ethnobotany of chothe tribe of bishnupur district...

Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources

Vol. 3(3), September 2012, pp. 414-425

Ethnobotany of Chothe tribe of Bishnupur district (Manipur)

Purbashree Sanglakpam, Roshni Rajamohan Mathur and Arun Kumar Pandey*

Department of Botany, University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007, India

Received 17 August 2011; Accepted 12 April 2012

Chothe tribe is endemic to Manipur state. An ethnobotanical survey of the Lamlanghupi village of Bishnupur district

has brought to light their valuable heritage of traditional customs relating to worship/religious ceremonies, food, dress,

music, marriage, wine-making and herbal medicine. From the present study it is concluded that 19 genera belonging to 13

families are used for food and 63 genera belonging to 37 families are utilized for medicinal purposes. For the preparation of

the local alcoholic beverage, 8 genera belonging to 7 families have been recorded, 13 genera belonging to 9 families are

associated with religious rituals and 11 genera from 10 families are associated with myths and magico-religious beliefs.

Keywords: Bishnupur district, Chothe tribe, Ethnobotany, Manipur, Traditional knowledge.

IPC code; Int. cl. (2011.01) A61K 36/00

Introduction

Manipur, literally meaning ‘land of jewel’, is a

beautiful land-lock with valley in the centre

surrounded by many hill ranges. The total

geographical area of Manipur is covered by various

types of forests and blessed with varied flora and

fauna. Manipur is located in the North-Eastern corner

of India. It lies in between 23°83’N and 25°68’N

latitude and 93°03’E and 94°78’E longitudes1. It is

bounded on the North by the State of Nagaland, on

the East by the upper Myanmar (Burma), on the South

by the Chin Hills of Myanmar and the State of

Mizoram and on the West by Cachar district of

Assam. Manipur has a total geographical area of

22,327 sq. km. of which 90% are hilly regions,

largely, characterized by dense forests and

inaccessible terrains. The State is divided into 9

districts, viz. (1) Senapati, (2) Tamenglong, (3)

Churachandpur, (4) Chandel, (5) Ukhrul, (6) Imphal

East, (7) Imphal West, (8) Thoubal and (9) Bishnupur.

The first five districts are located on hills and the

remaining four are in the valley2.

Study area

The Bishnupur district with its headquarter at

Bishnupur stretches between 93.43º E and 93.53º E

longitudes and 24.18º N and 24.44º N latitudes the

total geographical area of the district is 530 sq. km

(Fig. 1). It is bounded on the North by Imphal West

district, on the South by Churachandpur district, on

the East by Imphal and Thoubal district. It is the

smallest district of the state and is 27 km away from

the Imphal city. The original name of Bishnupur was

Lumlangdong (now Lamangdong)3. The present day

settlement of Chothe people in Lamlanghupi village

in Bishnupur district had shifted almost 130 years

back from the Lamlangdong village which is about

2 km away, after an epidemic outbreak. Lamlanghupi

village is situated in the Bishnupur Municipal

Council-Ward No. 12, Village No. 38, Manipur-795

126(Refs 4,5)

.

Materials and Methods

An intensive ethnobotanical survey was carried out

in the areas inhabited by Chothe people in the

Bishnupur district of Manipur. The survey was

concentrated in the Lamlanghupi village inhabited by

Chothe tribe and information on indigenous uses and

knowledge of plants were collected through oral

means from the local healer (Thimpu), elders and

village chief (Hullakpa), during the period 2009-

2011. Prior consent was obtained from informants

before collection of data. In case of contradictory

information, efforts were made to explicate and

establish the correct one. The information such as

local names of plants, plant-parts, used in various

ceremonies, preparations and administration of

medicines, plants associated with beliefs and myths

etc., collected using semi-structured questionnaires

___________

*Correspondent author:

E-mail: [email protected]; Phone: 09717745993

SANGLAKPAM et al: ETHNOBOTANY OF CHOTHE TRIBE OF BISHNUPUR DISTRICT (MANIPUR)

415

and entered in the data sheet. Photographs of the

plants and plant-part used were also taken.

Identification of plants and verification of their

medicinal uses and nomenclature was done using

authentic sources5-16

. The specimens are deposited in

the Herbarium, Department of Botany, D.M. College

of Science, Imphal, Manipur.

Results

Origin

Chothe tribe has its own folklores and mythical

beliefs which passes down the generations through

oral tradition4,5

. According to their belief, ancestors of

Chothe originated from a cave known as Hui-

pithoranga (meaning the invincible python), which

was covered by a slab of stone. The term Chothe was

derived from the word “Kachokte’’ i.e. name of the

first man of Chothe. According to their belief, the

indefinite God Hui pirengpa, created the first man

Kachokte and his wife Thanidam. Kachokte and his

wife Thanidam had seven sons and two daughters

when they lived in the cave. Chothe people consider

themselves as the descendents of Kachokte and

Thanidam. The seven sons of Kachokthe, named

Aihung, Yahlung, Thao, Makan, Marim, Lungkung

Khiang and Parpa, became the founders of the seven

clans named after each of them17,18

.

