to Old Kuki Sub-group of the Kuki -Chin group. The Bongcher dialect, besides being closely akin to the dialects of other Halam. The Bongcher peoples have no script of their own and borrowed the roman script for any documentation and writings. There is no written record of their past histories, folktales and other documents related with their cultures and tradition.

3)Physical Features:- The Bongcher belong to the Mongoloid racial stock. They are not only like other tribes of Tripura but also akin to the other tribes of North-Eastern in India in physiognomy, having strongly marked Mongolian features with flat faces and thick lips. Their physical structures are almost medium statured, sturdy race of men with a goodly development of muscle. Their face is nearly as broad as it is long and generally round or square, eyes are almost small and obliquently set, the nose is more or less short and flat with wide nostrils, they are generally dark brown or simply brown and hair is black. 4)The Traditional Bongcher Dresses & Ornaments:- Dress of women are hand-woven cloth tied at their waist and blouse. Hand-woven cloth is used by all women of the North-Eastern Tribes. But here are differences in the size, colour strips and designs. This cloth is called in Bongcher as ‘Pwanbawm’. The Bongcher cloth do not poses distinct colour designs. Earlier, the cloth was women with entire black colour yarn and red strip was added at the edge. At present the colour varieties have increased and do not confine to the original pattern. The women also wear a piece of small long cloth covering their breasts which is called ‘Rwsa’.The men folk wear white thin cloth in their waist covering the whole of posterior up to the knee. The shirt of men is made with thick cloth woven by loin-loom. Previously, the cloth is also made of cotton produced in the jhum. They stitched with needle.The shart is having full-sleeves and instead of buttom they use twisted yarn. Men do not use any ornament. But variety ornaments are used by the Bongcher women. They wear ivory earning. They also wear beads. Beads are locally known as “ Anjili Sumrui” and earning is called “Kawrbet’’. They are also used Bala(Bungle), Toia (upper earning) and Narbet(Nose ring) etc. Now, they wear modernize ornaments purchasing from the local market.

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5)Bongcher Songs:- They have a different types of songs in their daily life since birth to death out of which some name of songs are Sher-la, Janu- la, Sumnu-la etc.

6)Musical Instruments:- They also have a variety of musical instruments such as Thaikhang, Saranda, Changpreng and Dangdul etc..

7)Religious belief:-Like all other tribes, the Bongchers are also animists. Their belief is mainly based on legend. They believe in the existence of many sprits, some are good and some are notorious evil. They claim that their main worship is God Shiv. Their principal worship is the god of Inkil. Inkil means corner of a house. They bow down before it and address it Kunu(Mother). Before they enjoy their first harvest by themselves, they will first offer a portion of it to the god of Inkil. They will bow down and say- “Kunu Inkil, Kasak mana kenek mana nang ka hawng pek ta” (Mother Inkil, here I am offering you food and drink).

Inkil(God) is their prime worship

Thereafter they will offer again a portion of first harvest to the Sun and looking at the Sun or the Moon, they will say-“ Ninu le Thapa, Kenek mana kasak mana nang ka hawng pek”(Sun and Mun, here I offer you food and drink). The Sun is treated as goddess and the Moon is treated as god. Offering should be made by females. Before offering are made, they should take bath and burn scented sticks. They also worship some of the Hindu goddess of Lakshmi , instead of making an idol of the goddess; they make the image of Lakshmi with rice and egg. They keep some rice in an earthen pot and place an egg longitudinally on the rice. They then place the earthen pot containing rice and egg under a bamboo. Lakshmi is worship by them generally on a full moon day by sacrificing a hen and offering local rice beer and egg. It may be worth mentioning here, that the activities like sacrificing of animals, use of alcoholic liquor, egg etc. are the animistic trait in their worship of Lakshmi. A good number of natural worships are found in their religious activities like Thingkung ngwi(god of trees) and Sangru etc.

Two earthen pots containing rice and egg and they warship as Goddess Laxmi

The Maharaja of Tripura also presented them, “Thirlum Thirphrai” to be worship as images of god. Thirlum is an iron ball smaller than the size of cricket ball, Thirphrai is an iron plate, a size of thumb. Both have no inscriptions on them. Earlier, sacrifice was made once in every year for “Thirlum Thirphrai”. Two chickens were sacrificed by the Boul Pu(priest).Thirlum Thirphrai were also used for finding out of the culprits.

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a)Birth Rites:-

A woman who gives birth is considered as impure for seven days. Inside the house, a portion of the room with be set apart for her and the baby. To demarcate a portion of the room allotted to them, bamboo will be put across the floor and the mother cannot cross over this. She is not allowed to go out except through the backdoor of the house to response to nature’s call .All her and baby’s clothes will have to be washed by her husband or her daughter, if matured daughters are there in the family. Baby’s clothes are called “Rebek”. Before expiry of three days from the birth of the baby, all visitors must carry with them "Meichher”(burning bamboo sticks). This family also cannot throw away ashes from the hearth till removal of the umbilical cord. The ashes will be kept in a basket till purification of ritual is performed. After completion of seven days by which time the umbilical cord has normally been removed, Boul pu (priest) and kurma (the woman who arranged delivery of the baby ) will be called to perform ritual for purification which is known as “In rithwng tir”.

Seven chickens are required for performance of purification ritual for sacrifice to the following gods-one for water god, two for Arthwng( god of purity), one for Sangru(god of riches). When sacrifice is made to sangru, chicken is to be killed on the elephant shape wood. Two chickens will be offered to “Einu Eipa”. Einu is goddess and Eipa is god and they are considered as goddess and god of protection. One chicken will be offered to Inkil to appease god of Inkil who is always distributed by the baby cries. The priest will carefully examine intestines of the chickens and if any tearing or blood is found in the intestines, sacrifice is to be made again. Besides chickens, small quantity of rice ,two earthen pots full of wine and one bottle of beer are to be provided by the parents of the baby. Rice is required for performance of ritual is for performance of ritual and drinks are enjoyed by the priest and persons who gather in the house. After performance of the ritual, father of the baby will bow down at the feet of the priest and enquire if the performance of ritual is satisfactory.

After this Kurma will place throw away ashes from the house. She will come inside the house again and lift the baby up to her bosom and go outside the house with a burning bamboo stick followed by the mother. Kurma will place the burning bamboo stick on the ground and she will oscillate the baby over the fire. After that, looking at the Sun she will say, “ Sun and Moon, see this baby”. Then the baby and the mother are considered as free from impurities. Parents of the baby have to give to Kurma one earthen pot of wine , half a bottle of beer, Rs.5/-and hand woven cloth for petticoat. Purification of the house (In-Rwthawng tir) and naming ceremony of the baby(Riming pek/Abur rusuk) are performed jointly.

