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{{Short description|Ethnic group of Indian subcontinent}}
{{Other uses|Garo (disambiguation){{!}}Garo}}
{{Other uses|Garo (disambiguation){{!}}Garo}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2020}}
{{Multiple issues|{{Tone|date=April 2017}}
{{multiple issues|
{{More citations needed|date=April 2025}}}}
{{more citations needed|date=April 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2025}}
{{tone|date=April 2017}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2025}}
{{copypaste|url=http://westgarohills.gov.in/culture.html|date=October 2020}}}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = '''Garo''' <br /> '''''A·chik Mande'''''
| group           = '''Garo'''
| image = GARO TRADITIONAL DRESS-9.jpg
| native_name      = A∙chik
| image_caption = A Garo couple in traditional dress
| native_name_lang = A∙chikku
| pop = 1.1 million (2011)
| image           = GARO TRADITIONAL DRESS-9.jpg
| region1 = {{flag|India}}
| image_caption   = A Garo couple in traditional attire
| pop1 = 997,716
| pop             = 1.1 million ({{Circa|2011}})
| ref1 = <ref>{{cite web|title=A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Government of India|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
| popplace        = [[India]]{{*}}[[Bangladesh]]
| region2 = * [[Meghalaya]]
| region1         = {{flag|India}}
| pop2 = 821,026
| pop1             = 997,716
| region3 = * [[Assam]]
| ref1             = <ref>{{cite web|title=A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix|url=http://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/PCA/ST.html|website=censusindia.gov.in|publisher=Government of India|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
| pop3 = 136,077
| region2         = {{*}}[[Meghalaya]]
| region4 = * [[Tripura]]
| pop2             = 821,026
| pop4 = 12,952
| region3         = {{*}}[[Assam]]
| region5 = {{flag|Bangladesh}}
| pop3             = 136,077
| pop5 = 120,000
| region4         = {{*}}[[Tripura]]
| ref5 = <ref>{{cite web|title=Garo|url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/grt|website=Ethnologue|publisher=SIL International|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
| pop4             = 12,952
| languages = [[Garo language|Garo]]
| region5         = {{flag|Bangladesh}}
| religions = [[Christianity]], ''Songsarek''
| pop5             = 120,000
| related = [[Bodo-Kachari peoples]], [[Khasi people]]
| ref5             = <ref>{{cite web|title=Garo|url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/grt|website=Ethnologue|publisher=SIL International|access-date=28 October 2017}}</ref>
| languages       = [[Garo language|Garo]] (A∙chikku)
| religions       = Majority ~ [[Christianity]] (90%)<ref>{{cite web | url=https://theprint.in/features/missionary-is-not-a-popular-word-in-india-but-in-the-khasi-hills-it-holds-a-different-meaning/751501/ | title=Missionary is not a very popular word in India. But in the Khasi hills, it holds a different meaning in their culture. | website=[[ThePrint]] | date=16 October 2021 }}</ref><br/> Minority ~ [[Songsarek religion|Songsarek]], [[Hinduism]] (40% in [[Bangladesh]]),<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chakma |first=Sheeladitya |title=A CASE STUDY ON THE GARO ETHNIC PEOPLE OF THE SAL (Shorea robusta) FORESTS IN BANGLADESH |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265291382}}</ref> [[Animism]]
| related         = [[Bodo-Kachari peoples|Bodo-Kachari groups]]; [[Boro people|Boro]], [[Hajong people|Hajong]], [[Rabha people|Rabha]], [[Koch people|Koch]], [[Dimasa people|Dimasa]], [[Tripuri people|Tripuri]], [[Konyak people]], other [[Tibeto-Burmese|Tibeto Burman]] peoples
}}
}}
[[File:Garo Women and head of Garo Boy.jpg|thumb|Garo Women and head of Garo Boy]]
The '''Garos''' are an indigenous [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] ethnic group from the [[Indian subcontinent]], notably found in the [[Indian states]] of [[Meghalaya]], [[Assam]], [[Tripura]], [[Nagaland]], and some neighboring areas of [[Bangladesh]], notably [[Madhupur District|Madhupur]], [[Mymensingh District|Mymensingh]], [[Netrokona District|Netrokona]], [[Jamalpur District|Jamalpur]], [[Sherpur District|Sherpur]] and [[Sylhet Division|Sylhet]], [[Rangamati]] who call themselves '''A·chik Mande''' (literally "[[Hill tribes of Northeast India|hill people]]," from ''a·chik'' "bite soil" + ''mande'' "people") or simply '''A·chik''' or '''Mande''' - the name "Garo" being given to them and used by non-Garos.<ref>[http://meghalaya.nic.in/culture/people.htm Official Homepage of Meghalaya State of India] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308175546/http://meghalaya.nic.in/culture/people.htm |date=8 March 2008}}</ref> Historically, Garo name was used for wide range of people in southern bank of Brahmaputra but today, Garo means Hill tribes who call themselves A'chik or Mande. They are the second-largest tribe in Meghalaya after the [[Khasi people|Khasi]] and comprise about a third of the local population. The Garos are one of the few remaining [[Matrilineality|matrilineal]] societies in the world.


==Religion==
The '''Garo people''' are a [[Tibeto-Burmese|Tibeto-Burman]] [[ethnic group]] who live mostly in the [[Northeast India]]n state of [[Meghalaya]], with a smaller number in neighbouring [[Bangladesh]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=4 October 2018 |title=5 facts you must know about the Garo Tribe of Meghalaya |url=https://thenortheasttoday.com/tntvideos/features/5-facts-you-must-know-about-the-garo-tribe-of-meghalaya/cid2513940.htm |access-date=31 December 2023 |website=thenortheasttoday.com |language=en-IN}} "The Garos are a [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] ethnic group in Meghalaya also known as the A·chik Mande (literally hill people) or simply A·chik or Mande."</ref><ref>{{Cite journal |last1=R. Marak |first1=Silba |last2=Sharma |first2=Dwijen |date=11 September 2023 |title=Funeral Rites of the Garos: Unveiling Cultural Assimilation Amidst Christian Influence |url=https://ejournal.uinsgd.ac.id/index.php/jcrt/article/view/354 |journal=Journal of Contemporary Rituals and Traditions |volume=1 |issue=2 |pages=55–66 |doi=10.15575/jcrt.354 |issn=2988-5884 |doi-access=free}}</ref> They are the second-largest indigenous people in Meghalaya after the [[Khasi people|Khasi]] and comprise about a third of the local population. They are also found in the Mymensingh Division including Jamalpur, Sherpur, and Mymensingh districts of [[Bangladesh]].
A large part of the Garo community follow [[Christianity]],<ref>{{cite web|title=People of Meghalaya|url=http://shillong.com/content/people-meghalaya|access-date=2012-05-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108110212/http://shillong.com/content/people-meghalaya|archive-date=2017-11-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> with some rural pockets practising traditional animist religion known as Songsarek. The book ''The Garo Ancestors Religion: Beliefs And Practices''<ref>[http://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/005256265 Paulinus R. Marak: ''The Garo tribal religion: beliefs and practices'' (Delhi: Anshah Pub. House, 2005)] {{ISBN|8183640028}}</ref> tries to interpret and expound on the origin and migration of the Garos — consisting of Indigenous groups who settled in the [[Garo Hills]] and their ancient animistic religious beliefs and practices: deities who must be appeased with rituals, ceremonies and animal sacrifices to ensure welfare of the tribe.


