The Socio-Economic and Cultural Life of the T...

The Socio-Economic and Cultural Life of the Traditional Kabui Society

Author Name : Rajeanlung Kahmei

ABSTRACT

The Kabui live in a socially, economically and politically well-organized society. Agriculture occupies the backbone of the traditional village economy, and people directly depended on agriculture and its subsidiaries occupation as a primary source of livelihood. Kabui society is patrilineal, the descent is traced through the father's side, and most of the property was inherited by male family members. Marriage is considered a physical and spiritual bond and a religious sacrament. The dormitory system existed as a systematic cohesion to the society and function as an informal school to youths. Traditionally, the village Chief administered a Kabui village in aid and advice of the Village Council, representing all different village clans. Gerontocracy was the true nature of village polity as the village's whole administration was carried out under the direction and supervision of the village elders. The Kabui had no written history. Traditions and cultures accumulated in the forms of folklore, myths, legends, rituals, belief, and customs had significantly helped the Nagas maintain and preserve their social, political and religious institutions and practices handed down from generation. In this paper, an attempt will be made to analyze the social, economic and cultural aspect of the Kabui society.

Key Words: Society, economy, village, marriage, family.