Mythologies of the Meitei/Manipuri Tribe
Manipur boasts of an exotic landscape with gently undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. It is the tranquillity enveloping it, interrupted only by the soft breeze that sets it apart from the other northeastern states, and makes it an ideal gateway. Manipur, also literally meaning the Land of Jewel, is a paradise on earth where Mother Nature has been extra generous in her beauty. Manipur has also other popular names like Meitei Leibak. According to the Kalika. Purana, it is the place where the waist of Devi fell at the time of Daksa Yajna. Another account states that her outer garment Mekhela fell to the ground here while she was dancing. Manipur is famous for its rich culture and traditions, scenic landscapes, natural beauty, and mouth-watering cuisines, and is surrounded by nine hills with an oval-shaped valley at the centre resembling a necklace, justifying its name. Manipuri folklore, myths and legends, dances, indigenous games and martial arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are filled with the mystique of nature. The hill tribes of Manipur, although divided into a number of clans and sections, can be grouped under two major divisions: Nagas and Kukis. Though Manipur is a mosaic of traditions and cultural patterns, it is best known for its many dance forms.
The vast majority of the Meitei people live in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. A significant population of the Meiteis is also settled in the neighboring state of Tripura. The Meitei people are made up of seven major clans, known as Salai Taret. Their official state language is Meitei, also known as Manipuri. An interesting feature of this unreached people group is that their community shares this one language, but consists of two religions. A majority of the Meitei people practice Hinduism and a minority practice the Islamic faith. Though there are differences between the religions, there exists good harmony between them. There is a rich culture in Manipur, which the Meitei can take a lot of credit for. They are famous for their Manipuri dance, martial arts form, Thang-ta, ceremonial clothing and elaborate jewelry. They are also known for their contribution to art, literature and cinema. The Meitei people are very fond of riding horses. The game of modern polo is believed to have originated in Manipur. The Meitei also consistently produce high quality sports personalities who excel in the field of athletics, football, hockey and boxing among others.
Meitei mythology, also known as Manipuri mythology or Kanglei mythology, is a body of myths and literally genres of ancient folklore, originally developed by the ancient Meitei people (Manipuri ethnicity) in the ancient Kangleipak kingdom (present day Manipur). The ancient legends comprises of the creation and the nature of the world, the lives and deeds of the deities, heroes and mythological creatures and the origin of the ancient Meitei pantheon (Sanamahism) and the religious customs. The ancient Meitei mythology is basically redeveloped from the ancient manuscripts (puyas) and the generation by generation inherited oral folklore from the past ancestors. In fact, literally and archaeological sources, sometimes mutually supportive and sometimes in conflict, greatly proves the numerous elements having strong factual and historical roots. There are a few primordial Meitei deities known to the people of ancient times, during the 15th century BC, as evident from the Wakoklon Heelel Thilen Salai Amailon Pukok Puya, the earliest known puya (manuscript), written in 1400 BC.
Historically, the kingdom of Meitei also known as Meitei Leipak remained sovereign for at least 1951 years, although there were matrimonial alliance as well as wars with the neighbouring country or kingdom of Burma. Meitei kingdom (Meitei Leipak) lost its sovereignty in 1891 as a result of Anglo Manipur War and regained its sovereign status in 1947 but it was short lived due to the controversial Manipur Merger Agreement of 1949. Meitei nationalism (Meitei: ꯂꯩꯄꯥꯛ ꯅꯤꯡꯕ) refers to nationalism among the Meitei people.[failed verification] In the Meitei context this includes various movements throughout history to sustain Meitei cultural identity, political boundary, ethnicity and history to regain sovereign state status of Kangleipak (presently known as Manipur).
Described by Jawaharlal Nehru as ‘the Land of Jewel’, Manipur boasts of an exotic landscape with gently undulating hills, emerald green valleys, blue lakes and dense forests. It is the tranquillity enveloping it, interrupted only by the soft breeze that sets it apart from the other northeastern states, and makes it an ideal gateway. Manipur, also literally meaning the Land of Jewel, is a paradise on earth where Mother Nature has been extra generous in her beauty. Manipur has also other popular names like Meitei Leibak. According to the Kalika. Purana, it is the place where the waist of Devi fell at the time of Daksa Yajna. Another account states that her outer garment Mekhela fell to the ground here while she was dancing. Manipur is famous for its rich culture and traditions, scenic landscapes, natural beauty, and mouth-watering cuisines, and is surrounded by nine hills with an oval-shaped valley at the centre resembling a necklace, justifying its name.