Rev Ramke W. Momin was the first devout Christian from among the Garos. Rev Ramke W. Momin was born Goalpara, Assam,  India, sometime in the 1820
== Etymology ==
Historically, the name Garo was used for a large number of different peoples living on the southern bank of [[Brahmaputra River]], but now refers primarily to those who call themselves '''A∙chik Mande''' (literally "[[Hill tribes of Northeast India|hill people]]," from ''A∙chik'' "bite soil" and ''mande'' "people") or simply '''A∙chik''' or '''Mande''', with the name "Garo" now being used by outsiders as an [[exonym]].<ref name=":0">[http://meghalaya.nic.in/culture/people.htm Official Homepage of Meghalaya State of India] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308175546/http://meghalaya.nic.in/culture/people.htm |date=8 March 2008}}</ref>


The religion of the ancestors of the Garos is Sansarek. Their tradition "Dakbewal" relates to their most prominent cultural activities. In 2000, the group called "Rishi Jilma" was founded to safeguard the ancient Garo Songsarek religion. Seeing the Songsarek population in decline, youth from the Dadenggiri subdivision of Garo Hills felt the need to preserve the Songsarek culture. The Rishi Jilma group is active in about 480 villages in and around Garo Hills.
==History==


According to oral tradition, the Garo people first migrated to the Garo Hills from [[Tibet]] (referred to as Tibotgre) around 400 BC, under the leadership of Jappa Jalimpa, Sukpa, and Bongepa, crossing the [[Brahmaputra River]] (Songdu Chibima) and temporarily settling in the river valley. The Garo finally settled down in Garo Hills (East-West Garo Hills), finding providence and security in this uncharted territory and claiming it as their own. Records of the tribe by expanding [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] armies and by East India Company officials in what is now Bangladesh wrote of the warlike nature of the people.
The earliest written records about the Garo date from around 1800, and were described by officials of the East India Company as follows: "... looked upon as bloodthirsty savages, who inhabited a tract of hills covered with almost impenetrable jungle, the climate of which was considered so deadly as to make it impossible for a white man to live there. The Garo had the reputation of being fierce headhunters, the social status of a man being decided by the number of heads he owned".<ref>Playfair 76-77.</ref>


==Geographical distribution==
[[File:Garo Women and head of Garo Boy.jpg|thumb|Garo women and a Garo boy]]
[[File:Garo tribes House.JPG|thumb|The traditional house of Garo tribes]]
[[File:A Garo woman.jpg|thumb|A Garo woman, 1912]]
In December 1872, the Government of India dispatched a military expedition to the Garo Hills to establish control over the region. The campaign was conducted from three sides&nbsp;– south, east, and west. The Garo warriors (''matgriks'') confronted them at the Battle of Rongrenggre, equipped with spears, swords, and shields. Inevitably, the Garo were defeated in the battle, lacking the guns or mortars of the army.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}


The Garos are mainly distributed over the [[Garo Hills]], [[Khasi Hills]], Ri-Bhoi Districts in [[Meghalaya]], [[Kamrup Rural district|Kamrup]], [[Goalpara district|Goalpara]], [[Sivasagar]], [[Karbi Anglong]] districts of [[Assam]], Khasi Hills in [[Meghalaya|Meghalaya and Dimapur (Nagaland State)]], lesser numbers (about 200,000) are found in [[Mymensingh]]  (Jamalpur, Sherpur, Netrakona, Mymensingh) and capital [[Dhaka]], [[Sylhet District|Sylhet]], and [[Moulvibazar District|Moulovibazar]] districts of [[Bangladesh]].
By the early 1900s, the [[American Baptist Mission]] was active in the area, working from [[Tura, Meghalaya]].<ref>Playfair vi.</ref>


It is estimated that total Garo population in Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal, Canada, USA, Europe, Australia and Bangladesh together is more than 1 million.<ref>[http://www.ethnologue.com/language/grt 'Garo'] in: Lewis, M. Paul, Gary F. Simons, and Charles D. Fennig (eds.). 2013. ''[[Ethnologue]]: Languages of the World'', 17th edition. Dallas, Texas: SIL International: 889,000 in India (2001 census), 120,000 in Bangladesh (2005). Population total all countries: 1,009,000.</ref>
Two early histories of the Garo people were written by [[District magistrate|deputy commissioner for Eastern Bengal and Assam]] Major A. Playfair, ''The Garos'' (1909), and by Sinha T.C., ''The Psyche of Garos'' (1955).


Garos are also found scattered in the Indian state of [[Tripura]]. The recorded Garo population was around 6,000 in 1971.<ref>Gan-Chaudhuri, Jagadis. ''Tripura: The Land and its People''. (Delhi: Leeladevi Publications, 1980) p. 10</ref> In a recent{{when|date=November 2017}} survey conducted by the newly revived Tripura Garo Union revealed that the number has increased to about 15,000, spreading to all the four districts of Tripura.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
==Geographical distribution==


Garos form minorities in [[Cooch Behar district|Cooch Behar]], [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]], [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]] and [[West Dinajpur district|West Dinajpur]] of [[West Bengal]], as well as in [[Nagaland]]. The present generation of Garos forming minorities in these states of India do not speak the ethnic language anymore.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
The Garo are mainly distributed over the [[Garo Hills]], [[Khasi Hills]], Ri-Bhoi districts in [[Meghalaya]], [[Kamrup Rural district|Kamrup]], [[Goalpara district|Goalpara]], [[Sivasagar]], and [[Karbi Anglong]] districts of [[Assam]], in India.  In Bangladesh, lesser numbers are found in [[Tangail District|Tangail]], [[Jamalpur District|Jamalpur]], [[Sherpur District|Sherpur]], [[Mymensingh District|Mymensingh]], [[Netrokona District|Netrokona]],  [[Sunamganj District|Sunamganj]], [[Sylhet District|Sylhet]] and [[Gazipur District|Gazipur]] with the highest concentration in [[Haluaghat Upazila]] and [[Dhobaura Upazila|Dhobaura]] of [[Mymensingh district]], [[Durgapur Upazila, Netrokona|Durgapur upazila]] and [[Kalmakanda Upazila|Kalmakanda upazila]] of [[Netrokona district]], [[Nalitabari Upazila|Nalitabari upazila]] and [[Jhenaigati Upazila|Jhenaigati upazila]] of Sherpur and [[Madhupur Upazila|Madhupur upazila]] of [[Tangail district]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Garo, The - Banglapedia |url=https://en.banglapedia.org/index.php/Garo,_The |access-date=23 February 2024 |website=en.banglapedia.org |language=en}}</ref>
A majority of Garo village or locality names end with -''gre''. For example, Dakopgre, Cherangre, Goeragre, Simsanggre, etc. There are also names with the ending -'' para'', e.g. Salmanpara, Asipara, Marakapara, etc. ''Para'' is a corruption of -''bra'', which was the result of a census error. Similarly, the village name Asipara is a corruption of the historical place name Asibra. However, the village is listed in census and government records under the name Asipara. This replacement of original names can be seen as a threat to Garo's cultural identity.


A small number of Garos live in different parts of the world including Canada, America, Australia, England.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
It is estimated that the total Garo population in Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal, Canada, the US, Europe, Australia, and Bangladesh combined is more than 1 million.<ref>[http://www.ethnologue.com/language/grt 'Garo'] in Lewis, M. Paul, Gary F. Simons, and Charles D. Fennig (eds.). 2013. ''[[Ethnologue]]: Languages of the World'', 17th edition. Dallas, Texas: SIL International: 889,000 in India (2001 census), 120,000 in Bangladesh (2005). Population total all countries: 1,009,000.</ref>


==Language==
Garo is also found scattered in the Indian state of [[Tripura]]. The recorded Garo population was around 6,000 in 1971.<ref>Gan-Chaudhuri, Jagadis. ''Tripura: The Land and its People''. (Delhi: Leeladevi Publications, 1980) p. 10</ref>
{{main|Garo language}}


The [[Garo language]] belongs to the [[Tibeto-Burman]] [[language family]]. The language was not traditionally written down; customs, traditions, and beliefs were handed down [[oral tradition|orally]]. It is believed that the written language was lost in its transit to the present Garo Hills. Garo language/script was written on animals skins and tree barks as they had no knowledge of pen and paper yet. While on their quest for hospitable ground, the ancestors experienced famine and were forced to resort to eating the very animal skins and tree barks that held their history, their alphabets or "Thokbirim". The written language/script was thus lost. Brief lists of Garo words were compiled by British officials in 1800, and Garo acquired a Latin-based spelling system during the late 19th century. This was devised by American Baptist missionaries and based on a northeastern dialect of Garo. The first translation of the Garo Bible was published in 1924.  
Garo form minority groups in [[Cooch Behar district|Cooch Behar]], [[Jalpaiguri district|Jalpaiguri]], [[Darjeeling district|Darjeeling]] and [[West Dinajpur district|West Dinajpur]] of [[West Bengal]], as well as in [[Nagaland]]. The present generation of Garo forming minority groups in these states of India does not generally speak their ethnic language any longer.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}


===Language Family===
Garo also forms small communities in various other parts of the world including Canada, America, Australia, and the United Kingdom.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
*[[Sino-Tibetan]]
**[[Sal languages|Brahmaputran]]
***[[Bodo–Garo languages]]
****[[Garo language|Garo]]


===Alphabet===
==Religion==
Later in the nineteenth century, the Garo alphabet had 21 letters and was created with the help of the Latin alphabet. To this day, Garos of Meghalaya, Assam and Bangladesh, have been using it in language practice.  
Today, most Garos in India follow [[Christianity]]<ref>{{cite web|title=People of Meghalaya|url=http://shillong.com/content/people-meghalaya|access-date=3 May 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171108110212/http://shillong.com/content/people-meghalaya|archive-date=8 November 2017|url-status=dead}}</ref> with a few practicing the traditional Garo animist religion, [[Songsarek religion|Songsarek]]. The latter includes deities who must be appeased with rituals, ceremonies, and [[animal sacrifice]]s to ensure the welfare of the tribe.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Marak |first=Paulinus R. |url=https://catalog.hathitrust.org/Record/005256265 |title=The Garo tribal religion: beliefs and practices |date=2005 |publisher=Anshah Pub. House |isbn=978-81-8364-002-2 |location=Delhi}}</ref>


