Unsustainable Identity

It is quite intriguing to witness the continuing sensitive nature when it comes to any issues that relates to our  identity and the consequent quite vocal response that ' identity' can generate everytime .

I don't think many of us would be surprise that Identity issues can bring about various forms of opinions especially in our present situation and status where we have many who are in to their own ' Identity-stage' -  e.g. misplaced identity, identity crisis, identity consciousness , identity promotion, in-harmony with ones identity .

In a community like ours where ones individual and national  identity had been generally shaped and  influenced by the existing religion,  the prevalent media etc; it is unfortunate that it had led for many of the Manipuris to have a misplaced identity . An identity formed by a very xenophobic academic curriculum, a xenophobic media which have lead  to this misunderstood identity. 

Please bear, but I would like to share an example -

It is like a dark complexion person brought up in a fair skin world where every curriculum , every form of entertainment and every form that resemble or 'the state of  being beautiful' has become associated that is 'fair and not dark'.  And growing up in such a skewed and xenophobic environment allows one to develop a very malfunctioned identity .

Unfortunately  the signs of inner-conflicts starts once one try to sustain this misunderstood identity as the real identity and attempts to harmonise it with the globilised world . Lets think where  the dark skinned person uses  every form of cosmetic products and medical treatment to look fair or going further by even trying  to live in the culture of the fair skin so  to feel fair and superior!!

But in a globalised cultured society where skin colour doesn't reflect ones status or knowledge or dignity , such a NAIVE infatuation gets easily noticed. Such behavior which have been a product of being part of being a naive popualation or victim of skewed media and environment , are not accepted as part of a civilised world. But rather describe as inhumane and uncultured !!

Unfortunately  in a society like ours ,  the prevalent xenophobic media  and the right wing masters continues to direct and manipulate the naive minds ,leading to many more MISUNDERSTOOD IDENTITIES . Worst still , the naive minds  are  encouraged rather made to be comfortable in this  misunderstood identity by manipulating  the  arrogant and egoistic attitude of this naive population.

 As been mentioned by Patricia Mukhim , this misplaced identity have become so much part of ones lifestyle that they become so obsessed with , that no amount of reasoning or reality would allow the naive brains to introspect .

But in a cultured and developed society , where development and civilisation are based on transparency, these false identity cannot be SUSTAINED with any dignity, apart from exposing ones naiveness and arrogance.

Today, we witness two broad sets of people who talk about identity. One who understand the facts and the social reasons behind today's Meetei Identity and another set of people who justify or tries to ignore the the present day identity status of the Meeteis, for in such justification or undermining acts, it allows themselves to be indulge in their false identity which they have to like so much that it feels to be an inherent part of themselves.

And there are those who doesn't want to know themselves cos they can't make the effort , but have all the time to criticise those who are trying to do so. 

It probably is good anthropological and social research study for the 'misunderstood identity' population of Manipur have begun to see those who are in not the same 'mindset' as them as a THREAT , A THREAT to their comfort , social status and particularly an hindrance to sustain their false identity.


I sometime wonder how Barack Obama would have done if he had tried to hide his Black ancestor background, and just try to project himself as a white . This could mean attempting  to become white with cosmetics or medical treatment to be like 'Jacko' !! and then use word such as 'democracy' or one's freedom to choose to look how they wish to look like , and those who question his self-esteem with relates to his black background as xenophobic and interfering .

I don't think the develop world or civilised people would have ever accepted such a Obama as leader as a visionary !!

But He didn't live that, did he? He was proud of his Kenyan roots, his white mother ,his white grandmother ,  the upbringing in Indonesia etc  He was as mentioned above a person of high self esteem and confidence and in harmony with his roots and upbringing .

But I am proud to say there is huge resurgence of Meeteis who have passed the stage of identity crisis , but are in content with the identity that there rich culture heritage and culture have bestowed , and have initiated the phase of promotion of harmony with their identity. e.g. They no longer are shameful of names in their mother tongue , but have taken the wonderful  oppurtunity to name their beloved sons and daughter in beautiful names in their own  mother tongue . And in such act, they don't have the arrogance to flaunt the beautiful names, but are just contented  with it like any other cultured people does.

(Just like The japanese or the italian or the french or the koreans etc  who  doesn't flaunt or show any arrogance in  their beautiful cultures or identity, but are just contented and happy with it.).

Organised worshipping and Social Feast in Ancient Kangleipak.

