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The Mishings are said to be the blockbusters
from northern hills. They were the only hill people who chose to come down
to the plains and settle, not to go back again. Even in those days the
Mishings were known as "Miris" meaning most probably a
go-between.
Customs, Traditions & Religious Beliefs
Their primal man was Abu Tani, the son of Donyi Polo i.e. Mother Sun and
Father Moon. Ali Ai Ligang is their most colourful festival. With the
advent of each spring, every Mishing village is plunged into gay abandon.
The Mishing People
The Mishing's are gay and colourful people. They are easy going and their
manners informal. They are conservative but interestingly enough can
adjust themselves to any environment. The latter quality distinguished
them from most of the local tribes. Their present habitat, are the banks
of the upper Assam tributaries of the
Brahmaputra and their
estuaries.
The Mishings speak a language, which is a branch of the Tani-Agam, which,
in other words, is the North Assam section of the Tibeto-Burman stock. As
most of the Mishing villages are situated on the riverbank, havoc wrought
upon by flood almost every year is immeasurable.
The Village And Household
A Mishing house is generally built north south wise. It is on raised
floor with a notched pole-ladder to mount. The house has only a door in
front and one door at the back and inside it is an open dormitory without
any partition.