One of the differences between the English and Garo alphabet is the pronunciation of T. T is usually pronounced aspirated. Tura is pronounced more like "Thura" in Garo. In some cases T is pronounced unaspirated.
[[Ramke W. Momin]] was the first Christian Garo member and was born in [[Goalpara district]] in the 1830s.{{Citation needed|date=March 2025}}


{| Garo Alphabet="wikitable sortable"
In Bangladesh, 56.02% of Garos consider themselves practitioners of Christianity, while of the remaining population, most are practitioners of Songsarek.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A CASE STUDY ON THE GARO ETHNIC PEOPLE OF THE SAL (Shorea robusta) FORESTS IN BANGLADESH |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265291382 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241208073028/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/265291382_A_CASE_STUDY_ON_THE_GARO_ETHNIC_PEOPLE_OF_THE_SAL_Shorea_robusta_FORESTS_IN_BANGLADESH |archive-date=8 December 2024 |access-date=2025-03-21 |website=ResearchGate |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref>
|+ Modern Garo Letters
|-
!Letters !! English !! Latin !! Garo
|-
| A || a || ā || a
|-
| B || bee || bē || bee
|-
| C || cee || cē || cee
|-
| D || dee || dē || dee
|-
| E || e || ē || e
|-
| F || ef || ef || –
|-
| G || gee || gē || gee
|-
| H || aitch || hā || aitch
|-
| I || i || ī || i
|-
| J || jay || – || jay
|-
| K || kay || kā || kay/kha
|-
| L || el || el || el
|-
| M || em || em || em
|-
| N || en || en || en
|-
| O || O || ō || O
|-
| P || pee || pē || p/ph
|-
| Q|| cue || qū || –
|-
| R|| ar/or || er || ar/or
|-
| S || ess || es || ess
|-
| T || tee || tē || tee/th
|-
| U || U || ū || U
|-
| V || vee || – || –
|-
| W || double-u || – || double-u
|-
| X|| ex || ex || –
|-
| Y || wye || hȳ || –
|-
| Z || zed || zēta || –
|-
| ' || –  || – || rakka
|-
|}


The Garo language has dialects — 1. Chisak 2. Matchi 3. Matabeng 4. Am'beng/A'beng 5. Matchi Dual 6. Atong/Attong/Atdong 7. Gara Gancheng 8. Chibok 9. Ruga 10. Gitchu/Kitchu/Kotchu 11. Me'gam 12. A'kawe/A'we In Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal , Nagaland, Tripura(India) and Bangladesh. A'chik is the usually standard written Garo Language in India and Bangladesh. A'chik is the used in Garo literature and, hence, for the translation of the Bible.. The Garo language has some similarities with Boro-Kachari, Dimasa, and Kok-Borok languages. About 70% of the similarities between Koch Kachari and Tripuri language are found in Atong.
In India, a small percentage of the Garo population practices Buddhism, estimated at 0.40%.


The modern official language in schools and government offices is [[Indian English|English]].
The term "Dakbewal" is often used to describe Garo culture.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} In 2000, the group called "Risi Jilma" was founded to safeguard the ancient Garo Songsarek religion. Seeing the Songsarek population in decline, youth from the Dadenggiri subdivision of [[Garo Hills]] felt the need to preserve the Songsarek culture. The Rishi Jilma group is active in about 480 villages in and around Garo Hills.


==Historical accounts==
==Language==
[[File:A Garo woman.jpg|thumb|200px|A Garo woman, 1912]]
{{main|Garo language}}
According to one oral tradition, the Garos first immigrated to Garo Hills from [[Tibet]] (referred to as Tibotgre) around 400 BC under the leadership of Jappa Jalimpa, crossing the [[Brahmaputra River]] and tentatively settling in the river valley. The Garos finally settled down in Garo Hills (East-West Garo Hills), finding providence and security in this uncharted territory and claiming it their own. Records of the tribe by invading [[Mughal Empire|Mughal]] armies and by [[United Kingdom|British]] observers in what is now Bangladesh wrote of the brutality of the people.


The earliest written records about the Garo dates from around 1800 that have elements of racism. They "...were looked upon as bloodthirsty savages, who inhabited a tract of hills covered with almost impenetrable jungle, the climate of which was considered so deadly as to make it impossible for a white man to live there" (Playfair 1909: 76-77).
[[File:Garo elderly man sings traditional song 2.webm|thumb|left|Garo man singing a folk song in Garo language at [[Ramgarh Upazila|Ramgarh]], [[Khagrachhari District|Khagrachori]]]]
The [[Garo language]] belongs to the [[Tibeto-Burman]] [[language family]]. Brief lists of Garo words were compiled by [[East India Company]] officials in 1800, and Garo acquired a Latin-based writing system in the late 19th century. This system was devised by American Baptist missionaries, based on a northeastern dialect of Garo.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} A·beng or Am·beng, Matabeng, Atong, Me·gam, Matchi, Dual [Matchi-Dual], Ruga, Chibok, Chisak, Gara, Gan·ching [Gara-Gan·ching], A·we etc are few among the dialects of Garo people. The first translation of the Garo Bible was published in 1924 and the official language in schools and government offices is now [[Indian English|English]].{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}


In December 1872, the British sent battalions to Garo Hills to establish their control in the region. The attack was conducted from three sides&nbsp;– south, east, and west. The Garo warriors (''matgriks'') confronted them at Rongrenggre with their spears, swords, and shields. The battle that ensued was heavily unmatched, as the Garos did not have guns or mortars like the British Army.
==Social structure==
The Garo are one of the few remaining [[matrilineal]] societies in the world, and Garo individuals take their clan titles from their mothers. Traditionally, the youngest daughter (''nokmechik'') inherits [[property]] from her mother. Sons leave their parents' house at puberty and are trained in the village bachelor dormitory (''nokpante''). After getting married, the man lives in his wife's house.


Later, a Garo patriot and statesman Sonaram R Sangma fought against the British and tried to unify the contiguous Garo inhabited areas.
In Garo tradition, the house where unmarried male youths live is called Nokpante. Traditionally, women were forbidden from entering the Nokpante, and any woman who broke this rule was considered tainted or "marang nangjok." However, this taboo is less common in the present day.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}


==Culture==
Despite the matrilineal nature of Garo society, it can not accurately be described as matriarchal. While the property is owned by women, the governing of society and domestic affairs and the management of the property is carried out by men.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
The Garos are one of the few remaining [[matrilineal]] societies in the world. The individuals take their clan titles from their mothers. Traditionally, the youngest daughter (''nokmechik'') inherits the property from her mother. Sons leave the parents' house at puberty and are trained in the village bachelor dormitory (''nokpante''). After getting married, the man lives in his wife's house.


In Garo habitations, the house where unmarried male youth or bachelors live is called Nokpante. The women were forbidden from entering the Nokpante. Any woman who broke this rule was considered tainted or "marang nangjok". But this is a thing of the past and all children are given equal care, rights, and importance by the modern parents.
While Garo people have traditional names,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www-personal.umich.edu/~rburling/MandeNames.html |title=An academic study about personal names in Garo villages |access-date=29 February 2008 |archive-date=1 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151101012234/http://www-personal.umich.edu/~rburling/MandeNames.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> modern Garo culture has been greatly influenced by Christianity.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}


Garos are a matrilineal society but are not to be mistaken to be matriarchal. While the property is owned by women, the men govern the society and domestic affairs and manage the property.
=== Marriage ===
In Garo society, marriage is traditionally arranged, with a strong emphasis on clan exogamy, meaning individuals marry outside their own clan. A distinctive practice among the Garo is "marriage by capture," known as "Chawarisikka," where the prospective groom is captured by the bride's family, symbolising the union. After marriage, the husband typically resides in his wife's household, reflecting the matrilineal nature of Garo society.


