Introduction / History
The tribe known as the Anal is a scheduled tribe. They declared themselves Nagas (ethnically) in 1963. The Anal are an offshoot of the Pakan community. According to legend, the Pakan community split into four groups: the Anal, the Lamkang, the Monsang and the Moyon.

Where are they located?
The Anal is located in the Chandel, Chakpikarong and Tengnoupal subdivisions, on the banks of the Chakpi River in the district of Manipur. Some of the Anal (Pakan) are also located in the Bangladesh, Myammar and the bordering areas.

What are their lives like?
The Anal, like all other tribals of the region, live a simple life. They have a patriarchal type of family. The society is divided into two moieties or tribal divisions known as "khul". These are the Chanang (Masum) and the Kori (Mochal). By preference a man will try to marry his mother's brother's daughter. Brides are acquired by arranged marriage or by eloping. A bride price is paid in cash by the prospective husband.

They communicate within the tribe using the Anal language and use Meitei for communication outside the group.

The leaders of the group are the kholpu (presides over traditional ceremonies), the dopu (the physician), the tholpu (the blacksmith) and the elders of the tribe.

What are their beliefs?
Previously the tribe held belief in a supreme being named Asa Pavan. At present, the overwhelming majority of the population is Christian.

What are their needs?
The tribe needs general development and higher education.

References
- Lewis, M. Paul (ed.), 2009. Ethnologue: Languages of the World, Sixteenth edition. Dallas, Tex.: SIL International. Online version: http://www.ethnologue.com/
- Singh, K. S. 1999. India's Communities, Oxford University Press USA.