Tamenglong is a district in the western part of the Indian state of Manipur. Predominantly hilly and forested, it is inhabited largely by the Zeliangrong group of Naga communities, including the Rongmei, Liangmai and Zeme. The district headquarters is the town of Tamenglong.
| State | Manipur |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Tamenglong |
| Region | Western Manipur hills |
| Predominant communities | Rongmei, Liangmai, Zeme (Zeliangrong Naga) |
| Terrain | Hilly, forested |
The district lies in the hill ranges that form part of the Patkai system in the western flank of Manipur. It shares boundaries with parts of Nagaland to the north, Assam to the west, and with neighbouring districts of Manipur to the east and south. The terrain is dominated by steep ridges, deep valleys and dense tropical forests, drained by rivers including the Barak, which rises within the district. The Barak, one of the major rivers of northeastern India, originates in the hills near Liyai and flows westward into Assam before joining the Meghna system.
The district is known for its biodiversity, with forests supporting hornbills, the Amur falcon during its migratory passage, and a variety of orchids and medicinal plants. Zeilad Lake and the Barak waterfalls are among its notable natural features.
Tamenglong was constituted as one of the original districts of Manipur when the state was reorganised after attaining full statehood in 1972. Earlier, the area formed part of the Manipur West subdivision under the erstwhile administration of Manipur. In December 2016, the Government of Manipur created several new districts by bifurcating existing ones; Noney district was carved out of Tamenglong, reducing its territorial extent. The reorganisation was contested by some Naga organisations at the time.
The population is overwhelmingly tribal, with the Rongmei, Liangmai and Zeme Naga communities forming the majority. Christianity is the predominant religion, while traditional Zeliangrong religious practices, notably the Heraka movement associated with Rani Gaidinliu, also have a presence. Rani Gaidinliu, the freedom fighter and spiritual leader, was born in Nungkao village in the present-day Tamenglong region in 1915.
Major festivals include Gaan-Ngai, the post-harvest festival of the Rongmei, and Chaga Ngee of the Liangmai. Traditional crafts include weaving, cane and bamboo work, and woodcraft.
The economy is largely agrarian, based on jhum (shifting) cultivation along with terrace farming in some pockets. Rice is the staple crop, supplemented by maize, millets, ginger, and a range of horticultural produce. Tamenglong oranges are particularly well known and have historically been a significant cash crop. Forest produce, handlooms and small-scale trade also contribute to local livelihoods.
Tamenglong town is connected to Imphal by road. The Jiribam–Imphal railway project, passing through the adjoining Noney district, has improved rail connectivity to the wider region. The nearest major airport is at Imphal.
The district holds cultural importance as a heartland of the Zeliangrong people and is associated with the early twentieth-century movements led by Haipou Jadonang and Rani Gaidinliu against British colonial rule. Its forests are recognised for ecological value, and the district is among the principal stopover regions in India for the migrating Amur falcon.