The Garo people have traditional names.<ref>[http://www-personal.umich.edu/~rburling/MandeNames.html An academic study about personal names in Garo villages]</ref> However, the culture of modern Garo community has been greatly influenced by Christianity.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
==Culture==
=== Clothing ===
The traditional dress of Garo Women is Dakmanda, Dakshari. But in the present day, jeans, Sari, T-shirts, and pajamas are also worn. By contrast, Garo men wear jeans, T-shirts, and shirts.
=== Ornaments ===
[[File:GARO_TRADITIONAL_DRESS-4.jpg|thumb|Garo men and women in traditional attire]]
Both men and women enjoy adorning themselves with ornaments:
*'' Nadongbi'' or ''sisa'' – made of a brass ring worn in the lobe of the ear
*'' Nadirong'' – brass ring worn in the upper part of the ear
*'' Natapsi'' – the string of beads worn in the upper part of the ear
*'' Jaksan'' – bangles of different materials and sizes
*'' Ripok'' – necklaces made of long barrel-shaped beads of cornelian or red glass while some are made of brass or silver and are worn on special occasions
*'' Jaksil''&nbsp;– elbow ring is worn by rich men on Gana ceremonies


[[File:GARO TRADITIONAL DRESS-1.jpg|thumb|right|A Garo woman with traditional ornaments]]
The dresses of Meghalaya worn by the Garo tribe vary depending on the place of residence of the people. Women who belong to remote villages in the Garo hills wear an eking, a small cloth worn around the waist.
'''Ornaments''': Both men and women enjoy adorning themselves with ornaments:
*'' Penta''&nbsp;– a small piece of ivory struck into the upper part of the ear projecting upwards, parallel to the side of the head
*''Nadongbi'' or ''sisa''&nbsp;– made of a brass ring worn in the lobe of the ear
*'' Seng·ki''&nbsp;– waistband consisting of several rows of conch shells, worn by women
*''Nadirong''&nbsp;– brass ring worn in the upper part of the ear
*'' Pilne''&nbsp;– head ornament wore by women during dances
*''Natapsi''&nbsp;– string of beads worn in the upper part of the ear
*''Jaksan''&nbsp;– bangles of different materials and sizes
*''Ripok''&nbsp;– necklaces made of long barrel-shaped beads of cornelian or red glass while some are made out of brass or silver and are worn in special occasions
*''Jaksil''&nbsp;– elbow ring worn by rich men on Gana ceremonies
*''Penta''&nbsp;– small piece of ivory struck into the upper part of the ear projecting upwards parallel to the side of the head
*''Seng·ki''&nbsp;– waistband consisting of several rows of conch-shells worn by women
*''Pilne''&nbsp;– head ornament worn during dances only by women


'''Clothing''': The traditional dress of the Garo Women's is Dakmanda, Dakshari. In keeping with the modern age, Garo women wear jeans, Sari, T-shirts, pajamas . Garo men wear jeans, T-shirts, shirts.
=== Weapons ===
One of the principal Garo weapons is a two-edged [[sword]] called ''mil·am'' made of a single piece of iron from hilt to point. There is a cross-bar between the hilt and the blade where a bunch of ox's tail hair is attached. Other types of weapons include [[shield]], [[spear]], [[bow and arrow]], [[axe]], [[dagger]], etc.


'''Weapons''': Garos have their own weapons. One of the principal weapons is a two-edged [[sword]] called ''mil·am'' made of one piece of iron from hilt to point. There is a cross-bar between the hilt and the blade where a bunch of ox's tail-hair is attached. The other types of weapons are [[shield]], [[spear]], [[bow and arrow]], [[axe]], [[dagger]], etc.
=== Cuisine ===
The staple Garo food is [[rice]]. ''Kochu'' ([[taro]]), [[millet]], [[maize]], and [[tapioca]] are important substitutes for rice in times when it becomes scarce.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Marak |first1=Queenbala |author-link=Queenbala Marak| year=2014 |title=Food Politics: Studying Food, Identity and Difference among the Garos |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |pages=69–70 |isbn=978-1-4438-5710-9}}</ref> Other foods such as ''kochu'', dried fish, bamboo shoots, sorrell, sweet potato, pumpkin, gourd, and banana are also popular.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Marak |first1=Queenbala | author-link=Queenbala Marak |year=2014 |title=Food Politics: Studying Food, Identity and Difference among the Garos |publisher=Cambridge Scholars Publishing |pages=67–68 |isbn=978-1-4438-5710-9}}</ref>


'''Food and drink''': The staple cereal food is [[rice]]. They also eat [[millet]], [[maize]], [[tapioca]] etc. Garos are very liberal in their food habits. They rear [[cow]]s, [[goat]]s, [[pig]]s, fowls, [[duck]]s etc. and relish their meat. They eat other wild animal like deer, bison, wild pigs etc. Fish, prawns, crabs, eels and dry fish are a part of their food. Their [[jhum cultivation|jhum]] fields and the forests provide them with vegetables and roots for their curry. Bamboo shoots are esteemed as a delicacy. They use a kind of potash in curries, which they obtain by burning dry pieces of [[cooking plantain|plantain]] stems or young bamboo locally known as ''kalchi'' or ''katchi''. After they are burnt, the ashes are collected and dipped in water; they are strained in conical shapes in a bamboo strainer. These days most of the townspeople use [[cooking soda]] from the market in place of ash water. The Garos make their own liquor by fermenting a special type of rice and the finished product is called "Minil Bichi".  Besides other drinks, country liquor plays an important role in the life of the Garos.
The Garo have traditionally used a kind of potash in curries, which is obtained by burning dry pieces of [[cooking plantain|plantain]] stems or young bamboo, known locally as ''kalchi'' or ''katchi''. After these stems are burnt, the ashes are collected and dipped in water; these ashes are then strained in conical shapes in a bamboo strainer. However, [[cooking soda]] is more commonly used as a replacement for this 'ash water' by Garo nowadays.


=== Cuisine ===
Garo are known to ferment a special type of rice to create a liquor named "Minil Bichi". This 'country liquor' plays an important role in the life of the Garo.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}
Na•kam Bitchi: A palate cleanser, Na•kam Bitchi is a popular soup consumed before meals and served to guests. Na•kam is a special kind of dry fish, which is sun-dried or fire-dried. The fish is then fried and boiled in water, to make a thick, rich soup. It is then flavored with many chillies and peppers to make it tasty and tangy, suitable for the Meghalayan weather. There are also various cuisines. These are Do•o kapa / Chicken Garo style, Na•kam Baring belati Chutney / Dry Fish Chutney with Roasted Tomatoes, Na•kam Bitchi / Dry Fish Soup, Na•kam Chutney / Dryfish Chutney, Wak Jo•krapa / Pork Fried with Tomatoes, Do•o Modipol (Chicken with Raw Papaya, Na•kam Chutney Rasin ming/ Dryfish Chutney with Onions,Wak Jo•krapa, Wak Pura, Gal•da Na•kam/ Dry Fish with a tangy green vegetable.


'''Garo architecture''': Generally one finds similar types of [[arts]] and [[architecture]] in Garo Hills. They normally use locally available building materials like timbers, bamboo, cane, and thatch. Garo architecture can be classified into the following categories:
The sacred drink of the Garos is Chu. Garo children are given it to drink at birth, and visiting guests are traditionally offered it as well.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://travelifeweb.com/life/chu-the-holy-wine-of-garo-society/ |title=Chu: The Holy wine of Garo society &#124; Travelife}}</ref>
*''Nokmong''&nbsp;– The house where every A'chik household can stay together. This house is built so that inside the house there are provisions for sleeping, hearth, sanitary arrangements, kitchen, water storage, place for fermenting wine, place for use as cattle-shed or for stall-feeding the cow, and the space between earthen floor and raised platform for use as pigsty and in the back of the house; the raised platform serves as hencoop for keeping fowl and for storing firewood, thus every need is fully provisioned for in one house.
*''Nokpante''&nbsp;– In the Garo habitation, the house where unmarried male youth or bachelors live is called Nokpante. The word Nokpante means the house of bachelors. Nokpantes are generally constructed in the front courtyard of the Nokma, the chief. The art of cultivation, arts, and cultures, and games are taught in the Nokpante to the boys by the senior boys and elders.
*''Jamsireng''&nbsp;– In certain areas, in the rice field or orchards, small huts are constructed. They are called Jamsireng or Jamdap. The season's fruits or grains are collected and stored in the Jamsireng, or it can be used for sleeping.
*''Jamadal''&nbsp;– The small house, a type of miniature house, built in the jhum fields is called Jamadal or ‘field house’. In certain places, where there is danger from wild animals, a small house with ladder is constructed on the treetop. This is called Borang or ‘house on the treetop’.