Naming ceremony of the baby is to perform on or after seven days from the date of delivery of the baby just after removing of the umbilical cord of the baby. The performance of giving a suitable name to a baby is called “Riming pek or Abur rusuk”. The relatives of the baby can also suggest the Bowl pu(priest) for giving suitable name. The Boul pu(priest) can accept or reject their proposals and in this respect, the Bowl pu(priest) is all in all.

b)Death Rites:- When a person dies, the dead body will be washed with warm water and dressed neatly. One chicken will be sacrificed to the spirit of the dead man along with a small quantity of rice, cotton, oilseed and money (Rs.2/- to 5/-). One night will be kept in the house where he expired and all relatives of the deceased person will be gathered in the house in whole night which is called “Jan-rak”. All relatives of the deceased person will be informed. Early morning of next day will be made a bamboo carriage for carrying out the dead body for the deadman’s house to cremation ground which called “Tawlai” and simultaneously, the pyre(Mangkhor) will also be prepared by his relatives/neighbours nearby the house. They burn a dead body in any nearby cremation ground(Thwan) uttering the sacred word ‘Hari Bol, Bol Hari’ for salvation of one’s soul. The son of the deceased is set fire on the pyre(Mangkhor). In case of having no children, the deceased person’s pyre would be set fire by his/her dear/near one. According to them, they would never leave the cremation ground until the dead body is completely burn in to ashes. From the date of death, wife or husband, brothers and children of the dead person are debarred from taking oily food, dry fish, sour vegetable meat and fish for three days. This observation is known as “Meramsi”. After two days, food will be offered to the sprit of the departed soul in front of the house. On completion of seven days, the family members of the deceased person will go to the cremation ground and collect remnants of the forehead bone. A small quantity of forehead bone will be kept inside a bamboo vessel and kept near the house. The family members will offer food near the bamboo vessel at the time of taking food in the morning and evening. This offering will continue for one year. After one year is completed, all relatives will give Rs.1/- or Rs.2/- to the keeper of the bone, who is the son or brother of the dead man.

Wife or husband of the dead person is not allowed to oil her or his hair and sing and remarry for a period of one year. No decorative dress should be put on and no combing of hair should be used . Anyone who breaks these restrictions will be fined Rs.15/-. When one year is completed , younger brother or sister of the dead man will bring flower to the widow or to the husband ‘of dead women and put flower to the upper side of the year and tell her or him in murmuring voice that she or he is now free from all restrictive binding. This formality is called “Par Pek”. Along with flower, younger brother or sister of the dead man will bring oil, comb, looking glass and face powder and will dress up the widow or husband of the dead woman. During this performance, Roy/Choudhury and Villagers will get together and drink and sing.

Lastly, Sankirtan is performed for one night. Generally, they perform it in great respect at all time of Push Sakranti ( in the middle of January). The next day , the bone will be taken in order to immerse in to the holy water of Dumbur or Ganga or any pilgrimage or in any other holy water as considered by them.

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c)Cleaning of Village(The Khawser):-Clearing of Village(Khawser) is normally performed in the Month of December. This is cleaning of the village and it is a community sacrifice. Four chickens are offered to Einu, Eipa, Tui and Sangru. In the evening, two more chickens will be sacrificed- one at the eastern edge of the village and another at the western edge of the village. The priest and his assistants will perform the sacrifice without uttering a word. First of all, they will perform it at the western edge of the village and roast the chicken and eat the whole flesh. Then they will go to the eastern edge and perform the sacrifice with one chicken. The chicken will be roasted and consumed. After observing all these rituals, the priest and his assistants go to the Roy/Choudhury and start talking. After that all the villagers are also free to talk and start fire in the hearth. Anybody found talking or starting fire in the hearth during performance of the ritual will be fined Rs.5/-. The Khandawls are acting as intelligent to find out if there is anybody not observing silence and not extinguishing fire during performance of the sacrifice.

d)Sacrifice for good harvesting:- Every year during the time of sowing or paddy, sacrifice for good harvest will be performed. This sacrifice is called “Kumchawi”. Two chickens will be offered to Einu Eipa(goddess and god) near a river. Another two chickens will be offered to Twi Pathawn(god of water) and to Sangru(god of riches). Sacrifice to Twi Pathawn is made for bountiful rains and sacrifice to Sangru is made for riches. Then, one goat and one chicken will also be sacrificed near the river.

e)Sacrifice for healing of sickness:- When a person falls sick, Inkil(god of house corner) is consulted to find out the causes of sickness while the patient is to wear white thread around his/her arm. After this, if the patient is found to be improving a little, a chicken will be offered to the god of Inkil by the priest. Intestine of the chicken will be examined by the priest and if any broken spot is found, another chicken is to be scarified. Then, two leaves o jackfruit tree are brought and priest throw them up in the air. When they fall down on the ground, it will be checked whether the two leaves are showing opposite faces. If one leave shows front side and another one back side, it is considered as perfectly alright. But if the two leaves show the same sides, the priest will throw them up again till the third time. In case the two leaves show the same sides, the priest will throw them up again till the third time. In case the two leaves show the same sides till the third throw, the priest will ask the Inkil what it actually wants, pig or goat. Whatever the priest will prescribe is to be offered for sacrifice. If the patient is not improved after this sacrifice, they will approach “Tarpa”(Evil spirit) in the jungle. One cock along with a little quantity of rice are offered in the jungle. The entire flesh of the chicken is consumed in the jungle by the priest and his team. If condition of the patient does not improve after this sacrifice, another sacrifice is performed with two cocks in the jungle at the foot of a big tree which is called “Asen Thingkung”. Asen and Thingkung are said to be sons of Tarpa while Asen is the elder one. They are considered as soldiers residing in a tree trunk. They are very much afraid of them as they are considered causing death by taking away their spirits. In this sacrifice, blood of the cock will be spread over the rice. Even after sacrifice, If the patient does not recover, the priest will consult Inkil, Tarpa and Ashen Thinkung by making bamboo decoration. The priest will observe for one or two days. If the patient’s condition remains the same, he will prepare herbal medicine and apply. If the patient still does not show any sign of improvement, the priest will prescribe turtle for sacrifice saying that the “Khawhri” (Witchcraft) does not like pork, mutton and chicken excepting the flesh of turtle. The sacrifice is to be made at night in the jungle and the whole flesh is to be consumed there. If the patient does not recover after all these sacrifice, he /she is left at the mercy of god.

8)Change in Religious Practices: Influence of Hinduism and Christianity:- It is not known how and when exactly the Bongcher came under the influence of Hinduism. Although the people claim themselves to be Hindu, there are a good number of animistic traits found in their religious activities that appears to be contradictory to Hinduism. Thus, the Bongcher have been following a number of traditional religious rites along with some Hindu religious activities. Conversion to Christianity started among the Bongcher from the middle part of this century. There is a high percentage of Christianity among the Bongcher. About 80% of the Bongcher follow Christianity. The spread as well as influence of Christianity among the Bongcher is growing gradually. The Christian Bongcher attended the socio-cultural activities, ceremonies etc. of their Hindu neighbours. They obey, participate in and depend on the traditional village administration as do their Hindu neighbours.

