Chiru is an ethnic group inhabiting the
Senapati,
Tamenglong and
Bishnupur districts of
Manipur. ‘Chiru’ literally means the seed of a plant.
This tribe’s manners, customs, and language are of Kuki origin. But their physique, habits, hairstyle, and bachelors' quarters resembles the Naga way of life. Shifting and wet cultivation is practiced by them. Apart, fruits like banana, orange, lemon and papaya are also cultivated for family use and market trading. The main cottage industries are basket and cane works, weaving, carpentry and manufacture of musical instruments.