==Festivals==
==Festivals==
[[File:Young Garo Girl’s With there Traditional Dress.jpg|thumb|right|230px|Young Garo girls in traditional dress before the start of a festival in [[Resubelpara]] in 2016]]
[[File:Wangala Dance.1.JPG|thumb|right|230px|[[Wangala]]]]
[[File:A 'Wangala' drummer of Garo Tribe of Meghalaya pose for the photo at the Republic Day Folk Dance Festival 2004 which was inaugurated by the President Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam in New Delhi on January 24, 2004.jpg|thumb|A 'Wangala' drummer of Garo Tribe of Meghalaya at the Republic Day Folk Dance Festival 2004 which was inaugurated by the President Dr. [[A. P. J. Abdul Kalam]] in New Delhi on January 24, 2004]]


The common and regular festivals are those connected with agricultural operations.
[[File:Wangala Dance.1.JPG|thumb|right|Garo people performing on [[Wangala]] festival]]


Most Garo festivals are based on the agricultural cycle of crops. The harvesting festival ''[[Wangala]]'' is the biggest celebration of the tribe happening in the month of October or November every year. It is the thanksgiving after harvest in the honor of the god ''Saljong'', provider of nature's bounties.
Most Garo festivals are based on the agricultural cycle of crops. The harvesting festival ''[[Wangala]]'' is the biggest celebration of the tribe happening in the month of October or November every year. It is the thanksgiving after harvest in honour of the god ''Saljong'', provider of nature's bounties.


Other festivals include ''Gal·mak Goa'', ''Agalmaka'', etc.
Other festivals include ''Gal·mak Goa'', ''Agalmaka'', etc.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}}


=== Asanang Wangala ===
=== Asanang Wangala ===
There is a celebration of the 100-drum festival in Asanang near [[Tura, Meghalaya|Tura]] in [[West Garo Hills]], [[Meghalaya]], [[India]] usually in October or November. Thousands of people, especially young people, gather at Asanang and celebrate Wangala. Garo girls known as ''nomil'' and boys ''pante'' take part in 'Wangala' festivals. The pantes beat a kind of long drum called ''dama'' in groups and play bamboo flute. The nomils with colorful costumes dance to the tune of ''dama'' and folk songs in a circle.
The '100-drum festival'  is held in Asanang near [[Tura, Meghalaya|Tura]] in the [[West Garo Hills]], Meghalaya, India usually in October or November. Thousands of people, especially young people, gather at Asanang and celebrate Wangala. Garo girls known as ''nomil'' and boys ''(pante'') take part in 'Wangala' festivals. The ''pantes'' beat a kind of long drum called ''dama'' in groups and play bamboo flutes. The nominals with colourful costumes dance to the tune of ''dama'' and folk songs in a circle.
 
===Dhaka Wangala===
The Wangala festival is held by Garo in [[Dhaka]] every year, usually in November or December. It is estimated that 30,000 Garo are living in Dhaka, and this festival is one way that they can be seen to preserve Garo Culture and traditions.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} For the Wangala festival, Garo travels from every corner of the city to the  Lalmatia Housing Society ground to gather and celebrate. Approximately 10,000 people attend the celebration.{{citation needed|date=September 2020}} It is a vibrantly colourful rally with traditional dress, and drum performances. Speeches from special guests are also a highlight of the festival. The AMUA for Misi Saljon takes place by the original Kamal from villages. Display stalls are arranged with traditional food, dresses, and other materials. There is also amSouvenir publication from the Nokma Parishad where the Prime Minister's Message is included. It is a festival of great significance for the Garo in Dhaka.


===Christmas===
===Christmas===
Though [[Christmas]] is a religious celebration, December is a great season of celebration in Garo Hills. In the first week of December, the town of [[Tura, India|Tura]] and all other smaller towns are illuminated with lights. This celebration featured by worship, dance, merry-making, grand feasts, and social visits goes on till 10 January. People from all religions and sections take part in the Christmas celebration. In December 2003 the tallest Christmas tree of the world was erected at Dobasipara, Tura by the Baptist boys of Dobasipara. Its height was 119.3 feet, covered by BBC and widely broadcast on television. The tree was decorated with 16,319 colored light bulbs; it took about 14 days to complete the decoration.
Though Christmas is a religious celebration, December is a great season of celebration in Garo Hills. In the first week of December, the town of [[Tura, India|Tura]] and all other smaller towns are illuminated with lights. This celebration features worship, dance, merry-making, grand feasts, and social visits goes on till 10 January. People from all religions and sections take part in the Christmas celebration. In December 2003 the tallest Christmas tree in the world was erected at Dobasipara, Tura by the Baptist boys of Dobasipara. Its height was 119.3 feet, covered by BBC and widely broadcast on television. The tree was decorated with 16,319 coloured light bulbs; it took about 14 days to complete the decoration.


===Ahaia Winter Festival===
===Ahaia Winter Festival===
The annual festival, conceptualised in 2008, is aimed to promote and brand this part of the region as a popular tourist destination by giving an opportunity for the local people to showcase their skills and expertise. The three-day fest features a gala event with carnival, cultural show, food festival, rock concert, wine festival, angling competition, ethnic wear competition, children's fancy dress, DJ Nite, exhibitions, housie housie, and other games. The entry forms for carnival and other events are available at the Tourist Office, [[Tura, India|Tura]].
The annual festival, conceptualised in 2008, is aimed to promote and brand this part of the region as a popular tourist destination by giving an opportunity for the local people to showcase their skills and expertise. The three-day fest features a gala event with a carnival, cultural show, food festival, rock concert, wine festival, angling competition, ethnic wear competition, children's fancy dress, DJ Nite, exhibitions, house, and other games. The entry forms for carnival and other events are available at the Tourist Office, [[Tura, India|Tura]].


==== Simsang Festival ====
==== Simsang Festival ====
It was first started in 2006 in Williamnagar, Meghalaya. Simsang festival was known as Winter festival before and it promotes the talents of the local people. It also promotes the local bands and the exhibition on hand crafts made by local people. It also promotes the indigenous games of Garo.
It was first started in 2006 in Williamnagar, Meghalaya. Simsang festival was known as the Winter festival before and it promotes the talents of the local people. It also promotes the local bands and the exhibition of handcrafts made by local people. It also promotes the indigenous games of Garo.
 
==Music and dance==
Group songs may include Ku·dare sala, Hoa ring·a, Injoka, Kore doka, Ajea, Doroa, Nanggorere goserong, Dim dim chong dading chong, Serejing, Boel sala etc.
 
Dance forms are Ajema Roa, Mi Su·a, Chambil Moa, Do·kru Sua, Chame mikkang nia, Kambe Toa, Gaewang Roa, Napsepgrika and many others.
 
Traditional Garo musical instruments can broadly be classified into four groups.<ref>[http://westgarohills.nic.in/people.htm Culture section in the official Garo Hills area] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060502073239/http://westgarohills.nic.in/people.htm |date=2 May 2006 }}</ref>
* Idiophones: Self-sounding and made of resonant materials&nbsp;– Kakwa, Nanggilsi, Guridomik, Kamaljakmora, all kinds of gongs, Rangkilding, Rangbong, Nogri etc.
* Aerophone: Wind instruments, whose sound come from air vibrating inside a pipe when is blown&nbsp;– Adil, Singga, Sanai, Kal, Bolbijak, Illep or Illip, Olongna, Tarabeng, Imbanggi, Akok or Dakok, Bangsi rori, Tilara or Taragaku, Bangsi mande, Otekra, Wa·pepe or Wa·pek.
* Chordophone: Stringed instrument&nbsp;– Dotrong, Sarenda, Chigring or Bagring, Dimchrang or Kimjim, Gongmima or Goggins.
* Membranophone: With skins or membranes stretched over a frame&nbsp;– Am·being Dama, Chisak Dama, Atong Dama, Garaganching Dama, Ruga and Chibok Dama, Dual-Matchi Dama, Nagra, Kram etc.
* War Dance: War dance is danced before going to war and after returning victorious. At this time, all the men and women got up to drink and dance with joy


==Literature==
==Notable people==
Garo literature mainly transferred from generation to generation and one place to another orally. Most of the oral tradition becomes the element of Garo literature. One of the oldest book written by Major A. Playfair, ''The Garos'', is a source of information which was published in 1909. Dr. Sinha T.C published a book in 1955 on the Garos: ''The Psyche of Garos''.
===India===
* [[Limison D. Sangma]], politician
* [[Thomas A. Sangma]], politician
* [[Rupa M. Marak]], politician
* [[Mehtab Sangma]], politician
* [[Gilbertson Sangma]], India international footballer.
* [[Agatha Sangma]], politician.
* [[Conrad Sangma|Conrad K Sangma]], politician.
* [[Numal Momin]], Deputy Speaker of the Assam Legislative Assembly since 2021.
* [[James Sangma|James Pangsang K Sangma]], politician.
* [[Martin Danggo|Martin Danggo Marak]], politician.
* [[Mukul Sangma|Mukul M. Sangma]], politician.
* [[P. A. Sangma|Purno A. Sangma]], politician.
* [[Pa Togan Sangma|Pa Togan Nengminja Sangma]], freedom fighter.
* [[Ramke W. Momin]], educationist and philosopher.
* [[S. C. Marak]], politician.
* [[Sanford Marak]], politician.
* [[Timothy Shira|Timothy D Shira]], politician.
* [[Williamson A. Sangma]], politician.
* [[Saleng A. Sangma]], politician


==Professions==
===Bangladesh===
{{unsourced section|date=October 2020}}
* [[Jewel Areng]], politician.
The Garos rely on nature. Their profession is hunting and warrior known as Matgrik. They practice jhum cultivation which is the most common agricultural tradition. For more than 4,000 years, the Garos have been practicing jhum cultivation. It was their main profession for feeding themselves. They are one of the tribes of Meghalaya.
* [[Debinash Sangma]], Pakistan international footballer.
 
