{"id":16764,"date":"2025-08-30T08:19:36","date_gmt":"2025-08-30T07:19:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/?page_id=16764"},"modified":"2026-03-02T06:45:30","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T01:15:30","slug":"continuity-and-change-in-hmar-death-rituals-and-afterlife-beliefs-a-study-of-pre-and-post-christian-influences","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/edu-mania\/edumania-an-international-multidisciplinary-journal-vol-03-issue-3\/continuity-and-change-in-hmar-death-rituals-and-afterlife-beliefs-a-study-of-pre-and-post-christian-influences\/","title":{"rendered":"Continuity And change in Hmar Death Rituals and Afterlife Beliefs: A Study of Pre-and Post-Christian Influences"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Vol-03, Issue-3 (Jul-Sep 2025)<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
An International scholarly\/ academic journal, peer-reviewed\/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006<\/h5>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Continuity And change in Hmar Death Rituals and Afterlife Beliefs: A Study of Pre-and Post-Christian Influences<\/h4>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Senate, Diana L.<\/span><\/p>

Teacher, Covenant English Higher Secondary School, Hmarkhawlien, Cachar, Assam<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

DOI: <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/edumania\/9149<\/span><\/a><\/p>

Page No.: 240\u2013251<\/span><\/p>

Subject: Sociology \/ Anthropology \/ Religious Studies<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Received: May 30, 2025\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Accepted: June 29, 2025\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Published: July 01, 2025<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Thematic Classification: Hmar Tribe, Death Rituals, Afterlife Beliefs, Pre-Christianity, Christian Influence, Cultural Continuity.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Abstract\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

The Hmar, an indigenous ethnic group predominantly inhabiting regions of Northeast India \u2013particularly in Mizoram, Tripura, Manipur, and Assam-possess a rich cultural heritage with deeply rooted customs and rituals. Among these, death rituals hold significant importance, reflecting both spirituals\u2019 beliefs and communal values. In Hmar culture, death is not seen as a cessation of life, but rather a transition to another realm, often involving the belief in the continuation of the soul and its journey to the world of the dead. This perspective aligns with both traditional and Christian views. Traditionally guided by animistic cosmology, the Hmar conceptualized death as a passage to mithi huo the land of the dead, with the possibility of eventual ascent to pielral (paradise) for the valorous and honourable. For the Hmar elders, whose lives were shaped by agricultural labor and substinence, the vision of heaven was a place where physical toil ceased and abundance prevailed. It is imagined as a realm where one would find eternal rest and plentiful food-a simple yet profoundly meaningful continuation of earthly comforts. The nature and scale of a person\u2019s funeral are not only influenced by the way a person lived their life but also by the manner of their death.\u00a0 In the wake of British colonization and the advent of Christianity in the early 20<\/span>th<\/span><\/span> century, the Hmar society experienced a profound transformation, especially in their approach to death and the afterlife. Hmar spiritual life was characterized by polytheism, featuring a pantheon of spirits and deities who were believed to dwell in nature and interact with the living world. While many overtly animistic practices have ceased, some traditional customs surrounding death and mourning have been adapted to fit within the Christian framework. By examining ritual practices, cosmological beliefs, and their transformation over time, this paper highlights both cultural resilience and religious adaptation.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>

Keywords<\/span>– Hmar, Death, Rituals, Christianity, Northeast India, Animistic, Spirituality, Transformation.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Impact Statement\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

This study on \u201cContinuity and Change in Hmar Death Rituals and Afterlife Beliefs: A Study of Pre-and Post-Christian Influences\u201d explores the transformation and continuity of death practices before and after the advent of Christianity among the Hmar community. It sheds light on how religious beliefs have reshaped cultural rituals surrounding death and the afterlife. By examining how traditional indigenous death rituals and beliefs about the afterlife have adapted or persisted alongside the spread of Christianity, this research contributes to the broader understanding of religious syncretism, cultural resilience, and identity formation in Northeast India. In the course of this research, several elders and experts were consulted to gather oral histories and lived experiences, providing invaluable perspective that deepen the cultural and historical context of the findings. The study fosters interfaith and intercultural dialogue by illustrating how ancient practices continue to influence contemporary beliefs about death. Importantly, it underscores the need for the Hmar community, to preserve their meaningful and traditional practices, ensuring that their cultural heritage continues to thrive alongside modern religious life.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
About Author\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Diana L. Sanate is an independent researcher with a strong interest in indigenous cultures, knowledge systems, and ritual practices among tribal communities in Northeast India. She completed her Master\u2019s degree in English and Cultural Studies in 2024. Passionate about ethnic heritage, she aims to bring greater visibility to the rich cultural legacy of the Hmar people and share their stories with the wider world.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Cite this Article<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

APA 7th Edition:<\/span> Senate, D. L. (2025). Continuity and change in Hmar death rituals and afterlife beliefs: A study of pre-and post-Christian influences. <\/span>Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, <\/span>3<\/span>(3), 240\u2013251. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/edumania\/9149<\/span><\/a><\/p>

MLA 9th Edition:<\/span> Senate, Diana L. “Continuity and Change in Hmar Death Rituals and Afterlife Beliefs: A Study of Pre-and Post-Christian Influences.” <\/span>Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span>, vol. 3, no. 3, 2025, pp. 240-251. doi:10.59231\/edumania\/9149.<\/span><\/p>

