Bugun

The Buguns or Khowa, are one of the earliest recognized schedule tribe ^[1] (Earlier known as Khowa) of India, inhabiting Singchung Sub-Division of West Kameng District of Arunachal Pradesh. Their total Population as on 2014 are approximately 2000. The notable features of Buguns are reflected in their simple life and warm hospitality. Buguns are composed into several exogamous clans. Traditionally, the predominant occupation is agriculture supported with other allied activities like fishing and hunting, cattle rearing etc. Buguns have their own folklores, songs, dances, music and rituals. A rare bird, the Bugun liocichla, was named after the tribe.

Language

The Bugun language, one of the Bugunish/Kamenic language under Kho-Bwa languages is listed as an endangered languages of India.

Religion

Religion of Buguns are traditionally animism. But early 20th century witnessed the gradual penetration of some dominant religions like Buddhism (Mahayana) and Hinduism. Recently, a good number of Buguns are converted to Christianity. But still large portion of Bugun (Khowa) population are following their tradition way of animistic rituals and priesthood.

Festival

Pham-Kho^[2] (a harvesting festival) is a popular festival of the Bugun people which is now celebrated on 10 September every year. Pham-Kho literally means "mountain" (pham) and "river" or "water" (kho), which are considered vital component required for human survival. The benevolent gods manifest in the form of the mountain and river, giving life to the people. Therefore, the Pham-Kho festival is a harvesting festival celebrated by Bugun (Khowa) community of Arunachal Pradesh. Other Important festival of Buguns are Kshyat-Sowai and Dihing-Kho.

Government

Traditionally, Buguns have their own socio-politico-admimistrative decision making system to regulate their society. The traditional village council of the Bugun (Khowa) is known as Nimiyang (Council of Elders), which looks after every aspect of village life, may it be decision-making, utilization of local resources, conflict resolution or regulating the society. Each family is represented in the Nimiang sessions by its head male member. The traditional village council of buguns are headed by Thap-Bahow (Chief). The Thap-Bakhow is an accepted leader and selected unanimously and not hereditary. There is no strict criterion for selection of the Thap-Bakhow, but a person with economic affluence, social stature, knowledge of customary laws, sound mentality, physical strength and generosity are taken into consideration. He presides over the meetings and sittings of the Nimiyang session. It is customary that only male member possessing above qualities can become Thap-Bakhow. Womenfolk is just a passive spectator and witnesses the proceedings of the Nimiyang sessions only. However, a female member is allowed to represent if its male member is absent.

Migration

Migration of Buguns to its present location are unknown. However, their mythology reveals that they have probably migrated from Tibet via East Kameng (Cheyang Tajo) along with Puroiks.(Buguns are subdivided into sections according to their specific locality known by different names:-Hakhongdua, Hajidua, Braidua, Khuchundua, Hayindua).

Bugun Villages

Some of the Bugun Villages are:-

• Wanghoo,
• Dikhiyang,
• Singchung,
• Lichini,
• Ramu,
• Namphri,
• Mangopam,
• Chitu,
• Sachida,
• Ditching,
• Kaspi,
• Bichom (a Model Village which partially included people from Lichini,Ramu, Chitu,Sachida,).
• Tenga Market under Singchung and Nag Mandir of Kaspi are main market places for them.

Buguns relation with neighbouring tribes

Buguns maintained good relations with their neighbouring tribes since they are surrounded by tribes like Sherdukpen, Aka (Hrusso), Monpa (Especially, Bhut Monpa/Sartang)and Mijis.

• Buguns of Wanghoo and Dikhiyang had very close affinity with Monpa (Especially, Bhut Monpa/Sartang). Even Inter-Marriage among most of the clans of both the tribes are tabooed. Irrespective of their tribes they considered them as their own brothers.
• Buguns of Singchung village have maintained very good relations with Sherdukpens since from the time immemorial. Like Buguns of Wanghoo/Dikhiyang intermarriages among some of the clans irrespective of their tribes are restricted as they consider them as their brothers and sisters. Even in religious aspects most of the Buguns of Singchung areas are influenced by Sherdukpen's Mahayana cult of Buddhism.
• Further Buguns of Lichini, Ramu,Chitu and Kaspi area have very close brotherly relations with Akas (Hrusso)during early days.
• And Buguns bordering Miji (Sajalong) territories have also maintained good rapport with them like Buguns of Ditching and Bichom valley.

Active organisations working for the community

• ABS- All Bugun (Khowa) Society. An apex (Socio-Cultural) decision making body of Bugun Society. Formerly known as ABYA-All Bugun Youth Association.
• ABSU- All Bugun (Khowa) Students Union. A community based student's organization.

Besides these, we will find many other NGOs working actively in some specific areas within Bugun territory like:- BWS- Bugun Welfare Society,^[3] Mt. Siphang Society etc.

Music Albums

1. Oye (Audio).

2. Guiteh Bugundua (Audio).

References

External links

• Endangered Languages
• Tribal Village Councils of Arunachal Pradesh
• Bugun Tribe
• Puroik
• LINGUISTIC AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL RESOURCES FOR THE BUGUN
• Bugun Language Guide