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{{Short description|Bull in Meitei folklore}}
{{About|a bull in [[Meitei mythology]]|the Japanese chemical and cosmetics company|Kao Corporation|other uses|Kao (disambiguation)}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=January 2023}}
{{Infobox mythical creature
{{Infobox mythical creature
|name=Kao
|name         = Kao
|image=Khamba and Thoibi (The Capture of the Wild Bull).jpg
|image       = Khamba and Thoibi (The Capture of the Wild Bull).jpg
|image size=300px
|image size   = 300px
|caption=Kao being captured by [[Khuman Khamba]]
|caption     = Kao being captured by [[Khuman Khamba]]
|Grouping=[[Legendary creature]]
|Grouping     = [[Legendary creature]]
|Sub_Grouping=[[List of creatures in Meitei folklore|Meitei legendary creatures]]
|Sub_Grouping = [[List of creatures in Meitei folklore|Meitei legendary creatures]]
|Folklore=[[Meitei folklore]] ([[Manipuri folklore]])
|Folklore     = [[Meitei folklore]] ([[Manipuri folklore]])
|AKA=Kau, Kaw, Cao, Cau, Caw, Cow
|AKA         = Kau, Kaw, Cao, Cau, Caw, Cow
|Country=[[India]]
|Country     =  
|Region=[[Moirang]], [[Manipur]]
* {{flagicon image|Flag of Manipur (stripes variant).svg}} [[Ancient Kangleipak|Ancient Manipur]] (historical)
* {{IND}} (present)
|Region       = [[Moirang]], [[Manipur]]
}}
}}
'''Kao''' (/káo/) is a legendary bull captured by [[Khuman Khamba]] in [[Meitei mythology]] and [[Meitei folklore|folklore]] of [[Ancient Moirang]]. It appears in the legend of ''Kao Phaba'' ({{lang-omp|Kau Phaapa}}), also known as ''Khambana Kao Phaba'' ({{lang-omp|Khampana Kao Phaapa}}) of the [[Khamba Thoibi]] epic.<ref>E. Ishwarjit (2005). Manipur, a Tourist Paradise. B.R. Publishing Corporation. ISBN 978-81-7646-506-9.</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7YQ8EAAAQBAJ&q=Kao-Phaba+%28catching+of+the+bull%29+khamba+thoibee+&pg=PA72|title=Ecotourism Development Ventures in Manipur: Green Skill Development and Livelihood Mission|last=Singh|first=Arambam Sanatomba|date=2021-06-18|publisher=Walnut Publication|isbn=978-93-91145-59-0|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d_cPEAAAQBAJ&q=ordeal+of+the+bull+%28kao+phaba%29&pg=PT158|title=Martial and Healing Traditions of India: An Anthology from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts|last=DeMarco|first=Michael|date=2020-10-15|publisher=Via Media Publishing|isbn=979-8-6942-6317-7|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zf1jAAAAMAAJ&q=kao+phaba|title=Chanted Narratives: The Living "katha-vachana" Tradition|last1=Kaushal|first1=Molly|last2=Arts|first2=Indira Gandhi National Centre for the|date=2001|publisher=Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts|isbn=978-81-246-0182-2|language=en}}</ref>
{{Meitei mythology}}
'''Kao''' ([[Meitei language|Meitei pronunciation]]: /káo/{{efn|also pronounced as "Cow" ("/kaʊ/")}}) is a [[legend]]ary [[Bull (mythology)|divine bull]] captured by [[Khuman Khamba]] in [[Meitei mythology]] and [[Meitei folklore|folklore]] of ancient [[Moirang]] realm. It appears in the legend of ''Kao Phaba'' ({{langx|omp|Kau Phaapa}}), also known as ''Khambana Kao Phaba'' ({{langx|omp|Khampana Kao Phaapa}}) of the [[Khamba Thoibi]] epic.<ref>E. Ishwarjit (2005). Manipur, a Tourist Paradise. B.R. Publishing Corporation. ISBN 978-81-7646-506-9.</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=7YQ8EAAAQBAJ&q=Kao-Phaba+%28catching+of+the+bull%29+khamba+thoibee+&pg=PA72|title=Ecotourism Development Ventures in Manipur: Green Skill Development and Livelihood Mission|last=Singh|first=Arambam Sanatomba|date=2021-06-18|publisher=Walnut Publication|isbn=978-93-91145-59-0|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=d_cPEAAAQBAJ&q=ordeal+of+the+bull+%28kao+phaba%29&pg=PT158|title=Martial and Healing Traditions of India: An Anthology from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts|last=DeMarco|first=Michael|date=2020-10-15|publisher=Via Media Publishing|isbn=979-8-6942-6317-7|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last1=Kaushal |first1=Molly |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Zf1jAAAAMAAJ&q=kao+phaba |title=Chanted Narratives: The Living "katha-vachana" Tradition |last2=Arts |first2=Indira Gandhi National Centre for the |publisher=[[Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts]] |year=2001 |isbn=978-81-246-0182-2 |pages=250 |language=en}}</ref>


