It is with great reverence and purpose that I present Whispers of the Ancients—a heartfelt endeavor to document, preserve, and honor the cultural legacy of the Maring people. This book serves as both a tribute and a bridge: a tribute to the enduring spirit of our ancestors, and a bridge connecting the past to the present.

The inspiration for this work stems from a deeply personal source, when my parents published Bangei Maring Tharma in the Maring dialect, capturing essential aspects of Maring cultural life. That modest yet powerful work laid the foundation for this book. With profound gratitude, I acknowledge their contribution as the cornerstone of this expanded and translated effort.

Over time, many of the practices have faded, challenged by modernity and shifting societal values. Yet, their significance endures—embedded in our language, rituals, oral narratives, and ways of life. This book is a humble attempt to trace those cultural roots, to gather the fragments of forgotten traditions, and to present them in a form that future generations can engage with meaningfully.

Whispers of the Ancients is more than a cultural archive—it is a call to remembrance. May it encourage reflection, inspire inquiry, and serve as a resource for scholars, community members, and all those interested in indigenous knowledge systems.

With hope,
Chimoitim

Who are the Marings

The Maring tribe is one of the indigenous communities of Manipur, India, predominantly inhabiting the southeastern hill regions of the state. Possessing a distinct cultural identity shaped by generations of oral traditions, spiritual beliefs, and social practices.

Etymologically, the term “Maring” is believed to be derived from two words: “Mei,” meaning fire, and “Ring,” meaning to start or produce. This origin reflects the tribe’s association with traditional methods of fire-making. The primary method relies on rapid friction of wood against wood.

Historically, the Marings have been known for their intricate textiles, vibrant costumes, and communal way of life, rooted in kinship, land stewardship, and customary law. Despite the pressures of modernization and shifting socio-political dynamics in the region, they continue to uphold many of their indigenous values and practices, though some have faded with time.

This book, Whispers of the Ancients, seeks to document and preserve these enduring aspects of Maring heritage, contributing to the broader understanding of Northeast India’s rich and diverse indigenous histories.

Interested in owning a copy of Whispers of the Ancients?

The book is available directly from the author. For inquiries or to request a copy, please feel free to get in touch.

Contact info
mobile: +91 9108384471
email: chimoitim@gmail.com