Khuman Khamba

This article is about Moirang Kangleirol. For other uses, see Khuman Khamba (disambiguation).

"Khamba" redirects here. For other uses, see Khamba (disambiguation).

Khuman Khamba or Moirang Khamba is one of the principal figures in the ancient Moirang Kangleirol legends. He is an orphan prince of the Khuman dynasty, brought up by his sister, Khamnu as a poor man. Later, he was married to his lady love Thoibi, the princess of the Moirang dynasty.

Khuman Khamba
In-universe information
Alias	Moirang Khamba
Gender	Male
Title	Amudon Nongyai
Occupation	Leiloi Hanchapa (Leiroi Hanjaba) (Floriculture department minister)
Affiliation	Khamba Thoibi, Moirang Saiyon, Moirang Kangleirol, Meitei mythology
Family	Khuman Royal Family
Spouse	Moirang Thoibi
Relatives	Khamnu
Religion	Meitei religion (Sanamahism)
Origin	Khuman kingdom

The term "Khamba" means ultimate or fullness.

Adventures

Khuman Khamba is best known for being the paragon of masculinity and far ranging adventures, like Hercules (Heracles) of Greek mythology.

Here's a listing of the adventure legends, performed successfully by the hero:

1. Lifting up the stone slab in the Kabui village (Nung Thaangatpa)
2. Herding the prince's ox (San Senba)
3. Wrestling with Nongban (Mukna Saanaba)
4. Khamba capturing the bull (Kao Phaba)
5. Hunting at the Torbung region (Torbung Sadaanba)
6. Killing the Khoirentak tiger (Kei Phaba)

Tiger at Khoirentak

Main article: Khoirentak tiger

The man eater tiger charged attacks to the villagers of the Khoirentak in Ancient Moirang. Finally, Khuman Khamba and Nongban were ordered by the Moirang king, to catch the beast. In the first encounter, Nongban was killed by the tiger and at the final meet, Khuman Khamba successfully captured and killed it. Finally, when he brought it to the capital city of Ancient Moirang, princess Thoibi was given to him, hand in marriage. Thus, the two lovers get united.

In popular culture

• The well celebrated folk dance, "Khamba Thoibi Jagoi", was first performed by Khamba and his lady love Thoibi in the premise of the Thangjing temple. It's now a popular form of folk dance in Manipur.
• In 2010, the Laihui Ensemble produced an opera, "Kao, The Sacred Bull", based on the legend of capturing the feral bull by Khuman Khamba.
• In 2019, a canvas painting named "Khambana kao phaba" (Lit. Khamba capturing the bull), was exhibited in Bhopal.
• In 2020, the legend of Khuman Khamba capturing the bull, was displayed in its theatrical form, as "Kao Faba", in the Iboyaima Shummang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound, Imphal.

See also

• Khamba Thoibi
• Nongban
• Kadeng Thangjahanba
• Ancient Moirang