== Etymology ==
== Mythology ==
In [[Meitei language|Meitei]] ([[Manipuri language|Manipuri]]), the word "Kao" has many meanings. It may mean (1) to forget, (2) a sacrifice bull or (3) to kick. Here, it means bull. As a [[noun]], it means a stray and freed bull. In verbal form, it means to offer a bull as a living sacrifice to God. People also say "Kaoren" or "Kaorel" to talk about the bull. "Kaoren" is made up of two parts, "Kao" and "-ren". "-ren" refers to excellence. So, "Kaoren" or "Kaorel" means "an extraordinary bull", "a powerful bull", "a super bull" or "a supernatural bull".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://dsal.uchicago.edu/cgi-bin/app/sharma_query.py?qs=%EA%AF%80%EA%AF%A5%EA%AF%91%EA%AF%A3&searchhws=yes|title=Learners' Manipuri-English dictionary.Kao|website=uchicago.edu|year=2006}}</ref>
Kongyamba, a rich nobleman of the [[Angom]] clan, met a group of women from the [[Khuman Salai|Khuman]] kingdom in a place called [[Moirang]], and asked them why they were fishing there.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Hodson |first=T. C. (Thomas Callan) |url=https://archive.org/details/meitheis01hods/page/142/mode/2up |title=The Meitheis |publisher=[[David Nutt (publisher)|London, D. Nutt]] |others=[[Duke University]] Libraries |year=1908 |location=London |page=142 |language=en-GB |author-link=Thomas Callan Hodson}}</ref> They told him that a dangerous bull had killed many people near the water, so they could not fish.<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/meitheis01hods/page/n192/mode/2up|title=The Meitheis|last=Hodson|first=T. C. (Thomas Callan)|date=1908|publisher=London, D. Nutt|others=Duke University Libraries|pages=192}}</ref> Kongyamba then tricked his servant Khamba into catching the bull, by pretending, before the king, that he was possessed by a divine spirit, and claimed that the god [[Thangjing]] spoke through him. Saying he was "sated with offerings of flesh and fish", he demanded to be given the flesh of the bull that was terrorizing the people of Khuman. He added that "my servant Khamba vows that he will bring it for my honor and for the welfare of the State."<ref name=":1" /> When the king asked Khamba about his promise, he denied it, but in the end was forced to acquiesce and to try and catch the bull if it was the God's will; the king promised him he could marry Princess Thoibi if he were successful.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4NowAQAAMAAJ&dq=khamba+bull&pg=PA222|title=Indian Antiquary|date=1877|publisher=Popular Prakashan|pages=222|language=en}}</ref>
 