The Meitei are known by a number of endonyms, Meitei, Meetei, Meithei (Meitei), and as well as by numerous exonyms, such as Meckley, Manipuri, Cassay-Shan, and Kathe (Burmese). Mee and Mei are used interchangeably, together with atei form Meetei and Meitei. According to Cheitharon Kumbaba, Meitei means Mei+atei, where atei in Manipuri means others. The term Manipuri is widely used, but problematic because of its ambiguous scope: next to being a synonym for Meitei/Meetei, it can also refer in a wider sense to the native ethnic groups in the hills of Manipur. The people are simple and welcoming, and speak softly and politely. People of different ethnic groups live together here, peacefully for centuries. These ethnic groups include Bishnupriya Manipuris, Naga, Kuki and Meitei-Pangal (Muslims), although the majority are Meiteis. Manipuri folklore, myths and legends, dances, indigenous games and martial arts, exotic handlooms and handicrafts are filled with the mystique of nature. The hill tribes of Manipur, although divided into a number of clans and sections, can be grouped under two major divisions: Nagas and Kukis. Though Manipur is a mosaic of traditions and cultural patterns, it is best known for its many dance forms.
The Meitei people, also known as the Manipuri people, is the predominant ethnic group of Manipur in Northeast India. They speak Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of the Indian Republic and the sole official language of Manipur. The Meiteis primarily settled in the Imphal Valley region in modern-day Manipur, though a sizable population has settled in the other Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. There is also a notable presence of Meitei in the neighboring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Meitei ethnic group represents about 53% of Manipur’s population. The Meitei are known by a number of endonyms, Meitei, Meetei, Meithei (Meitei), and as well as by numerous exonyms, such as Meckley, Manipuri, Cassay-Shan, and Kathe (Burmese). Mee and Mei are used interchangeably, together with atei form Meetei and Meitei. According to Cheitharon Kumbaba, Meitei means Mei+atei, where atei in Manipuri means others. The term Manipuri is widely used, but problematic because of its ambiguous scope: next to being a synonym for Meitei/Meetei, it can also refer in a wider sense to the native ethnic groups in the hills of Manipur.
The ancient religion of the Meitei people of Manipur, India, Sanamahism, is undergoing a revival. In the 18th century CE, Manipuri kings converted to Hinduism and began to forcibly suppress Sanamahism. Meitei scholars hid the ancient scriptures, and Sanamahism continued underground. Sanamahism is still practiced by a minority of Manipuris. Goutamkumar Oinam writes very actively about it and promotes its restoration. Although his readership is small on Medium, on Quora he has nearly 500 followers and over half a million views. His pieces have raised awareness about Sanamahism in many parts of the world. You might want to follow him and check his writing out.
Manipuri Ethnic Group
The Meitei people or Manipuri people are an ethnic group native to the state of Manipur in northeastern India. The Meiteis primarily settled in the Imphal Valley region in modern-day Manipur, although a sizable population have settled in Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram; with notable presence in the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Meitei ethnic group represents about 53% of Manipur’s population. Dance and music seem to be inextricably linked with the life of Manipuri people. Among these, Manipuri dance is the richest in Manipuri culture. Manipuri dance is called Lashya. Softness and modesty are the hallmarks of Manipur dance. There are also frames for Manipuri dance. These are mainly divided into two parts. Folk or folk dance and classical dance. Folk dances include Laiharaoba, Khamba-Thoibi, Maibi-Jagoi, Leisham Jagoi, etc. Rasa dance, on the other hand, includes classical dances such as Gostha Leela, Udukhol, Mridanga, etc.
Meitei mythology, also known as Manipuri mythology or Kanglei mythology, is a body of myths and literally genres of ancient folklore, originally developed by the ancient Meitei people (Manipuri ethnicity) in the ancient Kangleipak kingdom (present day Manipur). The ancient legends comprises of the creation and the nature of the world, the lives and deeds of the deities, heroes and mythological creatures and the origin of the ancient Meitei pantheon (Sanamahism) and the religious customs. The ancient Meitei mythology is basically redeveloped from the ancient manuscripts (puyas) and the generation by generation inherited oral folklore from the past ancestors. In fact, literally and archaeological sources, sometimes mutually supportive and sometimes in conflict, greatly proves the numerous elements having strong factual and historical roots.
