Social Status and The Role of Naga Women in The Traditional Naga Society

Nagas are one of the indigenous tribes of North East India and Myanmar. All the Naga tribes have patriarchal social institutions and the line of succession is patrilineal. In this kind of social set up, the subordination of mother and children to the authority of the father is practically universal. However, headship of the father does not signify that mother's role in the family is under the strict instructions and control of the husband. She is empowered to manage her home affairs and honoured by installing a special mother's seat in the house. Naga women are known for their hard work and sincerity. When a girl attains puberty, she goes to the girl's dormitory where she is trained in all aspects of life as modern education institutions would educate. In times of war, women takes care of their family and even guards the village. In political spheres, women are not given any political rights except in some rare cases like that of Harkhongla of Maram, Rani Gaindinlieu etc. However during inter village war disputes, a woman called ‘Phukhareila’ is given the right to stop a heavy casualty war through negotiation or intervening in the war directly. A prerogative of such an honour was never given to men. She was called the Naga ‘peace maker’. Naga sisters are also honoured by giving special meal in any festival by her brothers as a continued gesture of love and concern. Divorce is a rare case and Naga women are known for their fidelity. Unmarried women are also given economic security. However it is to be noted that many social restrictions were imposed on women and Naga women in many respects cannot exercise her power. Time has come for women and men to work hand in hand in all affairs without having any social segregation for the betterment of our society and nation.