Chothe tribes are settled in 17 different villages in

Manipur, viz. Lamlanghupi, Chothe Khunou,

Khongkhang, Tampak-khul, Faihu, Chumpang, Old

Wangparal, New Wangparal, Chandolpokpi,

Ziontalang, Salemthar, Lirungtabi, Lungleh, Lunghu,

Azousu, Phantu and Pumthapokpi. According to the

locals, Lamangdong village in Bishnupur district and

Kongkhang village in Chandel district were the main

Chothe villages. The present settlement of Chothe at

Lamlanghupi village in Bishnupur district was shifted

from the Lamangdong village which is about two

kilometers away from the present settlement. Majority

of the people here are non-Christians and for that

reason, their customs are still virgin4,5,17,18

.

Population

The Chothe population is found to increase in

number steadily in Manipur according to the census

data available, except for the year 1981 when a

decline in number was noticed. There are

approximately 200 people residing at present in the

Lamlanghupi village4,5

. According to 2001 census

Chothe population in Manipur was 2675(Ref. 19)

.

Culture and Customs

Administration In every Chothe village/settlement, there are three

institutions acting as the judiciary body: Urinta-

bungkung, Tangngaringta-bungkung and Nungak-

nuthei-bungkung4.

Apart from these institutions, there is one general

body known as Hu bungkung. During war-time and

emergencies all the major decisions are passed by this

institution. The village chief (hullakpa) is generally

the head of this institute. Under him, important

leaders of the above mentioned three institutions

constitute this body.

Costumes

The traditional costume of the Chothe tribe is

highly artistic and rich in cultural heritage. There are

separate clothing for both man and woman. The

Chothe men are strong, well-built, and muscular with

broad chest and well developed limbs33

. The

traditional clothes of Chothe male is simple and

consist of Aikang (a bandana like headgear) and a

number of draperies used as wrapper as well as shawl

e.g., Ampi, Purun-oan, Thaikui-am, Thalang

thumpun, Reng-am, Langou-am, Rang-ngam busum,

Dongtho, Choutanam, Awangtangthum and Kare .

Fig 1 Map of Manipur showing the study area Bishnupur

INDIAN J NAT PROD RESOUR, SEPTEMBER 2012

416

Chothe women are fair and beautiful, with black

hair and brown eyes. Traditionally they grow their

hair long, comb back from forehead and tie into a

knot behind the head20

. The traditioanal dress of

Chothe female consists of Leikui (headgear), a

number of draperies used as both wrapper and shawl

namely Tongkap-nik, Eekuk, Punbil, Sheepar-Shibib,

Shandolik, Shandorol, Ngoujam, Punjum, Khentra.

A khwang-chek (sash) is tied around the waist

(Plate 1).

Plate 1 A-Noble-men of Urinta Bakung, B-An old man in traditional dress, C-An old woman in traditional dress, D-Aikang (head-gear

for man), E-Chothe youths in traditional dresses, F-Offerings to ancestor deity, G-Youth in dance costumes, H-Chothe man playing

Roshem (a musical instrument), I-Chothe man playing Siki (a musical instrument).


417

Marriage

The Chothe tribe is a patriarchal society and

practices exogamy. Polygamy is allowed in the

Chothe tribe but seldom practiced. Divorce is

theoretically allowed but practically negligible. The

main clans of Chothe tribes are Marim, Makan,

Parpa, Rangsai, Khiyang, Yulung and Thao. A man

cannot give his sisters in marriage to those clans from

whom he is supposed to take his bride.

Myths and belief

The Chothe people believe in animism as well as

ancestor worship. Wizardry and belief in black magic

still exists in the Chothe society. The main God of

Chothe tribe is Huipirangpa and the village God is

known as Pu Lungchungpa. Each clan also worships

their own ancestors. Every year the Chothe people

present offerings to their Gods. These functions can

be again divided into two types i.e. one for the village

community and the other for a respective family4,17

.

Present day Chothe have deviated from most of their

ancient customs and traditions except the system of

self-administration and marriage customs. The

marriage rituals within the tribe and village

administration are carried out by following the age-

old norms despite the arrival of Christianity4.

Traditional festivals

Music plays a major role in the life of Chothe

people, in both grief and sorrow21

. Hence dance and

music are part of birth, marriage and death rituals.

Some musical instruments used by Chothe people are:

Hung (a drum made of wood and covered by the dry

skin of animals), Sum (drum made of brass), Siki

(horn of buffalo or an ox) and Roshem (a kind of wind

instrument), etc.17

.