The Bishnupriya Manipuris are a group of Indo-Aryan people that live in Assam, Tripura, Manipur and northeastern Bangladesh. They speak the Bishnupriya, which is a creole of Bengali language and Meitei language (officially known as Manipuri language) and it still retains its pre-Bengali features. The most distinctive feature of the language is it replete with Tibeto-Burman (Meitei) elements. The culture of the people is highly influenced by that of the Meiteis, with the exception of a few folk practices which are prevalent among the Meiteis. Due to its glorious natural beauty, Manipur has earned such epithets like ‘Switzerland of India’. This state is also known as Meiteipak, Kangleipak or Meiteileipak, in addition to twenty other names. It remains the most beautiful of the seven northeastern states of India. Fascinating scenery, valleys all around, blue water lakes, dense forests and the cascading clouds over the valleys – all these make the entire region look like the paradise on earth.
The present Manipur state has many other indigenous names, each indicating its unique meaning. To some, it is known as “Flower on the Lofty Heights” (Singh 2003), and to others it is known as “Kashmir of the Eastern India” (Singh 1980, 1). It is also known as Sana Leipak, which means land of jewels. This is because the land is fertile and rich in its tradition and culture. The other name for Manipur is Kangleipak meaning “Land of the Kang”. Based on the Manipuri legends and historical records, V. Chakravarty (1986) concludes that the Meiteis had their ultimate origin in the hill areas of Manipur. Elwin’s description is similar when he says, “By the casual observer the so called Manipuris (Meiteis) would be pronounced a mixed race between the Kukis and the Nagas”. T.C. Hodson, who was the Assistant Political Agent and Superintendent of the State of Manipur, after careful observation, remarks I think it is probable that when only a small part of the valley skirting the hills was capable of cultivation, the hill men bordering it used to descend and cultivate the little land there then was, returning to their homes in the hills after reaping their harvests; as, however, land increased, some few of them settled permanently in the plain, gradually increasing in numbers. The various tribes thus settling in different parts of the valley would in time come into contact, and after a struggle for supremacy, amalgamate.
Manipur hosts numerous festivals; some of the major ones are Dol Jatra (Yaoshang ), Rath Jatra, Lai-Haraoba, Ramjan ID, KUT, Gang-Ngai, Chumpha, Cheiraoba, Heikru Hidongba, Lui-Ngai-Ni, and Kwak Jatra. In Lai-Haraoba, the festival is celebrated in the name of the deity called Umang Lai which takes place in May. Kut festival is celebrated by the Kuki-Chin-Mizo groups of Manipur. It takes place on 1st November in honour of an abundant harvest. Gang-Ngai is a festival lasting five days. It starts with the omen taking ceremony which is later continued with dance and feast. Cheiraoba is the Manipur New Year which takes place in April. As part of the traditional belief, the villagers climb the nearest hill which helps in bringing good fortune. Yaosang is like the festival of Holi which is considered the most important festival in Manipur. The locals take part in the celebration of merrymaking. Recently, the festive energy is directed towards sporting events to identify talents at the ground zero levels.
- Innaphi and Phanek are the most common Manipuri traditional dress for women. The people also weave a special Phanek called Mayek Naibi where the designs on Naibi are horizontal stripes making it look beautiful.
- The Meitai Females stitch a cloth which called Kanap Phanek which has various designs on it. ‘Lai-Phi’ and ‘Chin-Phi’ are other Manipuri traditional costume.
- The white turban called Pagri is the most common among men.
- When the kings ruled the land, Khamen Chatpa were gifted to poets and geniuses. Even now, Khamen Chatpa is worn by men belonging to the superior class.
Manipuri people are very fond of music and an ardent admirer of the same. Mostly folk songs dominate the region. Khullong Ishei is sung by the Meities in villages when they go to work like fishing. The theme is love where the singer adjusts the lyrics of the song with his own tune. Pena Ishei is another form of song which is accompanied with the help of a musical instrument called Pena. The theme is mostly the love story of Khamba-Thoibi. A Pena looks like a slender bamboo rod which is attached to the round dry shell of gourd of coconut. To produce the musical symphony, the bamboo rod is held in the left hand, and the drum shell is pressed against the chest. The right hand is used for holding the curved iron rod. The strings are rubbed with the curved iron rod. Lai Haraoba Ishei is a song which is known for erotic mysticism, but the inner meaning is covered up by the use of simple words. It is sung during the ceremonial occasion of Lai-Haraoba. Thoubal Chongba, Nat, Gaur Padas, Dhob, Napi Pala, Khubaishei, and Raslila songs are some of the many famous songs sung in that region.
