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{{Distinguish|Pakhangba}} | {{Distinguish|Pakhangba}} | ||
{{See also|Nongshaba|Taoroinai|Keibu Keioiba|Lai Khutshangbi|Uchek Langmeidong}} | |||
{{Infobox mythical creature | {{Infobox mythical creature | ||
|name=Poubi Lai | |name=Poubi Lai | ||
|image=File:Paphal (Musée du Quai Branly) (4489839164).jpg | |image=File:Paphal (Musée du Quai Branly) (4489839164).jpg | ||
|caption =Sculpture of Poubi Lai, being displayed in the Quai Branly Museum, Paris, [[France]] in 2010. | |caption =Sculpture of Poubi Lai, being displayed in the Quai Branly Museum, Paris, [[France]] in 2010. | ||
|Grouping= | |Grouping=Legendary creatures | ||
|Region=[[Manipur]] | |Region=[[Manipur]] | ||
|Sub_Grouping=[[Meitei dragons | |Sub_Grouping=[[Meitei dragons]] | ||
|Country=[[India]] | |Country=[[India]] | ||
|Habitat=[[Loktak lake]] | |Habitat=[[Loktak lake]] | ||
|Mythology=[[Meitei mythology]] ([[Manipuri mythology]]), [[Meitei folklore]] ([[Manipuri folklore]]) | |Mythology=[[Meitei mythology]] ([[Manipuri mythology]]), [[Meitei folklore]] ([[Manipuri folklore]]) | ||
|Folklore=[[Meitei folklore]] ([[Manipuri folklore]])|AKA=Poupi Lai, Paubi Lai, Paupi Lai, Poubi Loi, Poupi Loi, Paubi Loi, Paupi Loi, Poubirai, Paubirai, Poubiroi, Pauburoi}} | |Folklore=[[Meitei folklore]] ([[Manipuri folklore]]) | ||
''' | |AKA=Poupi Lai, Paubi Lai, Paupi Lai, Poubi Loi, Poupi Loi, Paubi Loi, Paupi Loi, Poubirai, Paubirai, Poubiroi, Pauburoi | ||
}} | |||
'''Poubi Lai''' ({{lang-mni|ꯄꯧꯕꯤ ꯂꯥꯢ; ꯄꯧꯕꯤ ꯂꯥꯏ}}; {{lang-omp|ꯄꯧꯄꯤ ꯂꯥꯢ; ꯄꯧꯄꯤ ꯂꯥꯏ}}) was an ancient [[Meitei dragons|dragon python]], who dwelled in the [[Loktak Lake]] of [[Manipur]], in [[Meitei mythology]] and [[Meitei folklore|folklore]].<ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=5qsrDAAAQBAJ&q=Poubi+Lai+is+a+mythical+form+of+a+python+that+is+believed+to+inhabit+the+Loktak+Lake+in+Manipur.+It+is+regarded+as+one+of+the+greatest+life+forms+by+the+Meitei+people+of+Manipur+and+is+an+important+part+of+the+culture+and+beliefs&pg=PA184|title=Common Errors in English|last=Verma|first=Shalini|date=2017|publisher=S. Chand Publishing|isbn=978-93-85676-20-8|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=i0ocLsvkIpIC&q=poubi+lai+mythical+serpent|title=Annual Report|last=Culture|first=India Department of|date=2002|publisher=Department of Culture|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dailypioneer.com/2016/editions/story-of-a-giant-poubi-lai-show-begins-on-jan-7.html|title=Story of a Giant Poubi lai|website=www.dailypioneer.com}}</ref> It is also refered to as ''"Loch Ness Monster of Manipur"''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theweek.in/leisure/society/2018/07/02/manipur-loch-ness-monster-and-other-folktales-wari-jalsa-storytelling-fest.html|title=Manipur's Loch Ness monster and other folktales at Wari-Jalsa storytelling fest|website=www.theweek.in}}</ref> | |||
== Mythology == | == Mythology == | ||
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In the [[Loktak lake]], the spirit of Poubi Lai was awakened by the fishing activities of the fishermen of [[Moirang]]. Being angered, Poubi Lai destroyed many human habitats and killed many people. It decided to destroy the whole [[Ancient Moirang|Moirang kingdom]]. He threatened the King of [[Ancient Moirang]] to offer him one Shangbai (basket) of rice and one human everyday. The circumstance was sorrowful for the people of Moirang.<ref name="e-pao.net">{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=13..220715.jul15|title=Poubi Lai : The story of a giant python ; Single object exhibition begins at National Museum|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref name="deccanherald.