9)The Puberty(Rwsa Minbom/Minjel):-Rwsa Minbom ceremony is compulsorily observed for a Bongcher girl at the age of almost around thirteen. Before her first menstruation (Abur), this ceremony is generally performed. The ceremony is fully kept a secret from the knowledge of the girl. Some women of the respective Village will gather in the residence of the girl in order to participate as well as to perform the ceremony, out of which one nearest relative woman will enter in to the room of the house of the girl and sit together with her and begin gossiping with her. After a while the woman will try to tie with a new piece of Rwsa round the breast of a girl by force if she is not agreed which is made by her mother and call the other women who were participated in the ceremony. Since that day the girl shall dress in the Rwsa and she will be accepted and endowed as young girl(Nungak). But her uncles from both maternal and paternal sides and her own brothers are tabooed to attend the ceremony. A some of entertainment for the participants is arranged by the parents of the girl in the ceremony of Rwsa Minbom/Minjel.

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10). Marriage system & practice (Rwtwna Dahn):- Marriage is a form of social arrangement by which a couple is legitimized in their physical relationship and their child is given a legitimate position in the society which is often determined by parenthood in the social sense. Marriage payment forms parts of the social institution of marriage. Making of payment of marriage by the bridegroom either in the form of kind or service to the bride’s kin is an essential part of establishment of legality.

11. (1) Performance of marriage:- Performance of previous marriage practice of this tribe is avowed in such a way that when a boy and a girl fall in love, the boy will inform his parents as to his desire to marry that girl. If his parents are agreeable to his proposal they will invite their relatives and go to the house of the girl to consult her parents. In case the girl’s parents are agreeable to the proposal, date for the second meeting will be fixed. In the second meeting, the boy’s side will take with them drinks to the girl’s house and enjoy together there. In symbolic significance of final settlement of marriage negotiation all the elders from both the sides gather with a mug of rice bear each in their hands would partake specific portions of the sacrificial meat together and they will fix the date for the third and final meeting and they will discuss elaborately in the third meeting and final agreements will be made at on the date of marriage, bride’s price and duration of service to be rendered by the bridegroom by staying in the father-in-law’s house(if necessary, at present, this practice is almost abandoned). After making the final agreement, announcement will be made that marriage for such and such persons have been finalized and the matter should be informed to the concerned Choudhury in verbal or written or otherwise. In order to make wide publicity to the relatives and neibours of them under their jurisdiction, an announcement or invitation will be arranged by the bride’s party mentioning date, time and venue of the marriage ceremony by way of messenger or otherwise on or before seven days from the date of wedding ceremony. Normally, invitation towards their near relatives or neibhours are initiated through the cloves (long) in the matrimony.

The marriage is performed by Bawlpu(Priest). In accordance with the earlier custom and practice of this tribe the marriage is performed in the bride’s kitchen house. The bridegroom and the bride will sit just opposite to each other with their legs in full length. A stone will be kept in between their. Two chickens will be killed above the stone as sacrifice. The more the blood of chickens washes the stone the better it is considered. In addition to these two chickens, another four chickens are sacrificed outside the kitchen by the priest. Generally, the marriage ceremony of this tribe is performed in the middle of the day and the entire course of marriage ceremony has to accomplish within sunlight hours in keeping with the custom of them. The bride is to provide beddings, one basket(locally known as Thul) and one hand spinning wheel. After four or five days of marriage, the bridegroom and the bride have to go to the house of the bridegroom to stay there for a week. After that, they return to the bride’s house and there the bridegroom and bride together usually have to stay of six or seven years in accordance with the period as fixed by both sides the parents in the final settlement of marriage negotiation.

There are different kinds of marriage of which the following are common.

i) Marriage by negotiation;

ii) Marriage by elopement;

iii) Marriage by robbery;

iv) Marriage by illicitly;

v) Child marriage.

12) Utensils:- They generally used wooden utensils. Their cooking utensils however made of clay. The cooking vessel for rice is called “Bo-bel” in their language and that for curry is called “Un-bel”. They used to keep drinking water in “Tui-um” especially in their work sites for easily carrying of it and they also used to keep drinking water in the earthen pot in their house which is locally called “Kala”. But now-a-days silver vessels, glass, plates etc. are used as their domestic utensils. In the modern age, different types of utensils are found in their houses.

13)The Food Habits:- The food habit of this tribe is almost same as that of other tribes in Tripura. Generally, they take food thrice in a day. Rice is the staple food of them. Their favourite food are Vegetable, Fish and Meat. Curry is mainly prepared with dry fish, chilly, salt, turmeric, onion and garlic without oil. Traditionally, no oil is used in cooking, as the processes of fry or roasting were almost absent in food preparation. Pig oil is used for preparation of curry, but infrequently. Distilled lime is commonly used for preparation of vegetable curry. Locally made alkaline water (Changaltwi) is used to cook hard roots, herbs etc. Bamboo shoot is one of the most favourite vegetable curry of them. They have a good knowledge and idea in preparation of different items of curries with Bamboo shoot , out of these ‘Towy-Changalpak’ is the best curry which is prepared by alkaline water and ‘Towy-Baipak’& ‘Towy-Rumung’ are also their favourite curry. “Mwrshwdeng” is also a common part of their curry which is made by mixing excessively chilly with dry fish, salt and onion etc. Fish also their favourite curry. Their most favourite meat are Pork and Chicken. Meat are cooked without oil, normally. Boiled vegetable curry also they like. Chilly, Turmeric, and Ginger are the common spices of which the use of Chilly is dominant. Nowadays, mustard oil is increasingly used. Excess pork meat is cut into pieces, slung side by side with bamboo split and generally kept over the hearth(Rwtap) to be dried up and thus preserved for future use. Previously, plantain leaves were solely used for serving food. At present, enamel plates and silver plates are used though plantain leaves are still use for carrying food to the Jhum or working sites almost in rural areas.

14)The Economic life:- The economic life of the Bongcher is mainly based on food gathering and food production along with some other activities. As a food gathering they collect edible leaves, roots, stems and tubers from the jungles. They catch fish from the nearby rivulets grow food grains by jhum cultivation, which is also the main occupation. A some of fishing implements generally found in their households such as Chawk, Lehn, Rwkawi, Felan, Surdam etc. They also keep goats, cows, pigs etc. Regarding other activities, they are accustomed to crafts works. At present, they take service and engaged themselves in the business also. A few of them have started to be employed in government service in different departments. Most of them engaged in the occupation as daily laborers.

a)Food gathering:- They gather the wild vegetables, roots and tubers out of which some common are Towy(bamboo shoot),Bal(aurum), Samchock (wild brinjal), Changvui(wild banana’s folwer), Laifang(wild banana shoots), Tharai(Alpina allurghas), Chichiri(Monocharia hastate), Patung(Mushroom) and etc. They also gather variety of wild fruits like Ramthwihai(Wild mengo), Ribil, Kao and many others. The young girls and women normally use to collect the vegetables, roots and tubers from the jungles. Men gather honey and fruits from the long and big trees in the jungles.

b)Jhumming:- The life of this tribe in those days was very simple. They somehow eke out their living by means of jhumming and preliminary method of economy. Their primitive agriculture habit is called jhum. For jhum cultivation is initiated in such a way that a piece of bamboo jungle is selected; they cut down the jungle and cleared it in the month of November/December and set fire it in the dry month i.e. March/April. After the first rain fall, seeds of cotton, paddy, melon, pumpkin, sesame, brinjal, chilli, ginger,maize, turmeric, gourd etc. are sown by making hole with Chemlu(Chopper) at a time in the jhum.They usually purchased only salt, dry fish and kerosene from the nearby markets and sold their jhum products. So, their lives were happy, natural and full of enjoyments. Previously, jhumming was the only source of income for them. At present, the practice of jhum cultivation is gradually decreasing.

