Hmar literature primarily refers to the body of literature written in the Hmar language, the principal language of the Hmar people. It may also include literary and academic works on Hmar history, culture, and society written in English, Mizo, or other languages. It includes folktales and folksongs originating from oral traditions, as well as modern forms of written literature that developed following the community's Christianization in the late 19th century in Mizoram. The Hmar language, in which this literature is written, adopted the Roman script during the colonial period. The script was introduced in 1894 by British missionaries, notably Frederick William Savidge and James Herbert Lorrain.
When the linguist G. A. Grierson published Linguistic Survey of India, Volume III, Part III, page 259 contained a translated version of the biblical parable The Prodigal Son in the Hmar language, titled Naupa Tlanhmang. This is regarded as the earliest known example of written Hmar literature.
Grammar The Hmar alphabet (called Hawrawp) consists of a modified version of the Roman alphabet. They are:
+ Hmar Hawrawp A Aw B Ch D E F G Ng H I J K L M N O P R S T Ṭ U V Z
Hmar Literature Society The Hmar Literature Society (HLS) was founded under the leadership of Dr. Thanglung on 25 September 1945. Its founding members included Thanglung, Mahajon Hmaipawng, Compounder K. Luoia, and Compounder Nguna.
Thanglung Thanglung (formally Dr. Thanglung Sanate) is considered as the 'Father of Hmar Literature.' Thanglung developed several early educational books in Hmar language, including Hriselna Kawng (1949), Sierkawp Bu (1950), Geometry Bu (1950), Leihnuoi Ram Thu (1951) and Dictionary (1952).
Oral literature Folk songs + Early folk songs Sikpuilam Hla Chawnlam Hla Lamlam Hla Ruolhlui Hla Liendang Hla Muchiei Hla Kawlngo Hla Chawngngo Hla Kelkhuong Hla Chawnhnieng Hla Bapuinu Hla Chawnhmuok Hla Tlangzai Hla Tuoilur Nu Tap Hla Semruk Hla Tuoni Hla Thlangtlak Hla Butu Khuonglawm Ralngam le Dawikungpui Indawituona Hla Zawltling Hla Sawlthona Hlado Ral Hlado Savawm Hlado Naufahra Hlado Sikpuilam Hla (Saia Ketet Hla) Hranglam Hla Darlam Hla Salulam Hla
The Sikpui Hla is one of the most well-known folk songs of the Hmar people. It recounts a purported exodus of the community and has been interpreted by some as linking the Hmar people to a "lost" tribe of Israel. However, this interpretation has been widely rejected by scholars.
Written literature Early prints + Author Title of Book Year Medium H.L. Sela Bu Hmasa 1928 Hmar Thanglung Thuthlung Thar 1946 Hmar Thanglung Hriselna Kawng 1948 Hmar Thanglung Sierkawp Bu 1948 Hmar Thanglung Geometry Bu 1946 Hmar Thanglung Thanglung's Dictionary 1950 Hmar Thanglung Leihnuoi Ram Thu 1946 Hmar H. Thanglora Pherzawl Reader 1958 Hmar
Poetry collections Author/Editor Title of Book Year Publisher Medium L. Keivom & Lalparlien Thralai Hlabu 1961 - Hmar H.V. Vara Hmar Hla Hlui (The Hmar Folk Songs, Lyrics And Chants) 1967 (1st Edition), 1985 (Revised & Enlarged) Self Hmar R. Tawna Khawbung Lenruol Hlabu 1979 (First Edition), 2005 (Revised and Enlarged Edition) Dr. Rosiem Pudaite & R Tawna Khawbung Hmar L. Keivom Hmar Hla Suina (Hmar History, Culture & Literature) 1980 - Hmar L. Chongtho Hmar Hmar Hai Trobul Hlabu Pakhatna (Hmar Traditional Songs Book-I) 1987 Self Hmar Rev. H.V. Sunga & H.V. Vara Hmar Hlaphuoktuhai (The Hmar Poets) 1989 H.V. Vara Hmar Immanuel Zarzosang Varte & Lalthakim Hmar Highland Musings 2016 IndigeNE, Imphal, Manipur English Immanuel Zarzosang Varte & Lalthakim Hmar Sinlung Sermei 2016 IndigeNE, Imphal, Manipur Hmar Thangsawihmang Hmar Hla, Hla Lenglawng le Lengzem Hla Suina 2016 Tribal Research Institute, Manipur Hmar
Song books/Commentary [Hla Bu/Hla Suina] + Author/Editor Title of Book Year Publisher Medium L. Keivom Hmar Hla Suina (Hmar History, Culture & Literature) 1980 - Hmar L. Keivom Hmar Hla Suina(Hmar History, Culture & Literature) 2017 James Keivom Hmar