== Legend ==
{{See|Khamba Thoibi}}
=== The false Oracle ===
Once [[Nongban|Angom Nongban Kongyamba]] met fisher women from the [[Khuman kingdom]] in a place called [[Ancient Moirang|Moirang]]. Both the Khuman kingdom and the Moirang kingdom were on the shores of the [[Loktak lake]].
The women came to Moirang besides having their own fishing area. So, Kongyamba asked them the reason for coming to Moirang.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/meitheis01hods/page/142/mode/2up|title=The Meitheis|last=Hodson|first=T. C. (Thomas Callan)|date=1908|publisher=London, D. Nutt|others=Duke University Libraries|pages=142}}</ref>  
The women said,
<blockquote><poem>"There is a great bull that lurks among the reeds of the shores of the lake, and it had claimed life of many. So, we dare not to fish there."<ref name=":1">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/meitheis01hods/page/n192/mode/2up|title=The Meitheis|last=Hodson|first=T. C. (Thomas Callan)|date=1908|publisher=London, D. Nutt|others=Duke University Libraries|pages=192}}</ref></poem> </blockquote>
Suddenly, an idea came to Kongyamba's mind. He went to the king. He acted as a person possessed by a divine spirit.<ref name=":1" /> Kongyamba told the King,
<blockquote><poem>"God [[Thangjing]] had spoken in my ears and I have his behest upon me. Verily said the God, I am sated with offerings of flesh and fish, but this year, my heart longs for the sweet savour of the flesh of the mighty bull that lurks in the reeds that border the water of the lake. My servant Khamba vows that he will bring it for my honor and for the welfare of the State."<ref name=":1" /></poem></blockquote>
The king called and asked Khamba about his promise. Khamba denied it. There resulted a great conflict between Khamba and Kongyamba. Later, Khamba told the king he would catch the bull if it was the God’s will.
The king was happy with Khamba. So, he promised him he could marry Princess [[Moirang Thoibi|Thoibi]] if he succeeded in the adventure. Minister Thonglen put seven marks on the lintel post of the capital city. It was the record of the King’s promise.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3">{{Cite book|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=4NowAQAAMAAJ&dq=khamba+bull&pg=PA222|title=Indian Antiquary|date=1877|publisher=Popular Prakashan|pages=222|language=en}}</ref>


=== Embassy to Khuman kingdom ===
=== Embassy to Khuman kingdom ===
The king of Moirang sent an embassy to the king of Khuman. The embassy proposed to organize the great sport of capturing the wild bull. The Khuman king agreed. A grand Colosseum was built for the event. The Colosseum could hold a capacity of the audiences from both the two kingdoms.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />
The king of [[Moirang]] sent an [[embassy]] to the king of [[Khuman Salai|Khuman]]. The embassy proposed to organize the great sport of capturing the wild bull. The Khuman king agreed. A grand [[:wikt:coliseum|colosseum]] was built for the event. The colosseum could hold a capacity of the audiences from both the two kingdoms.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":3" />


=== Capture by Khamba ===
=== Capture by Khamba ===
[[File:Khambana Kao Phaba.jpg|thumb|300px|Khamba capturing the Kao]]
[[File:Khambana Kao Phaba.jpg|thumb|300px|Khamba capturing the Kao]]
[[Khamnu]] revealed a secrecy to [[Khuman Khamba|Khamba]]. She said,  
[[:simple:Khamnu|Khamnu]] revealed a secret to [[Khuman Khamba|Khamba]]. She said that the bull had once belonged to their father.  She told him that if Khamba told the bull their father's name, it would be tame and gentle:
<blockquote><poem>"This great bull was once the Lord of your father's herd. Go to him, speak your father's name in his ear, and show him this Rope of silk."<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/meitheis01hods/page/144/mode/2up|title=The Meitheis|last=Hodson|first=T. C. (Thomas Callan)|date=1908|publisher=London, D. Nutt|others=Duke University Libraries|pages=144}}</ref></poem></blockquote>
<blockquote><poem>"This great bull was once the Lord of your father's herd. Go to him, speak your father's name in his ear, and show him this Rope of silk."<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":2">{{Cite book|url=https://archive.org/details/meitheis01hods/page/144/mode/2up|title=The Meitheis|last=Hodson|first=T. C. (Thomas Callan)|date=1908|publisher=London, D. Nutt|others=Duke University Libraries|pages=144}}</ref></poem></blockquote>
   
