<P> During World War II, seeing an opportunity to regain independence, the Kuki fought with the Imperial Japanese Army and the Indian National Army led by Subhas Chandra Bose but the success of the Allied forces over the Axis group dashed their hopes . </P> <P> The land of the Kukis has a number of customs and traditions . </P> <P> Sawm, a community centre for boys--was the centre of learning in which the Sawm - upa (an elder) did the teaching, while Sawm - nu took care of chores, such as combing of the boy's hair, washing of the garments and making the beds . The best students were recommended to the King's or the Chief's service, and eventually would achieve the office of Semang and Pachong (ministers) in their courts, or gal--lamkai (leaders, warriors) in the army . </P> <P> Lawm (a traditional type of youth club) was an institution in which boys and girls engaged in social activities for the benefit of the individual and the community . It was also another learning institution . Every Lawm has a Lawm - upa (a senior member), a To'llai - pao (an overseer or superintendent) and a Lawm - tangvo (assistant superintendent). Besides being a source of traditional learning, the institution of the Lawm also facilitated the transmission of both technical as well as practical knowledge to its members, especially with regard to particular methods of farming, hunting, fishing and sporting activities such as Kung--Kal (high jump, especially over a choice mithun), Ka'ng Ka'p, Ka'ngchoi Ka'p (top game), Suhtumkhawh (javelin throw using the heavy wooden implement for pounding - de-husking - paddy) and So'ngse (shot put). </P>

In the second half of the nineteenth century the kuki revolt was associated with