A number of festivals are celebrated by this tribal

community. They are Urinthin Lin (New Year

Festival celebrated in April-May), Innampei Lin (a

festival of harvesting crops celebrated in February-

March), Achui Lin (offering of bread to ancestor god

Pakhangba celebrated in August-September),

Shanhonglin (a festival observed before sowing of

rice celebrated in October-November), Yairitha Lin (a

festival/obituary of remembering deceased persons),

Taiton Loh (festival of menfolk), Najui Loh (festival

of womenfolk). Apart from these, Christmas, New

Year and Good Friday are also celebrated by

the Chothe people who have converted to

christianity4,17

. Plate 1 shows the culture and customs

of the Chothe tribe.

Ethnobotany

The Chothe tribe has a rich tradition of association

with the plant community surrounding them. The

majority of the Chothe are settled near the adjoining

areas between the hills and valleys. They have a

strong influence of both the hill and valley not only in

terms of culture and tradition but also in the uses of

plants for food, medicine and rituals22

. There is a long

list of plants used by Chothe people in their day to

day life as medicines, as food and in various rituals.

The information collected from Thimpu and other

village elders has helped in identifying about 70 plant

species used by Chothe people as medicines (Plate 2).

Many of the uses of some plants are unique to this

tribe. Tribal medicine-man uses specific plant parts in

different dosages to cure different ailments. The

plants as a whole or plant parts are used freshly or

after drying in the form of decoction, powder or as

external application depending on the type of disease.

Many taxa belonging to the families: Acanthaceae,

Alliaceae, Amaranthaceae, Anacardiaceae,

Annonaceae, Apiaceae, Araceae, Arecaceae,

Asparagaceae, Asteraceae, Bignoniaceae, Bixaceae,

Bombacaceae, Burseraceae, Caryophylaceae,

Combretaceae, Cucurbitaceae, Euphorbiaceae,

Fabaceae, Lamiaceae, Magnoliaceae, Meliaceae,

Menispermceae, Phyllanthaceae, Plantaginaceae,

Plumbaginaceae, Poaceae, Portulacaceae,

Ranunculaceae, Rubiaceae, Sapindaceae,

Saururaceae, Solanaceae, Theaceae, Verbenaceae and

Zingiberaceae are used in ethnic treatment by Chothe

people. Ethnobotanical uses of plants by the Chothe

tribe for various purposes are given in Table 1.

Many of the uses of some plants are unique to this

tribe. They relish plants which are rarely used as food

by people from other parts of India. Tender shoots of

many bamboo varieties are also delicacies for Chothe

people apart from leaves and inflorescence. There is a

long list of plants used by Chothe people in their day

to day life as food (Table 2) and in various rituals

(Table 3 & 4). They use various plant parts during the

fermentation process of traditional wine making.

Plants used in different local alcoholic beverages have

been listed in Table 5.


418

Plate 2 a-Acorus calamus, b-Vitex trifolia, c-Bixa orellana, d-Elsholtzia blanda, e-Eryngium foetidum, f-Gynura cusimbua,

g-Houttuynia cordata, h-Zingiber cassumunar, i-Eupatorium birmanicum, j-Drymaria cordata, k-Plantago erosa, l-Phlogacanthus

thyrsiflorus


419

Table 1Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chothe tribe

S.

No

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Part

used

Treatment ACR,

Accession no.

1 Achyranthes aspera

Linn.

Amaranthaceae Prickly chaff

flower

Khujum- pere Houton-

khoite

Leaf,

root

Pyorrhoea DMI, 13011

2 Acorus calamus Linn. Acoraceae Sweet flag Ok-hidak Anoi-bu Rhizome Asthma, cough,

insect-bites,

laxative, piles

DMI, 19120

3 Allium hookeri Thw. Alliaceae Winter leek Maroi-napakpi Animapekpa Whole

plant

Blood pressure,

stomach ulcer

DMI, 17807

4 Allium sativum Linn. Alliaceae Garlic Chanam Satun Bulb Paralysis, rheumatic

complaints,

muscular pains,

piles, worm diseases

DMI, 17802

5 Alocasia macrorhhizos

(Linn.) G. Don

Araceae Giant taro Hong-ngu Hongtu Petiole Ringworm, leprosy,

insect-bite

DMI, 19107

6 Aleurites moluccana

(Linn.) Willd.

Euphorbiaceae Candle-nut − − Fruit/

Nut

Kidney -

malfunction

DMI, 15123

7 Alpinia galanga

(Linn.) Willd.

Zingiberaceae Greater galangal Kang-khu Brou Rhizome Abortifier ring-

worm, skin diseases

DMI, 17027

8 Amaranthus spinosus

Linn.

