Kuki-Chin

Kuki-Chin 

a group of related peoples and tribes living in northeastern India (Assam), western Burma, and Bangladesh (the Chittagong Hill Tracts). Total population, about 2 million (1970, estimate). They speak Tibeto-Burman languages of the Sino-Tibetan family. Most adhere to animistic religious beliefs; some are Christians and Hindus.

The Kuki-Chin are divided into three main subgroups: Meithei (Manipur), Chin, and Kuki. The Meithei (India) are an independent nationality. The Chin subgroup includes the Chin proper of Burma, as well as the Lushei (Mizo), Thado, Lakher, Peite, Ralte, Sokte, and others who live in India. The Kuki subgroup (India) includes the Tipperah (Tipura) and other small groups of peoples and tribes, such as the Purum, Chiru, Vaiphei, Aimol, Bite, and Khelma. The Khyangi in Bangladesh are also related to them. The chief occupations of the Kuki-Chin are lowland and slash-and-burn farming (rice and corn) and hunting. Weaving and basket-making are also well developed.

REFERENCES

Narody luzhnoi Azii. Moscow, 1963.
Narody Iugo- Vostochnoi Azii. Moscow, 1966.

IA. V. CHESNOV