History of Manipur: Difference between revisions

From Bharatpedia, an open encyclopedia
No edit summary
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
m (clean up)
 
(20 intermediate revisions by one other user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|history of Manipur state in northeastern India}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2013}}
{{Kingdom of Manipur}}
{{Kingdom of Manipur}}
The '''history of [[Manipur]]''' ([[Kangleipak]] in ancient times)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Press|first=Imphal Free|title=Ancient Name Of Manipur – KanglaOnline|url=http://kanglaonline.com/2012/04/ancient-name-of-manipur/|access-date=2020-11-30|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Manipur’s titular king tastes ‘power’, says will be happy if addressed as Maharaja|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jun/20/manipurs-titular-king-tastes-power-says-will-be-happy-if-addressed-as-maharaja-2159154.html|quote=The Kingdom of Manipur or “Kangleipak Kingdom” was a princely state|access-date=2020-11-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> is reflected by archaeological research, mythology and [[recorded history|written history]].
[[File:Pakhangba_Temple_at_Kangla_Fort.JPG|thumb|center|upright=2.5|[[Iputhou Pakhangba Laishang]], an ancient temple dedicated to [[Pakhangba]], a primordial deity of traditional ancient [[Meitei religion]], located in [[Kangla]].]]
The '''history of [[Manipur]]''' ([[Kangleipak]] in ancient times)<ref>{{Cite web|last=Press|first=Imphal Free|title=Ancient Name Of Manipur – KanglaOnline|url=http://kanglaonline.com/2012/04/ancient-name-of-manipur/|access-date=2020-11-30|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Manipur’s titular king tastes ‘power’, says will be happy if addressed as Maharaja|url=https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2020/jun/20/manipurs-titular-king-tastes-power-says-will-be-happy-if-addressed-as-maharaja-2159154.html|quote=The Kingdom of Manipur or “Kangleipak Kingdom” was a princely state|access-date=2020-11-30|website=The New Indian Express}}</ref> is reflected by archaeological research and recorded history.
With the flourishing of an antique civilization,<ref>https://www.imphaltimes.com/it-articles/item/5532-is-32-000-years-of-meitei-civilization-a-sign-of-tribalism</ref><ref>http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.books.Review_Kangleipak_The_Cradle_Of_Man</ref><ref>https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#1.GEOGRAPHIC%20LOCATION%20OF%20MANIPUR</ref><ref>https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#(i)%20The%20Ancient%20(before%20christ)</ref><ref>https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#(ii).%20The%20Early%20Period</ref> the [[Kangla]] served as the foremost capital city of [[Ancient Manipur]], [[Medieval Manipur]] and [[History of modern Manipur|Modern Manipur]] till the late 19th century AD.<ref>http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Kangla.Kangla_The_ancient_Capital_of_Manipur</ref> The realm has its earliest recorded evidence of the existence of monarchy rule right from the reign of Emperor [[Tangja Leela Pakhangba]] (1445 BC-1405 BC).<ref>https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/meiteikings.html</ref><ref>https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#Main%20Source</ref>


Manipur became a [[princely state]] under British rule in 1891, the last of the independent states to be incorporated into [[British India]]. During the [[Second World War]], Manipur was the scene of battles between Japanese and Allied forces. After the war, [[Bodhchandra Singh|Maharaja Bodhachandra]] signed a Treaty of Accession merging the kingdom into India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/documents/papers/manipur_merger_agreement_1949.htm |title=Manipur Merger Agreement, 1949 |publisher=Satp.org |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref> It was made a union territory in 1956<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/amend/amend7.htm |title=The Constitution (Amendment) |publisher=Indiacode.nic.in |access-date=1 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501011646/http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/amend/amend7.htm |archive-date=1 May 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a full-fledged state in 1972.<ref>[http://indiacode.nic.in/acts-in-pdf/392012.pdf]</ref>
Manipur became a princely state under British rule in 1891, the last of the independent states to be incorporated into [[British India]]. During the [[Second World War]], Manipur was the scene of battles between Japanese and Allied forces. After the war, [[Bodhchandra Singh|Maharaja Bodhachandra]] signed a Treaty of Accession merging the kingdom into India.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/india/states/manipur/documents/papers/manipur_merger_agreement_1949.htm |title=Manipur Merger Agreement, 1949 |publisher=Satp.org |access-date=1 May 2014}}</ref> It was made a union territory in 1956<ref>{{cite web |url=http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/amend/amend7.htm |title=The Constitution (Amendment) |publisher=Indiacode.nic.in |access-date=1 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170501011646/http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/amend/amend7.htm |archive-date=1 May 2017 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and a full-fledged state in 1972.<ref>[http://indiacode.nic.in/acts-in-pdf/392012.pdf]</ref>
 