Now a days, they have begun to cultivate the plane lands & hilly areas and become familiar with agriculture and horticulture. Some of them are cultivated different types of paddy crops in their agricultural lands. They have also planted banana, jackfruit, betel nut, papaya and others in the hilly areas.

‘Sakak’ where paddy are kept in stock & ‘Satan’ is the measuring entity of paddy of the Bongcher.

c)Hunting:- Hunting is carried out exclusively by the males. They generally hunted elephants, wild boars, bison, tigers, deer, birds, hares, jackals, monkeys, squirrels, porcupines, jungle pigs etc. Near the Villages and their jhum land they set their traps. They generally used to hunt with bow and arrow, spear, deadfalls, stakes, snares, pit, trap, sling, stick, birdlime, chopper, gun and trained elephants, dog, fowl and dove. At present, the practice of hunting is decreasing due to prohibition of killing wild life and almost all primitive wild animals and birds are becoming in extinct in the jungles.

Trap for catching of small size of wild animal

15)Domestication of Animals and Birds:- They domesticate pig, goat, duck, pigeon, chicken and they also reserve their domestic animals & birds for special occasions of sacrifice or feasting and put eggs also to an important ritual use. They also domesticate cat, dog, cow, and buffalo. Cat is domesticated for the purpose of hunting and killing of rats, dog is for guarding of house, cow& buffalo are for ploughing of agricultural land and milk.

‘Arbowm’(Poultry basket) cage for hen, cock & chick are kept

16)Education:- In educational aspect, the Bongcher peoples are still lacking behind. But with the introduction of English Medium School by different Christian Congregation, the Bongcher peoples have benefitted and in fact many have educated themselves through those institutions. There are several government schools in and around the Bongcher inhabited areas, but they are not functioning well. Up to date, the Bongcher peoples have no any single Medical Doctor pass out and but around 5(five) students have been studying in Engineering stream. Few of them were graduated in general stream. It is also painful to highlight that, 40% of every children in a village have no right of entry to education till now. Some intelligent students, who are able to take professional course, have to finally abandoned their studies because of lack of financial sources and many good students have in fact drop their career.

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17)Games & Sports:-They enjoy and play a various type of games of which common games are Raw rawnawl, Rawbawn, Sakawrke, Ribik, Gulaprwdai,Mit chaw rwdai, Vaizeng rwtul and so on. The game of Nala pawkppheng is one of the main game of the boys which is a play with pop-gun made of small sized bamboo. For this pop gun, a small sized bamboo but thick enough to endure the shooting is selected. The hammer of the pop gun should also be of matured bamboo so as to last long. Varieties of berries are used for the pellets.

18)The Puberty(Risah Bawmtir/Risah Khit):-Risah Bawmtir/Risah Khit ceremony is compulsorily observed for a Bongcher girl at the age of almost around thirteen. Before her first menstruation (Abur), this ceremony is generally performed. The ceremony is fully kept a secret from the knowledge of the girl. Some women of the respective Village will gather in the residence of the girl in order to participate as well as to perform the ceremony, out of which one nearest relative woman will enter in to the room of the house of the girl and sit together with her and begin gossiping with her. After a while the woman will try to tie with a new piece of Rwsa round the breast of a girl by force if she is not agreed which is made by her mother and call the other women who were participated in the ceremony. Since that day the girl shall dress in the Rwsa and she will be accepted and endowed as young girl(Nungak). But her uncles from both maternal and paternal sides and her own brothers are tabooed to attend the ceremony. A some of entertainment for the participants is arranged by the parents of the girl in the ceremony of Risah Bawmtir/Risah Khit. According to the Bongcher rites, the Risah is a holy breast cloth of a girl or woman. The Risah to be used for first time tying around the breast of a girl who is approaching fast towards adolescence through the ceremonious welcome festival is woven carefully keeping purity everything in the way of weaving by either a girl who is yet to be attain adolescence or by an aged woman who has already attained menopause.

The chest of the girl once is bound by the holy Risah that would remain clothed till her marriage. A husband of the girl has only the right of touching the Risah, the holy cloth, and unclothed the breast of a girl on marriage during conjugal life.

ADMINISTRATIVE SET UP OF THE BONGCHERS

19)Administrative Structure:- In accordance with their Customary Laws(Revised), two-tier administrative & judiciary system are unanimously adopted in their community administration system in order to ensure effectively and smoothly taking care of their community. In every Bongcher Village there shall be constituted one Village Council(Court) in such manner as laid down in section 15 of the Bongcher Customary Laws-2014(Revised) consists of 6(six) members i.e. Choudhury, Dy.Choudhury, one Secretary, one Treasurer and two Khandawl(one Khandawl to be perform as senior and another Khandawl to be performed as junior like police/messenger/reporter) headed by one ‘Khawsak Choudhury’(Village headman) who are generally having good knowledge about traditional and modern way of life, culture, education, rite & ritual, religious faith and the Bongcher Customary Laws. The members of the Council shall be selected/elected by the Council of the Village. A Central Committee of the State level as a whole of the Bongcher community/Dofa shall be formed consist of 6(six) members under the leadership/chieftainship/chairmanship of Roy(i.e. Roy, Galim, Gabur, two Senja and one Executive Secretary ) and the ‘Roy’ head of the community amongst those who are generally having well acquainted about traditional and modern way of life, culture, rites & rituals, education, religious faith and the Bongcher Customary Laws along with other associates/members of that Committee shall be selected/elected by the Central Committee in its first general meeting on such date, at such time and such place as may fix by it. .

19.(1)General disqualification for Royship:-- A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as and for being, a Roy of the Council, if--

(a) he is less than 40 years of age;

(b) he is so disqualified by or under any law by the legislature of the State;

(c) he is an undischarged insolvent;

(d) he is an unsound mind;

(e) he is Choudhury or member of any other Village Council;

(f) he does not have minimum qualification;

(g) he is not belong to the Bongcher clan;

(h) he does not have good knowledge about traditional and modern way of life, culture, rites & rituals, education, religious faith and the Bongcher Customary Laws.

19.(2)General disqualification for membership of the Council of the State/Central Committee:- A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as and for being, a member of the Council, if-

(a) he is less than 35 years of age;

(b) he is so disqualified by or under any law by the legislature of the State;

(c) he is an undischarged insolvent;

(d) he is an unsound mind;

(e) he is Choudhury or member of any other Village Council.

(f) He does not have minimum qualification;

(g) he is not belong to the Bongcher clan.

