Origin of Kuki tribes is steeped in myths and legends of the country. The community first came into prominence with the writings of Rawlins on the tribes of Chittagong hills. As the Kuki tribes are one of the oldest settlers of the region, it carries number of stories which are sometimes historically proved while sometimes exist with the folklores of the area. Overall the study of Kuki tribes which has originated somewhere near 500 BC may include its inception in the pre historic and ancient days, its existence during the British rule and its present position which has faced lots of challenges from modernisation along with the method of migration which is one of the most vital part of Kuki tribe in India and its present location.

Kuki tribes are mainly found in the hilly regions of Manipur. This tribal group of North east India travelled a long way till it reached the present day. While the origin of this tribe is largely found in the mythological stories that prevails in the hilly regions of the land is sometimes proved historically while remains unproved in many areas. The story that narrates the origin of the tribe largely revolves round Noimangpa and Chongthu, the earliest fathers of the community; the great cave of Khul; Gulheipi the great snake and Lhaw, the lion which has been mentioned in the writings of a number of scholars and the mythological texts of the area. While the Kuki tribes are treated to be the aboriginal who settled in the hilly regions of Manipur, they bear a close resemblance with the physical features of Mongoloids and carry the linguistic traditions of Tibeto - Burmese traditions. These tribes since Ancient times played a major role during the British rule.

Origin of Kuki tribes can be traced into the number of tribal groups like the Aimol, Anal, Baite, Biate, Bawn, Changsan, Chiru, Chongloi, Chothe, Darlawng, Doungel, Guite, Halam, Haokip, Haolai, Hangsing, Hauzel, Hmar, Hrangkhawl, Kilong, Kipgen, Koireng, Khelma, Sakachep, Kolhen, Kom, Lamkang, Lenthang, Lhanghal, Hanghal, Lhouvum, Lhungdim, Lunkim, Lupho, Milhiem, Lupheng, Thangeo, Lhangum, Maring, Mate, Misao, Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Purum, Simte, Singsit, Singson, Sitlhou, Tarao, Tuboi, Tonsing, Touthang, Vaiphei, Vaulnam, Zou. The Kuki tribes are distinctively marked for their chieftain culture which represents a major trend of social trend of the community.

Thus origin of Kuki tribes establishes the tribal group as one of the most powerful group of Manipur which largely settled in the Hilly regions of the State.