   The Kangleicha Meetei Race, as one of the most ancient people having a very early civilization on the earth, had social organized worshipping of their God Creator, and social Feast since very early days of human civilization, though we are unable to say with dates today because of the burning of all written documents including Kanglei scriptures called the Puya by the Kangleichas.
            In ancient Kangleipak we had two kinds of histories of the people - one for the State, and one for every group of people, what we call today in English Surname and in Kanglei Society as Sagei (Sakei). The State history is called Kanglei Puwari, and the Sakei Puwari is called Yumtaba Puya.
            For every group of Kangleichas, which we call Sakei, there is a male person at the head of the Sakei. He is the worshipper of the group, interpreter of the scriptures, hymn, etc and he will choose the cooks for social feasts. He is called Piba (Pipa). The role of a Bamon (Brahman) in the Hindu days is designed as the role played by Piba.
            A Kanglei Piba has certain qualifications in the Kanglei Monarchy. A Kanglei Piba must not have a physical defect. He cannot be mentally deficient. His wife too must have the same physical qualification as himself and should be married to the Piba as virgin woman.
            A Piba is the agent of the Kanglei Monarch. Any State law or order will come to Piba first and the Piba will be responsible for execution of the State law or order.
            But after the advent of Hinduism in the 18^th century, everything of Kangleipak had been disorganized. A Bamon ( a derivative of Brahman) has taken the place of a Kanglei Piba. A Bamon is the worshipper cook, and everything upto 1949. Though the Kangleichas do not know what is the antecedent of the Bamon, his origin and private life, cooking and other functions.
            When, in Manipur, Hindu King's power has become waned, the Kanglei revivalism comes to the forefront of the society and now there are hundreds and thousands of peoples who do not accept the worship of the Bamons and do not eat the meals cooked by the Bamons.
            As a result of this revivalism and return to the ancient culture of the Kanglei Meetei Society, a group of Kangleicha Meeteis composed of experts in cooking business has come out to serve the Revivalists of ancient religion and culture of Kangleipak.
            The following people are the members of an Association of cooks called Khwai Sagolband Phuhou Lup established in 1987 devoted to the cooking business to serve the Kangleichas professing ancient religion and culture of Kangleipak in the Imphal West :

1.      Khulem Tejmani,
         Sagolband Loukram Leirak, Imphal.
         M. No. 9856483209

2.      Lairenjam Maniton Meetei,
         Sagolband Lairenjam Leikai,
         M. No. 9856504545

3.      Takhellambam Tombi Meetei,
         Mayanglangjing Taning,
         M. No. 9856974908

4.      Takhellambam Ibochou Meetei,
         Mayanglangjing Taning,
         M. No. 9862096771

5.      Yengkhom Kheljit Meetei,
         Sagolband Yengkhom Leirak,
         M. No. 9856365554.

6.      Salam Angousana Meetei,
         Salam Kiyam

7.      Yumnam Khoibi Meetei,
         Sagolband Ingudam Leirak

8.      Nandeibam Kula Meetei,
         Sagolband Lukram Leirak.

9.      Haorongbam Kangjamba Meetei,
         Naoremthong Laishram Leirak
         M. No. 9774442118

10.    Tongbram Dhananjoy Meetei,
         Moirang Hanuba Leirak
         M. No. 9856750532

11.    Soyam Action Meetei,
         Sagolband Moirang hanuba
         M. No. 9856898503

12.    Takhellambam Sanayaima Meetei,
         Mayanglangjing

13.    Takhellambam Khomba Meetei,
         Mayanglangjing

14.    Takhellambam Chaobi Meetei,
         Mayanglangjing

15.    Takhellambam Ibomcha Meetei,
         Mayanglangjing

16.    Salam Kalachand Meetei,
         Salam Kiyam

17.    Salam Santa Meetei,
         Salam Kiyam

18.    Salam Devan Meetei,
         Salam Kiyam

19.    Salam Samo Meetei,
         Salam

20.    Yumnam Khamba Meetei,
         Yurembam Mayai Leikai

21.    Konthoujam Khamba Meetei,
         Konthoujam Laimang

22.    Konthoujam Samu,
         Konthoujam Mamang

23.    Ingudam Ibobi,
         Taothong

24.    Apujam Jatishore,
         Taothong

25.    Kshetrimayum Guneswar,
         Taothong.

26.    Usam Dhamen,
         Phumlou.

Tracing the origin of the Naga movement and what is now?

Building the concept of the 'Naga'—
Before entering to the tricky problem of the Naga movement, let us know what is the root of the concept of the 'Naga' and which we generally take as a group of fine people without knowing its historical roots.

"The tribal name of the Angami Naga is 'Tengima'. Naga is a name given by the inhabitants of the plains, and in the Assamese language means 'naked'. "– Page 33 of the 'Manipur and the Naga hills' by Sir James Johnstone.

"1. Nanga (Hindustani) meaning: Naked... 5. Nagalogoi (Greek) meaning: The realm of the naked... 9. Nangta (Bengali) meaning: Naked."
–Page 5, 'The Naga Rapport' by Richard Haleng, Dimapur

–Page 207, 208 of the 'North East Frontier of India' by St. John F. Michell.

There are 25 villages inhabited by 25,000 Nagas in the North East Frontier of India as enumerated by the writer, Mr. Michell. These books written by the Englishmen are of 19th Century, except the book of Mr. Richard Haleng of Dimapur. From these Tribes, their status of civilization, their ways of lives, etc, these peoples got name of 'Naga' originally. There may be other tribes also seen by the plains peoples.

In the Kumbha Mela, many naked male persons who are said to be Devotees of God came out for 'Ganga Snan' etc. They are also called by the plains peoples as 'Naga Sadhu', 'Naga baba'. In 'The Naga Rapport', Mr. Richard Haleng claims 50 tribes in the contiguous areas of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Nagaland including 23 tribes in the western part of present Myanmar country as Nagas (Please see page 3,4 of 'The Naga Rapport' by Richard Haleng) to whom the name 'Naga' has ben extended. The 50 tribes of the Nagas include Kabui, Kharam, Koireng, Tangkhul etc etc of Kangleipak (Manipur).

"Linguistically, they have mutually unintelligible dialects from tribe to tribe" (page 1 of the Naga Rapport) These 50 tribes, having no common dialect, no common origin etc, the present Naga Peoples of the Nagaland claims to be one Naga race. The error, of the thinking process and the conclusion, is apparent from the fact that no unitary origin, no unitary tradition of having a common area of governance, so to say, no common history of these so called Naga peoples, are discovered and discerned upto this day. As there is no unity of origin, tradition etc, there is no common feeling of oneness at the time of any crisis.

