Tribe Name

Reang (locally called “Bru”).

Location

Primarily in Tripura; also found in Mizoram and Assam.

PVTG Status

Only Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Tripura.

Origin

Migrated from Shan State (Myanmar) to Chittagong Hill Tracts and then to Southern Tripura.
Another group entered via Assam and Mizoram in the 18th century.

Ethnic Stock

Indo-Mongoloid racial stock.

Language

"Kaubru" (dialect of Kok-Borok with tonal effects of Kuki language); belongs to Tibeto-Burmese linguistic family.

Clans

Two major clans: Meska and Molsoi.

Social Structure

Well-knit ethnic group with a rigid, self-governing system.

Economic Activities

Primarily agricultural; transitioned from traditional Jhum cultivation to modern agricultural practices.

Religious Beliefs

Majority follow Hinduism.
Deities worshipped: Buraha, Bonirao, Songragma, Jampira, Lampra, etc.

Cultural Heritage

Renowned for the Hojagiri folk dance, which has achieved global acclaim.

Performers: Young women and girls from the Reang community. 

Team size: 4–6 members.

Props: Balance objects on their head and hands, such as a bottle or pitcher on the head and lamps on the hands.

Movement: Only move the lower half of their body, creating a wave with their waist down to their feet.

Music: Use musical instruments like the Khamb, bamboo flute, and bamboo cymbal.

Attire: Reang women wear black Pachra and Rea, a coins ring that covers their upper region, and coin rings in their ears.

Accessories: Decorate metal things with fragrant flowers.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q.Consider the following statements about the Reang tribe:

1. The Reang tribe is primarily found in the states of Tripura, Assam, and Mizoram.
2. The Reang tribe is also known as the Brus and is recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India.
3. The tribe follows a matrilineal system of inheritance and governance.
4. The Reang people primarily practice agriculture and are known for their expertise in weaving.

Which of the above statements are correct?

(a) 1, 2, and 4 only

(b) 1, 3, and 4 only

(c) 2, 3, and 4 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer: a

Explanation

Statement 1 is correct: The Reang tribe, also known as Brus, is predominantly found in the northeastern states of India, especially in Tripura, Assam, and Mizoram.

Statement 2 is correct: The Reang tribe is known as the Brus and is recognized as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in the state of Tripura under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Statement 3 is incorrect: The Reang tribe follows a patrilineal system of inheritance, not matrilineal, where property and family names are passed through the male lineage.

Statement 4 is correct: The Reang people are largely agricultural, cultivating crops such as rice, and they are also skilled in weaving, particularly known for their traditional handwoven textiles.