Mapping Memories

Communities

The Karbi people

The hill people of Assam’s great central block.

The Karbi people
The Karbi people, Assam

The Karbi (Mikir) are the majority community of the Karbi Anglong hill block, governed by their traditional Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council. Their Chomangkan death rites and the Karbi Youth Festival in January anchor the community year.

Karbi weaving and the hemprek-kangkam cultural tradition are central to hill identity.

At a glance

The Karbi people essentials

Language

Karbi (Tibeto-Burman family)

Signature craft

Chomangkan rites, jambili athon woodcraft, weaving

Etiquette

Meet them respectfully

Ask before photographing people or rituals, dress modestly at festivals and ceremonies, accept hospitality graciously, and let local hosts lead. Culture here is lived, not performed: curiosity with manners opens every door.

Around it

Enquire