The people of India including the Naga peoples saw the Meetei Race in action, an essential element of a Race in the recent Muivah Crisis, from the fact that the Meetei peoples of the of west of Manipur and North of Nagaland's automatic unity and response to the SoS of the Imphal valley Meeties. But for the so called Naga peoples, the NSCN (K), one of the strong groups of the Naga outfits stood firmly against Muivah, everybody saw it.

These so called Nagas of Manipur in the surrounding hills of Manipur are not Nagas, but nearest kins of the Present Meetei Race. "All tribes have also traditions amongst themselves that Munniporees are offshoots from them" – Page 6, 'The Meitheis' by T.C. Hodson. "Should it be a correct view that the valley of Munnipore was at no distant period almost covered entirely by water, the origin of the munniporees from the surrounding hill tribes is the proper and only conclusion to be arrived at." – Page 7 of the same book of TC Hodson. "The surrounding hill tribes assert that they are the Progenitors of the Manipuri Race."–Page 20, Linguistic Survery of India, Vol III part III. Further, amongst the tribes of Mr Michell, no tribe of the Past and Present Manipur are seen and no village of the Past and Present Manipur are seen too.

The following quotations from the book "People of Manipur, Anthropogenetic Study of Four Manipur Population Groups" by Dr. Rama Chakravartti (1986) may please be seen:
1. Palm Prints – "The three Manipuri Nagas (both sexes) follow the same model type like that of the Meitei males."–Page 79, 80. Please take the three Manipuri Nagas are Kabui, Tangkhul and the Mao Nagas.

2.Blood group– "R1" gene appears to occur in the highest frequencies in all the four studied groups, 'R2' gene occur in second highest frequency. Among the Kabuis the gene `Rz' is absent while among the Tangkhuls and Meiteis, this gene occur in equal frequencies."– page 95

3."The Kabui follow the valley population while the Tangkhuls present A>O>B. This pattern is however, not observed with any other Naga groups from Nagaland. All Naga groups follow the pattern of the Meiteis." – Page 96

4."The close similarity in ABO blood group between the Tangkhul Nagas and the Meitei is again confirmed indicating the ethnic homogeneity between these two groups" – Page 99.

The above recent scientific findings of Dr Rama Chakravartti categorically prove the Ethnic Homogeniety of the Meetei (Meitei) Race with all Naga groups, including those of the Nagaland, while showing a little difference from the Naga groups of the Nagaland.

Lastly, please see what the Meetei Puya, Scripture says:
"Talang Paopu Pinapa,
Epungloiki Yathangna Oikhipa Malemna Laiyamsingna Halaole,
Eepungloina Halaole;
Yaiphapaki Matikpu Laiyamsingna Penchale;
Asum Touna Loipi Chingki
Chingtonta Mapham Mapham Yengtuna
Tuka Waka Patuna Nungai Thoina Pankhale."

The Meetei Puya further says that a group of Salai peoples (Sons and daughters of Ipu Athoupa Konchin Tukthapa Pakhangpa) went up the high hills surrounding the Imphal valley making Hou Hou sounds in the later history of Meetei Race. This Meetei group who went up the high hills are amongst the Naga groups of Kangleipak and most possible indications are that they may be amongst the Kabui and Tangkhul groups.

These are clear statements of the Puya scripture telling you that a group of peoples called 'Lai' inhabited the Koubru mountain ranges of Kangleipak, and the so called Nagas of present time and the Meetei race are the descedants of these 'Lai' peoples. In later history, a group of the Lai peoples, coming down to the Imphal valley some times in 180 centuries B.C., became the Meetei Race, and a group of the Meetei race peoples also went up the surrounding high hills of Kangleipak in the later history of Kangleipak.

Birth of the Naga movement:
"... The Naga had no religion; that they were highly intelligent and capable of receiving civilization; that with it they would want a religion, and that we might just as well give them our own, make them in that way a source of strength, by thus mutually attaching them to us"–Page 43, 'Manipur and the Naga Hills' by Sir James Johnstone. "... a large population of Christian hillmen between Assam and Burma, would be a valuable prop to the state. Properly taught and judiciously handled, the Angamis would have made a fine manly set of Christians, of a type superior to most Indian native converts, and probably devoted to our rule." –Page 44 of the same book of Johnstone.

This is the beginning and birth of the present Naga movement. This conspiracy of the British Colonial Power, for a permanent base in the Asiatic continent between two sleeping giants, for destablization of the continent, was born in the 19th century. The words "between Assam and Burma" may be changed to "between India and China" now in the present global context. Following this conspiracy and birth of the Naga movement, the British colonial power in India tried seriously to develop a Naga entity which was entirely non-existant that time.

From the introduction of 'Inner Line Regulations' for checking influx of businessmen into the Naga areas in 1873, to the Declaration of the 'Naga Hills Excluded Area' administered in dicretion by the Governor of the British-India Empire as a political Agent of the British Crown in 1937, the Colonialist British had done enough to help this conglomeration of "Linguistically, they have mutually unintelligible dialects" tribal peoples of very different origins to develop a separate 'Naga Entity' entirely different from the surrounding peoples of common origin.

But this mission of the Europeans is a complete failure. The writer has given an example of complete failure above to the fact that of the Mr Muivah's last attempt to have a 'South Nagaland' in Manipur in his hand, the NSCN (K), one of the very strong outfits of Naga underground organisations in the North East of India, comes openly against Mr Muivah and his group NSCN (IM). Further, the Naga Hoho expresses the organisation's total disapproval of Mr. Muivah's move for a 'South Nagaland' in Manipur.