* [[Maria Manda]], Bangladesh women's international footballer.
But in the last 50 years, the most changing scenario of the Garo ethnic people is the changing of professions. They are now influenced and have adapted to modern technology and professions. They are engaged in Government and non-government jobs. In India Government jobs are most common for the Garos. They might have jobs in schools, colleges, universities, and other educational institutions. In Bangladesh, their jobs are more diverse than in India. Almost 30,000 Garos are living in Dhaka metropolitan city and most of them are working in beauty parlors, EPZ industries, housekeeping, security personnel, driving, NGOs private service, real-estate, garment industries, etc. There is a good number in Bangladesh Civil Service Cedre service.
* [[Promode Mankin]], politician.
 
* [[Sheuli Azim]], Bangladesh women's international footballer.
Painters can be seen in Meghalaya (India) and Bangladesh. Many Garo people make a living with it. Many male and female nurses and doctors are seen. There are many Garos in the tourism industry. Especially the Tura of Meghalaya and its surroundings. Small traders are also seen in Meghalaya (India) and Bangladesh, although Garos are not yet seen in large scale industries. Recently some Garos have been seen to be associated with the clinic business. Someone is seen making money from being associated with the music scene. Many are involved in businesses like bus trucks, Furniture,
Construction firm or coal mines.Garos of Garo Hills (Meghalaya) and Madhupur (Bangladesh) are getting involved in agro business. Some are also getting involved in small production business. Such as banana cultivation, pineapple, kachu, wood, orange cultivation, pear, rubber production, kesnath production and marketing etc.
 
== Important Places of Garos ==
• [[Tura, Meghalaya]]
 
• [[Williamnagar]]
 
• [[Baghmara, India|Baghmara]]
 
==Notable Garo people==
* [[Jewel Areng]], Member of Parliament of Bangladesh.
* [[Martin Danggo]], Politician, Indian National Congress, National People's Party, India
* [[Promode Mankin]],  Former Minister,  Govt. of Bangladesh.
* [[Kilco Marak]],Right-handed Pace bowlers, Meghalaya Cricket Team, Meghalaya, India
* [[S. C. Marak]], Former Chief Minister, Meghalaya.
* [[Sanford Marak]], Former MP, Tura -ST Constituency, Fifteenth Lok Sabha Election, India
* [[Simon K Marak]], Christian Hymnal Song Writer, [[I Have Decided To Follow Jesus]].
* [[Bilton G Momin]], Politician, Janata Party First Garo MLA of Assam From No. 17 Bokajan Vidhan Sabha Constituency.
* [[Numal Momin]], MLA, the Assam Legislative Assembly, Chairperson of Assam Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Board
*[[Ramke W. Momin]], Educationist and Philosopher.
* [[Agatha Sangma]], Former Union Minister, Govt of India.
* [[Chengkam Sangma]], Right-handed Pace bowlers, Meghalaya Cricket Team
* [[Conrad Sangma]], 12th Chief Minister of Meghalaya, Politician, National People's Party and Nationalist Congress Party
* [[Dippu Sangma]], All-rounders, Meghalaya Cricket Team, Meghalaya, India
* [[James Sangma]], Minister of Home, Law, Power, District Council Affairs, Food Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Government of Meghalaya
* [[Mukul Sangma]], Former Chief Minister, Meghalaya.
* [[P. A. Sangma]], Former Lok Sabha Speaker, Govt. of India.
* [[Tengchan Sangma]],Right-handed Batsmen, Meghalaya cricket team, Meghalaya, India
* Captain [[Williamson A. Sangma]],  Founder Chief Minister Of [[Meghalaya]], First [[Governor (India)|Governor]] amongst Garos.
* [[ Pa Togan Sangma]] Freedom Fighter And Martyr
* [[Miani D Shira]], Politician, Indian National Congress
* [[Timothy Shira]], Deputy Speaker, NPP since 21 March 2018


==References==
==References==
===Notes===
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}
*"Daily Star and IPDC Finance Limited.
 
*"Meghalaya State Portal, Meghalaya , India.
===Bibliography===
*"Jewel Areng". Amarmp. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*{{cite book |first=A. |last=Playfair |title=The Garos |location=London |publisher=Nutt |year=1909 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=dSPTxAEACAAJ}}
*"Two new Mymensingh MPs take oath". The Independent. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*"Two new Mymensingh MPs take oath". The Independent. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*"Awami League's Jewel Areng, Nazim Uddin win Mymensingh constituencies in by-elections". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*"Awami League's Jewel Areng, Nazim Uddin win Mymensingh constituencies in by-elections". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*"Mymensingh, a tribal Catholic elected to Parliament". asianews.it. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*"Mymensingh, a tribal Catholic elected to Parliament". asianews. it. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*"AL nominates Jewel, Nazim for M'singh by-polls". banglanews24.com. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*"AL nominates Jewel, Nazim for M'singh by-polls". banglanews24.com. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
*Indigenous Literature: Building a bridge between cultures, thedailystar.net>city.
* {{cite news |title=Indigenous Literature: Building a bridge between cultures |url=https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/indigenous-literature-building-bridge-between-cultures-1703185 |work=The Daily Star |date=17 February 2019}}
*Times (2016-11-01). "Garo Icon Ramke W Momin's grave to be memorialized". Meghalaya Times. Retrieved 2019-10-14.
*Times (2016-11-01). "Garo Icon Ramke W Momin's grave to be memorialized". Meghalaya Times. Retrieved 2019-10-14.
*Sangma, MS (15 October 2019). "Ramke W Momin A search for truth" (PDF). NEHU.
*Sangma, MS (15 October 2019). "Ramke W Momin A search for truth" (PDF). NEHU.
* "Congress outsmarted in Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma to be sworn in March 6". The Hindu. 4 March 2018. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
* "Congress outsmarted in Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma to be sworn on March 6". The Hindu. 4 March 2018. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.
 
== Further reading ==
* {{cite book |last1=Ghosh |first1=A. |last2=Ganguly |first2=P. |date=2026 |chapter=Articulating Culture Through Oral Narratives: Documenting the Transformational Myths of the Garo Community of Tripura and Assam |editor1=S. N. Dhumal |editor2=T. V. Banekar |title=Whispers of Forgotten Tales |series=Performance Studies & Cultural Discourse in South Asia |volume=7 |publisher=Springer |location=Singapore |pages=21-32 |doi=10.1007/978-981-95-5973-2_2}}


==External links==
==External links==
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*  http://westgarohills.gov.in/culture.html
*  http://westgarohills.gov.in/culture.html
* [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432361/ Still The Children Are Here (brief documentary of a Garo neighbourhood in Sadolpara, interior Garo Hills)]
* [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0432361/ Still The Children Are Here (brief documentary of a Garo neighbourhood in Sadolpara, interior Garo Hills)]
{{Ethnic groups in Bangladesh}}
 
{{Scheduled tribes of India}}
{{Scheduled tribes of India}}
{{Hill tribes of Northeast India}}
{{Hill tribes of Northeast India}}
{{Ethnic groups in Bangladesh}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Garo (Tribe)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Garo people}}
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Northeast India]]
[[Category:Bodo-Kachari]]
[[Category:Bodo-Kachari]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Assam]]
[[Category:Headhunting]]
[[Category:Headhunting]]
[[Category:Tribes of Meghalaya]]
[[Category:Tribes of Meghalaya]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Northeast India]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Meghalaya]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Assam]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Mizoram]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Mizoram]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland]]
[[Category:Scheduled Tribes of Nagaland]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in South Asia]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in South Asia]]
[[Category:Garo people| ]]
[[Category:Tribes of India]]

Latest revision as of 16:09, 26 March 2026


For other uses, see Garo.