   
On the day of the adventure, Khamba stand face to face with the bull. The bull charged towards him. Khamba bent a little aside. The audiences asked him if he got afraid. Khamba replied that he was waiting for a good position. Then, he stood on firm ground and caught the bull. The mighty bull carried him away into the thick woods.<ref name=":2" />
On the day of the adventure, Khamba stood face to face with the bull. The bull ran towards him with its dangerous horns. Khamba bent a little to the side. The people watching asked him if he was afraid. Khamba answered that he was waiting for a good position. Then, he stood on firm ground and caught the bull. The strong bull carried him away into the thick woods.<ref name=":2" />
Khamba did everything as his sister instructed him. Immediately, the wild bull got tamed. Khamba brought the bull back.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
Khamba did everything as his sister had told him to do. Immediately, the wild bull became tame and gentle. Khamba brought the bull back.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
   
   
On the way back, Kongyamba came to him before anyone saw them. Kongyamba pretended to help Khamba to hold the bull. Kongyamba hold the rope. When everyone saw, Kongyamba claimed that he had captured the bull. He added that he even rescued Khamba who fell into the ditch. Once again, there was a great conflict between Khamba and Kongyamba over the claim. The two Kings could not find out who was right. So, Kongyamba was asked to fight the bull within an enclosure. But Kongyamba got frightened of the bull. So, he climbed up on the heights to save himself. Khamba faced the bull bravely. He once again captured the bull.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
On the way back, Kongyamba came to him before anyone saw them. Kongyamba pretended to help Khamba to hold the bull. Kongyamba held the rope. When everyone saw, Kongyamba claimed that he had captured the bull. He added that he even rescued Khamba who had fallen into the ditch. Once again, there was a great conflict between Khamba and Kongyamba over the claim. The two kings could not find out who was right. So, Kongyamba was asked to fight the bull within an enclosure. But Kongyamba was afraid of the bull. He climbed up on the heights to save himself. Khamba faced the bull bravely. He once again captured the bull.<ref name=":2" /><ref name=":3" />
 
== In popular culture ==
In popular culture, Kao appears in arts, books, movies, theatres and many others.
[[File:Manmohan Singh being presented a memento by the Governor of Manipur, Dr. S.S. Sidhu at the foundation stone laying ceremony of three projects the National Academy of Sports.jpg|thumb|300px|[[Manmohan Singh]], the then [[prime minister of India]], being presented a memento of a painting depicting [[Khuman Khamba]] capturing the ''"Kao"'' bull, by Dr. [[Shivinder Singh Sidhu]], the then [[Governor of Manipur]] and [[Okram Ibobi Singh]], the then [[Chief Minister of Manipur]], on the occasion of the foundation stone laying ceremony of three projects, [[National Sports University|National Academy of Sports]], [[Convention Center]] and [[Manipur Institute of Technology]], in the [[Kangla]] in [[Manipur]] on 2 December 2006]]


== In contemporary culture ==
In contemporary culture, Kao appears in arts, books, movies, theatres and many others.
=== Painting ===
=== Painting ===
==== Khambana Kao Phaba ====
==== Khambana Kao Phaba ====
In 2001, [[Khambana Kao Phaba (painting)]] was kept in the permanent collection of the [[Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya]] (IGRMS) Museum, [[Bhopal]], [[India]].
In 2001, [[Khambana Kao Phaba (painting)]] was kept in the permanent collection of the [[Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya]] (IGRMS) Museum, [[Bhopal]], India.
In July 2019, the painting was selected as the "Exhibit of the Month" in the same museum.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/traditional-manipuri-painting-khambana-kao-phaba-on-display/articleshow/70357154.cms|title=Traditional Manipuri painting 'Khambana Kao Phaba' on display - Times of India|website=The Times of India}}</ref>
In July 2019, the painting was selected as the "Exhibit of the Month" in the same museum.<ref>{{cite news |title=Traditional Manipuri painting 'Khambana Kao Phaba' on display - Times of India |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/education/news/traditional-manipuri-painting-khambana-kao-phaba-on-display/articleshow/70357154.cms |website=[[The Times of India]]|date=24 July 2019 }}</ref>