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/490831/mystical-reptile-enchanting-folklore.html|title=Mystical reptile and enchanting folklore|website=www.deccanherald.com|date=22 July 2015}}</ref> Every household had to provide the offer turn by turn. When it was the turn of a young man, the lad seeked help from ''Kabui Salang Maiba'' (or ''"Kabui Tomba"''). The [[maiba]] was a shaman priest king of [[Rongmei Naga|Kabui tribe]] in the Salangthel hill range of the [[Loktak lake]]. He promised to save the kingdom from the gigantic evil creature. He transformed a Tou plant (''an aquatic plant'') (or a ''Khok Waa'' bamboo plant in another version) into a powerful ''"Long"'' (a 9 pointed [[javelin]]). Later, the [[maiba]] slayed Poubi Lai with the deadly weapon.<ref name="e-pao.net"/><ref name="deccanherald.com"/><ref name="telegraphindia.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/loktak-s-mythical-python-lives-on-in-wood/cid/1391819|title=Loktak's mythical python lives on in wood|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> | In the [[Loktak lake]], the spirit of Poubi Lai was awakened by the fishing activities of the fishermen of [[Moirang]]. Being angered, Poubi Lai destroyed many human habitats and killed many people. It decided to destroy the whole [[Ancient Moirang|Moirang kingdom]]. He threatened the King of [[Ancient Moirang]] to offer him one Shangbai (basket) of rice and one human everyday. The circumstance was sorrowful for the people of Moirang.<ref name="e-pao.net">{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=13..220715.jul15|title=Poubi Lai : The story of a giant python ; Single object exhibition begins at National Museum|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref name="deccanherald.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.deccanherald.com/content/490831/mystical-reptile-enchanting-folklore.html|title=Mystical reptile and enchanting folklore|website=www.deccanherald.com|date=22 July 2015}}</ref> Every household had to provide the offer turn by turn. When it was the turn of a young man, the lad seeked help from ''Kabui Salang Maiba'' (or ''"Kabui Tomba"''). The [[maiba]] was a shaman priest king of [[Rongmei Naga|Kabui tribe]] in the Salangthel hill range of the [[Loktak lake]]. He promised to save the kingdom from the gigantic evil creature. He transformed a Tou plant (''an aquatic plant'') (or a ''Khok Waa'' bamboo plant in another version) into a powerful ''"Long"'' (a 9 pointed [[javelin]]). Later, the [[maiba]] slayed Poubi Lai with the deadly weapon.<ref name="e-pao.net"/><ref name="deccanherald.com"/><ref name="telegraphindia.com">{{Cite web|url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/loktak-s-mythical-python-lives-on-in-wood/cid/1391819|title=Loktak's mythical python lives on in wood|website=www.telegraphindia.com}}</ref> | ||
== In | == In contemporary culture == | ||
In 2002, Karam Dineshwar, an artisan had a dream. In his dream, Poubi Lai asked him to craft its image. In the next day, he came across a big tree root at Leimatak. He completed making the 21 feet long wooden sculpture of Poubi Lai in the next 6 months.<ref name="e-pao.net"/><ref name="telegraphindia.com"/><ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/the-story-of-a-giant-python-called-poubi-lai/article7449693.ece|title=The story of a giant python called Poubi Lai...