==Nomenclature==
During the latter part of its history, Manipur and its people were known by different names to their neighbours. The [[Shan people|Shans]] or [[Pongs]] called the area Cassay, the [[Burma|Burmese]] Kathe, and the [[Assamese people|Assamese]] Meklee. In the first treaty between the British [[East India Company]] and [[Meidingu Chingthangkhomba]] ([[Bhagyachandra]]) signed in 1762, the kingdom was recorded as Meckley. Bhagyachandra and his successors issued coins engraved with the title of Manipureshwar, or lord of Manipur and the name Meckley was discarded. Later on, the [[Sanskritisation]] work, ''[[Dharani Samhita]]'' (1825&ndash;34) popularized the legends of the derivation of Manipur's name.<ref>Gangmuei Kabui, ''History of Manipur'', National Publishing House, Delhi, 1991.</ref>


==Prehistoric Manipur==
==Prehistoric Manipur==
{{See|Prehistory of Manipur}}
{{See|Prehistory of Manipur}}
[[Manipur]] has recorded evidences of prehistory or pre literary history of the mankind.  
Many evidences of prehistory or pre literary history of the mankind have been found in [[Manipur]]. And many are still yet not discovered.


=== Human settlement ===
== Ancient period ==
Few attempts have been made to establish the earliest human settlement in Northeast India, and it is generally thought to have been uninhabited by [[archaic humans]] prior to late [[Pleistocene]] due to unfavorable geographical conditions.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=73,74}} This is however disputed and Northeast Corridors are proposed by some scholars to have played a defining role in early hominid migrations and [[peopling of India]].{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=74,92}}
{{See|Ancient Manipur|Rulers of Ancient Manipur before Nongta Lailen Pakhangpa}}
Historical documentations exists in the form of written records about Manipuri history in these spans — the geopolitical history of the region along with the ethno-linguistic background of the inhabitants are largely recorded.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=2,13}}{{sfnp|Brandt|2017|pp=122}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=55}}
The earliest recorded evidence of the existence of [[monarchy]] right from the reign of Emperor [[Tangja Leela Pakhangba]] (1445 BC-1405 BC).<ref>https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/meiteikings.html</ref><ref>https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#Main%20Source</ref>
The game of [[polo]] (as [[Sagol Kangjei]]) was invented by King [[Ningthou Kangba]] (1405 BC- 1359 BC). This remarkable achievement was recorded in the [[Kangbalon]] and the [[Kangjeirol]], two of the old manuscripts of [[Ancient Meitei language]].<ref>https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/sagolkangjei.html</ref> During the reign of Maliyapham Palcha (aka. Mariyafambalcha) (1359 BC- 1329 BC), the present day [[Meitei calendar]] was invented and developed in a systematic way for public usage.<ref>http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.History_of_Manipur.Discovery_of_Kangleipak.Names_of_12_months_of_Kangleipak_concepts_and_significances</ref>
[[File:Uttra_Sanglen.JPG|thumb|upright=2|[[Kangla]], the foremost capital city of [[Ancient Manipur]] ([[Antique Kangleipak]]).]]
The majority of the sources are found in the [[Cheitharol Kumbaba]] (henceforth, Ch.K.) — the court history of the Kings of Manipur — which dates the first king to 33 C.E.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=2,13}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=45-46}} Ch.K. is a Meitei chronicle — recording mostly of the [[Ningthouja dynasty]].{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=4}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=57-58}}  


=== Paleolithic ===
The initiation date of 33 CE was arrived upon by the scribes via astrological calculations.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=6}}
A few paleolithic sites (Khangkhui, Napachik , Machi, Somgu and Singtom) have been located in Manipur.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=79,90}} Though, in absence of good chrono-stratigraphic context of the founds and their cohabitation with remains of other ages, accuracy of such identifications remains open to critiques.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=75,80}} The existence of [[Hoabinhian|Hoabinhian-like complexes]] remains disputed, as well.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=86}}


Most scholars don't discuss a paleolithic age in Manipur (and Northeast).{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=75,80}} Manjil Hazarika, in his 2017 survey of prehistory of Northeast India, rejects that there exist plausible grounds to deny presence of Paleolithic culture.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=153}}
Many authors have used [[Puya (Meitei texts)|Puyas]], archaic Manipuri manuscripts in their reconstruction of Manipuri History.