Non-fiction [history/genealogies] + Author Title of Book Year Publisher/Place Medium Rochunga Pudaite The Education of the Hmar People 1963 Indo-Burma Pioneer Mission, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar L. Hranglien Songate Hmar Chanchin (History of the Hmar) 1977 L. Rokung Hmar H.B. Hrangchhuana Hmar Chanchin (Hmar History) 1984 HSA Aizawl JHQ, Mizoram Mizo Ngurthangkhum Sanate Ngurte Pahnam Chanchin 1984 Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar Darliensung The Hmars 1988 - English F.T. Hminga Hmar Pipu Thilhming Lo Phuokhai 1988 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur English F.T. Hminga Hming Umzie Neihai 1994 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur English H. Thuomte Joute Pahnam Inthladan (Joute Genealogy) 2001 Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar H. Zaneisang Sinlung 2003 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar Various Lal Remruot – Saidan Chanchin 2008 Hmanglien & Sons, Rai's Ad-venture, Delhi Hmar Vanlal Tluonga Bapui Oral Traditions of the Hmars 2011 Assam Institute of Research For Tribals and Scheduled Castes: Guwahati, Assam. English S.N. Ngurte Dawntitam - - Hmar Thangsawihmang Ka Hriet Nuom Zawng - - Hmar John H. Pulamte Hmar Bûngpui Pastor Thangngur 2011 Self, Imphal, Manipur HmarDarthangluoi FaihriemSikpui RuoiHmarThangsawihmang Tlangram Nun 2012 Self, Rengkai, Manipur Hmar Hrilrokhum Thiek History of the Hmars in North East India 2013 Bhabani Offset Private Ltd., Guwahati, Assam English Ngurrivung Hung Ro Indinthar Nawk Ei Tiu 2016 - Hmar Immanuel Zarzosang Varte & Lalthakim Hmar Highland Musing 2016 IndigeNE, Imphal, Manipur Hmar Ngurrivung Hnam Rolung 2015-2016 Rochunga Pudaite 2016 Self, Lois Bet, Aizawl, Mizoram Hmar J.C. Chongkholien Rengkai Lal - Kailien: A Khawsathai le a Thlahai. 2021 Self, Rengkai, Manipur Hmar Lal Dena The Hmar Culture Relics: Historical Monuments in Pherzawl District 2025 Hmar Art and Culture Society, Churachandpur, Manipur English & Hmar Fimlienvung Keivom Keivom Hnam Chanchin (The Original Story of the Keivom Clan) - - Hmar
Novels
+ Author Title of Book Year Publisher Medium L. Keivom Lalnunnem Ka Ngai Em Che 1974 - Hmar L. Keivom Zawngkhaw Bungbu 1974 - Hmar J Batlien Lenglai Ni 1984 - Hmar S.N. Ngurte Lenlai Chan 1989 Sinlung Society Publication, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S. N. Ngurte Mi Ngaidam Rawh I 1990 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S. N. Ngurte Damlai Thlaler 1991 Sinlung Society Publication, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S. N. Ngurte Mi Ngaidam Rawh II 1991 Sinlung Society Publication, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S. N. Ngurte Pieral Nisa 1992 Sinlung Society Publication, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S. N. Ngurte Thina Varal 1993 Sinlung Society Publication, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S.N. Ngurte Rengchawnghawi 1994 L. Rokung Hmar S.N. Ngurte Kanaan Phaizawl 1995 Phira & Pienga for HL Lawma & Sons Publication, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S.N. Ngurte Thla Hleitling Zan 1996 Phira & Pienga for HL Lawma & Sons Publication, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S.N. Ngurte Hermon Daidaw 1996 Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S.N. Ngurte Hringnun Khawvel 1997 PT Publication Centre, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S.N. Ngurte Singpui 1998 - Hmar S.N. Ngurte Nunkhawpham 1999 H.A. Lalrohlu, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S.N. Ngurte Lungrunpui 2000 Self, Rengkai, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S.N. Ngurte Dâwntitam 2017 Self, Rengkai, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar Thangsawihmang Hmangaina Parbawr 2012 - Hmar V.L. Renga Chantawk (I) 2012 Sin-leng Publication Hmar V.L. Renga Chantawk (II) 2013 Sin-leng Publication Hmar S.N. Ngurte Chawngngo, Zochung Lanu Hmeltha 2018 Hmar Literature Society; Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar L.B. Tuolte Zawllai a Thlunglu Lemchang - - Hmar V.L. Renga Thawnthu tawi thlangkhawm 2025 - Hmar Piani Hmar Rolung 2025 Sinlung Academy of Letters Hmar
Dictionaries + Author Title of Book Year Publisher Medium T.K Buongpui Hmarram Dictionary 2010 L.C Buongpui, Churachandpur, Manipur English-Hmar J Lungawi English-Hmar Dictionary - - English-HmarJohn H Pulamte Pherzawl Diksawnari 2020 Sinlung Academy of Letters Hmar-English Rochunga Pudaite English-Hmar Dictionary 2008 Partnership Publishing House, Manipur English-Hmar
