The Early Morung Systems in Nagaland and its Relevance Today with special reference to Sumi Tribe

Name of Author : Sr. Mercy Philip

Abstract: Nagaland the sixteenth state of India is a home of seventeen major Naga tribes and almost equal number of subtribes, each having its own distinctive dialect, traditional cultural practices and yet sharing much in common in terms of practice and observance of cultural traits, festivities and customs. This paper is an attempt to explore how the traditional Morung functioned in the early Naga society and its relevance today with special emphasis on Sumi Naga tribe of Nagaland. The apuki (male dormitory) was very popular among the Sumi tribe which was a learning institute where the norms and customs were taught to young boys. Besides the male dormitory each village had Iliki (dormitory for unmarried young girls). Though in the present day they do not exist in the form of social institutions, the values they taught and the training they provided are still prevalent among the Sumis. An interpretation of the past with justification of it in a new frame of reference for preservation of what is essential in the Morung system is of utmost significance today.

Keywords : Culture, Sumi, Morung, Apuki and Iliki

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