=== Theatre ===
=== Theatre ===
==== Kao, the sacred bull ====
==== Kao, the sacred bull ====
In 2011, ''"Kao, the sacred bull"'' was produced by the [[Laihui Ensemble]]. This theatrical show was based on the story of the bull Kao. According to the story, an Oracle said that the King of Moirang will soon die and his people will lead miserable life. The only solution told was to offer the powerful bull roaming in the Khuman kingdom to God [[Thangjing]]. Orphan [[Khuman Khamba]] was chosen to capture the bull. He was known for his bravery and goodness. To capture the bull with no harm to it was not easy. Khamba's motherly sister [[Khamnu]] disclosed to him the secrecy of the bull. The bull was once domesticated and treated as a family member during the good days of their parents.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.theatre.Kao_-_A_Glimpse_of_Manipuri_Opera|title=KAO - A Glimpse of Manipuri Opera|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=announcements.Ann_2011.Ann_Kao_play_by_Laibui_20110223|title="Kao - the sacred bull" by Laihui on 6th March, 2011|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
In 2011, ''"Kao, the sacred bull"'' was produced by the [[Laihui Ensemble]]. This theatrical show was based on the story of the bull Kao. According to the story, an Oracle said that the King of Moirang will soon die and his people will lead a miserable life. The only solution told was to offer the powerful bull roaming in the Khuman kingdom to God [[Thangjing]]. Orphan [[Khuman Khamba]] was chosen to capture the bull. He was known for his bravery and goodness. To capture the bull with no harm to it was not easy. Khamba's motherly sister [[:simple:Khamnu|Khamnu]] disclosed to him the secrecy of the bull. The bull was once domesticated and treated as a family member during the good days of their parents.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=reviews.theatre.Kao_-_A_Glimpse_of_Manipuri_Opera|title=KAO - A Glimpse of Manipuri Opera|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=announcements.Ann_2011.Ann_Kao_play_by_Laibui_20110223|title="Kao - the sacred bull" by Laihui on 6 March 2011|website=e-pao.net}}</ref>
 
==== Kao Faba ====
==== Kao Faba ====
In 2020, a [[:en:Shumang Leela|Shumang Kumhei]] named ''"Kao Faba"'' was produced by Western Cultural Association in [[Manipur]]. It was sponsored by the Sangeet Natak Akedemi of [[New Delhi]], [[India]]. The play was released in the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, [[Imphal]].
In 2020, a [[Shumang Kumhei]] named ''"Kao Faba"'' was produced by Western Cultural Association in [[Manipur]]. It was sponsored by the Sangeet Natak Akedemi of [[New Delhi]], India. The play was released in the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, [[Imphal]].
The play is based on the legend of capturing the bull in [[Ancient Moirang]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..031020.oct20|title=Kao Faba displayed|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/10/2/-Kao-Faba-displayed.amp.html|title=Kao Faba displayed|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/10/2/-Kao-Faba-displayed.html|title=Kao Faba displayed|website=thesangaiexpress.com}}</ref>
The play is based on the legend of capturing the bull in [[Moirang|Ancient Moirang]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..031020.oct20|title=Kao Faba displayed|website=e-pao.net}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/10/2/-Kao-Faba-displayed.amp.html|title=Kao Faba displayed|website=www.thesangaiexpress.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thesangaiexpress.com/Encyc/2020/10/2/-Kao-Faba-displayed.html|title=Kao Faba displayed|website=thesangaiexpress.com}}</ref>
 
== See also ==
* [[Cretan bull]]
* [[Minotaur]]
* [[Taurus (constellation)|Taurus]]
 
== Notes ==
{{Notelist}}


== References ==
== References ==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}
== Bibliography ==
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.464230 Khamba Thoibi by Loitongbam Kalachand]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.310176 Khamba Thoibi Sheireng by Anganghal Singh, Hijam]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.460207 Khamba Thoibi And Poems On Manipur by Raina, Vimala]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.465982 Khamba Thoibi Seireng by Hijam Anganghal]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.467092 Khamnu by Biramangal]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466125 Ewanglon Thadoi by Ruhinikumar, Sougaijam]
* [https://archive.org/details/in.ernet.dli.2015.466825 Khuman Khamba by Pramodini]


