The Bru tribe, also known as the Reang tribe, is one of the indigenous communities of Northeast India. They are primarily found in the states of Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam, and are known for their rich culture, unique traditions, and vibrant heritage
The origin
The origin of the Bru tribe can be traced back to ancient times. According to folklore, the Bru people believe that they were created by the great god, Brai Shibrai, who shaped the first Bru man and woman from the dust of the earth. The Bru people have their own distinct language, which is called “Kau Bru” or “Reang” and is a Tibeto-Burman language. The Bru tribe is known for its strong sense of community and social structure, which is reflected in their customs, traditions, and way of life
Historically, the Bru tribe is believed to have migrated from various regions, including present-day Myanmar (formerly Burma), and settled in the hilly areas of present-day Tripura, Mizoram, and Assam in Northeast India. the Bru tribe had a strong connection with agriculture and were primarily engaged in shifting cultivation or slash-and-burn farming. They practiced jhum cultivation, which involved clearing a patch of land, burning the vegetation, and then cultivating crops. However, over the years, due to various socio-economic factors and government regulations, the traditional agricultural practices of the Bru tribe have been facing challenges.
Culture & Heritage
The people of the Reang tribe speak the “Kaubru” language which has a tonal effect of Kuki language though broadly it is a Kok-Borok dialect. Ethnically the Reangs are divided into two major clans – Meska and Molsoi and various other sub-clans.
One of the key aspects of the culture of the Bru Reang tribe is their traditional music and dance forms. Music and dance play an integral role in their social, cultural, and religious ceremonies. The Bru Reangs have a variety of musical instruments, such as drums, flutes, and stringed instruments, which are used in their performances. Their traditional dances are known for their vibrancy, rhythmic movements, and colorful costumes. The dances depict various aspects of their daily life, agricultural practices, hunting, and festivals, and are performed during special occasions and celebrations.
Like the other Tripuri, the traditional dress of the Reang is simple and plain. Men traditionally wear a hand woven loin cloth and a piece of cloth as a wrapper for the upper body. Along with this a piece of woven cloth is wrapped around the head by Kamsoi and is known as Kamsoi However, the ornaments worn by both the clans and various other sub-clans remain the same. bru wear heavy pieces of necklaces around their neck and also heavy pieces of earrings with multiple piercings in their ears please refer this Article (The Traditional Ornaments Of The Reang Tribe Of Tripura) by Anuprava Debbarma for knowing more about ornaments.
The challenges
The Bru tribe has had its share of challenges and conflicts. In the past, they have faced displacement, forced migration, and land-related disputes. One of the most significant incidents in their history was the ethnic clashes in Mizoram in the late 1990s, which resulted in the displacement of thousands of Bru people from their ancestral lands. Many Bru people were forced to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighboring states. This event had a profound impact on the Bru tribe and their way of life.
The Bru tribe has faced marginalization and discrimination, both historically and in contemporary times. They have often been marginalized and excluded from mainstream society, facing discrimination based on their ethnicity, language, and cultural practices.
The Bru people, like many indigenous communities, face the risk of losing their cultural heritage. The disruption caused by displacement and other challenges has resulted in the erosion of their traditional knowledge, practices, and language, posing a threat to their unique cultural identity
he Bru people have faced challenges in obtaining recognition of their land rights, language, and cultural rights. This has impacted their ability to assert their rights and protect their cultural heritage.
Is something changed?
In recent years, efforts have been made by the government of India, the governments of Mizoram and Tripura, and various organizations to address the challenges faced by the Bru tribe and promote their well-being. Rehabilitation programs, land rights recognition, cultural preservation initiatives, and socio-economic development projects have been initiated to support the Bru people and protect their rights
One of the significant efforts has been the rehabilitation and repatriation programs initiated to facilitate the return of the displaced Bru people to their ancestral lands. These programs aim to provide them with land, housing, and essential facilities to help them rebuild their lives and communities. Efforts have also been made to recognize and secure the land rights of the Bru people through land surveys, settling land disputes, and issuing land titles.
Various cultural preservation initiatives have been undertaken to safeguard the cultural heritage of the Bru tribe. This includes documentation of their traditional knowledge, practices, language, and customs, as well as supporting cultural events, festivals, and traditional arts and crafts
In conclusion, efforts to address the challenges faced by the Bru tribe in India have focused on rehabilitation and repatriation, land rights recognition, cultural preservation, socio-economic development, social inclusion and empowerment, education and healthcare access, and advocacy and awareness raising. These efforts are crucial in nurturing the cultural heritage of the Bru people and ensuring their well-being in the face of various challenges. With continued efforts and support, the Bru tribe can preserve their unique cultural identity and thrive for generations to come if you intrested to know more about the bru tribe we would like to recommend some books and references
History of The Reang (Bru) by Dr. Lincoln Reang (https://www.exoticindiaart.com/book/details/history-of-reang-bru-uaw205/)
Bru: The Vanishing Tribe of Tripura” by Tapan Debbarma
(https://trci.tripura.gov.in/e-book_publications)
The Traditional Ornaments Of The Reang Tribe Of Tripura
( https://www.adivasilivesmatter.com/post/the-traditional-ornaments-of-the-reang-tribe-of-tripura )
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