Amaranthaceae Spiny amaranth Chengkruk

tingkhangpanbi

Arintuipa Whole

plant

Leucorrhoea,

haemorrhoid,

gonorrhoea

DMI, 13006

9 Aphanamixis

polystachya (Wall.) R.

Parker

Meliaceae Pithraj tree Heiraang-khoi − Bark,

leaf

Liver and stomach

complaints,

leucorrhoea,

alopecia

DMI, 4328

10 Asparagus racemosus

Willd.

Asparagaceae Satavar Nungalei − Leaf,

root

Boils, memory

tonic, impotency,

female diseases

DMI, 17811

11 Aquilaria agallocha

Roxb.

Thymelaeaceae Eaglewood-tree Agorbak Machi Bark Diarrhoea DMI, 14501

12 Azadirachta indica A.

Juss.

Acanthaceae Neem Neem Theichak Leaf,

bark

Skin diseases,

toothache,

constipation,

asthma, bronchitis

13 Bauhinia variegata

Linn.

Fabaceae Orchid tree Chingthrao

angouba

Angbaak Bark Diabetes DMI, 5726

14 Benincasa hispida

(Thunb.) Cogn.

Cucurbitaceae Ash - gaurd Torbot Torbot Fruit Liver enlargement DMI, 7517

15 Bixa orellana Linn. Bixaceae Achiote Ureirom Lotkan Leaf,

bark,

seeds

Antipyretic,

astringent, snake-

bite

DMI, 1701

16 Blumeopsis falcata

(D. Don) Merr.

Asteraceae − Haochak Phiphi Leaf Bronchial

congestion

DMI, 8824

17 Bombax ceiba Linn. Bombacaceae Silk cotton tree Tera Terea Bark,

fruit,

flower

Female diseases,

skin diseases,

snake-bite

DMI, 3261

18 Canarium strictum

Roxb.

Burseraceae Black dammar Mekruk Boro Gum Rheumatism DMI, 4205

19 Centella asiatica

(Linn.) Urb.

Apiaceae Penny-wort Peruk Arifon Whole

plant

Colic, ulcer, tonic DMI, 8001

20 Clerodendrum

serratum (L) Moon.

Lamiaceae Bleeding-heart Moirang-

khanum

Sok noudo Leaf,

root

Cold, cough ,

dyspepsia

DMI, 12633

21 Curcuma caesia Roxb. Zingiberaceae Black turmeric Yaimu Aisan Rhizome Wounds, pox,

tumour

DMI, 17011

(Contd.)


420

Table 1Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chothe tribe(Contd.)

S.

No

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Part

used

Treatment ACR,

Accession no.

22 Curcuma longa Linn. Zingiberaceae Turmeric Yaingang Ahangpa Rhizome Carminative,

stimulant

DMI, 17012

23 Curcuma zedoaria

(Christm.) Roscoe

Zingiberaceae White turmeric Meitei

yaingang

Yaingang

angouba

Rhizome Common remedy

for Diabetes

DMI, 17013

24 Cynodon dactylon

(Linn.) Pers.

Poaceae Doob grass Tingthou Sanahuplang Whole

plant

Wounds, urinary

problem

DMI, 20009

25 Dactyloctenium

aegyptium (Linn.) Willd.

Poaceae Egyptian

crowfoot grass

Pungphai Foiphung Whole

plant

Fever, small pox DMI, 20013

26 Drymaria cordata

(Linn.) Willd.ex Schult.

Caryophyllaceae Whitesnow Tanda mana Dungdeipai Whole

plant

Diarrhoea, nasal

bleeding

DMI, 2206

27 Eclipta prostrata (Linn.)

Linn.

Asteraceae False daisy Uchisumbal − Leaf Cough, fever, liver

enlargement

DMI, 8803

28 Elsholtzia blanda Benth. Lamiaceae Lomba Lomba Lengtu Leaf,

inflor-

escence

Astringent,

asthma, nervous,

spasms

DMI, 12622

29 Eupatorium cannabium

Linn.

Asteraceae Hemp -

agrimony

Laangthrei Aripung Leaf Ulcer, burning

sensation

DMI, 8829

30 Euphorbia hirta Linn. Euphorbiaceae Asthma weed Pakhangba

leiton − Whole

plant

Cough, colic pains,

dysentery

DMI, 15108

31 Eryngium foetidum Linn. Apiaceae Sawtooth Awaphadigom Somey Whole

leaf

Hepatic problem DMI, 8016

32 Gynura cusimbua (D.

Don) S. Moore

Asteraceae Hill gynura Tera paibi Muhun lou Leaf Wounds,

antiseptic

DMI, 8805

33 Goniothalamus

sesquipedalis (Wall.)