|newspaper=The Hindu|date=22 July 2015|last1=Bhanj|first1=Jaideep Deo}}</ref><ref name="pib.gov.in">{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=123469|title='Poubi Lai-The Story of a Giant Python' Single object exhibition begins at National Museum in New Delhi|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> | In 2002, Karam Dineshwar, an artisan had a dream. In his dream, Poubi Lai asked him to craft its image. In the next day, he came across a big tree root at Leimatak. He completed making the 21 feet long wooden sculpture of Poubi Lai in the next 6 months.<ref name="e-pao.net"/><ref name="telegraphindia.com"/><ref name="thehindu.com">{{Cite news|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Delhi/the-story-of-a-giant-python-called-poubi-lai/article7449693.ece|title=The story of a giant python called Poubi Lai...|newspaper=The Hindu|date=22 July 2015|last1=Bhanj|first1=Jaideep Deo}}</ref><ref name="pib.gov.in">{{Cite web|url=https://pib.gov.in/newsite/PrintRelease.aspx?relid=123469|title='Poubi Lai-The Story of a Giant Python' Single object exhibition begins at National Museum in New Delhi|website=pib.gov.in}}</ref> | ||
[[File:The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri K.K. Mittal visits after inaugurating the 'Poubi Lai-The Story of a Giant Python', Single object exhibition mounted by the Indira Gandhi Manav Sanghralaya (IGRMS).jpg|thumb|250px|The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri K.K. Mittal, visits after inaugurating the 'Poubi Lai-The Story of a Giant Python', Single object exhibition mounted by the Indira Gandhi Manav Sanghralaya (IGRMS), [[Bhopal]] in collaboration with [[National Museum, New Delhi]] on July 21, 2015.]] | [[File:The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri K.K. Mittal visits after inaugurating the 'Poubi Lai-The Story of a Giant Python', Single object exhibition mounted by the Indira Gandhi Manav Sanghralaya (IGRMS).jpg|thumb|250px|The Additional Secretary, Ministry of Culture, Shri K.K. Mittal, visits after inaugurating the 'Poubi Lai-The Story of a Giant Python', Single object exhibition mounted by the Indira Gandhi Manav Sanghralaya (IGRMS), [[Bhopal]] in collaboration with [[National Museum, New Delhi]] on July 21, 2015.]] | ||
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{{Reflist}} | {{Reflist}} | ||
== | == External links == | ||
* [https://www.indiaculture.nic.in/poubi-lai-one-object-exhibition-poubi-lai-story-giant-python-national-museum-new-delhi Poubi Lai- One Object Exhibition on Poubi Lai; the Story of a Giant Python at National Museum, New Delhi_indiaculture.nic.in] | * [https://www.indiaculture.nic.in/poubi-lai-one-object-exhibition-poubi-lai-story-giant-python-national-museum-new-delhi Poubi Lai- One Object Exhibition on Poubi Lai; the Story of a Giant Python at National Museum, New Delhi_indiaculture.nic.in] | ||
* [https://indiaculture.nic.in/poubi-lai-story-giant-python Poubi Lai- The Story of a Giant Python_indiaculture.nic.in] | * [https://indiaculture.nic.in/poubi-lai-story-giant-python Poubi Lai- The Story of a Giant Python_indiaculture.nic.in] | ||
Latest revision as of 18:15, 26 March 2022
![]() Sculpture of Poubi Lai, being displayed in the Quai Branly Museum, Paris, France in 2010. | |
| Grouping | Legendary creatures |
|---|---|
| Sub grouping | Meitei dragons |
| Folklore | Meitei folklore (Manipuri folklore) |
| Other name(s) | Poupi Lai, Paubi Lai, Paupi Lai, Poubi Loi, Poupi Loi, Paubi Loi, Paupi Loi, Poubirai, Paubirai, Poubiroi, Pauburoi |
| Country | India |
| Region | Manipur |
Poubi Lai (Meitei: ꯄꯧꯕꯤ ꯂꯥꯢ; ꯄꯧꯕꯤ ꯂꯥꯏ; Old Manipuri: ꯄꯧꯄꯤ ꯂꯥꯢ; ꯄꯧꯄꯤ ꯂꯥꯏ) was an ancient dragon python, who dwelled in the Loktak Lake of Manipur, in Meitei mythology and folklore.[1][2][3] It is also refered to as "Loch Ness Monster of Manipur".[4]