=== Neolithic ===
The continued existence of clan identities and leadership is one reason for the bewilderingly diverse historical traditions of Manipur. Each clan wrote its own creation myths, religious histories, clan genealogies, and dynastic accounts of noble houses.
Multiple [[Neolithic|neolithic sites]] have been identified in Manipur; they include Nongpok Keithelmanbi, Napachik, Laimenai, Naran Siena, and Phunan.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=100,111,112}} Considered to be part of a larger South East Asian complex, the identifications are primarily accorded on the bases of stone tools and pottery (esp. cord-impressed ware); characteristic cultural identifiers of the Neolithic (agriculture, animal rearing etc.) are yet to be located and their development chronology is subject of active research.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=95,111,112,141,142,153}} Hazarika notes the Neolithic culture in Northeast to have began some four thousand years after that in the Gangetic Plains.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=140}}
[[Nongta Lailen Pakhangpa]] established the Meitei rule by subjugating [[Poireiton]].{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=24-25}} The first seven kings mentioned over Ch.K. — Pakhangpa, Tompok, Taothingmang, Khui Ningngongpa, Pengsipa, Kaokhongpa & Naokhampa — ruled till 411 C.E.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=23-27}}  


[[Roger Blench]], in agreement with [[George van Driem]]'s reconstructions of archeo-linguistic history of South East Asia, proposes that Northeast India accommodated a diverse group of foragers since neolithic age, who learned agriculture and animal rearing c. 4000 B.C before migrating eastwards and establishing the [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] (TB) phylum.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=58}} [[Meitei language|Meiteilon]], lingua-franca of Meiteis belongs to the TB phylum.{{sfn|Post|2017|p=232,233}} Hazarika notes the Manipuri sites to have an abundance of three-legged pottery and cord-impressed ware, very similar to the ones found in Southern China and Thailand, and hypothesizes that Manipur might have been the melting pot of Neolithic impulses from adjoining regions.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=112,113,142,143}}
[[Naokhamba]] was succeeded by [[Naophangba]], and was succeeded by his son [[Sameirang]], who fought a successful battle over the [[Angom]]s, a fellow clan.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=28}} The next ruler was [[Ura Konthouba]] and his reign saw some warfare with "Selloi Langmai".{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=28}} After his reign, [[Naothingkhong]] became the next king.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=28,29}}  


=== Chalcolithic and beyond ===
Khongtekcha was the next king; a successful battle over the Moirang clan is noted, and he ruled for ten years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=29,30}} After a gap of eleven years, the next king was Keirencha, who ruled for fifteen years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30}} He was succeeded by Yarepa, who reigned for twenty two years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30}} Nothing else is noted about these two kings.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30}} The next four kings were Aayangpa, Ningthoucheng, Chenglei Yipan Lanthapa and Yirengpa, who ruled for a combined total of 253 years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30,31}} All of them are noted to have emerged victorious in varied kinds of warfare over fellow clans — Aayangpa subdued the Nongyai Khumans, Ningthoucheng raided Houkei, Lanthapa captured a group of Luwangs, and Yirengpa defeated the Moirangs as well as Khumans.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30,31}}
Hazarika notes the broader region to not show evidence of any significant cultural transformation, upon the dawning of [[Chalcolithic|Copper Age]] (and then, [[Iron Age]]).{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=16}} The state has an abundance of [[megalith]]s of various shapes, serving distinct purposes.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=150,151}}  