Hook. f. & Thomson

Annonaceae − Leikham Aham Leaf Insecticide,

blood purifier

DMI, 511

34 Hedychium marginatum

C.B. Clarke

Zingiberaceae Red ginger lily Takhellei

angaangba

Wairei Rhizome Carminative,

bronchitis

DMI, 17030

35 Holmskioldia sanguinea

Reitz.

Lamiaceae Chinese hat Kharam-

leishok

Leiningthong Leaves Rheumatism &

Backpain

DMI, 12637

36 Oroxylum indicum (Linn.)

Kurz.

Saururaceae Lizard tail Toningkhok − Whole

plant

Dysentery,

gonorrhoea,

stomach ulcer, skin

diseases

DMI, 13906

37 Justicia adhatoda Linn. Acanthaceae Adulsa,

Malabar nut

Nongmangkha Anha Leaf Muscular and

rheumatic pains,

cold, bronchial

congestion,

jaundice, asthma

DMI, 12216

38 Kaempferia rotunda Linn. Zingiberaceae Resurrection lily Yaikhammanbi Thamnajai Rhizome Gastric problem,

hair growth

DMI, 17041

39 Leucas aspera (Willd.)

Link

Lamiaceae Dronapushpi Mayanglembum Adimlou Leaf,

shoot

Headache, blood

purifier

DMI, 12607

40 Michelia champaca Linn. Magnoliaceae Champaca,

Champak

Leihao Anou-lei Root Dyspepsia,

gonorrhoea

DMI, 401

41 Melothria perpusilla (Bl.)

Cogn.

Cucurbitaceae − Lamthabi Bemangjam Whole

plant

Jaundice, renal

infection

DMI, 7519

42 Mimosa pudica Linn. Fabaceae Sensitive plant Kangphal

ikaithabi

Ajatpithinga Leaf,

root

Pile, post-delivery

uterine pain

DMI, 5735

43 Mentha viridis (Linn.)

Linn.

Lamiaceae Spearmint Nungshihidak Nungshi-tak Stem,

leaf

Diarrhoea,

antihelminth

DMI, 12606

44 Mussaenda frondosa

Linn.

Rubiaceae Magballi Hanulei Hanubalei Root,

leaf

Jaundice,

snakebite

DMI, 8420

(Contd.)


421

Table 1Ethnomedicinal plants used by Chothe tribe(Contd.)

S.

No

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Part

used

Treatment ACR,

Accession no.

45 Meyna laxiflora Robyns Rubiaceae Muyna Heibi Theipi Leaf,

ripe fruit

Blood purifier,

skin texture

DMI, 8607

46 Oroxylum indicum (Linn.)

Kurz .

Bignoniaceae Indian

trumpet flower

Samba Maklong Leaf,

bark

Muscle pain,

epilepsy

DMI, 12008

47 Paederia foetida Linn. Rubiaceae Stinkvine Oinam Moisukjam Leaf, root Paralysis, piles DMI, 8617

48 Phlogacanthus

thyrsiflorus (Roxb.) Nees

Acanthaceae #NAME? Nongmangkha

sanamachu

Anha akhapa Leaf Leucoderma,

gastric problem

DMI, 12220

49 Phyllanthus niruri

Linn.

Phyllanthaceae Gale of the

wind

Chakpa heikru Sheichuraa Whole

plant

Diabetes DMI, 15115

50 Phyllanthus fraternus

G. L. Webster

Phyllanthaceae Gulf-leaf

flower

Chakpa heikru Sheichuraa Leaf Fever, cough DMI, 15116

51 Plantago erosa Wall.

ex Roxb.

Plantaginaceae Plaintains Yempat Auntapot Leaf, seed Boils, wounds DMI, 12705

52 Plectranthus parvifolius

Talbot

Lamiaceae − Khoiju Khoichu Leaf Antiviral, skin

disease

DMI, 12645

53 Plumbago zeylanica Linn. Plumbaginaceae Leadwort Teelhidak Lumkobilei Seed Digestion, muscle

pain

DMI, 985

54 Portulaca oleracea Linn. Portulacaceae Common

purslane

Leibak kundo Leibak

kundo

Whole

plant

Liver enlargement,

urinary problem

DMI, 2307

55 Ranunculus sceleratus

Linn.

Ranunculaceae Cursed

buttercup

Kakyella Kakyella Whole

plant

Pneumonia,

asthma

DMI, 005

56 Rhus succedanea Linn. Anacardiaceae Wax tree Heimang Hokma Leaf, fruit Renal problem,

hair colour

DMI, 5307

57 Sapindus trifoliatus Linn. Sapindaceae Soapnut

fruit

Kekru Lingshi Fruit Jewellery detergent,

piles, worm diseases

DMI, 5104

58 Schima wallichii (DC.)

Korth

Theaceae Needlewood-

tree

U-shoi Ahing Bark expulsion of

intestinal worm

DMI, 2803

59 Scutellaria discolor

Colebr.

