SOCIO-CULTURAL LIFE OF THE MEITEIS (MANIPURIS) IN BANGLADESH

Abstract

The Meiteis in Bangladesh are originally from the Indian state of Manipur in North-East India. The political conflict in the kingdom of Manipur at different point of time in history is the primary reason for Meiteis being driven out of their homeland. The onslaught of Burmese was so vicious and extensive that the Meiteis who had already settled in different areas of Cachar and Assam felt no longer secure there and subsequently were forced to move further into present pockets of settlement of Bangladesh. In course of time, they became the Bangladeshi Manipuris and recognised as indigenous people by the Bangladeshi government. Over the last few years, their socio-cultural identity is being challenged by the host communities. An alarming concern of the Meiteis in Bangladesh is the negative growth rate of population which has a serious implications on their socio-cultural settings. With the receding of the Meitei populace the Meitei villages or the settlements are gradually diminishing. The change in demography and the influence of the host communities upon their society and culture led to the poser of their existential threat. This paper attempts to highlight their current socio-cultural life and to what extent it is being influenced by the host communities and the measures that can be taken up to retain inherent socio-cultural setting.