The Naga Hoho's president Mr Kevileto Kebiho expressed at Kohima that the economic blockade at NH 39 and 53 in Manipur will not be withdrawn, along with it the President 'appealed' to Mr Muivah 'to withdraw from Viswema village, a present Nagaland village, along with his armed cadres. The 'appeal' is a soft word, but in the present juncture of a 'South Nagaland' of Mr Muivah, it is a 'complete disapproval' of Mr Muivah in his move to impress him 'what Mr Muivah has done more harm to the Naga peoples than to bring unity amongst the Naga peoples'. This 'appeal' should be noted seriously by the 'Kacha Naga' of Manipur for future guidance. This is a warning to Mr Muivah to vacate Nagaland.

These are not all. When the NSCN (IM) began a War Cry against the plain people of Kangleipak (Manipur), the NSCN (K) openly warns against it. The NSCN (K) says that there is no any question of waging war by the Naga peoples against the plain peoples of Kangleipak (Manipur). The NSCN (K) says that Mr Muivah is a Terrorist. In the mind of everybody, it is still very fresh that in recent past many Tangkhul homes were brunt in Nagaland and the Nagaland Nagas attempted seriously to drive out Tangkhuls from Nagaland. According to newspaper report on 21/6/2010 Mr Muivah wanted to go to Fukoboto in the Sema area. The Sema peoples asked why Mr Muivah wanted to go to Sema area wanting to know the motive of Mr Muivah.

These are simple signs of obvious complete failure of developing Naga Entity and a Naga history among different tribes of different origin among whom there is no any intelligible dialect. The Europe-taught slogan 'Nagaland for Christ' of Mr Muivah will not help.

NSCN (IM) is a Spent Force
So far upto 21/6/2010, the development of the Nagaland expansion to present Manipur, if we watch the situation a bit minutely, it seems very clear that the NSCN (IM) and Mr Muivah are simply a 'Spent Force', so to say, a 'Burnt match stick'. Amongst the areas claimed by the NSCN (IM) and Mr Muivah (pretending to be the representative of all so-called Nagas), the areas of Myanmar is out of their reach. The government of Assam and Arunachal Pradsh are strong and rich enough to be feared by the Nagas.

The Nagas target Manipur which has the weakest political leadership without having a political philosophy, corroded by corruption, for Nagaland's neo-colonialism policy of expansion. The interference of the Nagaland government, to the internal affairs of Manipur and its illegality, is very apparent. The Nagaland government creates law and order problem in Manipur by helping openly the NSCN (IM) and Mr Muivah's claims. The Nagaland Assembly took resolutions to expand Nagaland to Manipur. The policy of interference of the Nagaland government will be proved a boomerang. Soon the importance of Dimapur as a commercial hub will go and the sufferings of the innocent people of southern portions of Nagaland and of northern side Manipur will increase very shortly, if a patriotic government comes to Manipur and develop fully other National Highways except NH 39 with protection forces.

Before leaving this matter to the readers, a factual presentation about the demoralisation and weakening of the Naga movement and Mr Muivah may please be seen:
The cease fire agreement and peace talk between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) started in 1999. During this long period of about 14 years upto 2010, with the kindness of the Government of India and the Government of Manipur under the soft and kind hearted Chief Minister, Mr. Ibobi Singh, the NSCN (IM) cadres became a band of Highway Robbers and Extortionists, some time they kill their selected targets with impunity. They have very big purse full of money. The NSCN (IM) cadres became a band of people without morale and sanctity of the fighters of a good cause. Secondly, the NSCN (K) factor in the demoralising process of the NSCN (IM) and Mr Muivah is great.

The NSCN (K) openly says the Tangkhuls are not Nagas, they are part of the Meetei race. The Nagas should solve the problems of the Naga peoples without Tangkhuls of Kangleipak (Manipur). The Meeteis of the valley know very well that the Tangkhuls are very near kins of the Meetei race from scriptural and modern scientific foundations. When Mr Muivah makes a war cry against the valley people Meeties with a 'Nagaland for Christ' flag, the NSCN (K) openly stand against it.

According to newspapers report, from Viswema the NSCN (IM) leader Mr Muivah was sent-off by 300 NSCN (IM) armed cadres with the IRB of Nagaland Government, but later reports indicate that the leader was with about 50/60 armed NSCN (IM) cadres in Phek district of Nagaland. This indicates the corrosion of the NSCN (IM) fire power.

Further, according to newspaper report on 18/6/10, four IM cadres who followed the IM leader Mr Muivah were captured by the Assam Rifles in Kohima outside the designated camp for violation of Ground Rules. After that capture Mr Muivah speaks nothing and show no muscle. All these facts further show that the source of power and strength of Mr Muivah and NSCN (IM) is the Central government. According to the newspaper report, the NSCN (IM) leader Mr Muivah planned to enter Manipur from Pfutsero village of Nagaland on 9/6/10. He could not do anything upto 11/6/2010. In the mean time, the NSCN (IM) will meet on 14/6/2010 in New Delhi, certainly for a plan of appeasing Mr Muivah and NSCN (IM) by the Centre. Recently the Mr Ibobi's government showed a 'Regret', to the Nagas for making unsucessful to enter Manipur at Mao gate with a victory flag by Mr Muivah.