The valley region has been long inhabited by distinct ''yeks'' (clans), who probably migrated from Southern China during the late Iron Age, sometime before the Christian era.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=1,3}} The hills house tribes, who are probably of autochthonous origins.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=1,3}}
== Ancient period ==
{{See|Ancient Manipur}}
== Medieval period ==
== Medieval period ==
{{See|Medieval Manipur}}
{{See|Medieval Manipur}}
== Modern period ==
{{See|History of modern Manipur}}
=== Till fifteenth century ===
==== Sources ====
There has been a marked absence of historical evidence, governing the span between Iron Age and the first millennium in North East India.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=16}} Chronicles of other nations impress upon us that trade networks with mainland India and South China were likely operating in Manipur across these spans; pilgrims are reported to have entered India from China via these territories.{{sfn|Hazarika|2017|p=69,70}}
Little documentation exists in the form of written records about Manipuri history in these spans (contra mainland India) — the geopolitical history of the region along with the ethno-linguistic background of the inhabitants are largely unknown.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=2,13}}{{sfnp|Brandt|2017|pp=122}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=55}} The primary source has always been near-exclusively the [[Cheitharol Kumbaba]] (henceforth, Ch.K.) — the court history of the Kings of Manipur — which dates the first king to 33 C.E.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=2,13}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=45-46}} Ch.K. is however a Meitei chronicle — Meitei was one of the migrant clans, originally named Ningthouja, who (at some unknown point of time) assimilated others into a confederacy, and gained the monarchy — with the early sections being essentially themed on the expansion of Meiteis across Manipur and their exploits.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=4}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=57-58}}
Notwithstanding this inherent bias, the parts till the reign of King Kyampa (1467-1508 CE) were redrafted during the reign of [[Ching-Thang Khomba]] because those leaves were "lost" and, in the opinion of Saroj N. Parratt, became "extremely sketchy" and "legendary".{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=4,}} The kings are assigned extraordinary spans of length, there is a scarcity of objective information, and there are random gaps in narration.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=4,13}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=46}} Parratt hypothesizes that many of these earlier monarchs were probably borrowed from the cultural pantheon and interspersed with religious myths to fit into their collective memory of intra-clan conquests and legitimize the current rule by Meiteis.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=5,13}} Parratt as well as [[Gangmumei Kamei]] propose that the initiation date of 33 CE was arrived upon by the scribes via astrological calculations.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=6}}
Some local authors have used [[Puya (Meitei texts)|Puyas]], archaic Manipuri manuscripts in their reconstruction of Manipuri History. This tendency has been criticized by Parratt and others; none of these texts are yet dated by professional historians or subject to serious textual-critical scrutiny, and hence are not suitable for purposes other than commenting on Meitei traditions.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=10,11}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=52-53}}{{efn|Bryce Beemer writes, "Manipur developed a textual tradition on par with that of Upper Burma or Java. The continued existence of clan identities and leadership is one reason for the bewilderingly diverse historical traditions of Manipur. Each clan wrote its own creation myths, religious histories, clan genealogies, and dynastic accounts of noble houses. Although many of these historical texts contradict each other, they represent a rich ore yet to be mined by most Southeast Asianists."{{sfn|Beemer|2013|pp=266}}}} Scholars have also found Puyas to have been (potentially) forged by [[Meitei nationalism|Meitei Nationalists]] in support of their [[Invented tradition|reinvention of history and tradition]].{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=11,17}}{{sfnp|Brandt|2005|pp=128}}{{sfnp|Naorem|2015|pp=219}}
==== Summary ====
Pakhangpa, a primordial dragon god in Meitei mythology, is credited in Ch.K. for having established the Meitei rule by subjugating (?) the Poireitons.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=24-25}} The first seven kings mentioned over Ch.K. — Pakhangpa, Tompok, Taothingmang, Khui Ningngongpa, Pengsipa, Kaokhongpa & Naokhampa — allegedly ruled till 411 C.E.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=23-27}} Barring Pakhangpa and Taothingmang, the chronicle only records the regnal span of each king.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=23-27}} Parratt notes that there's not even any evidence of these seven rulers belonging to the same dynasty, and in all probabilities they were reconstructed from oral legends of varying origins.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=27}} The chronicle itself mentions that nothing much is known about these "divine"-like kings.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=27}}
Naokhampa was succeeded by Naophangpa, about whom nothing significant is mentioned.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=27}} He was succeeded by his son Sameirang, who fought a successful battle over Aangom, a fellow clan.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=28}} The next ruler was Konthoupa and his reign saw some devastating warfare with "Senloi Langmai".{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=28}} After a monarch-less span of five years, Naothingkhong became the next king.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=28,29}} During his reign the chieftain of Pong Kingdom is noted to have engaged in an annexation spree before returning back via Manipur.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=29}}
Khongtekcha was the next king; a successful battle over the Moirang clan is noted, and he ruled for ten years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=29,30}} After a gap of eleven years, the next king was Keirencha, who ruled for fifteen years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30}} He was succeeded by Yarepa, who reigned for twenty two years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30}} Nothing else is noted about these two kings.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30}} The next four kings were Aayangpa, Ningthoucheng, Chenglei Yipan Lanthapa and Yirengpa, who ruled for a combined total of 253 years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30,31}} All of them are noted to have emerged victorious in varied kinds of warfare over fellow clans — Aayangpa subdued the Nongyai Khumans, Ningthoucheng raided Houkei, Lanthapa captured a group of Luwangs, and Yirengpa defeated the Moirangs as well as Khumans.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=30,31}}
Loiyumpa was the next king, and Ch.K. records his reign in considerable detail.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=31-33}} He is credited with the initiation of the first 'constitution'.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=31-33}}
Loiyumpa was the next king, and Ch.K. records his reign in considerable detail.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=31-33}} He is credited with the initiation of the first 'constitution'.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=31-33}}


Line 61: Line 37:
The next king was Chingthang Lanthapa, who defeated the Khumans as well as Kamus, in his eleven year long rule.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=35}} Thingpai Senhongpa succeeded him; nothing significant is noted except that he ruled for 5 years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=35}} Puranthapa, the next king, re-defeated the Khumans at Pairou, consolidated the territories of Koupa Koutai, and conquered the Chakpas.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=36}} Khumompa became the king in 1263 CE and went on to ally with the Khumans to successfully ward off an invasion by the rulers of [[Kabaw Valley]].{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=36}} A battle over the mountain-folks of Hao was also waged and their king Maimumpa was captured.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=36}} Moirampa succeeded him, and again defeated the Khumans as well as Moirangs.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=37}} Other battles against the Kekes and people of Makihao are noted; Korirong was captured.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=37}}
The next king was Chingthang Lanthapa, who defeated the Khumans as well as Kamus, in his eleven year long rule.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=35}} Thingpai Senhongpa succeeded him; nothing significant is noted except that he ruled for 5 years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=35}} Puranthapa, the next king, re-defeated the Khumans at Pairou, consolidated the territories of Koupa Koutai, and conquered the Chakpas.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=36}} Khumompa became the king in 1263 CE and went on to ally with the Khumans to successfully ward off an invasion by the rulers of [[Kabaw Valley]].{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=36}} A battle over the mountain-folks of Hao was also waged and their king Maimumpa was captured.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=36}} Moirampa succeeded him, and again defeated the Khumans as well as Moirangs.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=37}} Other battles against the Kekes and people of Makihao are noted; Korirong was captured.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=37}}


