Published Paper Details:

The Morung refers to a traditional youth dormitory or a tribal club serving as a centre for social life, education and cultural transmission for unmarried male members. The system has been the central point of all varied activities of a Naga Village. It has been rightly called as the fulcrum of village democracies. It is the centre for social, religious and political activities. It is the club, the public school, the military training centre, the hostel for boys and the meeting centre for village elders. It served as an institution to transmit the tradition, customs and laws from generation to generation and also served as the centre for defense and training in the art of warfare. Its proximity to the working of a village council is significant in the polity of the village. Despite the dwindling of this traditional institution, its relevance to the culture of the Nagas cannot be underestimated. The spirit of Morung can still be imbibed to the present context which can contribute towards harmony, welfare and peace. Thus this paper will revisit this unique and significant institution of Morung of Nagaland in general and focus on the Khangchiu (Morung) institution for a better understanding of this unique and powerful institution in Naga culture and society.