19.(3)General disqualification for Choudhuryship in Village Council :- A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as and for being, a Choudhury of the Village Council, if-

(a) he is less than 35 years of age;

(b) he is so disqualified by or under any law by the legislature of the State;

(c) he is an undischarged insolvent;

(d) he is an unsound mind;

(e) he is Choudhury or member of a Village Council.

(f) he does not have minimum qualification;

(g) he is not belong to the Bongcher clan.

(h) He does not have good knowledge about traditional and modern way of life, culture, education, religious faith, rites & rituals and the Bongcher Customary Laws.

19.(4)General disqualification for membership in Village Council :- A person shall be disqualified for being chosen as and for being, a Choudhury of the Village Council, if-

(a) he is less than 18 years of age;

(b) he is so disqualified by or under any law by the legislature of the State;

(c) he is an undischarged insolvent;

(d) he is an unsound mind;

(e) he is Choudhury or member of a Village Council.

(f) he does not have minimum qualification;

(g) he is not belong to the Bongcher clan.

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19.(5) Procedure for selection and appointment of the Roy and associates/members of the Central Committee:- All the members(Roy,Galim, Gabur , one Executive Secretary and two Senjas) of the Council of the Central level shall be selected in the Central level 1st general meeting on such date, at such time and at such place as may fix by it. When the term of Roy is over, the existing Galim would automatically be selected as Roy and Gabur would automatically be selected as Galim, the vacancy of Gabur thus created would be filled up by the Senior Senja and a new vacancy created of one Senja would be appointed by conducting a special general meeting in the Central Committee. All the members of the Central Committee are entitled to give their views/comments/opinions/suggestions/votes in the time of selection process of the members of the Council of State. All the selection processes shall be held -

(a) before the expiry of its duration specified in Section 24, or

(b) before the expiration of a period of one month from the date of its dissolution.

19.(6) Procedure for selection and appointment of the Choudhury and members of the Village Council(Court):-All the members of the Village Court(Council) shall be selected in the first general meeting of the respective Village on such date, at such time and at such place as may fix by it. All the adult members are entitled to give their views/comments/opinions/votes in the time of selection process of the members of respective Village Council and the selection process shall be held -

(a) before the expiry of its duration specified in Section 24, or

(b) before the expiration of a period of one month from the date of its dissolution.

19.(7) Term of office of the Roy, Choudhury and members:- The Roy, Choudhury and other members ,except as otherwise provided in this Act, shall continue for 4(four) years from the date of appointment for its first meeting and no longer.

19.(8) Resignation the Roy or the Choudhury or a member:-The Roy or the Choudhury or a member may resign from his office. In case of Choudhury, if he wants to resign from his office he has to inform in writing under his hand addressed to the Roy and handed it over in person or by sending it by registered post to the Roy. The Roy may accept the resignation after such enquiry as he may deem fit and inform the person concerned within 30 days of such acceptance and in case of member of the central committee, if a member of central committee wants to give up his office , same procedure shall be applicable. If a member of Village level committee wants to voluntarily give up his membership, he has to inform in writing under his hand addressed to the concerned Choudhury and handed it over in person or by otherwise to the Choudhury. The Choudhury may accept the resignation after such enquiry as he may deem fit and inform the person concerned within 30 days of such acceptance. It is pertinent to mention that if the Roy wishes to give up his office, the kalim shall specially convene a general meeting immediately by way of inviting all the Choudhuries along with all other committees and members and the present/existing Roy shall preside over the general meeting and it shall be discussed elaborately on the agenda of resignation of Royship, if the house as may deem fit may accept the resignation and on acceptance of such resignation, the house shall decide to appoint a new Roy in the manner as laid down in section 22 of the Bongcher Customary Laws, 2014.

19.(9) Removal of Roy, members of the Council:--A Roy or a member may at any time, be removed from office by a resolution of the Council of the Central at a meeting specially convened for the purpose in the prescribed manner. Noticee of such meeting shall be given to the all Choudhury, members of the Village Council(Court) and adult members by 10(ten) days from the date of such meeting. The Roy or memberr may be removed, if--

(a)(a) after he becomes a member, he is convicted by a criminal court for an offence involving moral turpitude and punishable with imprisonment for a period of more than six months;

(b) he/she is adjudged as an offender or criminal after he/she becomes a member in the Council;

(d) on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity.

19.(10) Removal of Choudhury, members of the Village Council :--A Choudhury or a member may at any time, be removed from office by a resolution of the Village Council at a meeting specially convened for the purpose in the prescribed manner Noticee of such meeting shall be given to the all members of the Village Council and adult members by 77^thhdays from date of such meeting. The Choudhury or memberr may be removed, if--

(a) after he becomes a member, he is convicted by a criminal court for an offence involving moral turpitude and punishable with imprisonment for a period of more than six months;

(b) he/she is adjudged as an offender or a criminal after he/she becomes a member in the Council;

(d) on the ground of proved misbehavior or incapacity.

20. Filling of casual Vacancies:- If the office of Choudhury or a member of Village level or a member of central level falls vacant or when vacancy occurs in the office of Choudhury or a member of Village level or a member of central level by resignation, death or otherwise, the vacancy shall be filled by, if central level, conducting a special general meeting in the state level and selection process of the members as required shall be made in the prescribed manner and the meeting shall be presided over by the Roy and the vacancy shall also be filled by, if Village level, convening a special general meeting within the Village and selection process of the members as required shall be made in the prescribed manner and the meeting shall be presided over by the concerned Choudhury.

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21. Powers, Functions and duties of Central Committee:- The main functions & duties of Central Committee which are-

(1) to survive/preserve/revive of Bongchers traditional as well as symbolic dress and ornaments, musical instruments, song and dance etc.

(2 ) to revive, strengthen and improve of their language and to make practice and habit of writing of folktales /story, song and poems among the educated people of the Bongcher in order to ensure affective revamp of their own language, to strive towards progress and prosperity of the Bongcher society;

(3) to bring peaceful coexistence with all other organizations within and outside the community;

(4) to strive for the participation and integration of all the scattered Bongcher people;

(5) to promote education among the students, and sense of unity , fraternity and integrity among the young generation;

(6) to interact, provide help, communicate and bond the Bongcher people;

(7) to take up research studies on the Bongcher dialects, particularly on script, grammatical parts, oral literature etc, by using scientific method and approaches.

(8) to encourage and recognize scholars/researchers and writers for their contribution to develop of Bongcher language.

(9 ) to organize seminar/workshop conference and take up new dimension of works for fundamental and applied studies and research on Bongcher dialects;

(10) to organize a conference at least once in a year in order to ensure effective assessment of the activities of the committee;

(11) to bring to a standstill the tendency of conversion in to other clan/caste/community;

(12) to encourage enchanting of higher education among the students and to help of financial assistance to the poor/orphan students amongst those who are belonging to the BPL and poor families;

(13) to put into practice for arrangement of awarding/rewarding to the students those who have secured 60% in average and above marks in Madhyamik/H.S. (+2Stage) Examination and to the person those who have composedof folktales/ story, song and vocabulary/ proverb/ poems/ novels/ essay/dramas etc. of the Bongcher;

(14) to give new form and social content to traditional festivals;

(15) to organize cultural and recreational activities;

(16) to encourage inter-clan marriages;

(17) to arrange the imposition, assessment and collection of the fees leviable under this Act;

(18) to organize appropriate measures on family welfare, women and child development activities;

(19) to organize voluntary labour for community works in order to expedite upliftment of their community;

(20) to take care of the infirm and the destitute.