Ancient Kangleipak, also known as Antique Manipur, was an ancient, lesser known civilisation, concentrated along the central plains of the modern day Manipur, India. The Kangla served as the foremost capital city of Ancient Manipur (Kangleipak) from the 15th century BC upto the late 19th century AD. It has its earliest evidence of monarchy right from 15th century BC, during the reign of Emperor “Tangja Leela Pakhangba” (1445 BC-1405 BC). The imperial history of Ancient Manipur began with the reign of Tangja Leela Pakhangba in 1445 BC. The game of polo (Sagol Kangjei) was invented during the reign of King Kangba (1405 BC-1359BC), the successor of Tangja Leela Pakhangba. This remarkable achievement was recorded in many ancient Meitei scriptures including the Kangbalon and the Kangjeirol.
In Manipur, there are 33 recognized tribes that either belongs to the Nagas or the Kukis. The recognized tribes who made their home in Manipur for years now are Aimol, Anal, Chiru, Chothe, Gangte, Inpui, Hmar, Kharam, Khoibu, Koirao, Kom, Lamkang, Liangmai, Mao, Maram, Maring, Mate, Monsang, Moyon, Paite, Poumai, Purum, Ralte, Rongmei (Kabui), Simte, Suhte, Tangkhul, Tarao, Thadou, Thangal, Vaiphei, Zeme and Zou.
Aimol Tribe
Aimol people mostly inhabit in Chandel district of Manipur. The word Aimol means a talisman or spells of magic chanted to cause a black magic. According to the other meaning Ai is a crab and Mual means valley. This tribe speaks the language which is a form of Tibeto-Burman language. They mostly practice the slash and burn agriculture. They are mainly Christians.
Anal Tribe
The Anal is a scheduled tribe in Manipur. According to 2001 India census, there are about 21,242 Anal people living in Manipur. This tribe is related to the Kuki tribe. Farming, carpentry and weaving are their main occupation of the people. They belong to Mongolia.
Gangte Tribe
Gangte is one of the Kuki tribes mostly residing in Manipur. According to 2001 census, about 15, 100 Gangte people reside in Manipur. The word Gangte is named after the place carrying Ganggam. The word Gangte means person from Ganggam. The Gangte society can be divided into Thadou, Hmar, Lushai, Paite, Simte, Vaiphei and Zou. The Gangte people speak the Kukish languages, which belong to the Tibeto-Burman family. Gahmasa Kut and Chapchal Kut are the major festivals among the tribe.
Kom Tribe
Kom tribe is one of the major tribes in Manipur. This tribe is mostly found in Senapati and Churachandrapur districts. They are rich in cultural and traditional heritage. A large number of Kom people follow Christianity. Farming is the main occupation of the tribe and they produce potatoes, millets, rice, maize and others.
Maring Tribe
Marings are a small tribal community residing in Manipur. The term Maring includes two words, Mei means fire and Ring means produce. This tribe practice farming and irrigation. They are also apt in making different articles of bamboo.
Chothe Tribe
Chothe tribe also known as Chowte or Chawte is a clan of the Kuki tribe inhabiting in Chandel district of Manipur. According to 2001 census about 2676 Chothe people live in Manipur. They follow Christianity. The Chothe man makes bamboo baskets and the women’s collects from firewood from the forest and sells them in the market.
Monsang tribe
Monsong community mostly lives in Chandel district of Manipur. Their language is similar with the Anals. Monsangs can be divided into two clans namely Simputi and Rinheti. The each clan is divided into 7 groups. They are mainly dependent on agriculture; many of them too have established trading expertise.
Chiru Tribe
Chiru community of Manipur is found in various districts of the state. The word Chiru means the seed of a plant. This tribe has some similarity with the Naga tribe. The tribe has own custom and traditions. A large number of Chiru people are involved in farming. They involve themselves in the growth and trading of fruits. They also practice the shifting cultivation. This tribe is also expert in weaving, carpentry and craftsmanship.
Koireng tribe
Koireng is a tribal community in Manipur. This tribe belongs to the old Kuki clans of the Kuki-Chin group. According to last census 1056 Koireng people live in Manipur. Their economy mainly depends on agriculture.
Thadou Tribe
Thadou is an ethnic tribe found in Churachandpur, Senapati, Ukhrul, South-Western hills and Sadar hills districts in Manipur. It is a major Kuki tribe. Large number of Thadou people follow Christianity.
Maram Tribe
Maram is a Naga tribe in Manipur. They belong to the sub-family of the Sino-Tibetan family. Ponghi, Rakak and Kanghi are the main festival among the tribe.
Hmar Tribe
Hmar tribe is scheduled caste in Manipur. This tribe belongs to the chin-Kuki-Mizo groups. Hmar tribe can be divided into many groups like Faihrein, Khawbung, Sakum, Ngente, Pakhoung. This tribe is dependent on forest. Shifting cultivation is the main occupation of the tribe. They also practice black smithy, carpentry, basketry and poultry.
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