For the time being, Mr Muivah and the NSCN (IM) is powerless now, at any time Mr Muivah and the NSCN (IM) may be activated. This factor may be very seriously noted by the Indigenous Peoples of Kangleipak (present Manipur). The activation may be some times after next year general election. Closing this article of high political drama of the central government, Mr Muivah and the Manipur government at this stage, the present writer appeals to the Indigenous peoples of the North East states of India for their immediate attention. The writer knows of the Mongoloid peoples of the North East states of India and the vast Asiatic continent are of the same origin and Ancestry, from the original place of origin, the Koubru mountain ranges of Kangleipak, created and cradled at the spot. We should not make bad blood against each other, we should not be led by the ideas of small selfish ends. We should stand side by side at all times. Let the indigenous peoples of the North East and North Hilly Regions of India have a common wisdom of protecting themselves together as they are the nearest kinsmen of the same ancestry.

Discovery of Kangleipak - 9

Wide-spread knowledge of indigenous 18 alphabets of the Meetei Race and its wide spread support in Kangleipak (Manipur)
There were two most important and memorable days in 2009 in the history of Kanglei Meetei Eeyek (Script of the ancient Meetei race) in Kangleipak. They are 04-10-2009 (Sunday) and 31-12-2009 (Thursday).
On Sunday, the 4th October, 2009 there was a conference called ‘Laining Meepham' (Religious conference), also called ‘Puya Meepham" (conference on the scriptures called Puya in the Kanglei dialect) in Tera Keithel Children Home. In the  conference, though the conference discussed only what was the Holy Puya (Holy scripture) left by the Kanglei ancestors before Hinduism in Kangleipak, necessitated by the total burning of the Kanglei Puyas and by the presence of many fabricated and manipulated  so called Puyas at the moment, the conference  was called ‘Laining Meepham", because all men and women involved in the discussion thought that the Holy Puya of the ancestors, the God Creator Father are all matters related to the Religion related with the concepts of the indigenous Kanglei Religion (Sanamahism). In the conference, after a very serious discussion for more than 4 hours, the conference  unanimously selected Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Ama-Ilon Pukok Puya written in 18 alphabets is the holy and most ancient Puya of the ancestors of Kangleipak. Discussion on the holy puya started in 1987 in different places including the Sanamahi Sanglel (Sanamahi  temple) at Manipur Rifles compound. This Laining Meepham on 04-10-2009 successfully selected the above named Puya as the Most Holy Puya concluding the 23 years old trouble some journey of seeking a Holy Puya (Scripture) of the Kanglei ancestors.

Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen conducting the ‘Puya Meepham' Seen with him are (L to R) A. Tomba Meetei (Padmashree), Chief Guest, M. Naotalel Khomba, President Meelal and Sanasam Mani Mangang, 87 years old Meetei Revivalist as Guest of Honour.
Ayekpam Tomba, Chief Guest, Wangkhemcha Chingtamlel, President (Moderator), Sanasam Mani Mangang, Moirangthem Naotalel Khomba, President Meelal, Leichombam Irabanta, Tera Khongsangbi, Sajou Chinglei, Yailipok Khoirom, as Guests of Honour of the Puya Meepham and along with Tokpam Thawai Lelpa , Hodam Leirak as Convener of the Meepham, decorated the Dais of the Puya Meepham on the day.
Ladies' participation representing different organizations : Luwang Leima, Meitram; Langmai Lembi, Kakwa Naorem Leikai; Chanu Priya Khunailembi, Kairang; Wairokpam Susila, Chinga Makha; Hijam Phajabi, Keisamthong Longjam Leirak; Chanu Victoria and Chanu Pemton, Patsoi II; Ayekpam Naobi Leima, Tera; Chanu Sonia and Chanu Pooja, Top Leirak; Naorem Chanu Bandana, Heiranggoithong; Chanu Bina, Moreh; Chanu Ayang Leima, Sekmaijin.
Names of organization supported the selection of Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Ama Ilol Pukok Puya, participated in the Puya Meepham on 04-10-2009 :

1.   Kangleipoak Historical and Cultural Research Centre, Sagolband Thangjam Leirak

2.   Kangleipak Loina Sillon Lup, Yailipok

3.   Kangleipak Meetei Mayek Academy, Khurai Konsam Leikai

4.   Panthoibi Irat Thougal Lup, Wangkhei Thawanthaba Mutum Leirak

5.   Ireipak Inat Kanba, Takhel Panthoibi & Nongpok Ningthou Lai Manak

6.   Khurai Kongpal Ningthoubung Meetei Inat Lup, Ningthoubung

7.   Ningthem Pukhri Mapal Sanamahi Laining Lup

8.   Thanga Meetei Mayek & Cultural Research and Inat Chaoukhat Sindam Sanglen

9.   Moirang Naranseina Inat Laining Chaokhat Sanglen Lup

10. Tronglaobi and Tera Khongsangbi Laining Lup

11. Ningthoubung Meetei Mayek & Inat Lup

12. Meitram Sanamahi Pakhangba Laining Lup

13. Sangai Parou Meetei Leikai Inat Chaokhat Lup

14. Patsoi II Inat Khongkul Leeba Lup

15. Lairenkabi Inat Ngakpa Meetei Loisang

16. Awang Khunou Achumba Thiba Inat Loisang

17. Meetei Phurup

18. Malem Yaiphasang

19. Ikal

20. Khwai Meetei Thoukal Langkal Malup

21. Sanakon

22. Mannaba Apunba Marup

23. Keisampat Meetei Singlup

24. Natum Chingjin Huidrom Laining Lup

25. Chingarel Sanamahi Pakhangba Laining Lup

26. Kangla Sangomsang Meetei Laining Lup

27. Tera Loukrakpam Leikai Meetei Laining Lup

28. Dimapur Meetei Union

Important personalities who participated in the intense discussion and heated interaction :

