The Murang Tribe

Different ethnic groups of Bangladesh and their colorful lifestyles have significantly enriched the entire culture of Bangladesh. For centuries, Bangladesh has been the dwelling place of different ethnic groups. In fact, 35 smaller groups of indigenous people covering about two percent of the total population have been living in different pockets of the hilly zones and some areas of the plane lands of the country. Their historical background, economic activities, social structure, religious beliefs and festivals make them distinctive. The beauty of the hilly zones as well as the plain areas has been enhanced by the colorful culture and traditional practices of different ethnic groups.

Murongs are one of the famous tribes of aborigines of Arakan and two Murong Kings ruled Arakan in the tenth century AD. Murong or Muren refers to an ethnic Xianbei tribe who are a Mongolic people attested from the time of Tanshihuai. Different strands of evidence exist linking the Murong to the Mongols. Murong is also a Chinese surname. The Former Yan, Western Yan, Later Yan dynasties as well as Tuyuhun were all founded by the Murong. The chieftain Murong was the first ancestor of the Murong tribe, which was named after him. He was a chieftain noble of the Middle Section during the rule of Tanshihuai. Murongs live in Lama, Ruma, Alikadam and Thanchi upazilas near Chimbuk Mountain of Bandarban district. 

  

In 1991, the Murong population in Bangladesh was 22,178 and constituted the fourth largest tribe in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Murongs are patriarchal. Sons inherit the property. They have different clans and many sub-clans.

Murongs do not marry within the same clan or sub-clan. Their boys and girls are also not allowed to marry within two different clans involved in war even after they enter into a truce or peace agreement and become friends. Murongs have many different ways of performing the marriage ceremony but the ceremony is usually very short. Once a couple is ready for marriage, a cock is slaughtered in the presence of the couple. When the blood gushes from the veins, someone dips the middle finger and anoints the forehead of the bride and groom. Then follow the declaration that the two are husband and wife. After this brief ceremony, the bride and groom eat together and the invitees and guests sprinkle water and rice to bless the couple. 

 

Most Murongs are Buddhists and some are Christian converts. In general, however, they are still animists and they worship nature. They revere Thurai as the creator of this universe. All their pujas are directed to Oreng, the God of the household and day-to-day business affairs. They have many superstitions. They believe in signs and omens and their immediate undertakings are affected by these beliefs. Sungteung is another deity Murongs pay homage to, although this puja has little importance in society. Before the harvest, the Murongs observe a puja called Kumlang, in which they ceremonially kill a cow. The young men and women dance, sing, eat and drink homemade beer during this ceremony. 

The main profession of the Murongs is jhum cultivation and lumbering wood from the jungle. Before jhum cultivation in the month of Srabon they offer Oreng puja. The women work harder than the men. They have a distinct language but no written script. The Xianbei are generally considered speakers of Mongolic languages.

Murongs love songs and dances. They use homemade musical instruments, which are made of bamboo. The flute is the dominant instrument. Rice and homemade beer are their main food and drink. They eat the tiger, dog, goat, pig, cow and many other animals. Their delicacy is nappi, made of the fermented fat of fish, frog, deer or boar, mixed with fermented rice. 

Murong men wear length and women wear short skirt. These are all locally made. Murongs build houses on platforms on hilltops. Their houses are bigger than the houses of other tribes. 

Murongs burn the bodies of the dead. Murong tribesmen do not mourn when someone dies. This is because they believe that mourning will hurt the soul of the deceased instead, they indulge in dances and songs and make merry. They also exhibit the articles used by the deceased and keep these beside the dead body because they believe that the deceased persons will use these in the afterlife.