Garo
A∙chik
A Garo couple in traditional attire
Total population
1.1 million (c. 2011)
Regions with significant populations
India • Bangladesh
 India997,716[1]
 • Meghalaya821,026
 • Assam136,077
 • Tripura12,952
 Bangladesh120,000[2]
Languages
Garo (A∙chikku)
Religion
Majority ~ Christianity (90%)[3]
Minority ~ Songsarek, Hinduism (40% in Bangladesh),[4] Animism
Related ethnic groups
Bodo-Kachari groups; Boro, Hajong, Rabha, Koch, Dimasa, Tripuri, Konyak people, other Tibeto Burman peoples

The Garo people are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group who live mostly in the Northeast Indian state of Meghalaya, with a smaller number in neighbouring Bangladesh.[5][6] They are the second-largest indigenous people in Meghalaya after the Khasi and comprise about a third of the local population. They are also found in the Mymensingh Division including Jamalpur, Sherpur, and Mymensingh districts of Bangladesh.

Etymology[edit | edit source]

Historically, the name Garo was used for a large number of different peoples living on the southern bank of Brahmaputra River, but now refers primarily to those who call themselves A∙chik Mande (literally "hill people," from A∙chik "bite soil" and mande "people") or simply A∙chik or Mande, with the name "Garo" now being used by outsiders as an exonym.[7]

History[edit | edit source]

According to oral tradition, the Garo people first migrated to the Garo Hills from Tibet (referred to as Tibotgre) around 400 BC, under the leadership of Jappa Jalimpa, Sukpa, and Bongepa, crossing the Brahmaputra River (Songdu Chibima) and temporarily settling in the river valley. The Garo finally settled down in Garo Hills (East-West Garo Hills), finding providence and security in this uncharted territory and claiming it as their own. Records of the tribe by expanding Mughal armies and by East India Company officials in what is now Bangladesh wrote of the warlike nature of the people. The earliest written records about the Garo date from around 1800, and were described by officials of the East India Company as follows: "... looked upon as bloodthirsty savages, who inhabited a tract of hills covered with almost impenetrable jungle, the climate of which was considered so deadly as to make it impossible for a white man to live there. The Garo had the reputation of being fierce headhunters, the social status of a man being decided by the number of heads he owned".[8]

Garo women and a Garo boy
A Garo woman, 1912

In December 1872, the Government of India dispatched a military expedition to the Garo Hills to establish control over the region. The campaign was conducted from three sides – south, east, and west. The Garo warriors (matgriks) confronted them at the Battle of Rongrenggre, equipped with spears, swords, and shields. Inevitably, the Garo were defeated in the battle, lacking the guns or mortars of the army.[citation needed]

By the early 1900s, the American Baptist Mission was active in the area, working from Tura, Meghalaya.[9]

Two early histories of the Garo people were written by deputy commissioner for Eastern Bengal and Assam Major A. Playfair, The Garos (1909), and by Sinha T.C., The Psyche of Garos (1955).

Geographical distribution[edit | edit source]

The Garo are mainly distributed over the Garo Hills, Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi districts in Meghalaya, Kamrup, Goalpara, Sivasagar, and Karbi Anglong districts of Assam, in India. In Bangladesh, lesser numbers are found in Tangail, Jamalpur, Sherpur, Mymensingh, Netrokona, Sunamganj, Sylhet and Gazipur with the highest concentration in Haluaghat Upazila and Dhobaura of Mymensingh district, Durgapur upazila and Kalmakanda upazila of Netrokona district, Nalitabari upazila and Jhenaigati upazila of Sherpur and Madhupur upazila of Tangail district.[10] A majority of Garo village or locality names end with -gre. For example, Dakopgre, Cherangre, Goeragre, Simsanggre, etc. There are also names with the ending - para, e.g. Salmanpara, Asipara, Marakapara, etc. Para is a corruption of -bra, which was the result of a census error. Similarly, the village name Asipara is a corruption of the historical place name Asibra. However, the village is listed in census and government records under the name Asipara. This replacement of original names can be seen as a threat to Garo's cultural identity.

It is estimated that the total Garo population in Meghalaya, Assam, Nagaland, Tripura, West Bengal, Canada, the US, Europe, Australia, and Bangladesh combined is more than 1 million.[11]

Garo is also found scattered in the Indian state of Tripura. The recorded Garo population was around 6,000 in 1971.[12]

Garo form minority groups in Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Darjeeling and West Dinajpur of West Bengal, as well as in Nagaland. The present generation of Garo forming minority groups in these states of India does not generally speak their ethnic language any longer.[citation needed]

Garo also forms small communities in various other parts of the world including Canada, America, Australia, and the United Kingdom.[citation needed]

Religion[edit | edit source]

Today, most Garos in India follow Christianity[13] with a few practicing the traditional Garo animist religion, Songsarek. The latter includes deities who must be appeased with rituals, ceremonies, and animal sacrifices to ensure the welfare of the tribe.[14]

Ramke W. Momin was the first Christian Garo member and was born in Goalpara district in the 1830s.[citation needed]

In Bangladesh, 56.02% of Garos consider themselves practitioners of Christianity, while of the remaining population, most are practitioners of Songsarek.[15]

In India, a small percentage of the Garo population practices Buddhism, estimated at 0.40%.

The term "Dakbewal" is often used to describe Garo culture.[citation needed] In 2000, the group called "Risi Jilma" was founded to safeguard the ancient Garo Songsarek religion. Seeing the Songsarek population in decline, youth from the Dadenggiri subdivision of Garo Hills felt the need to preserve the Songsarek culture. The Rishi Jilma group is active in about 480 villages in and around Garo Hills.

Language[edit | edit source]

Main article: Garo language
Garo man singing a folk song in Garo language at Ramgarh, Khagrachori

The Garo language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman language family. Brief lists of Garo words were compiled by East India Company officials in 1800, and Garo acquired a Latin-based writing system in the late 19th century. This system was devised by American Baptist missionaries, based on a northeastern dialect of Garo.[citation needed] A·beng or Am·beng, Matabeng, Atong, Me·gam, Matchi, Dual [Matchi-Dual], Ruga, Chibok, Chisak, Gara, Gan·ching [Gara-Gan·ching], A·we etc are few among the dialects of Garo people. The first translation of the Garo Bible was published in 1924 and the official language in schools and government offices is now English.[citation needed]

Social structure[edit | edit source]

The Garo are one of the few remaining matrilineal societies in the world, and Garo individuals take their clan titles from their mothers. Traditionally, the youngest daughter (nokmechik) inherits property from her mother. Sons leave their parents' house at puberty and are trained in the village bachelor dormitory (nokpante). After getting married, the man lives in his wife's house.

In Garo tradition, the house where unmarried male youths live is called Nokpante. Traditionally, women were forbidden from entering the Nokpante, and any woman who broke this rule was considered tainted or "marang nangjok." However, this taboo is less common in the present day.[citation needed]

Despite the matrilineal nature of Garo society, it can not accurately be described as matriarchal. While the property is owned by women, the governing of society and domestic affairs and the management of the property is carried out by men.[citation needed]

While Garo people have traditional names,[16] modern Garo culture has been greatly influenced by Christianity.[citation needed]

Marriage[edit | edit source]

In Garo society, marriage is traditionally arranged, with a strong emphasis on clan exogamy, meaning individuals marry outside their own clan. A distinctive practice among the Garo is "marriage by capture," known as "Chawarisikka," where the prospective groom is captured by the bride's family, symbolising the union. After marriage, the husband typically resides in his wife's household, reflecting the matrilineal nature of Garo society.

Culture[edit | edit source]

Clothing[edit | edit source]

The traditional dress of Garo Women is Dakmanda, Dakshari. But in the present day, jeans, Sari, T-shirts, and pajamas are also worn. By contrast, Garo men wear jeans, T-shirts, and shirts.

Ornaments[edit | edit source]

Garo men and women in traditional attire

Both men and women enjoy adorning themselves with ornaments:

  • Nadongbi or sisa – made of a brass ring worn in the lobe of the ear
  • Nadirong – brass ring worn in the upper part of the ear
  • Natapsi – the string of beads worn in the upper part of the ear
  • Jaksan – bangles of different materials and sizes
  • Ripok – necklaces made of long barrel-shaped beads of cornelian or red glass while some are made of brass or silver and are worn on special occasions
  • Jaksil – elbow ring is worn by rich men on Gana ceremonies

The dresses of Meghalaya worn by the Garo tribe vary depending on the place of residence of the people. Women who belong to remote villages in the Garo hills wear an eking, a small cloth worn around the waist.

  • Penta – a small piece of ivory struck into the upper part of the ear projecting upwards, parallel to the side of the head
  • Seng·ki – waistband consisting of several rows of conch shells, worn by women
  • Pilne – head ornament wore by women during dances

Weapons[edit | edit source]

One of the principal Garo weapons is a two-edged sword called mil·am made of a single piece of iron from hilt to point. There is a cross-bar between the hilt and the blade where a bunch of ox's tail hair is attached. Other types of weapons include shield, spear, bow and arrow, axe, dagger, etc.