{{Authority control}}
[[Category:Anthropomorphic cattle]]
[[Category:Cattle in art]]
[[Category:Cattle in religion]]
[[Category:Epic cycles of incarnations]]
[[Category:Horned gods]]
[[Category:Meitei folklore]]
[[Category:Meitei folklore]]
[[Category:Meitei mythology]]
[[Category:Meitei mythology]]
 
[[Category:Mythological bovines]]
{{simple-Wikipedia}}
[[Category:Mythological bulls]]
[[Category:Sacred bulls]]

Latest revision as of 01:21, 19 November 2024


This article is about a bull in Meitei mythology. For the Japanese chemical and cosmetics company, see Kao Corporation. For other uses, see Kao (disambiguation).

Kao
Kao being captured by Khuman Khamba
GroupingLegendary creature
Sub groupingMeitei legendary creatures
FolkloreMeitei folklore (Manipuri folklore)
Other name(s)Kau, Kaw, Cao, Cau, Caw, Cow
Country
RegionMoirang, Manipur
Part of a series on
Meitei mythology
A tableau depicting Meitei divine mythical beings, like Hiyang Hiren and Pakhangba.
Deities
Heroes and heroines
Mythical creatures
Related

Kao (Meitei pronunciation: /káo/[lower-alpha 1]) is a legendary divine bull captured by Khuman Khamba in Meitei mythology and folklore of ancient Moirang realm. It appears in the legend of Kao Phaba (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.), also known as Khambana Kao Phaba (Script error: The function "langx" does not exist.) of the Khamba Thoibi epic.[1][2][3][4]

Mythology[edit | edit source]

Kongyamba, a rich nobleman of the Angom clan, met a group of women from the Khuman kingdom in a place called Moirang, and asked them why they were fishing there.[5] They told him that a dangerous bull had killed many people near the water, so they could not fish.[6] Kongyamba then tricked his servant Khamba into catching the bull, by pretending, before the king, that he was possessed by a divine spirit, and claimed that the god Thangjing spoke through him. Saying he was "sated with offerings of flesh and fish", he demanded to be given the flesh of the bull that was terrorizing the people of Khuman. He added that "my servant Khamba vows that he will bring it for my honor and for the welfare of the State."[6] When the king asked Khamba about his promise, he denied it, but in the end was forced to acquiesce and to try and catch the bull if it was the God's will; the king promised him he could marry Princess Thoibi if he were successful.[6][7]

Embassy to Khuman kingdom[edit | edit source]

The king of Moirang sent an embassy to the king of Khuman. The embassy proposed to organize the great sport of capturing the wild bull. The Khuman king agreed. A grand colosseum was built for the event. The colosseum could hold a capacity of the audiences from both the two kingdoms.[6][7]

Capture by Khamba[edit | edit source]

Khamba capturing the Kao

Khamnu revealed a secret to Khamba. She said that the bull had once belonged to their father. She told him that if Khamba told the bull their father's name, it would be tame and gentle:

"This great bull was once the Lord of your father's herd. Go to him, speak your father's name in his ear, and show him this Rope of silk."[6][8]

On the day of the adventure, Khamba stood face to face with the bull. The bull ran towards him with its dangerous horns. Khamba bent a little to the side. The people watching asked him if he was afraid. Khamba answered that he was waiting for a good position. Then, he stood on firm ground and caught the bull. The strong bull carried him away into the thick woods.[8] Khamba did everything as his sister had told him to do. Immediately, the wild bull became tame and gentle. Khamba brought the bull back.[8][7]

On the way back, Kongyamba came to him before anyone saw them. Kongyamba pretended to help Khamba to hold the bull. Kongyamba held the rope. When everyone saw, Kongyamba claimed that he had captured the bull. He added that he even rescued Khamba who had fallen into the ditch. Once again, there was a great conflict between Khamba and Kongyamba over the claim. The two kings could not find out who was right. So, Kongyamba was asked to fight the bull within an enclosure. But Kongyamba was afraid of the bull. He climbed up on the heights to save himself. Khamba faced the bull bravely. He once again captured the bull.[8][7]

In popular culture[edit | edit source]

In popular culture, Kao appears in arts, books, movies, theatres and many others.

