MUSUP YAMENG IN ADI COMMUNITY OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH, INDIA- ROLES, CHANGE AND CONTINUITY

Abstract

Musup Yameng being one of the most inimitable and unique socio-political and cultural identity of the Adi Society. It is primarily a male youth institution which serves as multipurpose training ground for the youths who are mostly unmarried. It is the gateway of learning basics of oratorical skills, arbitrary or customary laws, mythologies, folktales, dances, crafts-making, rituals etc of Adi community by the youths. Musup Yameng plays myriads of roles in the society. They act as collectors, messengers, receptionists, security guards so on and so forth. Nevertheless, the contents and essences of this important youth institution are dwindling day by day. Urbanization, modernization, growing education and adoption of new religions have been some of the important factors that lead to shrinkage of its significance over the passage of time.

With this background, in this paper an attempt has been made to discuss major roles of Musup Yameng in Adi community. Moreover, it also endeavors to thrash out changes and continuity in roles and scope of Musup Yameng in Adi society of Arunachal Pradesh.