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Gangte

Gangte te/Gangte Kuki
The term "Gangte" written in Manipuri script (Meitei script)
Total population
40,000 (approx) worldwide[1]
Regions with significant populations
Northeast India, Bangladesh, Burma
Languages
Gangte language (L1) Meitei language (L2)[2]
Religion
Christianity
Related ethnic groups
Meitei  · Chin  · Thadou  · Hmar  · Mizo  · Simte  · Vaiphei  · Zou  · Paite

Gangte is an ethnic group residing predominantly in the Indian state of Manipur, as well as in parts of Mizoram, Assam, and Myanmar. Also part of the larger Zo people, and are recognized as a tribe in both Manipur and under the Indian Constitution.^[3] As of as of 2018^[update], their global population is estimated to be approximately 40,000.^[4] Their primary settlements in India are located in Churachandpur district of Manipur and in neighboring states, including Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Assam. The Gangtes predominantly use the Meitei language as their second language (L2).^[5]

Naming System

The Gangtes utilize a distinct naming system designed to preserve their history and ancestry, especially given the absence of written historical records. Grandparents name their grandchildren using the last syllable of their own names—e.g., Thangmang leads to Manglun, which becomes Lunkholal, which turns into Lalminlun, etc. Grandfathers name grandsons and grandmothers name granddaughters. The firstborn son and daughter typically are named after the paternal grandparents, while the secondborn children are named after the maternal grandparents. This system is prevalent among many of the Zo peoples.