1.   Indrajit Waheng Khuman Panthoibi Thougal Lup

2.   Keisam Ibomcha, Keisampat Mannaba Apunba Marup

3.   Kangleinganba Kuleswar, Khurai Lairikyengbam Leikai

4.   H. Ibotombi Khuman, Haobam Marak

5.   Chingtam Luwang, Sagolband

6.   Akham Langol, Sagolband

7.   Luwang Leima, Meitram

8.   Sagolsem Jila Leibak Macha, Sagolband

9.   Oinam Bijen, Thanga

10. Ngangkham Prameswar, Khurai Chairel

11. Iboyaima Louthiba, Khurai Ningthoubung

12. Tokpam Thwailenpa, Hodam Leirak

The personalities participated in the discussion were of different mindset in matters of scripts (Alphabets) and Puya.
After intense discussion and heated interactions for more than 4 hours, the Puya Meepham selected almost unanimously Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Ama-Ilon Pukok Puya written in 18 alphabets of the ancient Meetei Race of Kangleipak as the Holy and most Ancient Puya (scripture) of the Kanglei ancestors, concluding 23 years old trouble some journey of seeking a Holy Puya (scripture) of the Enlightened Ancestors of Kangleipak.
The most memorable second day in the journey of the indigenous 18 alphabets of  Kangleipak happened on 31-12-2009 (Thursday) by releasing a book called                           Kangla Warep at Press Club, Mejorkhul by The  Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup. The book  contains the decisions of the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup accepting 18 indigenous Kanglei Alphabets as the correct alphabets (scripts) of Kangleipak (Manipur), as asserted by some of the expert/custodians of Puyas and by some of the Seven Judges, with a firm decision of the Thoupuloi Kanglup to persuade the Government to accept the decision recommendation of the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup.

Prof. W. Nabakumar, HOD of Anthropology, MU is releasing  Kangla Warep on 31-12-2009.
Composition of the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup :

1.   Karam Pakchao, Wangkhei - President

2.   Chabungbam Ibotombi, Tera - Vice-President

3.   Heikujamcha Ibotombi Khuman, Haobam Marak - General Secretary

4.   Pebam Boy, Takhel Leikai - Joint Secretary

5.   Hongnemcha Laiching Nganba, Kongba - Finance Secretary

6.   Oinamcha Kiranjit - Publication and information Secretary

7.   Mangangcha Keisam Ibomcha, Keisampat - Auditor

Advisors

1.   Tokpam Thawai Lenpa, Hodam Leirak

2.   Moirangthem Putun, Khurai

3.   Moirangthem Naodalen Khomba, Thangmeiban

4.   Kangjam Dhananjoi, Nongpok Sekmai

5.   Hidam Dhananjoi, Keirao Langdum

6.   Hemam Labango, Moirang

7.   Soram Mangi, Takhel Leikai

The above personalities composing the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup, though they are qualified and intellectual persons, are patently not experts of the Meetei Eeyek (Kanglei Meetei Scripts).
As a first step, the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup  called by advertisement in the Local News Papers etc. the experts and custodians of Puya  to submit written statements in matters of the following :

1.   To decide (to give) the Real name of the land (now called Manipur since 18th century)

2.   To decide the true and real racial name of the peoples (now called Meetei, Meitei, manipuri)

3.   To decide the real / true alphabets (scripts) of the ancient Kanglei ancestors.

4.   To discus the real/true name of the language spoken by the Meetei/Meitei/Manipuri now.

5.   To decide how to write their names of the Kangleichas.

The Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup requested the experts/custodians of the Puya  to  submit written evidences etc, and Puyas supporting their statements along with the written statements submitted by them.
In response to the call of the Thoupuloi Kanglup, 13 (thirteen) experts/custodians of Puyas submitted their written statements along with Puya etc.
The following are the personalities selected by the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup  as Judges to give their written opinion on the matters mentioned above after examination of the written statements/Puyas submitted by the experts/custodians of the Puyas etc.

1.   Ahanthem Nilmani, Senior Advocate - Ahanthem Leikai

2.   Dr. Langpoklakpam Bhagyachandra, Sr. Grade Lecturer, Pishum Thong

3.   Ayekpam Chandramani, Rtd. Head Master, Tera

4.   Wangkhemcha Chingtamlen, Advocate, Sagolband

5.   Irengbam Lukhoi, Rtd. Principal, Khagempali

6.   Nepram Bihari, Executive Officer, Sanamahi Temple Board, Sagolband

7.   Sapam Bhagya, Superintendant, Archaeology Department, Tera

The personalities selected by the Thoupuloi Kanglup as Judges are by no means experts in matters of Kanglei Cultures, history, scripts etc. Ahanthem Nilamani is a highly professional legal expert and the last one, Sapam Bhagya is a top Government bureaucrat. Others are professional teachers etc.

(During the 17 years period interval between 1992 and 2009, two of our colleagues, Dr. Langpoklakpam Bhagyachandra and Ayekpam Chandramani who sat with the writer as judges in 1992 when the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup started their investigations and discussions selecting Judges, only concluded in 2009 had gone to the heaven forever, the writer expresses extreme shock and prays to the Almighty Father to receive them lovingly).