Thangpi Lanthapa ruled for twenty two years and trounced the Moirangs as well as the Loipi Haos; Tengkongbi and Marem Namngapa were captured.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=37}} Kongyapa ascended in 1324 went on to succeed him.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=37-38}}He was succeeded by Tenheipa, who reigned for twenty years and engaged in a multitude of warfare.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=38}} Nothing is mentioned about the next ruler Tonapa, except that he reigned for five years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=38}} Then, Tapungpa ascended to the throne. His regime saw successful warfare against the Loipi Marems, before he was assassinated by Khamlangpa, the king of Chingsong, after thirty five years of rule.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=38-39}} Again, there is a scarcity of information about the next king Lairenpa; he reigned for five years and there were no king for five, after.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=39}} Punsipa's reign went till 1432, and was witness to numerous clashes including one with Moirangs.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=39-40}}
Thangpi Lanthapa ruled for twenty two years and trounced the Moirangs as well as the Loipi Haos; Tengkongbi and Marem Namngapa were captured.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=37}} Kongyapa ascended in 1324 went on to succeed him.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=37-38}}He was succeeded by Tenheipa, who reigned for twenty years and engaged in a multitude of warfare.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=38}} Nothing is mentioned about the next ruler Tonapa, except that he reigned for five years.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=38}} Then, Tapungpa ascended to the throne. His regime saw successful warfare against the Loipi Marems, before he was assassinated by Khamlangpa, the king of Chingsong, after thirty five years of rule.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=38-39}} Again, there is a scarcity of information about the next king Lairenpa; he reigned for five years and there were no king for five, after.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=39}} Punshipa's reign went till 1432, and was witness to numerous clashes including one with Moirangs.
 
Ningthoukhompa ruled from 1432 to 1467. He routed out the Moirangs, and repulsed a rebellion by the Tangkhuls of the mountains.
=== Fifteenth century===
== Modern period ==
Ningthoukhompa ruled from 1432 to 1467.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=40-41}} He routed out the Moirangs, and repulsed a rebellion by the Tankhnus of the mountains.{{sfn|Parratt|2005|pp=40-41}}
{{See|History of modern Manipur}}
=== Sixteenth century===
[[File:FB7A9290.jpg|thumb|center|The Temple of Shri Govindaji in [[Imphal]], is the center of [[Meitei Vaishnavism]] of the [[Meitei Hindus]] in [[Manipur|Meitei world]].]]
=== Seventeenth century===
[[Manipur]], in modern times, face many events, including the [[Seven Years Devastation]], the exploitations of the
=== Eighteenth century===
Manipuri Levy, the
=== Nineteenth century===
[[Anglo-Manipuri War]] and then
[[Japanese bombing at Imphal]] during the World War II.


==See also==
==See also==
Line 81: Line 58:


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
* {{Cite thesis|last=Beemer|first=Bryce|title=The creole city in mainland Southeast Asia: Slave gathering warfare and cultural exchange in Burma, Thailand and Manipur, 18<sup>th</sup> - 19<sup>th</sup> c.|date=2013|publisher=University of Hawai'i at Manoa|id={{ProQuest|1513230576}}}}
* {{Cite thesis|last=Beemer|first=Bryce|title=The creole city in mainland Southeast Asia: Slave gathering warfare and cultural exchange in Burma, Thailand and Manipur, 18th - 19th c.|date=2013|publisher=University of Hawai'i at Manoa|id={{ProQuest|1513230576}}}}
* {{cite book |last=Harvey |first=G. E.| title=History of Burma: From the Earliest Times to 10 March 1824 |publisher=Frank Cass & Co. Ltd |year=1925 |location=London |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.9463 |via=archive.org}}
* {{cite book |last=Harvey |first=G. E.| title=History of Burma: From the Earliest Times to 10 March 1824 |publisher=Frank Cass & Co. Ltd |year=1925 |location=London |url=https://archive.org/details/in.gov.ignca.9463 |via=archive.org}}
* {{Cite book|last=Hazarika|first=Manjil|url=https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/oso/9780199474660.001.0001/oso-9780199474660|title=Prehistory and Archaeology of Northeast India: Multidisciplinary Investigation in an Archaeological Terra Incognita|date=2017|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-947466-0|language=en}}
* {{Cite book|last=Hazarika|first=Manjil|url=https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/oso/9780199474660.001.0001/oso-9780199474660|title=Prehistory and Archaeology of Northeast India: Multidisciplinary Investigation in an Archaeological Terra Incognita|date=2017|publisher=Oxford University Press|isbn=978-0-19-947466-0|language=en}}
Line 87: Line 64:
* {{Cite book|last=Naorem|first=Naorem Malemsanba|chapter=Centrality of body politics in Thokachanba’s script and cultural revivalism in Manipur|chapter-url=https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315638317-26/centrality-body-politics-thokachanba-script-cultural-revivalism-manipur-naorem-malemsanba-meetei|title=Colonialism and Resistance: Society and State in Manipur|date=2015|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781315638317|location=London}}
* {{Cite book|last=Naorem|first=Naorem Malemsanba|chapter=Centrality of body politics in Thokachanba’s script and cultural revivalism in Manipur|chapter-url=https://www.taylorfrancis.com/chapters/edit/10.4324/9781315638317-26/centrality-body-politics-thokachanba-script-cultural-revivalism-manipur-naorem-malemsanba-meetei|title=Colonialism and Resistance: Society and State in Manipur|date=2015|publisher=Routledge|isbn=9781315638317|location=London}}
* {{Cite book|last=Parratt|first=Saroj Nalini Arambam|title=The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: The Cheitharon Kumpapa : Original Text, Translation, and Notes|date=2005|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-415-34430-1|location=London}}
* {{Cite book|last=Parratt|first=Saroj Nalini Arambam|title=The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: The Cheitharon Kumpapa : Original Text, Translation, and Notes|date=2005|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-415-34430-1|location=London}}
* {{Cite book|last=Post|first=Mark W.|edition=2|editor1-last=LaPolla|editor1-first=Randy J.|editor2-last=Thurgood|editor2-first=Graham|title=The Sino-Tibetan Languages|chapter=The Tibeto-Burman Languages of Northeast India|date=2017|publisher=Routledge|language=en|isbn=978-1-138-78332-4|last2=Burling|first2=Robbins|pages=213-242}}
* {{Cite book|last=Post|first=Mark W.|edition=2|editor1-last=LaPolla|editor1-first=Randy J.|editor2-last=Thurgood|editor2-first=Graham|title=The Sino-Tibetan Languages|chapter=The Tibeto-Burman Languages of Northeast India|date=2017|publisher=Routledge|language=en|isbn=978-1-138-78332-4|last2=Burling|first2=Robbins|pages=213–242}}
* {{Cite thesis|last=Sebastian|first=Rodney|title=Cultural Fusion in a Religious Dance Drama: Building the Sacred Body in the Manipuri Rāslīlās|date=2019|publisher=University of Florida|id={{ProQuest|2464172212}}}}
* {{Cite thesis|last=Sebastian|first=Rodney|title=Cultural Fusion in a Religious Dance Drama: Building the Sacred Body in the Manipuri Rāslīlās|date=2019|publisher=University of Florida|id={{ProQuest|2464172212}}}}


Latest revision as of 14:40, 25 February 2022

Kingdom of Manipur
Part of History of Manipur
Kings of Manipur
Loiyumba 1074-1112
Senbi Kiyamba 1467-1508
Koirengba 1508-1512
Khagemba 1597-1652
Pitambar Charairongba 1697–1709
Pamheiba 1720–1751
Gaurisiam 1752–1754
Chitsai 1754–1756
Ching-Thang Khomba 1769–1798
Rohinchandra 1798–1801
Maduchandra Singh 1801–1806
Chourjit Singh 1806–1812
Marjit Singh 1812–1819
Gambhir Singh 1825–1834
Raja Nara Singh 1844–1850
Debindro Singh 1850–1850
Chandrakirti Singh 1850–1886
Surachandra Singh 1886–1890
Kulachandra Singh 1890–1891
Churachandra Singh 1891–1941
Bodhchandra Singh 1941–1949
Manipur monarchy data
Iputhou Pakhangba Laishang, an ancient temple dedicated to Pakhangba, a primordial deity of traditional ancient Meitei religion, located in Kangla.

The history of Manipur (Kangleipak in ancient times)[1][2] is reflected by archaeological research and recorded history. With the flourishing of an antique civilization,[3][4][5][6][7] the Kangla served as the foremost capital city of Ancient Manipur, Medieval Manipur and Modern Manipur till the late 19th century AD.[8] The realm has its earliest recorded evidence of the existence of monarchy rule right from the reign of Emperor Tangja Leela Pakhangba (1445 BC-1405 BC).[9][10]

Manipur became a princely state under British rule in 1891, the last of the independent states to be incorporated into British India. During the Second World War, Manipur was the scene of battles between Japanese and Allied forces. After the war, Maharaja Bodhachandra signed a Treaty of Accession merging the kingdom into India.[11] It was made a union territory in 1956[12] and a full-fledged state in 1972.[13]

Prehistoric Manipur[edit]

Further information: Prehistory of Manipur

Many evidences of prehistory or pre literary history of the mankind have been found in Manipur. And many are still yet not discovered.

