1. Lamkang as Ksen and its Related Terms

Lamkang is also known as "Ksen" among their own people and people from the related groups. "Ksen" is a term that signifies "Red." Furthermore, the term "Lamkang" was coined by outsiders and is not the original name. [Note: The Indian government erroneously listed it as "Lamgang" in the gazette, and the correcting process is underway.] Two syllables make up the word Lamkang, which has Manipuri connotations. Although "lam" refers to a "road," "kang" also has two meanings. If the vowel sound is long, the first interpretation would indicate "knife," and if it is short, it may mean "dry." When the visitor (passer-by) asked the Lamkang man his name, it is presumed that he could not speak Manipuri and explained in his own language that he was using his knife to make or clean the road. The visitor (passer-by) understood him as his name is “Lamkang”.

2. The Theory of Origin

3. First Exit (Escaped)

As Benglam attempted to exit Khurpii, he discovered that “Humpiipa” was positioned at the entrance of Khurpii. In this context, “Humpiipa” is a formidable tiger known for preying on humans and other animals as part of its diet. Initially, Allang, the eldest son of Benglam, came out of the cave and subsequently met with an attack that resulted in his death. An innovative concept suddenly emerged in Benglam's mind. He referred to a group of migratory birds, specifically sparrows, as 'Preet' in Lamkang. A group of small birds hovers over the ripened paddy before the harvest. A treaty was established with them. According to the treaty, the birds took flight and inflicted scratches on the face and eyes of Humpiipa. During Humpiipa's interaction with the birds, Benglam safely emerged from Khurpii.

2. Second Exit (Escaped)

Benglam must now protect the remaining humans from potential attacks during their approach. He carefully considered the situation and devised a strategy to outsmart and deter Humpiipa. Benglam retrieved his sole arrow, coated with poison. He simulated the presence of a dozen arrows by continuously fitting and refitting the arrow to his bow, performing the action of shooting. Humpiipa experienced fear simultaneously, and the odour of the poisoned arrow was so overpowering that he could not endure it and chose to escape. The absence of Humpiipa at the exit of Khurpii allows Benglam's wife, children, and the other creatures to emerge from Khurpii. 

3. The Clan System Theory

Initially, Leivon was the sole clan. Benglam is a member of this lineage. With the growth of the population, the implementation of a formal marriage system became unavoidable. According to legend, the elders assembled to divide the existing clan to facilitate marriage between members of various clans. The meeting was unable to be concluded before sunset. Therefore, they requested the Sun to assist the clan.

3. The Origin of the Sankhil Clan

The Sun put its egg on the bamboo. Rengtḷumnu, a mother of the Sungnem's clan, saw the egg. The name of it was "Knii Pirdii," which means "Sun's Egg." She took it and put it with the other eggs in the poultry. A human came out of the egg and was named "Sankhil."

4. The Origin of the Dilbung Clan

         One day, Rengtḷumnu's spouse observed a peculiar, diminutive creature alike a human, who was eating something among the animals. He managed to kill the diminutive man and brought his body parts to his wife. However, Rengtḷumnu performed something, and the body of that creature was revived and became as an infant baby boy. She resolved to raise the child as her son. When the boy reached adulthood, he married a woman of the Leivon clan. He was addressed as Dilbung.

IV. Traditions of Marriage

Despite being a patriarchal society, the Lamkang tribe has this unusual custom. The groom was required to live at the bride's house for three years prior to marriage. The groom had to follow specific traditions during this time. Every year, in order to please the bride's family, the husband was required to kill some animal, such as a pig, mithun, or lesser creatures. In most cases, he also had to help the bride's relatives, particularly the parents. After three years, he can bring the bride to his home.

Snuu kthe (iin Knei) – Marriage: