Bishnupriya Manipuris, with sharp Indo-Aryan features, live in India, Bangladesh and Burma. Bishnupriya Manipuri is the name the society, language and culture. The Bishnupriyas had their ancient capital town at
Bishnupur in
Manipur.
They are religious conservative Vaishnavas who are mainly divided into two sections, namely, the
Brahmins and the
Kshatriyas. There are no
Vaishyas and
Sudras in this community. The society is also sub-divided into five lokeis or clans; Kshumal; Moirang; Angom; Luwang, and Mangong.
The community resides in traditional house called Inchau, made of wood and bamboo, fenced by Khapak, a kind of hemp plant with the fibers of the hemp of the top. Mainly vegetarians, the Bisnupriyas consume rice, vegetables, fruits and milk. Bishnupriya women are good weavers. The marriage custom is based on the Hindu pattern with mostly Aryan and non-Aryan elements. The Bishnupriyas performs all the important festivals connected with
Hinduism, mainly in Vaishnavite tradition. Important festivals of these people are Bishu, Kang-festival and Mera.
The language of this group is highly influenced by Sanskrit and
Marathi. Bishnupriya Manipuri literature is broadly divided into two periods, namely, ancient Folk-Bishnupriya Manipuri literature and modern Bishnupriya Manipuri literature.