The seven judges, after examinations of the written statements and Puyas submitted by the experts/Puyas custodians, submitted their written opinion in matters of the real name of this land now called Manipur, the real racial name of the indigenous peoples of this land, the indigenous alphabets (scripts) developed by the indigenous ancestors of the land in deep B.C. etc. to the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup . (The writer takes up only the indigenous scripts (alphabets) only in this article.)

The Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup , after examinations of the written opinions of the Seven Judges along with the written statements of the experts/Puyas custodians, after several sittings and discussion, gave the clear opinion that 18 alphabets (scripts) are the Alphabets (scripts) developed by the Ancient Kanglei Ancestors in deep B.C. All papers relating to the discussions and decisions including the opinions of the 7 Judges were released in the form of a book called Kangla Warep only on 31-12-2009. 

In a meeting of the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup  on 20-12-2992 at Sanamahi Lainingthou Sanglel, Manipur Rifles Compound decided that 18 Alphabets (scripts) are the correct Alphabets (scripts) of the Ancient Kanglei Ancestors, to use their own words in the decision :

Page 206 of Kangla Warep

The decision of the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup, a two tier decision, examinations and decisions, opinions of the 7 Judges over the written statements of the experts/Puya custodians, and further examinations and decision of the Areppa Thiba Thoupuloi Kanglup  over the written statements of the experts/Puya custodians and the written opinions of the Seven Judges, selecting 18 Alphabets (scripts) of the Ancient Kanglei Ancestors, along with their correlated  numerical signs etc. is so clear as a decision given by the highly intellectual and common sense peoples of the land in matters of the subject assigned to them without any bias and prejudice. Really plausible and commendable decision.

Discovery of Kangleipak - 8

Your HISTORY and your IDENTITY

This article is written in response to this massage.

Racial history, or Puwari as we call it in Kangleipak, draws you  and other men and women of your race in a particular form/way distinguishing you and other people, men and women from other race of the world communities. It may show you and your people in almost identical Physical features, dresses, language, easily perceptible characters, natural aptitudes etc.
This  is your identity.
Your history forms/draws your identity, a particular identity as a man or a woman of a particular race.
From this perception of Racial history and identity, the Meetei Race is first a Race of the Asiatic continent excluding Indian sub-continent's, having similar physical features etc. with other Asian peoples, like the peoples of Myanmar, Mizoram, Thailand, Malayasia, Philippine, China, Tibet etc. etc. the peoples so called Mangoloid peoples of Asia. So, your name should be written as Yumnam Chaoba, not Chaoba Yumnam, as in vogue among the Asian peoples.
Secondly, you are a Meetei Kangleicha, particularly a fine Ancient race of the Earth. You should not accept a name of other races of the earth. You have to show your self as a real Meetei of Kangleipak.
The Meetei race in Kangleipak  before 18^th century A.D. had a particular Excellent identity among the human communities of the world. But since the 18^th century A.D. large scale insinuations, fabrications of legends, traditions etc. books specially history books etc. make the identity of the Meetei Race disturbed, destabilized, fractured, unbelievable etc to the point of identity madness.
One particular insinuation, fabrication to destroy the excellent identity of the Meetei race of Kangleipak is the snake Pakhangba tradition believed upto this day by many uncritical Kangleichas  (please refer to DISCOVERY OF KANGLEIPAK (5) AND (6) in the www.paochelkangleipak.net). Frankly speaking, you will understand the problem after reading these two articles.
From the discoveries of the insinuations, fabrications etc. in the Ancient history of Kangleipak, we know now that ‘tili koktok' (tangja leela pakhangba), some times ‘tilli kokton', ‘tilli koktom ahanba', ‘tangja leelha pakhangba', Meitingu nongda  Lairel Pakhangba', Ibudhou Pakgangba Linjao' etc. are all fabrications after the 18^th century A.D. ‘Kangba is a name found in the Kanglei Puya (scripture), ‘Maliyapham Palcha' is found in the scripture, not as ‘Maliya Phambalcha' (please see the difference of spelling of the two words), Nongpok Ningthou is not a historical personality found in the Puya, what is found in the Puya is ‘Nongpok Chingkhei Apanpa'; ‘Shang  dynasty', hou-lai', ‘Sibi leima', are not found in the Puya (scripture). The Kanglei legendary Monarch, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa, generally written and spoken as ‘Pakhangba' married Lailup Talet (in the scripture) or Lai Nura Taret (seven Lai ladies). These seven Lai ladies names are recorded in the scripture clearly. These things are designed to destroy the clear identity of the Meetei Race since the 18^th century A.D.
Now, a brief history of the Meetei Race.
The Meetei Race of Kangleipak is one of the most ancient races of the earth. The present Meetei race is a part of the Lai peoples who were created, nurtured and inhabited after first the whole of Koubru mountain ranges of Kangleipak and dispersed and spread through out the Asiatic continent.  The Lai peoples came down for the first time to the present Imphal Kangla in about 20,000 years B.P. or 180 centuries B.C., when the present Imphal valley began to be dry, as a civilized people who knew using weapons etc. Probably, the Lai peoples spread and dispersed  through out the vast land mass of the Asiatic continent before their coming to present Imphal Kangla and also before the Indian sub-continent  converged and conjoined the Eurasian land mass because of the continental drift. The Lai peoples became the present Meetei race of Kangleipak  later in history. The present Meetei race is a part of the Lai peoples from the Koubru mountain tops.
When a part of the Lai People from the tops of the Koubru mountain ranges of Kangleipak came down to the present Imphal Valley, some times in 20,000 year B.P. or 180 centuries B.C. the only area dried and suitable for human habitation was present Imphal Kangla. After some times the whole Imphal valley became dried and suitable for human habitations. Then the whole Imphal valley was occupied by the Lai peoples. Then a superman, our legendary historical personality, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa was born among the Lai peoples. He became the first political Monarch of Kangleipak. He married Lailup Talet (scripture), Lai nura taret (seven Lai ladies). The names of the 7 Lai ladies (queens of the Monarch) :