Lamiaceae − Yenekhat Alakhat Whole

plant

Muscle pain,

rheumatism

DMI, 12658

60 Sida rhombifolia Linn. Malvaceae Queensland

hemp

Uhal-ukabi U-ahan Leaves Fever DMI, 3121

61 Solanum virginianum

Linn.

Solanaceae Yellow berried

nightshade

Leipungkhang Sumtok arikpa Fruit Asthma, bronchitis,

fever

DMI, 11406

62 Spilanthes acmella Murr. Asteraceae Toothache

plant

Leisabi Machisabi Flower Relieves toothache DMI, 8827

63 Terminalia arjuna (Roxb.

ex DC.) Wight & Arn.

Combretaceae Arjun tree Mayokpha Mayokpha Bark Cardiovascular

disease, dysentery,

piles

DMI, 6603

64 Tinospora cordifolia

(Willd.) Miers

Menispermaceae Guduchi Ningthoukhongli Ningtho-

ukhongli.

Whole

plant

Antipyretic,

diuretic,

DMI, 609

65 Toona ciliata M. Roem. Meliaceae Toon Tairen Ateithing Leaf Skin diseases,

vomiting

DMI, 4311

66 Verbena officinalis Linn. Verbenaceae Common

vervain

Tharo-phijub Arkea Leaf, shoot,

root

Gastric problem,

intestinal worms

DMI, 12513

67 Vitex negundo Linn. Verbenaceae Chaste tree Urik-shibi Erikshibi Leaves Diabete DMI, 12524

68 Vitex trifolia Linn. Lamiaceae Simple

chaste tree

Urik-shibi Erikshibi Leaf, fruit,

root

Rheumatism,

toothache

DMI, 12626

69 Zingiber officinale Rosc. Zingiberaceae Ginger Shing Aithing Rhizome Asthma, cough,

paralysis

DMI, 17020

70 Zingiber cassumunar

(Thung.) Cogn.

Zingiberaceae Cassumnar

ginger

Tekhao-yaikhu Aidou Rhizome Worm-diseases,

Pus formation

DMI, 17021


422

Table 2Plants used by Chothe as food

S.

No

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Part

used

ACR,

Accession no.

1 Alocasia indica (Lour.)

Spach.

Araceae Edible taro Yendem Zeikim Whole plant DMI, 19100

2 Amaranthus spinosus L. Amaranthaceae Prickly amaranth Tingkhangchengkruk Aringtuipa Whole plant DMI, 13002

3 Amorphophallus

campanulatus Decne.

Araceae Wild taro Haopan Abai arokpa Rhizome DMI, 19109

4 Bambusa tulda Roxb. Poaceae Bamboo Ching saneibi Sanneipi Shoot (fresh/

fermented)

DMI, 20056

5 Benincasa hispida

(Thunb.) Cogn.

Cucurbitaceae Winter melon Torbot Maipoy Fruit DMI, 7517

6 Brassica rapa L. Brassicaceae Field mustard Hangam Antum Leaf, stem DMI, 116

7 Chenopodium album L. Amaranthaceae Lamb’s quarters Monsaobi Monsaopi Whole plant DMI, 1311

8 Chimonobambusa callosa

(Munro) Nakai

Poaceae Bamboo Laiwa Tanat Shoot (fresh/

fermented)

DMI, 20062

9 Colocasia esculenta (L.)

Schott

Araceae Taro, Eddoe Pan Abai Rhizome DMI, 19110

10 Cordia grandis Roxb. Boraginaceae - Lamuk Tamuk Leaf DMI, 11213

11 Cucurbita maxima

Duchesne.

Cucurbitaceae Pumpkin Mairen Amai Fruit, tender leaf DMI, 7506

12 Curcuma angustifolia. Zingiberaceae Zeodary Yaipan Aipai Inflorescence DMI, 17009

13 Dendrocalamus giganteus

Munro

Poaceae Giant bamboo Meiribob Mauru Shoot (fresh/

fermented)

DMI, 20017

14 Dioscorea bulbifera L. Dioscoraceae Air potato Haa Abaira Rhizome DMI, 17602

15 Euphorbia hirta L. Euphorbiaceae Sanka weed Pakhangba leiton Whole plant DMI, 15108

16 Justicia adhatoda L. Acanthaceae Malabar nut Nongmangkha

angouba

Anha Leaf, flower DMI, 12216

17 Lemanea australis Atk. Lemaneaceae

(Rhodophyceae)

- Nungsham Arungsam Whole plant DMI, ALG/154

18 Melocanna baccifera

(Roxb.) Kurz.

