Mikir or Karbi? Full History of the Karbi People

Who are the Karbi people of Assam? Where did they come from, why were they once called “Mikir,” and how did their history shape the Karbi Anglong region? In this documentary, we explore the fascinating history of the Karbi people, one of the indigenous communities of Northeast India. From their possible origins and ancient migration traditions to their relationship with the Dimasa Kachari and Ahom kingdoms, we uncover a story of identity, culture, resistance, and political autonomy. We also examine the historical accounts recorded by British administrator Edward Stack, Karbi oral traditions, traditional governance, and the long struggle for greater autonomy in Assam 00:00 – Introduction: The Karbi People of Assam 01:05 – Who Are the Karbis? 02:15 – Mikir vs Karbi: The History Behind the Names 03:30 – Karbi Origins and Migration Theories 05:00 – Karbi Oral Traditions and Ancient Settlements 06:20 – The Karbis and the Dimasa Kachari Kingdom 07:40 – The Karbis and the Ahom Kingdom 09:00 – Edward Stack's Historical Records 10:15 – Karbi Culture, Language and Traditions 11:30 – Traditional Karbi Kings and Governance 12:40 – The Karbi Anglong Autonomy Movement 14:00 – The 2021 Karbi Anglong Peace Agreement 15:10 – Karbi Identity and the Future 15:45 – Conclusion Source - 1. Stack, E. & Lyall, C. (1908). The Mikirs. London: David Nutt. (Project Gutenberg #48706) http://www.gutenberg.org/files/48706/... 2. Govt. of Assam, West Karbi Anglong District: Early History https://westkarbianglong.assam.gov.in... 3. Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC): About Us https://karbianglong.co.in/Pages/Abou... 4. Wikipedia: Karbi people https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karbi_p... 5. Wikipedia: Karbi Anglong district https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Karbi_A... 6. Wikipedia: West Karbi Anglong district https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/West_Ka... 7. Wikipedia: Semsonsing Ingti https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Semsons... 8. NeGD: Karbi Anglong district profile https://negd.gov.in/isl/Directory/sta... 9. RBI notification on new Assam districts (18 Jan 2018) https://www.rbi.org.in/Scripts/Notifi... 10. Hansepi, L. & Laisram, R. (2022). Ritual of the Dead: Karbi Chomangkan Festival in Its Cultural Context. Religions 13(6):510 https://www.mdpi.com/2077-1444/13/6/510 11. PIB (4 Sep 2021): Karbi Agreement press release https://www.pib.gov.in/Pressreleasesh... 12. Peace Agreements Database: Karbi Anglong Agreement (2021) https://www.peaceagreements.org/agree... 13. Lok Sabha, Rule 377 statement by Dr Jayanta Rongpi (26 Aug 1996) https://eparlib.nic.in/bitstream/1234... 14. Eastern Mirror: Karbi Anglong Day celebrations (Nov 2024) https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com... 15. Eastern Mirror: KAAC observes 74th death anniversary of Semson Sing Ingti https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com... 16. Eastern Mirror: KAAC observes 126th birth anniversary of Sarsing Teron https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com... 17. Eastern Mirror: ASDC sit-in on Article 244(A) https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com... 18. Eastern Mirror (PTI): KAAC elections, third accord note https://www.easternmirrornagaland.com... 19. Nezine: Ronghang Rongbong, from where the king rules https://nezine.com/info/aVpvRHlTZ0RPc... 20. Sentinel Assam: LKSHA resolves to uphold traditional customs of Karbis https://sentinelassam.com/news/lksha-... 21. Deccan Herald (24 Dec 2025): What triggered protests in Karbi Anglong https://www.deccanherald.com/india/as... 22. Deccan Herald (24 Dec 2025): Army flag march in West Karbi Anglong https://www.deccanherald.com/amp/stor... 23. The Week (24 Dec 2025): What is behind the unrest in Karbi Anglong https://www.theweek.in/news/india/202... 24. Scroll: Why Assam's Karbi Anglong went up in flames https://scroll.in/article/1089570/the... Referenced inside Wikipedia, NOT opened in this pass (verify before citing) #Karbi #KarbiHistory #KarbiAnglong #Mikir #AssamHistory #NortheastIndia #IndigenousHistory #KarbiTribe #Assam #IndianHistory