Tangkhul Ngashan MCQs Quiz | Class 10

Understanding Tangkhul Ngashan: Cultural Identity and Social Relevance

Tangkhul Ngashan, or traditional wisdom and literature, forms the bedrock of Tangkhul cultural identity and holds profound social relevance. It encompasses a rich tapestry of oral traditions, folklores, proverbs, songs, and narratives that have been passed down through generations, shaping the community’s worldview, values, and social structures.

Key Aspects of Tangkhul Literature:

• Oral Tradition: The primary mode of transmission for Tangkhul literature has historically been oral. Storytelling sessions, community gatherings, and traditional songs were vital for sharing historical knowledge, moral lessons, and communal identity.
• Cultural Identity: Ngashan is central to defining what it means to be Tangkhul. It preserves ancestral memories, validates customs, and reinforces a distinct identity amidst globalizing influences. These narratives often feature origin stories, heroic exploits, and the unique relationship of the people with their land.
• Social Relevance: Beyond entertainment, Tangkhul literature serves as a guide for social conduct. It instills values of honesty, courage, community cooperation, and respect for elders and nature. Proverbs (Ngashan in a narrower sense) offer concise ethical guidance for daily life, maintaining social harmony and collective responsibility.
• Preservation and Modern Challenges: In the contemporary world, Tangkhul literature faces challenges from modernization, loss of language, and changing lifestyles. Efforts to document, translate, and promote these traditional forms, alongside the emergence of modern Tangkhul writers, are crucial for its continued survival and relevance.

Subtopics Explored:

• Folklores and Legends: Tales of creation, migration, mythical beings, and legendary heroes like ‘Shangkhai’, which often impart moral lessons or explain natural phenomena.
• Proverbs (Ngashan): Short, pithy sayings reflecting accumulated wisdom, offering guidance on ethics, social interactions, and understanding life’s complexities.
• Songs and Ballads: Traditional songs, often performed during festivals or rituals, narrate historical events, celebrate communal life, express emotions, and solidify group identity.
• Contemporary Writings: Modern Tangkhul prose and poetry often grapple with themes of cultural erosion, identity crisis, the impact of Christianity, and the struggle to balance tradition with modernity.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Contemporary Tangkhul Literature

Quick Revision Points:

• Tangkhul Ngashan covers traditional wisdom, stories, and proverbs.
• It is vital for shaping and maintaining Tangkhul cultural identity.
• Oral traditions are the foundation of Tangkhul literary heritage.
• Literature transmits social values, history, and ethical teachings.
• Modern Tangkhul literature reflects both tradition and contemporary challenges.

5 Extra Practice Questions:

1. What is the primary medium through which traditional Tangkhul literature has been transmitted for centuries?
2. How do Tangkhul folklores often contribute to the community’s understanding of its origins?
3. In what way do Tangkhul proverbs (Ngashan) serve a practical function in daily life?
4. What are some contemporary challenges that modern Tangkhul writers often explore in their works regarding cultural identity?
5. Why is the documentation and preservation of Tangkhul oral traditions considered crucial today?