The Thangal people, also known as the Thangal Naga, are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group inhabiting Senapati district in the Northeast Indian state of Manipur. They speak the Thangal language, which resembles Maram, and Rongmei.[1] They use Meitei language as their second language (L2) according to the Ethnologue.[2]
Presently there are 13 Thangal villages. They are found in eleven hill villages of the Senapati District: Angkailongdi, Katomei Makeng, Makeng Cheijinba, Ngaihang, Mapao Thangal, Mayangkhang, Ningthoupham, Thangal Surung, Tumnoupokpi, Yaikongpao and Takaimei.[3]
Traditionally, the Thangals are both horticulturalists and agriculturalists.[3]
13 August is celebrated as Thangal Day. This is to commemorate the martyrdom of Lungthoubu Thangal,[4] better known as Thangal Menjor, or popularly as Thangal general in the year 1891.