Poacaea Muli Bamboo Maubi Amao Shoot (fresh/

fermented)

DMI, 20027

19 Musa paradisiaca L. Musaceae Banana plant Lafu Changlong Pseudostem,

inflorescence,

fruit

DMI, 17003

20 0ryza sativa Poaceae Paddy Cheng Chesai Staple food DMI, 20005

21 Parkia

timoriana(D,C,)Merr.

Mimosaceae Tree bean Yongchak Yongta Fruit,

inflorescence

DMI, 5743

22 Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus

Nees

Acanthaceae - Nongmangkha

sanamachu

Anha akhapa Leaf, flower DMI, 12220

Table 3 Plants associated with religious ceremonies

S.

No.

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Part

used

Ritual/

Ceremony

ACR, Accession

no.

1 Arundo donax L. Poaceae Giant reed Yengthou Jaizou Stem Prayer

(ancestor diety)

Sanctification

DMI, 20039

2 Bambusa pallida Munro Poaceae Bamboo Wootang Watang Stem Festival of

Chothe God

DMI, 20051

3 Bombax ceiba Linn. Malvaceae Cotton

tree

Tera mana Terea Leaf Birth of a child DMI, 3261

4 Commelina paludosa

Blume

Commelinaceae Swamp

dayflower

Wandengkhombi Bunenbu Leaf Death (suicide,

accident):

Exorcism

DMI, 18306

(Contd.)


423

Table 3 Plants associated with religious ceremonies (Contd.)

S.

No.

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Part

used

Ritual/

Ceremony

ACR, Accession

no.

5 Ficus benjamina Linn. Moraceae Banyan Khongnang

taru

Abungbu Leaf Birth of a child DMI, 15374

6 Ficus religiosa Linn. Moraceae Peepal Khongnang Saibi

tingkhed

Leaf Death (natural) DMI, 15375

7 Gossypium arboreum

Linn.

Malvaceae Cotton

plant

Lashing Lachon Seed Birth of a child DMI, 3118

8 Lycopodium cernuum

Linn.

Lycopodiaceae Club-moss

fern

Leishang Leishang Sporophyte Prayer

(ancestor deity)

DMI, FR/56

9 Oryza sativa Linn. Poaceae Rice Cheng Chesai Seed Birth of a child DMI, 20005

10 Machilus gamblei King

ex Hook.f.

Lauraceae _ Nungnang

kori

Aukling Leaf,

branch

Death (suicide,

accident):

Exorcism

DMI, 14311

11 Rhus succedanea Linn. Anacardiaceae Wax tree Heimang Hokma Leaf,

fruit

Death (natural) DMI, 5307

12 Schima wallichii (DC.)

Korth

Theaceae _ U-shoi Ahing Leaf,

branch

Death (suicide,

accident)

Exorcism,

Sanctification

DMI, 2803

13 Thysanolaena maxima

(Roxb.) Kuntze

Poaceae Broom

grass

Yangen

sumchit

Saikou

/Phijung

Leaf,

branch

Prayer,

Sanctification

DMI, 20027

14 Zingiber cassumunar

Roxb.

Zingiberaceae Cassumnar

ginger

Tekhao

yaikhu

Aidou Whole

plant

Birth of a child DMI, 17021

15 Zingiber officinale Rosc. Zingiberaceae Ginger Shing Aithing Leaf,

stem

Prayer

(ancestor deity)

DMI, 17020

Table 4Plants associated with myths and beliefs

S.

No.

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Myth / Belief ACR,

Accession

no.

1 Cynodon dactylon (Linn.)

Pers.

Poaceae Durva grass Tingthou Sanahuplang They believe that the leaves

of this plant can drive evil

spirits away. Also used for

ritualistic purposes.

DMI,

20009

2 Dactyloctenium aegyptium

(Linn.) Willd.

Poaceae Egyptian

crowfoot

grass

Pungphai Foiphung Same as above DMI,

20013

3 Ficus benghalensis Linn. Moraceae Banyan Khongnangbot Bungpi kora It is not usually planted in

private plots with the belief

that it will harbour evil spirits.

Also, restricted for use as

firewood.

DMI,

15373

4 Ficus hispida Linn.f. Moraceae Hairy fig Ashi heibong Tengtrinu

theisang

It is believed that the fruit

belongs to the death ones

so it is not consumed.

DMI,

15377

5 Goniothalamus

sesquipedalis (Wall.) Hook.

f. & Thomson

Annonaceae _ Leikham Aham They believe that the smoke

of the dried leaves of the plant

can drive evil spirits away.

Also used for ritualistic

purposes.

DMI, 511

6 Persea bombycina (King ex

Hook.f.) Kosterm

Lauraceae _ Nungnang

kori

Aukling This plant is used for

exorcism in case of frequent

unnatural or accidental death.

