D.M College of Teacher Education (DMCTE) students wearing traditional THADOU-KUKI apparel. This wear which is called Khamtang ponve (phinek) is worn during festive seasons and several other occasions such as marriage and blessing of child by the maternal grandfathers. It is also occasionally worn in church but with a change in the style of wearing. 

The Thadous of the Chin-Kuki-Mizo family are the second largest community in Manipur. Their population according to 2011 census is 2 (two) lakhs above in Manipur alone. 

They are found in Mizoram, Assam, Nagaland, parts of Myanmar with their highest concentration in Manipur. They are known by different names by their neighbours.

Thadous are the single largest tribal group in Manipur. They are one of the constituents of Kuki tribes recognized as ST in Manipur, Nagaland(Kuki), and Assam (Kuki). Thadou-Kukis are found in India, Myanmar(Burma), Israel and even in the Philippines.

Thadous are known as:

1. Thadou by the Chins of Myanmar(Burma)

2. Lusuong by the Lushais/Mizos

3. Khongjai/Khongsai by the Meiteis

4. Khongchai/Khachami by the Tangkhuls

5. Kusamei by the Maos

6. Makheng by the Anals 

7. Thangkumsa by the Kacharis

8. Kuki/Cuci by the Bengalis

9. New Kuki by the Britishers

 The Thadous are found in Manipur, Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram in India, and in Chin state and Sagaing Division in Burma/Myanmar. In Manipur, they are mostly found in South-Western Hills and Sadar Hills, Churachandpur district, Ukhrul district, Jiribam and Chandel district. Their highest concentration is in Sadar Hills. Moreh is the biggest town of theThadou-Kukis. From time immemorial, the Thadous have a culture of their own and distinct language, literature, dress, social life, and self-government. Livelihood,

Defense, Marriage, Divorce, Naming a child, Kut Festivals, Saguol Kengkhai, Vaphol lam, Lakoi lam, Khongbai lam, Lamkuol, Saipikhup, suh folk dances, Jhuming, Domestic animals, Religion, Hunting etc.. Thadous have a language distinct from other tribal languages; the Government of India has recognized the Thadou as a tribe and as a language cum culture and customs. This is recognized by the President Notification under Article No. 342 of the Indian Constitution vide the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes, List Order Notification No. SRO. 2477-A. Ministry of Law & Home Affairs, Govt. of India dated 29th October, 1956 at New Delhi in respect of the State of Manipur.

While the kings ruled in Manipur, the Thadous served as the Manipur Army and helped in the maintenance of Law & Order. So that, the Meiteis composed the Folk Song, “MANIPUR SANA LEIBAK, CHINGNA KOINA PANSABA, HAONA KOINA PAN NGAKPA” was to the Thadou-Kukis only.

The followings are the recognized Thadou tribe covered under the Amended Vide Govt. of India Ministry of Law Notification Order No. SRO-24777-A, Dated 29th October, 1956, New Delhi. 1. Guite 2. Doungel 3. Sitlhou 4. Singsit 5. Kipgen 6. Haokip 7. Chongloi 8. Hangshing 9. Touthang 10. Lotjem 11. Haolai 12. Tuboi 13. Sa’um 14. Khuolhou 15. Lupho 16. Lupheng 17. Misao 18. Mate 19. Baite 20. Lhungdim 21. Ngailut 22. Kiloung 23. Insun 24. Jongbe 25. Lunkim 26. Lienthang 27. Thangngew 28. Changsan 29. Lhang’um 30. Khuongthang.