Memory, Migration and Oral Heritage: Unveiling the Reang Community's Narratives in Tripura

Tripura is a small state located in northeast India. The north-eastern includes eight states known as seven sisters and one brother namely Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, and Sikkim respectively. It is a place and home to a mix of tribal cultures and religious groups. The Reang community, primarily residing in the state of Tripura in Northeast India, holds a rich and diverse cultural heritage that is deeply rooted in its mnemonic history, migration patterns, vibrant oral narratives. Mnemonic history constitutes an integral part of the Reang community’s identity formation. The Reang people have traditionally used mnemonic devices such as songs, dances, rituals, and other artistic expressions to protect and transmit their historical narratives across generations. These narratives contain valuable information about their migration routes, historical events, social structures, and traditional practices. Migration also plays a significant role in the Reang community’s history and cultural dynamics. Over the centuries, the Reang people have migrated from their ancestral homeland in present-day Bangladesh to various regions, including Tripura.