Ancient period[edit]

Further information: Ancient Manipur and Rulers of Ancient Manipur before Nongta Lailen Pakhangpa

Historical documentations exists in the form of written records about Manipuri history in these spans — the geopolitical history of the region along with the ethno-linguistic background of the inhabitants are largely recorded.[14][15][16] The earliest recorded evidence of the existence of monarchy right from the reign of Emperor Tangja Leela Pakhangba (1445 BC-1405 BC).[17][18] The game of polo (as Sagol Kangjei) was invented by King Ningthou Kangba (1405 BC- 1359 BC). This remarkable achievement was recorded in the Kangbalon and the Kangjeirol, two of the old manuscripts of Ancient Meitei language.[19] During the reign of Maliyapham Palcha (aka. Mariyafambalcha) (1359 BC- 1329 BC), the present day Meitei calendar was invented and developed in a systematic way for public usage.[20]

Kangla, the foremost capital city of Ancient Manipur (Antique Kangleipak).

The majority of the sources are found in the Cheitharol Kumbaba (henceforth, Ch.K.) — the court history of the Kings of Manipur — which dates the first king to 33 C.E.[14][21] Ch.K. is a Meitei chronicle — recording mostly of the Ningthouja dynasty.[22][23]

The initiation date of 33 CE was arrived upon by the scribes via astrological calculations.[24]

Many authors have used Puyas, archaic Manipuri manuscripts in their reconstruction of Manipuri History.

The continued existence of clan identities and leadership is one reason for the bewilderingly diverse historical traditions of Manipur. Each clan wrote its own creation myths, religious histories, clan genealogies, and dynastic accounts of noble houses. Nongta Lailen Pakhangpa established the Meitei rule by subjugating Poireiton.[25] The first seven kings mentioned over Ch.K. — Pakhangpa, Tompok, Taothingmang, Khui Ningngongpa, Pengsipa, Kaokhongpa & Naokhampa — ruled till 411 C.E.[26]

Naokhamba was succeeded by Naophangba, and was succeeded by his son Sameirang, who fought a successful battle over the Angoms, a fellow clan.[27] The next ruler was Ura Konthouba and his reign saw some warfare with "Selloi Langmai".[27] After his reign, Naothingkhong became the next king.[28]

Khongtekcha was the next king; a successful battle over the Moirang clan is noted, and he ruled for ten years.[29] After a gap of eleven years, the next king was Keirencha, who ruled for fifteen years.[30] He was succeeded by Yarepa, who reigned for twenty two years.[30] Nothing else is noted about these two kings.[30] The next four kings were Aayangpa, Ningthoucheng, Chenglei Yipan Lanthapa and Yirengpa, who ruled for a combined total of 253 years.[31] All of them are noted to have emerged victorious in varied kinds of warfare over fellow clans — Aayangpa subdued the Nongyai Khumans, Ningthoucheng raided Houkei, Lanthapa captured a group of Luwangs, and Yirengpa defeated the Moirangs as well as Khumans.[31]

Medieval period[edit]

Further information: Medieval Manipur

Loiyumpa was the next king, and Ch.K. records his reign in considerable detail.[32] He is credited with the initiation of the first 'constitution'.[32]

He was succeeded by Loitongpa, who emerged successful in some non-described battles on eastern fronts, probably waged over autochthonous ethnic groups.[33] After a rule of twenty eight years, he was succeeded by Aatom Yoirenpa, who ruled for thirteen years.[34] Yoirenpa was chased out by his brother and had to take refuge with the Khumans.[34] Under Yiwanthapa, who reigned for thirty two years, a successful war was waged on the Khumans and their chief queen was murdered.[34] The next ruler was Thawanthapa.[35] In a thirty six year long rule, he subdued multiple internal and external threats.[35] Whilst allying with the Khumans once, in a raid against the villagers of Hairem, he went on to defeat the Khumans later.[35]

The next king was Chingthang Lanthapa, who defeated the Khumans as well as Kamus, in his eleven year long rule.[36] Thingpai Senhongpa succeeded him; nothing significant is noted except that he ruled for 5 years.[36] Puranthapa, the next king, re-defeated the Khumans at Pairou, consolidated the territories of Koupa Koutai, and conquered the Chakpas.[37] Khumompa became the king in 1263 CE and went on to ally with the Khumans to successfully ward off an invasion by the rulers of Kabaw Valley.[37] A battle over the mountain-folks of Hao was also waged and their king Maimumpa was captured.[37] Moirampa succeeded him, and again defeated the Khumans as well as Moirangs.[38] Other battles against the Kekes and people of Makihao are noted; Korirong was captured.[38]