21. (1) Powers, functions and duties of the Roy(Chieftain):- The Roy shall –

(a) exercise general power or supervision over all the Committee’s and Village Court’s activities as constituted earlier in different Villages within the State;

(b) have general responsibility for executive administration of the Bongcher of the State;

(d) arrange peaceful coexistence with all other organizations within and outside the community;

(e) dispose any major or minor cases as admissible and his decision shall be treated as final during disposal of claims& objections of any cases.

21. (2)Powers, functions and duties of Kalim(Deputy Chief):- The Kalim shall-

(a) during the absence of the Roy, exercise all the powers, perform all the function and discharge all the duties of the Roy;

(b) exercise such other powers, perform such other function and discharge such other duties as the Council/Central Committee may by general or special resolution, direct in this behalf prescribed;

(c) Provided that the Roy may at any time withdraw all or any of the powers, functions and duties as delegated to the Kalim.

21. (3)Powers, functions and duties of Kabur :- Kabur shall -

(a) perform as assistant of the Roy;

(b) perform as treasurer;

21. (4)Powers, functions and duties of Senior Sengja and junior Senja:- Sengja shall

a) Obey and discharge duties as directed by the Roy compulsorily;

(d) Sengja shall perform like a police, messenger/reporter and inform the orders and directives issued by the Council to the people.

21. (4) Powers, function and duties of Executive Secretary:- The Executive Secretary shall-

(a) Exercise all powers specifically imposed or conferred upon him or under this Act, or under any other law for the time being in force;

(b) Lay down the duties of , and supervise or holding office under, Central Committee, in accordance with rules/Acts made by the State level Council/Central Committee or Village Council ;

(d) Have custody of all Records/Registers, papers and documents connected with the proceeding of the meeting/hearing of any cases;

(e) Attend every meeting and shall have the right to attend the meeting of a Council thereof and to take part in the discussion and shall have the right to move any resolution or to vote. If in the opinion of the Executive Secretary, any proposal before the Central Committee or Village Council is violated of or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, or any other law, rule or order made thereunder it shall be his duty to bring the same to the notice of the Central Committee or Village Council, in case of Village Council, if after that the proposal is acted upon by the Village Council, the Executive Secretary shall bring it to the notice of the Central Committee;

(f) Report the annual administrative report or any activities as may be prescribed before the Central Committee or Village Council in the meeting on such date , at such place and at such time as may be specified;

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(g) Shall maintain all Records/Registers, papers and documents connected with the proceeding of the meeting/hearing of any cases.

22. Manner of conducting meeting of Central Committee :-(a)The Central Committee shall hold meeting at least once in every four months on such date , at such ours and at such place as the Committee may fix at the immediately preceding meeting;

Provided that the first meeting of a newly constituted Committee shall be held on such date and at such hours or at such place within the local limits of the Committee as the Committee may fix;

(b)One-third of the total number of members of a Committee shall form the quorum for a meeting of the Committee;

Provided that no quorum shall be necessary for an adjourned meeting.

©The Roy, or in his absence the Kalim shall preside at the meeting of the Committee and in the absence of both ,the Kabur present shall select/elect to be the president of the meeting.

d) All questions coming before a Committee shall be decided by a majority of votes;

Provided that in case of equality of votes the person presiding shall have a casting vote;

Provided further that in case of a requisitioned meeting for the removal of the Roy or Kalim/kabur under Section 123 , the person presiding shall have no casting vote.

(e)Preparation of list of business:- A list of business to be transacted at every meeting of a Central Committee except at an adjourned meeting shall be prepared by the Executive Secretary of the Committee in consultation with the Roy . The agenda shall be entered in the register of agenda to be maintained for the purpose. The agenda shall be countersigned by both the Roy and the Executive Secretary of the Committee . The first item of the list of business shall be the confirmation of minutes of the previous meeting and second item shall be a report on the status of those resolutions of all previous meetings on which action is yet to be taken. The last item of the list of business shall be to fix the date and time of next meeting.

The Executive Secretary of the Committee shall arrange delivery of notice to all members either by post or by messenger or otherwise.

Notice for the meeting shall be issued by the Executive Secretary under instruction of the Committee at least 10 (ten) clear in advance of the date so appointed for the meeting;

Provided that an emergency meeting may be summoned with 3(three) clear days notice to the members.

Provided further that a special meeting may be summoned with 7(seven) clear days notice to the members.

(f)The Executive Secretary shall maintain an Attendance Register of members and all members shall sign it before commencement of the meeting.

When a meeting of a Village Council is not held for want of quorum, the Roy and the Executive Secretary shall make a note to that effect in the Attendance Register.

(g)As far as practicable minutes of every meeting of a Central Committee shall be entered in a Minutes Book to be kept for the purpose which shall be read out before the meeting is concluded and thereafter the person who presides over the meeting shall sign the minutes.

(h)If any difference opinion arises in taking a decision/resolution, it shall be put to vote and the vote shall be by show of hands. Every such resolutions/decisions shall be recorded in full in the Minutes Book together with the number of members voting for against the resolution.

(i)All questions at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members present and voting and the presiding member shall be entitled to vote.

23.Annual Meeting:-(1) The Central Committee shall hold at least one meeting for the Annual meeting in a year at such place, on such date and at such hours as may be fixed by the Committee .

(2) The Central Committee shall fix up the agenda for the Annual meeting to be held on such date so fixed by it. The agenda fixed by the Central Committee shall be entered into the book of agenda. After recording in the book of agenda the Executive Secretary to the Central Committee shall put his signature in the page on the right hand side below the agenda and the Roy or in his absence the Deputy Roy shall countersigned it in the page on the left hand side below the agenda. The written notice duly signed by the Roy or in his absence the Deputy Roy of the Central Committee indicating the date, time and place of the meeting alongwith agenda shall be issued at least 10(ten) days before the date of the meeting. The Executive Secretary of Central Committee shall arrange publicity of the Annual meeting to all adult members through letter, messenger or otherwise.

(3) Every meeting of the Central Committee shall be presided over by the Roy or in his absence the Deputy Roy. In case of absence of both the Roy and Deputy Roy a member among the presented members will be selected to preside over the meeting.

(4) One fifth of the total number of the adult males or females of the respective Village Council shall form the quorum for the meeting.

Provided that no quorum shall be necessary for a meeting adjourned for want of quorum. The person presiding over the meeting shall formally announce adjournment of the meeting and shall also announce the date on which the adjourned meeting shall take place.

(5) The Executive Secretary to the Central Committee shall arrange recording of attendance of the adult members in the attendance sheet/register.

(6) When a meeting of the Annual Meeting could not be held for want of quorum, the Roy or, as the case may be, the person presiding and the Executive Secretary to the Central Committee shall make a note to that effect under their signatures in the attendance sheets and in the minutes book.