Chicago 17th Edition:<\/span> Senate, Diana L. 2025. “Continuity and Change in Hmar Death Rituals and Afterlife Beliefs: A Study of Pre-and Post-Christian Influences.” <\/span>Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal<\/span> 3, no. 3: 240\u2013251. <\/span>https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/edumania\/9149<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
Statements and Declarations\n<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Peer-Review Method:<\/span> Double-blind peer-reviewed by experts in Cultural Anthropology.<\/span><\/p>

Competing Interests:<\/span> The author, Diana L. Senate, declares no conflicts of interest.<\/span><\/p>

Funding:<\/span> Independent research conducted at Covenant English Higher Secondary School, Assam.<\/span><\/p>

Data Availability:<\/span> Qualitative interviews and ethnographic observations are documented within the article.<\/span><\/p>

Licence:<\/span> \u00a9 2025 by Diana L. Senate is licensed under <\/span>CC BY 4.0<\/span>. Published by ICERT.<\/span><\/p>

Ethics Approval:<\/span> Adheres to ethical standards for ethnographic research and cultural sensitivity.<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
References<\/h6>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

  1. Assam Institute of research for tribals and scheduled castes. (2017). <\/span>Ethnographic report on the Hmars of Assam<\/span>. Jawaharnagar, Guwahati.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  2. Dena, L. (2009). Mingo misawnarihai kalhmang le chanchintha. <\/span>Virthli<\/span>. <\/span>https:\/\/virthli.wordpress.com\/category\/ngaidan\/<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  3. Hausuohnieng. (2007). Damlai nun. <\/span>Thawnsaau printing works<\/span>.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  4. Hmar MIL Monitoring Committee. (2014). <\/span>Ngaiban reader<\/span>. Labanya Press.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  5. Hmar Youth Association. (2001). Hmar hnam dan. <\/span>Hmar youth association<\/span>. Churachandpur, Manipur.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  6. Hmar, L. (2013). <\/span>Role of women in the expressive behaviours of the Hmars of Assam<\/span> [Unpublished PhD thesis]. Tezpur University.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  7. Inpui, H., & Assam Hills, R. (2025). Hmar hnam dan (Hmar customary laws).\u00a0<\/span>Hmar Inpui, Assam Hills region. Dima Hasao<\/span>. Thaosen Offset Printing Press.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  8. Keivom, L. (2007). Sakhuo le histawri. Zogam WordPress. <\/span>https:\/\/zougam.wordpress.com\/2007\/09\/24\/sakhuo-le-histawri\/<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  9. Khawbung, L. M. (2021). Traditional institutions of the Hmar tribe in Northeast India. Kancholi. <\/span>Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences<\/span>, <\/span>1<\/span>(1), 42\u201355.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  10. Lalremsiem. (1988). <\/span>Position of women in mizo society<\/span> [Unpublished MPhil thesis]. Manipur University.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  11. Lalsangpuii, R., & Malsawmdawngliana. (2024). Funerals and burials. <\/span>Mizo Writings in English<\/span>. <\/span>https:\/\/www.mizowritinginenglish.com\/2024\/10\/funerals-and-burial-malsawmdawngliana.html<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  12. Independent church of India. General assembly. (2008). <\/span>Independent kohran hlabu<\/span>, Offset, D.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  13. Pajamte, T. L. (2020). <\/span>Mithi thlarau zinkawng. A mythological concept journey of the souls<\/span>. Partnership Publishing House.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  14. Sanate, C. (2013). Christianity-its impact among the Hmars in North-East India. <\/span>International Journal of Advancements in Research and Technology<\/span>, <\/span>2<\/span>(12), 18\u201327.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  15. Sangzuala, L., & Sailo, L. G. (2024). Evolution of zualko in mizo society: Adapting traditional communication practices in the digital age. Quest journals. <\/span>Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences<\/span>, <\/span>12<\/span>(7), 34\u201344.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  16. Shakespeare, J. (1912). <\/span>The Kuki clans<\/span>. Suma Lata Cultural Publishing House.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  17. Songate, H. L. (1996). <\/span>Hmar chanchin (Hmar history)<\/span>. HL Lawma & Son\u2019s Press.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ol>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Edumania-An International Multidisciplinary Journal Vol-03, Issue-3 (Jul-Sep 2025) An International scholarly\/ academic journal, peer-reviewed\/ refereed journal, ISSN : 2960-0006 Continuity And change in Hmar Death Rituals and Afterlife Beliefs: A Study of Pre-and Post-Christian Influences Senate, Diana L. Teacher, Covenant English Higher Secondary School, Hmarkhawlien, Cachar, Assam DOI: https:\/\/doi.org\/10.59231\/edumania\/9149 Page No.: 240\u2013251 Subject: Sociology \/ […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":14833,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"postBodyCss":"","postBodyMargin":[],"postBodyPadding":[],"postBodyBackground":{"backgroundType":"classic","gradient":""},"site-sidebar-layout":"no-sidebar","site-content-layout":"page-builder","ast-site-content-layout":"full-width-container","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"disabled","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"disabled","footer-sml-layout":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-16764","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16764","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=16764"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16764\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28850,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/16764\/revisions\/28850"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/14833"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/icert.org.in\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=16764"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}