History of The Reang (Bru)

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The Reangs (Bru) are predominantly the inhabitants of Tripura. However, they are also found in the states of Mizoram and in some parts of Assam. The Reangs (Bru) in terms of appearance basically belong to the mongoloid groups and speak the Tibeto-Burman language Kau Bru. The Reangs (Bru) are a well-knit ethnic group having a rigid, well-ordained and well-structured self-governing system.

An important aspect of this book 'History of the Reang (Bru) is to trace the historical background, socio-cultural tradition, political institution and religion of the Reang (Bru) Community based on primary and secondary sources.

The book throws new lights on the theme concerned and there by fills the gaps which have not found sufficient attention by any scholars and researchers.

Dr. Lincoln Reang (b.1981) at Hanurampara, Tuisama, North Tripura. He studied In St. Paul's School, Agartala upto his Matriculation (1998). He did his Higher Secondary and Graduate Degree in History (2003) from Union Christian College, Barapani, Meghalaya and completed his Masters in Modern India History (2005) from North Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong. Thereafter, he did his B.Ed (2005-06) from Bhavan's Tripura College of Teacher's Education, Agartala. He joined Tripura University as a Lecturer in the Department of History in the later half of 2006. He had done his Ph.D (2016) from Tripura University on 'The Reangs of Tripura: A Historical Study (1942-1985).

The Reangs (Bru) are predominantly the inhabitants of Tripura. However, they are also found in the states of Mizoram and in some parts of Assam. There are nineteen notified scheduled tribes in Tripura namely, the Tipra, Riang/Reang (Bru), Jamatias, Noatia, Lushai, Uchoi, Mog, Kuki, Chakma, Khasi, Garo, Halam, Bhutia, Bhil, Munda, Orang, Lepcha, Santhal and Chaimal.

The Reangs (Bru) in terms of appearance basically belong to the Mongoloid groups and speak the Tibeto-Burman language Kau Bru. According to 2011 Census of India, the total population of Tripura is 36,73,917. The total Scheduled Tribe population in Tripura is 11,66,813 and out of them the Reang (Bru) population is 1,88,220.

One of the important aspects of this book is to trace the historical background, socio-cultural tradition, political institution and religion based on primary and secondary sources. The book throws new lights on the theme concerned and thereby fills the gaps which have not found sufficient attention by any scholars and researchers. There are six chapters in the book including the introduction and the conclusion.

Chapter one is based on the Socio-Economic and Cultural Life of the Reangs (Bru). This chapter narrates mainly about the Reangs (Bru) history, their socio-economic and cultural pattern of life. The Reangs (Bru) are basically a semi-nomadic tribe who practice jhum (shifting cultivation) on cleared virgin forest on the slope of hills. It is due to this factor that compels them to move from one place to another place in search of suitable land for cultivation.

It is very difficult to ascertain the original home of the Reangs (Bru) in the absence of any historical evidence. However, there are various opinions regarding the Reangs (Bru) original homeland. From the perspective of linguistic, ethnic and physical features, the Reang (Bru) are considered as one of the Mongolian tribes. It is found that China, Myanmar, whole parts of Northeastern India and Chittagong Hill Tracts (Bangladesh) have a large concentration of the Mongolian tribes.

Tripura, a small hilly state having an area of 10,486 sq. kms' is situated in the northeastern parts of India bounded by Assam and Mizoram in the eastern side while the rest is surrounded by Bangladesh. The geographical position of Tripura is between 22°56' and 24°32' North latitude and 90°09' and 92°10' East longitude. Topographically, the structure of the state is characterized by hilly slopes, forests, numerous rivers and lakes. The hills in Tripura are of upper tertiary formation and generally of a dull reddish colour, while the rest are of alluvial soil. The soil is lateritic and consists of a mixture of sand and clay in varying proportions. Tripura's hill range includes Jampui hill, which lies in the northern parts of Tripura with a length of 74 kms and altitude of 939 meters. Another hill range in the north district is the Sakhan with a length of 58 kms and an altitude of 782 meters. The Longtrai hill range is situated in the Dhalai district with a length of 48 kms and altitude of 482 meters. Atharamura hill range with a length of 106 kms and altitude of 481 meters falls in Dhalai and Gomati district. Baramura range lies in the west district with a length of 47 kms and altitude of 269 meters, while Devtamura with a length of 85 kms and altitude of 229 meters lies in the South district of Tripura. The major rivers include Longkai (98 kms), Juri (79 kms), Deo (132 kms), Manu (167 kms), Dhalai (117 kms), Khowai (166 kms), Howrah (53 kms), Gomati (133 kms), Muhuri (64 kms) and Feni (108 kms). The sand deposits are mainly confined to the valleys of the rivers. The silts meanwhile are chiefly composed of homogenous clay and sandy in nature. Gravels, which are practically confined to the bed of the rivers, are found in the upper reaches of the rivers and streams.?

**Contents and Sample Pages**