(7) The first item of agenda shall be to read over the minutes of the last meeting for confirmation of the adult members and on confirmation, the same shall be signed by the person Presiding over the meeting. The second item shall be a report on the action taken on the resolution or resolutions of the previous meeting. Thereafter discussion on the agenda fixed for the day’s meeting shall be taken up and decision taken thereon shall be recorded in the minutes book. While arriving at decision every adult members shall have the right to take part in the discussion related and relevant to the agenda.

(8) The Central Committee shall take necessary steps to implement every resolution adopted or decision taken in the meeting.

(9) The agenda for the meeting shall be include:-

(a) placement of the annual statement of administrative and judiciary functions or activities of the Village Council;

(b) a broad report in respect of the development programme of the Central Committee undertaken during the preceding year and development programme proposed to be undertaken during the current year;

(10) At the time of taking decision on any matter if difference of opinion arise, the matter shall be put to vote by show of hands. The decision shall be taken by simple majority of votes.

24. Report on the works/activities of Central Committee:- The Executive Secretary of Central Committee shall prepare the report of works/activities done by it in the previous year and the works/activities proposed to be done in the next year which has to be submitted or reported it in the annual meeting of Central Committee on such date , at such time and at such place as may be fixed by the Committee.

25. Power & Function of Village Council (Court):- The Village Council (Court) functions are defined in to two categories. There are: (i) judiciary matter & (ii) administrative matter.

(i) Judiciary matter:- The Village Council(Court) shall function as the highest judiciary authority in a Village and shall decide or pass sentence against all civil and criminal disputes in accordance with the complaint raised by the complainant or as and when necessary under its jurisdiction. The Village Council(Court) shall function independently and its decision shall be treated as final. All cases are to be done in due time in the residence of concerned Choudhury with full fledged body. The Village Court restores both the sinner back to his/her normal life and also allowed humankind to live peacefully with the nature. The bigger issue, if the Choudhury of respective Village Court can not solve, the case shall be referred or shall be informed on the matter in details on urgent basis to the Roy for immediately disposal of the case and after getting information the Roy will fix the suitable date of hearing when he would be able to judge in the respective Village Court and Roy is the supreme judiciary authority in their community and no nay further appeal is allowed after his final judgment, his decision is the final. To and fro journey fare and D.A .of the Roy along with his team shall be borne by the respective Village Court(Council).

(ii) Administrative matter:-The Village Council shall not only perform the judiciary matters , but the Village Council shall also perform such other various activities as may be prescribed to expedite sustainable development of the community. In view of smooth and effective development and promoting of the community, other powers ,functions and discretionary duties as specified under this Act have also been empowered as well as assigned in comparison with modern age.

(a). Obligatory powers & functions and discretionary duties of Village Council(Court):-Subject to such conditions as may be prescribed to make reasonable provisions within the area under its jurisdiction for-

(1) organizing voluntary labour for community works for the upliftment of its area;

(2) the imposition, assessment and collection of the fees leviable under this Act;

(3) care of the infirm and the destitute;

(4) effective and precise measures to develop and promote of each Village/habitation;

(5) family welfare, women and child development;

(6) welfare of weaker section/poor families;

(7) rendering assistance in extinguishing any disaster occurs and protection life and property when any incident occurs under its jurisdiction;

(8) assisting in the prevention of burglary and dacoity;

(9) any other local work or service for public utility which is likely to promote the health, comfort, convenience or material prosperity of the public, not otherwise provided for in this Act;

(10) ensuring to bring peace and tranquility in the Society;

(11)the Village Council(Court) shall also perform such other functions as the Central Committee may assigned to it in respect of any imperative duties as may be desired;

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25. (1)Powers, functions and duties of Choudhury:- The Choudhury shall-

(a) exercise general power or supervision over all the Committee’s and Village Council’s (Court) activities under their jurisdiction:

(b) have general responsibility for executive administration of the Bongcher of the Village;

(c)exercise administrative supervision and control over all the works of all committees;

(e) arrange peaceful coexistence with all other organizations within and outside the community;

f) dispose any mjor or minor cases as admissible and his decision shall be treated as final during disposal of claims& objections of any cases.

(g) exercise such other powers, perform such other function and discharge such other duties as

the Central Committee may by general or special resolution, direct in this behalf prescribed;

25. (2)Powers, functions and duties of Deputy Choudhury:- The Deputy Choudhury shall-

(a) during the absence of the Choudhury, exercise all the powers, perform all the function

and discharge all the duties of the Roy;

(b) exercise such other powers, perform such other function and discharge such other duties as the Council may by general or special resolution, direct in this behalf prescribed

(c) Provided that the Choudhury may at any time withdraw all or any of the powers, functions and duties as delegated to the Deputy Choudhury.

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25. (3) Powers, function and duties of Secretary of Village Council(Court):- The Secretary of Village Council(Court) shall-

(a) Exercise all powers specifically imposed or conferred upon him or under this Act, or under any other law for the time being in force;

(b) Lay down the duties of , and supervise or holding office under, Village Council(Court), in accordance with rules/Acts made by the State level Council/Central Committee ;

(d) Have custody of all Records/Registers, papers and documents connected with the proceeding of the meeting/hearing of any cases;

(e) Exercise such other powers and discharge such other functions as may be prescribed;

(f) Attend every meeting and shall have the right to attend the meeting of a Council thereof and to take part in the discussion and shall have the right to move any resolution or to vote. If in the opinion of the Secretary, any proposal before the Village Council is violated of or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, or any other law, rule or order made thereunder it shall be his duty to bring the same to the notice of the Village Council, if after that the proposal is acted upon by the Village Council, the Secretary shall bring it to the notice of the Village Council;

(g) Report the annual administrative report or any activities as may be prescribed before the Village Council in the meeting on such date , at such place and at such time as may be specified;

(h) Shall maintain all Records/Registers, papers and documents connected with the proceeding of the meeting/hearing of any cases.

25. (4) Powers, function and duties of Treasurer of Village Council(Court):-The Treasure shall-

(a) perform as cashier of the Council;

(b) maintain all records/registers relating to accounts.

25. (5)Powers, functions and duties of Khandawl:- Khandawl shall-

(a) Perform as assistant of Choudhury;

(b) Perform like a police ,messenger and reporter;

(c) Obey and discharge duties as directed by the Choudhury compulsorily and inform the orders and directives issued by the Council to the people.

26. Manner of conducting of meeting of Village Council(Court):- a) In order to ensure effective monitoring and supervising of the Committee, every Village Council shall hold a meeting at least once in a month in the residence of Choudhury or any other place as may be fixed by the Committee or in the office (if any) and such meeting shall be on such date and at such hours as the Committee may fix at the immediately preceding meeting.

