Garo
Halam : tribes of tripura
Ethnically Halam belong to the Cocase-Mongoliod origin of Kuki-Chin tribes. Their language is also more or less similar to that of Tibeto-Burman family. Halams are also known as Mila Kuki, though they are not at all Kukis in terms of language, culture and living style. Halams are divided into several sub-clans which is referred as "Barki-Halam". Major sub-clans of Halams are (1) Kaloi, (2) Kov-Bong, (3) Keipeng, (4) Bong, (5) Saka Chep, (6) Thanga chep, (7) Dab, (8) Bongser (9) Molsum, (10) Rupini, (11) Rangkhwr, (12) Chorai, (13) Langai, (14) Kaireng, (15) Ranglong, (16) Naveen and (17) Murasing. Among these tribes, as per 2001 Census their total population is 47,261 and distributed through out the State.
Halams are basically Hindus and followers of Sakti-cult though Vaishnavism is spreading among some of the sub-clans like Murasingh, Rupini and Kaloi. But Christianity is also being embarrassed by Halams.
Halams major concen-tration are in Kamalpur, Sadar East, Molsom Bari and Kwipilong of Udaipur, Ampi, Ambassa etc. places of different Sub-divisions. Among Halams Kolai, Murasing, Rupini speak in Kok-Borok and their social and religious culture also similar with tripuris.
Halams live in typical "Tong Ghar" specially made of bamboos and Chan grass. Apart from plain land cultivation they still practice Jhum cultivation and depend on both the activities beside other substitute works.
Marriageable age among Halams 21-24 for boys and 18-20 for girls. As per traditional customs they still honour their customary laws in setting up of marriage alliances. They have their own social in-stitute and village council. The council looks after and sorts out most of the social disputes over land, crime against women and children.