Cuisine[edit | edit source]

The staple Garo food is rice. Kochu (taro), millet, maize, and tapioca are important substitutes for rice in times when it becomes scarce.[17] Other foods such as kochu, dried fish, bamboo shoots, sorrell, sweet potato, pumpkin, gourd, and banana are also popular.[18]

The Garo have traditionally used a kind of potash in curries, which is obtained by burning dry pieces of plantain stems or young bamboo, known locally as kalchi or katchi. After these stems are burnt, the ashes are collected and dipped in water; these ashes are then strained in conical shapes in a bamboo strainer. However, cooking soda is more commonly used as a replacement for this 'ash water' by Garo nowadays.

Garo are known to ferment a special type of rice to create a liquor named "Minil Bichi". This 'country liquor' plays an important role in the life of the Garo.[citation needed]

The sacred drink of the Garos is Chu. Garo children are given it to drink at birth, and visiting guests are traditionally offered it as well.[19]

Festivals[edit | edit source]

Garo people performing on Wangala festival

Most Garo festivals are based on the agricultural cycle of crops. The harvesting festival Wangala is the biggest celebration of the tribe happening in the month of October or November every year. It is the thanksgiving after harvest in honour of the god Saljong, provider of nature's bounties.

Other festivals include Gal·mak Goa, Agalmaka, etc.[citation needed]

Asanang Wangala[edit | edit source]

The '100-drum festival' is held in Asanang near Tura in the West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India usually in October or November. Thousands of people, especially young people, gather at Asanang and celebrate Wangala. Garo girls known as nomil and boys (pante) take part in 'Wangala' festivals. The pantes beat a kind of long drum called dama in groups and play bamboo flutes. The nominals with colourful costumes dance to the tune of dama and folk songs in a circle.

Dhaka Wangala[edit | edit source]

The Wangala festival is held by Garo in Dhaka every year, usually in November or December. It is estimated that 30,000 Garo are living in Dhaka, and this festival is one way that they can be seen to preserve Garo Culture and traditions.[citation needed] For the Wangala festival, Garo travels from every corner of the city to the Lalmatia Housing Society ground to gather and celebrate. Approximately 10,000 people attend the celebration.[citation needed] It is a vibrantly colourful rally with traditional dress, and drum performances. Speeches from special guests are also a highlight of the festival. The AMUA for Misi Saljon takes place by the original Kamal from villages. Display stalls are arranged with traditional food, dresses, and other materials. There is also amSouvenir publication from the Nokma Parishad where the Prime Minister's Message is included. It is a festival of great significance for the Garo in Dhaka.

Christmas[edit | edit source]

Though Christmas is a religious celebration, December is a great season of celebration in Garo Hills. In the first week of December, the town of Tura and all other smaller towns are illuminated with lights. This celebration features worship, dance, merry-making, grand feasts, and social visits goes on till 10 January. People from all religions and sections take part in the Christmas celebration. In December 2003 the tallest Christmas tree in the world was erected at Dobasipara, Tura by the Baptist boys of Dobasipara. Its height was 119.3 feet, covered by BBC and widely broadcast on television. The tree was decorated with 16,319 coloured light bulbs; it took about 14 days to complete the decoration.

Ahaia Winter Festival[edit | edit source]

The annual festival, conceptualised in 2008, is aimed to promote and brand this part of the region as a popular tourist destination by giving an opportunity for the local people to showcase their skills and expertise. The three-day fest features a gala event with a carnival, cultural show, food festival, rock concert, wine festival, angling competition, ethnic wear competition, children's fancy dress, DJ Nite, exhibitions, house, and other games. The entry forms for carnival and other events are available at the Tourist Office, Tura.

Simsang Festival[edit | edit source]

It was first started in 2006 in Williamnagar, Meghalaya. Simsang festival was known as the Winter festival before and it promotes the talents of the local people. It also promotes the local bands and the exhibition of handcrafts made by local people. It also promotes the indigenous games of Garo.

Notable people[edit | edit source]

India[edit | edit source]

Bangladesh[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ "A-11 Individual Scheduled Tribe Primary Census Abstract Data and its Appendix". censusindia.gov.in. Government of India. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  2. ↑ "Garo". Ethnologue. SIL International. Retrieved 28 October 2017.
  3. ↑ "Missionary is not a very popular word in India. But in the Khasi hills, it holds a different meaning in their culture". ThePrint. 16 October 2021.
  4. ↑ Chakma, Sheeladitya. "A CASE STUDY ON THE GARO ETHNIC PEOPLE OF THE SAL (Shorea robusta) FORESTS IN BANGLADESH".
  5. ↑ "5 facts you must know about the Garo Tribe of Meghalaya". thenortheasttoday.com. 4 October 2018. Retrieved 31 December 2023. "The Garos are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group in Meghalaya also known as the A·chik Mande (literally hill people) or simply A·chik or Mande."
  6. ↑ R. Marak, Silba; Sharma, Dwijen (11 September 2023). "Funeral Rites of the Garos: Unveiling Cultural Assimilation Amidst Christian Influence". Journal of Contemporary Rituals and Traditions. 1 (2): 55–66. doi:10.15575/jcrt.354. ISSN 2988-5884.
  7. ↑ Official Homepage of Meghalaya State of India Archived 8 March 2008 at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ Playfair 76-77.
  9. ↑ Playfair vi.
  10. ↑ "Garo, The - Banglapedia". en.banglapedia.org. Retrieved 23 February 2024.
  11. ↑ 'Garo' in Lewis, M. Paul, Gary F. Simons, and Charles D. Fennig (eds.). 2013. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, 17th edition. Dallas, Texas: SIL International: 889,000 in India (2001 census), 120,000 in Bangladesh (2005). Population total all countries: 1,009,000.
  12. ↑ Gan-Chaudhuri, Jagadis. Tripura: The Land and its People. (Delhi: Leeladevi Publications, 1980) p. 10
  13. ↑ "People of Meghalaya". Archived from the original on 8 November 2017. Retrieved 3 May 2012.
  14. ↑ Marak, Paulinus R. (2005). The Garo tribal religion: beliefs and practices. Delhi: Anshah Pub. House. ISBN 978-81-8364-002-2.
  15. ↑ "A CASE STUDY ON THE GARO ETHNIC PEOPLE OF THE SAL (Shorea robusta) FORESTS IN BANGLADESH". ResearchGate. Archived from the original on 8 December 2024. Retrieved 21 March 2025.
  16. ↑ "An academic study about personal names in Garo villages". Archived from the original on 1 November 2015. Retrieved 29 February 2008.
  17. ↑ Marak, Queenbala (2014). Food Politics: Studying Food, Identity and Difference among the Garos. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. pp. 69–70. ISBN 978-1-4438-5710-9.
  18. ↑ Marak, Queenbala (2014). Food Politics: Studying Food, Identity and Difference among the Garos. Cambridge Scholars Publishing. pp. 67–68. ISBN 978-1-4438-5710-9.
  19. ↑ "Chu: The Holy wine of Garo society | Travelife".

Bibliography[edit | edit source]

  • Playfair, A. (1909). The Garos. London: Nutt.
  • "Two new Mymensingh MPs take oath". The Independent. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  • "Awami League's Jewel Areng, Nazim Uddin win Mymensingh constituencies in by-elections". bdnews24.com. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  • "Mymensingh, a tribal Catholic elected to Parliament". asianews. it. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  • "AL nominates Jewel, Nazim for M'singh by-polls". banglanews24.com. Retrieved 14 February 2018.
  • "Indigenous Literature: Building a bridge between cultures". The Daily Star. 17 February 2019.
  • Times (2016-11-01). "Garo Icon Ramke W Momin's grave to be memorialized". Meghalaya Times. Retrieved 2019-10-14.
  • Sangma, MS (15 October 2019). "Ramke W Momin A search for truth" (PDF). NEHU.
  • "Congress outsmarted in Meghalaya, Conrad Sangma to be sworn on March 6". The Hindu. 4 March 2018. Archived from the original on 4 March 2018. Retrieved 5 March 2018.

Further reading[edit | edit source]

  • Ghosh, A.; Ganguly, P. (2026). "Articulating Culture Through Oral Narratives: Documenting the Transformational Myths of the Garo Community of Tripura and Assam". In S. N. Dhumal; T. V. Banekar (eds.). Whispers of Forgotten Tales. Performance Studies & Cultural Discourse in South Asia. Vol. 7. Singapore: Springer. pp. 21–32. doi:10.1007/978-981-95-5973-2_2.

External links[edit | edit source]

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