DMI,

14311

(Contd.)


424

Conclusions The Chothe tribe is one of the few tribes in

Manipur which has conserved its traditional

knowledge and is still practicing it. Chothe tribe of

Manipur and their traditions has not been documented

in detail yet due to their localized distribution and

meager population. They only have an oral tradition

of passing on this knowledge. There is no well

known record or published work on this tribe

and the latest work done is a collection of folksong17

.

The ethnobotanical aspects of the Chothe tribe have

not been documented before and the present study

gives the first-hand information about the association

of this group of ethnic people with the plants for the

first time.

Quite often it is seen that the tribals are

conservative and reluctant to share their traditional

knowledge. The religious beliefs directly or indirectly

promote sustainable utilization of natural products.

Rural communities and tribal groups worldwide are

Table 4Plants associated with myths and beliefs (Contd.)

S.

No.

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Myth / Belief ACR,

Accession

no.

7 Phlogacanthus thyrsiflorus

(Roxb.) Nees

Acanthaceae Malabar nut Nongmangkha

sanamachu

Anha akhapa The chothe people do not

pluck the inflorescence of the

plant on Sunday during noon-

time as they believe the

efficacy of the plant will be

spoilt.

DMI,

12220

8 Plectranthus parvifolius

Talbot

Lamiaceae _ Khoiju Khoichu Same as above. DMI,

12645

9 Sida rhombifolia Linn. Malvaceae Broom weed Uhal U-ahan Chothe people have learned

from their ancestors that U-

ahan is the oldest tree and

thinpu (the local healer) will

pray on behalf of a patient to

this tree.

DMI, 3121

10 Terminalia arjuna Roxb. Combretaceae Arjun tree Mayokpha _ They believe the plant has

the ability to communicate

with the local healer and have

to pay the price if they want to

pluck the leaves.

DMI, 6603

11 Toona ciliata M. Roem. Meliaceae Toon Tairen Ateithing It is believed that the leaves

of this plant can drive away

evil spirits. Also used for

other rituals too.

DMI, 4311

12 Zingiber cassumunar Roxb. Zingiberaceae Cassumnar

ginger

Tekhao yaikhu Aidou It is believed that the plant

can drive away evil spirits and

diseases from new-borns.

DMI,

17021

Table 5Plants used in the preparation of local alcoholic beverage

S.

No.

Botanical

name

Family Common

name

Manipuri

name

Chothe

name

Part used ACR, Accession

no.

1 Albizia myriophylla Benth. Leguminosae Little-leaf sensitive-

briars

Yanglee Yanglee Dried bark DMI, 5767

2 Alocasia indica (Linn.) Schott Araceae Giant taro Hungoo Hungtoo Rhizome DMI, 19012

3 Coix lacryma-jobi Linn. Poaceae Job’s tears Chaning Mum Seed DMI, 20049

4 Ficus hispida Linn.f. Moraceae Hairy fig Ashi heibong Tengtrinu

theisang

Leaf DMI, 15377

5 Musa paradisiaca Linn. Musaceae Banana plant Lafu Changlong Leaf DMI, 17003

6 Oryza sativa Linn. Poaceae Rice Cheng Chesai Seed DMI, 20005

7 Phoenix humilis (Linn.) Cav. Arecaceae Miniature date palm Thangtup Amotki Seed DMI, 18713

8 Tectona grandis Linn.f. Lamiaceae Teak Teek Teek Leaf DMI, 12542


425

extremely knowledgeable about the usefulness of

local plant resources, on which they are immediately

and intimately dependent. The indigenous and tribal

people of Manipur have protected the flora and fauna

as their survival and sustenance is directly linked to

local biodiversity, utilization and conservation. The

Lamlanghupi village in Bishnupur district is one of

the rare Chothe villages which remain untouched by

any foreign culture. Their traditional identity is

gradually degrading. In the light of the ethnobotanical

study of the Chothe tribe presented here, it is

desirable to undertake detailed ethnobotanical studies

of this area and other such rare tribes. Evidently we

may even find plants with new and more uses. In this

advanced era of science, study and research on

ethnobotanical studies have become an indispensable

subject matter not only for conserving biodiversity or

to find new potential uses of plants for future, but also

to protect the rights of the indigenous people and their

traditional knowledge of ethnobotany.

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Chothe community

of Lamlanghupi village, for providing the useful

information for this article. Special thanks are due to

Mr. Y. Yurung Tomansing (Thimpu and Luplakpa),

Mr. Laishram Imoba, Mr. Hiyang Thambaljao Chothe

(Hullakpa), Mr. N. Hemchand Singh and Mr. S.

Gourikumar Sharma for their help in the collection of

data and identification of specimens in making this

study possible.

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ethnobotany of chothe tribe of bishnupur district...

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