Mythology[edit | edit source]

In the Loktak lake, the spirit of Poubi Lai was awakened by the fishing activities of the fishermen of Moirang. Being angered, Poubi Lai destroyed many human habitats and killed many people. It decided to destroy the whole Moirang kingdom. He threatened the King of Ancient Moirang to offer him one Shangbai (basket) of rice and one human everyday. The circumstance was sorrowful for the people of Moirang.[5][6] Every household had to provide the offer turn by turn. When it was the turn of a young man, the lad seeked help from Kabui Salang Maiba (or "Kabui Tomba"). The maiba was a shaman priest king of Kabui tribe in the Salangthel hill range of the Loktak lake. He promised to save the kingdom from the gigantic evil creature. He transformed a Tou plant (an aquatic plant) (or a Khok Waa bamboo plant in another version) into a powerful "Long" (a 9 pointed javelin). Later, the maiba slayed Poubi Lai with the deadly weapon.[5][6][7]
In contemporary culture[edit | edit source]
In 2002, Karam Dineshwar, an artisan had a dream. In his dream, Poubi Lai asked him to craft its image. In the next day, he came across a big tree root at Leimatak. He completed making the 21 feet long wooden sculpture of Poubi Lai in the next 6 months.[5][7][8][9]
.jpg)
The artwork of Poubi Lai was first exhibited in the Manipur State Museum, Manipur in 2002. Next, it was exhibited in the National Museum, New Delhi and later in the Quai Branly Museum, Paris, France in 2010.[5][7][8][9] It was also received by the Indian Museum, Kolkata, the largest in India.[10]

In 2015, the National Museum, New Delhi organized an exhibition of the wooden sculpture of Poubi Lai for 42 days. The carving belongs to the permanent collection of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahlaya (IGRMS), Bhopal. The object was declared as an "Object of National Importance". It was registered under "AA" Category of the Museum Collections.[5][7][8][9][11]
During the exhibition at Bhopal, 25 artists of Centre for Youth and Cultural Activities from Imphal, performed a dance drama on the story of Poubi Lai.[7][12]
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Verma, Shalini (2017). Common Errors in English. S. Chand Publishing. ISBN 978-93-85676-20-8.
- ↑ Culture, India Department of (2002). Annual Report. Department of Culture.
- ↑ "Story of a Giant Poubi lai". www.dailypioneer.com.
- ↑ "Manipur's Loch Ness monster and other folktales at Wari-Jalsa storytelling fest". www.theweek.in.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 "Poubi Lai : The story of a giant python ; Single object exhibition begins at National Museum". e-pao.net.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "Mystical reptile and enchanting folklore". www.deccanherald.com. 22 July 2015.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 "Loktak's mythical python lives on in wood". www.telegraphindia.com.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Bhanj, Jaideep Deo (22 July 2015). "The story of a giant python called Poubi Lai..." The Hindu.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 "'Poubi Lai-The Story of a Giant Python' Single object exhibition begins at National Museum in New Delhi". pib.gov.in.
- ↑ National Museum New Delhi (2015). Bulletin National Museum New Delhi Number 15. p. 4.
- ↑ "Snake tales". indianexpress.com. 28 July 2015.
- ↑ "Exhibition on 'Poubi Lai' inaugurated at IGRMS". www.freepressjournal.in.
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