Grammar and language guide books + Author Title of Book Year Publisher Medium F.T. Hminga Hmar Ṭawng Indiklem 1993 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar Vanlal Tluonga Bapui Hmar Grammar 1996 Central Institute of Indian Languages. CIIL Press, Mysore English Vanlal Tluonga Bapui Hmar Ṭawng Inchukna (A Lexical Study of the Hmar Language & Usages) 2012 The Assam Institute of Research for Tribals and Scheduled Castes. Hi-Tech Printing & Binding Industries, Guwahati, Assam Hmar S.N Ngurte Hmar Thumal Trobul (Etymological Dictionary) 2013 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar S.N Ngurte Hmar Tawng Lamkei: 78 Upa Tawngkasuok 2016 Hmar Literature Society, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar
Instructional textbooks + Author Title of Book Year Publisher Medium Zokapsang Lungtau Sierkawp 2025 - Hmar
Autobiographies and biographies + Author Title of Book Year Publisher/Place Medium Dony Tuolte Ka Tawnhriet (Vol I) 2017 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar Dony Tuolte Ka Tawnhriet (Vol 2) - - Hmar Chaltonlien Amo Ka Khuolzinna Lamtluong 2025 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar L Rokung Ka Nun - Self Hmar
Christian literature Devotional + Author Title of Book Year Publisher Medium C.C. Rema Nghaisan Bo Kohran 1960 - Hmar C.C. Rema Sandam Inhrietchiengna 1971 - Hmar Jonathan Pudaite Beyond The Next Mountain: The Story of Rochunga Pudaite 1982 Tyndale House Publishers, US English Ruolneikhum Pakhuongte The Power of the Gospel Among the Hmar Tribe 1983 Ri Khasi Press, Shillong English H.C. Hrangate Pathien Kut 1996 - Hmar Hrilrokhum Thiek Maichâma Mei Chu Sukchawk Zing Ding A Nih 1996 Hmar Lalthankhum Sinate Kohran Hring 2001 - Hmar C.C. Rema Nupa Hlimna Thuruok 2004 - Hmar C.C. Rema Kristien Kalchawibu (transl.) 2009 - Hmar (transl. from English; a book by Peter Jeffrey) Lalhmuoklien Gospel Through Darkness 2009 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar C.C. Rema Isu Krista Hung Nawkna 2011 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul Kohran 2013 Self, Churachandpur, Manipur Hmar C.C. Rema Isu Krista Hung Nawkna 2011 - Hmar C.C. Rema Biblea Pathien mihai nungchang Inchukna 2014 - Hmar C.C. Rema Krista Ka Iengkim 2015 - Hmar C.C. Rema Ringtu Khuolzin 2016 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul The Advance of the Gospel (Part 1) - - English Lalrothar Hringnun Khawvel Thar - - Hmar H.M. Songate A Lunginsietna Zar Chauin - - Hmar L Fimate Thina Rapthlak 2021 Self, Guwahati, Assam, India HmarThangsawihmangKhawvel Hun Tawng2021Ramthienghlim Varte, Shillong, MeghalayaHmarC. C. RemaVanram Ei Tlung Phaleh2022HmarThangngurDamlai Tuipui Chungah2024Independent Church of India, Churachandpur, ManipurHmar Vanlalhlun Faiheng I Kross Inkhawkpui Rawh 2025 - Hmar Jonathan Infimate Indigenous Theology: A Study of Pastor Thangngur's Hymns in the context of Paul Hiebert Fourth's Self-Theology - - English Jami Darngawn Lalpa Mi Pawlna - - Hmar
Bible versions + Author Title of Book Year Publisher Medium L. Keivom Baibul (Hmar)-Holy Bible, Delhi Version 2007 - Hmar
Commentaries and guide books + Author Title of Book Year Publisher Medium C.C. Rema Genesis Hrilfiena 1966 - Hmar C.C. Rema Nambars Hrilfiena 1970 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul Chanchintha Matthai Hrilfiena 1975 - Hmar C.C. Rema Amos Hrilfiena 1979 - Hmar C.C. Rema Chanchintha Johan Hrilfiena 1980 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul Thilthawhai Hrilfiena 1982 - Hmar C.C. Rema Hebrai Hrilfiena 1991 - Hmar C.C. Rema Genesis Hrilfiena (HCLF) 1991 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul Ruthi Bu Inchukna 1994 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul Zawlnei Isai Inchukna (Part 1) 2002 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul Leveticus Hrilfiena 2008 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul Juda Lekhathawn Inchukna 2011 - Hmar Darsanglien Ruolngul Ruthi Bu Inchukna 2011 - Paite (transl.) Darsanglien Ruolngul Rom Mihai Kuoma Tirko Paula Lekhathawn Suina 2011 - Hmar
Souvenirs Academic studies The following literature covers only academic works specific to the Hmar people.
Doctoral theses