Thangpi Lanthapa ruled for twenty two years and trounced the Moirangs as well as the Loipi Haos; Tengkongbi and Marem Namngapa were captured.[38] Kongyapa ascended in 1324 went on to succeed him.[39]He was succeeded by Tenheipa, who reigned for twenty years and engaged in a multitude of warfare.[40] Nothing is mentioned about the next ruler Tonapa, except that he reigned for five years.[40] Then, Tapungpa ascended to the throne. His regime saw successful warfare against the Loipi Marems, before he was assassinated by Khamlangpa, the king of Chingsong, after thirty five years of rule.[41] Again, there is a scarcity of information about the next king Lairenpa; he reigned for five years and there were no king for five, after.[42] Punshipa's reign went till 1432, and was witness to numerous clashes including one with Moirangs. Ningthoukhompa ruled from 1432 to 1467. He routed out the Moirangs, and repulsed a rebellion by the Tangkhuls of the mountains.

Modern period[edit]

Further information: History of modern Manipur
The Temple of Shri Govindaji in Imphal, is the center of Meitei Vaishnavism of the Meitei Hindus in Meitei world.

Manipur, in modern times, face many events, including the Seven Years Devastation, the exploitations of the Manipuri Levy, the Anglo-Manipuri War and then Japanese bombing at Imphal during the World War II.

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ↑ Press, Imphal Free. "Ancient Name Of Manipur – KanglaOnline". Retrieved 2020-11-30.
  2. ↑ "Manipur's titular king tastes 'power', says will be happy if addressed as Maharaja". The New Indian Express. Retrieved 2020-11-30. The Kingdom of Manipur or "Kangleipak Kingdom" was a princely state
  3. ↑ https://www.imphaltimes.com/it-articles/item/5532-is-32-000-years-of-meitei-civilization-a-sign-of-tribalism
  4. ↑ http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.books.Review_Kangleipak_The_Cradle_Of_Man
  5. ↑ https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#1.GEOGRAPHIC%20LOCATION%20OF%20MANIPUR
  6. ↑ https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#(i)%20The%20Ancient%20(before%20christ)
  7. ↑ https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#(ii).%20The%20Early%20Period
  8. ↑ http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Kangla.Kangla_The_ancient_Capital_of_Manipur
  9. ↑ https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/meiteikings.html
  10. ↑ https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#Main%20Source
  11. ↑ "Manipur Merger Agreement, 1949". Satp.org. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  12. ↑ "The Constitution (Amendment)". Indiacode.nic.in. Archived from the original on 1 May 2017. Retrieved 1 May 2014.
  13. ↑ [1]
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Parratt (2005), pp. 2,13.
  15. ↑ Brandt (2017), pp. 122.
  16. ↑ Sebastian (2019), pp. 55.
  17. ↑ https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/meiteikings.html
  18. ↑ https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/puwarimeitei.html#Main%20Source
  19. ↑ https://themanipurpage.tripod.com/history/sagolkangjei.html
  20. ↑ http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.History_of_Manipur.Discovery_of_Kangleipak.Names_of_12_months_of_Kangleipak_concepts_and_significances
  21. ↑ Sebastian (2019), pp. 45-46.
  22. ↑ Parratt (2005), pp. 4.
  23. ↑ Sebastian (2019), pp. 57-58.
  24. ↑ Parratt (2005), pp. 6.
  25. ↑ Parratt 2005, pp. 24-25.
  26. ↑ Parratt 2005, pp. 23-27.
  27. ↑ 27.0 27.1 Parratt 2005, pp. 28.
  28. ↑ Parratt 2005, pp. 28,29.
  29. ↑ Parratt 2005, pp. 29,30.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 30.2 Parratt 2005, pp. 30.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 Parratt 2005, pp. 30,31.
  32. ↑ 32.0 32.1 Parratt 2005, pp. 31-33.
  33. ↑ Parratt 2005, pp. 33-34.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 Parratt 2005, pp. 34.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 Parratt 2005, pp. 34-35.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 Parratt 2005, pp. 35.
  37. ↑ 37.0 37.1 37.2 Parratt 2005, pp. 36.
  38. ↑ 38.0 38.1 38.2 Parratt 2005, pp. 37.
  39. ↑ Parratt 2005, pp. 37-38.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Parratt 2005, pp. 38.
  41. ↑ Parratt 2005, pp. 38-39.
  42. ↑ Parratt 2005, pp. 39.

Bibliography[edit]

External links[edit]

Template:History of India by State

Retrieved from "https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_Manipur&oldid=304712"