Anal people
| Total population | |
|---|---|
| (92,123 (2011 census)) | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
| Burma | |
| Languages | |
| Anal | |
| Religion | |
| Predominantly Polytheist. Christian minorities | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Naga people |
The Anal people are a scheduled tribe found in Manipur, India and in Myanmar. They speak their own language, Anal. referred to them as one of the Naga clans of Manipur and recognized as part of the Naga's tribe by the state government of Manipur.
The origin of the name Anal is not clear. One hypothesis is that the group name comes from the surname of R.D. Angnal. Another suggested explanation is that the name derives from the Meitei word anan, which means "clean," suggesting that the group had a reputation for cleanliness. However, the Encyclopaedia of North-East India points out that the Myanma refer to them as Khon, which means "dirty people." The Anal generally describe themselves as the Pakan.
The Anal, along with the Lamkang, Moyon, and Monsang, are an offshoot of the Pakan tribe. They are believed to be among the. first settlers in Manipur.They have also been linked to the Naga's ethnic people
Anal legend states that the Anal, together with the other Pakan tribes, originated in Mongolia. They lived in a cave guarded by a man-eating tiger. Two Anals, Hanshu and Hanta, killed the tiger with the help of some birds. After the tiger's death, the tribes left the cave, travelling through China, Tibet, and numerous other areas before settling in Manipur. The Anal are divided into two groups based on who they believe they are descended from, Hanshu or Hanta.
The Anal live in the Manipur region of north-east India, which is surrounded by the Imphal valley to the north, Churachandpur to the west, the Chin Hills to the south and Kabaw valley to the east. The area is very hilly, with thick jungles and many wild animals. According to the 2001 census, there are approximately 21,242 Anal in Manipur. In 1981 they were living in 45 villages.
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