One of the most ancient tribes of the State. Known also as Mikir. According to Karbi myth, their forefathers came from Knong Book Piller, a mountain somewhere near the north-eastern border. Karbis first inhabitated a mountain somewhere between Diphu and Dimapur. The mountain where they used to live was within the jurisdiction of the Kachari kingdom and the Kachari kings inflicted enormous humiliation on the Karbis. They were even taken as slaves. The process of convergence of the Karbis into the broader Assamese society began only during the Ahom rule. Karbis call fire may and water lang. According to myth, once a Karbi man left a fire burning inside the house. When he came out, his wife asked him, ‘May akaar be?’ (Why are you leaving the fire so?). From may akaar be came the word Karbi.
Basically a well-knit community, even disputes among the Karbis are resolved by the seniors of the society. Karbis are very strict about the sanctity of marriage. Boys and girls are allowed to meet at Chamangkan (a festival) when they dance together. God-fearing Karbis have both Hindus and Christians among them. The Hindus worship a number of gods. Believers of rebirth or re-incarnation, it’s a common practice among the Karbis to name the grandchild after their grandparents, who they believe have taken rebirth. Harlang or horap or saanj (a kind of wine) is the main offering in Karbi pujas. They burn their dead. The womenfolk wear pini (a piece of black cloth that covers the upper portion of the body and dangles to the calves), while rikong (a piece of cloth wrapped around the waist) is the customary dress for men. The traditional dress of women consists of the wankok (a belt), jis (for the upper part of the body), and knogthepi (earring) to add to their beauty. Likewise the men wear poho (a stylish turban), leko (necklace made of pearls), and tssoi (decorative shirts). Chokeroi (Worshipping of goddess Laxmi) is one of their biggest festivals. The Karbi literature comprises mainly of songs viz. Masira Kohir, Karbi Keplang, Hachakekan, Chabin Aalun, Rong Kekim, Osa Kebu Aalun, Thelu Aalun, Haimu Aalun etc., stories and idioms.