Provided that the first meeting of a newly constituted Committee shall be held on such date and at such hours or at such place within the local limits of the Committee as the Committee may fix;

b) The Choudhury or in his absence the Deputy Choudhury or in his absence the member of the Committee shall be selected to be the president of the meeting;

c) One -third of the total number of members (i.e. any adult person whose age is 18 years and above of the respective Village shall be treated to be a member of the Committee and entitled to give comments/suggestions/views/vote in the annual meeting) shall form quorum for a meeting of the Committee;

Provided that no quorum shall be necessary for an adjourned meeting.

d) All questions coming before a Committee shall be decided by a majority of vote;

Provided that in case of equality of votes the person presiding shall have a casting vote;

Provided further that in case of a requisitioned meeting for the removal of the Choudhury or Dy. Choudhury under Section 23 , the person presiding shall have no casting vote.

e) Transaction of business at Village level meeting:- A list of business to be transacted at every meeting of a Village Council except at an adjourned meeting shall be sent to each member of the Village Council in the manner prescribed at least seven days before the time fixed for such meeting and no business shall be brought before or transacted at any meeting, other than the business of which notice has been so given, except with the approval of the majority of the members present at such meeting:

Provided that if the Choudhury thinks that a situation has arisen for which an emergent meeting of the Village Council should be called, he may call such meeting after giving three days’ notice to the members;

Provided further that a special meeting may be summoned with 7(seven) clear days notice to the members.

(f)The Executive Secretary shall maintain an Attendance Register of members and all members shall sign it before the meeting.

When a meeting of a Village Council is not held for want of quorum, the Choudhury and the Executive Secretary shall make a note to that effect in the Attendance Register.

(g)As far as practicable minutes of every meeting of a Village Council shall be entered in a Minutes Book to be kept for the purpose which shall be read out before the meeting is concluded and the person who presides over the meeting shall sign the minutes.

(h)If there is difference opinions in taking a resolution, it shall be put to vote and the vote shall be by show of hands. Every such resolution shall be recorded in full in the Minutes Book together with the number of members voting for or against the resolution.

(i)All questions at any meeting shall be determined by a majority of votes of the members present and voting and the presiding member shall be entitled to vote.

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27.Annual Meeting:-(1) Every Village Council shall hold at least one meeting for the Annual meeting in a year at such place, on such date and at such hours as may be fixed by the Village Council having regard to decision issued by the Central Committee for the purpose.

(2) The Village Council shall fix up the agenda for the Annual meeting to be held on such date so fixed by the Village Council. The agenda fixed by the Village Council shall be entered into the book of agenda. After recording in the book of agenda the Secretary to the Village Council shall put his signature in the page on the right hand side below the agenda and the Choudhury or in his absence the Deputy Choudhury shall countersigned it in the page on the left hand side below the agenda. The written notice duly signed by the Choudhury or in his absence the Deputy Choudhury of the Village Council indicating the date, time and place of the meeting alongwith agenda shall be issued at least 10(ten) days before the date of the meeting. The Secretary of Village Council shall arrange publicity of the Annual meeting to all adult members through letter, messenger or otherwise within the concerned Village Council area.

(3) Every meeting of the Village Council shall be presided over by the the Choudhury or in his absence the Deputy Choudhury. In case of absence of both the Choudhury and Deputy Choudhury a member among the presented members will be selected to preside over the meeting.

(4) One fifth of the total number of the adult males or females of the respective Village Council shall form the quorum for the meeting.

(5) The Secretary to the Village Council shall arrange recording of attendance of the adult members in the attendance sheet/register.

(6) When a meeting of the Annual Meeting could not be held for want of quorum, the Choudhury or, as the case may be, the person presiding and the Secretary to the Village Council shall make a note to that effect under their signatures in the attendance sheets and in the minutes book.

(8) The Village Council shall take necessary steps to implement every resolution adopted or decision taken in the meeting.

(9) The agenda for the meeting shall be include:-

(a) placement of the annual statement of administrative and judiciary functions or activities of the Village Council;

(b) a broad report in respect of the development programme of the Village Council undertaken during the preceding year and development programme proposed to be undertaken during the current year;

(c) such other business relating to the affairs of the Village Council may also be transacted at such meeting of the Annual Meeting as may be agreed upon by the persons present and also such other issues as referred by the Central Committee from time to time;

(10) At the time of taking decision on any matter if difference of opinion arise, the matter shall be put to vote by show of hands. The decision shall be taken by simple majority of votes.

28. Report on the works/activities of Village Council:- Every Village Council shall prepare the report of works/activities done by it in the previous year and the works/activities proposed to be done in the next year which has to be submitted or reported in the annual meeting of Central Committee on such date , at such time and at such place as may be fixed by the Committee.

29. Executive Committee of Central Committee:- (1)There shall be an Executive Committee for the Central Committee consisting of the Roy, Kalim, Kabur and Choudhury, Treasure and Executive Secretary of all Village Council and any members of Executive Committee of any committee as constituted earlier as may be prescribed under the Central Committee.

(a) The Roy shall be the Chairman to the Executive Committee;

(b) The Executive Secretary of Central Committee shall be performed as a Secretary to the Executive Committee;

(c) The meeting of the Executive Committee shall be held at least once in four months in the residence of the Roy or in the office of Central Committee or in any place as may be fixed by it;

(d) The Executive Committee shall be responsible for coordinating the functions between the Village Council and Central Committee;

(e) The Executive Committee shall exercise such other powers, perform such other functions and discharge such other duties as may be prescribed or as may be assigned to it by the Central Committee;

30. (2)Power of the Executive Committee of the Central Committee to make Rules:- The Executive Committee of Central Committee may make rules providing for any matters which under any provision of this Act, as to be or may be prescribed or which may be considered necessary expedient in order to give effect to the purpose of this Act.

31. Constitution of Village Council Fund:- (1) For every Village Council there shall be constituted a Village Council fund.

(a) Monthly fee shall be levied in each and every household for creation of fund and the rate of monthly fee shall be ascertained by the Central Committee and there shall be 2(two) categories ,one category is for unemployed families and another is for employee families ;

(b) Such fines and penalties imposed and realized under the provisions of the Customary laws of the Bongchers or regulations made thereunder, as may be prescribed; and

(2) The Cashier/Treasurer of the Village level Committee shall be collected the monthly fees as levied by the Central Committee from households under his jurisdiction and deposited in to the joint account of the Choudhury and Treasurer in any Government recognized Bank.

(3) 75% of fund received from such fines & penalties as imposed on each case and court fees under the provisions of this Act shall also be deposited in to the joint account of the Choudhury and Treasurer.

(4) Out of available fund 25%, 15% fund shall be consumed by the Village Court, 5% fund shall be given to the Choudhury as honorarium and rest 5% shall be given to the other members equally as honorarium;

(4) The Treasurer shall be deposited 50% of the entire collected amount to the Treasurer of the Central Committee in the Annual meeting on such date and as such place as may be fixed by it.

(5) Out of rest 50% fund available in the Village level shall be utilized for the following purposes in accordance with the decision of the respective Village Council:-

(a) Any welfare activities for public under the respective Village Council;

(b) Assistance of poor students;

(d)Fund may also be utilized in any other activities for the interest of the public in accordance with the decision of the respective Village Council.

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Inputs: J.M. Bongcher