Manmohan Singh, the then prime minister of India, being presented a memento of a painting depicting Khuman Khamba capturing the "Kao" bull, by Dr. Shivinder Singh Sidhu, the then Governor of Manipur and Okram Ibobi Singh, the then Chief Minister of Manipur, on the occasion of the foundation stone laying ceremony of three projects, National Academy of Sports, Convention Center and Manipur Institute of Technology, in the Kangla in Manipur on 2 December 2006

Painting[edit | edit source]

Khambana Kao Phaba[edit | edit source]

In 2001, Khambana Kao Phaba (painting) was kept in the permanent collection of the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (IGRMS) Museum, Bhopal, India. In July 2019, the painting was selected as the "Exhibit of the Month" in the same museum.[9]

Theatre[edit | edit source]

Kao, the sacred bull[edit | edit source]

In 2011, "Kao, the sacred bull" was produced by the Laihui Ensemble. This theatrical show was based on the story of the bull Kao. According to the story, an Oracle said that the King of Moirang will soon die and his people will lead a miserable life. The only solution told was to offer the powerful bull roaming in the Khuman kingdom to God Thangjing. Orphan Khuman Khamba was chosen to capture the bull. He was known for his bravery and goodness. To capture the bull with no harm to it was not easy. Khamba's motherly sister Khamnu disclosed to him the secrecy of the bull. The bull was once domesticated and treated as a family member during the good days of their parents.[10][11]

Kao Faba[edit | edit source]

In 2020, a Shumang Kumhei named "Kao Faba" was produced by Western Cultural Association in Manipur. It was sponsored by the Sangeet Natak Akedemi of New Delhi, India. The play was released in the Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal. The play is based on the legend of capturing the bull in Ancient Moirang.[12][13][14]

See also[edit | edit source]

Notes[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ also pronounced as "Cow" ("/kaʊ/")

References[edit | edit source]

  1. ↑ E. Ishwarjit (2005). Manipur, a Tourist Paradise. B.R. Publishing Corporation. ISBN 978-81-7646-506-9.
  2. ↑ Singh, Arambam Sanatomba (18 June 2021). Ecotourism Development Ventures in Manipur: Green Skill Development and Livelihood Mission. Walnut Publication. ISBN 978-93-91145-59-0.
  3. ↑ DeMarco, Michael (15 October 2020). Martial and Healing Traditions of India: An Anthology from the Journal of Asian Martial Arts. Via Media Publishing. ISBN 979-8-6942-6317-7.
  4. ↑ Kaushal, Molly; Arts, Indira Gandhi National Centre for the (2001). Chanted Narratives: The Living "katha-vachana" Tradition. Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts. p. 250. ISBN 978-81-246-0182-2.
  5. ↑ Hodson, T. C. (Thomas Callan) (1908). The Meitheis. Duke University Libraries. London: London, D. Nutt. p. 142.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 Hodson, T. C. (Thomas Callan) (1908). The Meitheis. Duke University Libraries. London, D. Nutt. p. 192.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 7.3 Indian Antiquary. Popular Prakashan. 1877. p. 222.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 Hodson, T. C. (Thomas Callan) (1908). The Meitheis. Duke University Libraries. London, D. Nutt. p. 144.
  9. ↑ "Traditional Manipuri painting 'Khambana Kao Phaba' on display - Times of India". The Times of India. 24 July 2019.
  10. ↑ "KAO - A Glimpse of Manipuri Opera". e-pao.net.
  11. ↑ ""Kao - the sacred bull" by Laihui on 6 March 2011". e-pao.net.
  12. ↑ "Kao Faba displayed". e-pao.net.
  13. ↑ "Kao Faba displayed". www.thesangaiexpress.com.
  14. ↑ "Kao Faba displayed". thesangaiexpress.com.
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