Relation plays an important role in Tongchangya community. The relation can be by blood or by marriage. Some relation are by adaptation even. This relation is very important to trace one’s ancestors through a family tree. The seniority is also recognised by tracing the family tree. This is not only relevant for close- affinity among Tongchangya but also in terms of getting marriage as well. Relative could be a hindrance to get marriage when they are not in the same generation. Like a niece and her uncle are not permitted to get marry. Similarly, Aunt and nephew are never allowed as a custom that has been handing down for centuries.
Respecting the seniors by younger generation (pawla/পলা) is a wonderful culture found in Tongchangya culture. These are the relations found in Tongchangya society either by blood or by marriage.
- Lisu=লিসু -Great Great grand father
- Pisu-পিসু-Great grand father
- Bua-Da/Achu বুআ-দা/ আসু- Grand Father
- Bua-Bei/Nu- বুআ-বেই/নু- Grand Mother
- Ma-মা/মামা/নুMother
- Ba/Bo/- Father
- Bei- বেই- Elder/older sister
- Boin-বইন Younger-sister
- Da- দা- Elder/older brother
- Bai-বাই-Younger brother
- Hukhu- হুক্কু-Uncle
- Hui-হুই- Aunt
- Jiru-জিরু-Father elder/older brother/ Great uncle
- Jerei- জেরেই-Father elder/older brother’s wife/ Great Aunt
- Mosya-মোস্যা- Uncle (Husband of one’s mother sister)
- Moi- মৈ-One’s mother’ sister/cousin sister
- Pisya-পিস্যা- Husband of father’s sister
- Pi-পি-Father sister/ cousin sister
- Mamu- মামু-Uncle
- Mami-মামি-Aunty
- Nek-নেক-Husband
- Muk-মুক- Wife
- Purobo-পুরবো- Daughter-in-law
- Jamei- জামেই- Son-in-law
- Pawa- পয়া-Son
- Jhi-ঝি- Daughter
- Naring- নারিং-Grand child/son/daughter
- Puring- পুরিং-Great grand child/son/ daughter
- Suring-সুরিং- Great great grand child/son/ daughter
- Uring- উরিং- Great Great great grand child/son/ daughter
Tongchangya World 