1. Laikok Huimulei Puksi Khompi
2. Huimu Leima
3. Loikhompi Mawai Thongngai Lelpi
4. Laiyek Pithet Leima
5. Leima Ulum Khotchao Tonpi
6. Leitham Tali Leima
7. Nonghainu Lilee Leima

These 7 queens gave birth to 7 sons what we call to day as seven Salais, namely, Mangang, Luwang , Khuman, Angom, Moilang, Khapa-nganpa and Salai Leisangthem, the present seven Salais of the Meetei race as we find to day. Our salai names or the seven clans names are after the names of the 7 sons of the first Legendary Monarch of  Kangleipak. The part of the Lai peoples who came down to the Imphal valley first treading the present Imphal Kangla became the Meetei Race since the time of our legendary Monarch, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa (Ibudhou Pakhangpa at present). These are all recorded history of the Meetei race of Kangleipak upto now.The development of writing scripts (Aphabets) was during the time of our first Monarch, Konchin Tukthapa. Since then we had two kinds of histories namely history of Kangleipak (history of the kingdom) and Yumtapa Puya (Genealogy of the different seven Salais or seven clans.)
We thought, on the literary basis, that the time of establishment of our first Monarchy and development of the Kanglei writing alphabets were some times in 4000 years B.P. or 2000 B.C. Most probably it is not true now in the light of the scientific finding that the first human habitation on present Imphal Kangla was in 20,000 years B.P. or 180 centuries B.C. The establishment of the first Monarchy in Kangleipak, or reigning time of the first Monarch, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa might be many many centuries B.C. earlier than the present estamation of 2000 years B.C.
One of the worst unlucky historical events happened in the 18^th century A.D. when Pamheiba Garivaniwaz, the first Hindu king became king of Kangleipak was ‘Puya Meithaba' (burning of the scriptures). Renown Bengoli intellectual and writer Suniti Kumar Chaterji in his book, KIRATA-JANA-KRTI  at page 160 says, ‘The older literary tradition suffered from a setback, owing to the ill-conceived and mischievous action of the Ramandi Missionary Santadas Babaji,  whose Vandalism in getting together and burning a number of old Manipuri MSS. appears to have received  the support of Gharib-nawaz himself and this continued during the 18^th century."
In a parallel event in the Asian history, during the reign of the Chinese Emperor Shih-Wang-Ti (249-210 B.C.), " The Tai who had  been a cultured people being of the princely rank in early times, were in possession of rich heritage of art and literature at the time of Shih-Wang-Ti, but the men of letters among the Tai and their literary works were so completely destroyed in the wild act of persecution that from that time the Tai in the Empire became almost an illiterate race through lack of books and teachers" page 37 of the  THE TAI AND THE TAI KINGDOMS by Padmeswar Gogoi.
The Emperor killed 460 Tai  intellectuals also  by burying alive for their objections to this Vandalism.
For Kangleipak after the Vandalism of king Pamheiba Garivaniwaz and his dharma guru Santadas Babaji, whom  we in Kangleipak know by the name Shanti Das Gossai, of burning of all written records of the kingdom including centuries old Puyas (Scriptures) of the Meetei Race, the burning not only made the Meetei Race a bundle of stupid peoples without any background of intellectual developments, insinuations and fabrications etc. of  legends, traditions, history   etc. etc. made the Meetei Race almost a half insane  people without knowing what they are, and the present identity madness is the product of the Hindu Rule of about 250 years since the 18^th century A.D.
Now you note for your identity
Lai peoples created and nurtured, after inhabited the whole of Koubru Mountain ranges.

A group of Lai peoples coming down to the present Imphal valley from the Koubru mountain range, treading first their feet on the present Imphal Kangla at 20,000 years BP or 180 centuries BC. They became the Meetei Race in the later history of Kangleipak separating from the Lai peoples since the time of our legendary Morarch, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa.

The first legendary Monarch  married seven Lai ladies giving birth to 7 sons or seven salais composing the seven groups of salai peoples of the Meetei race.
So, the identity of the men and women kangleichas are so clear that your identity  as man or woman of the Meetei Race is a salai man or woman under different surnames descended from the Lai peoples of the Koubru mountain ranges in the deep pre-history period and directly descended from Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa, the legendary Monarch  in the history times of Kangleipak.
So, you are first a man or a woman descended in the deep pre-history times of  Kangleipak from the Lai peoples of the Koubru mountain ranges who may be the first Homo Sapiens of the Earth. Then you are a man or a woman directly descended from the legendary Monarch of Kangleipak, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa who was the starting point of Genealogy of the Meetei Race. You are a proud man or woman of the world born in the one of the most ancient races of the world.
Present research in the history of the Meetei Race and Kangleipak have led to the Fantastic Discoveries. The Lai peoples of the Koubru mountain ranges may be the first Homo Sapiens of the Earth.

Discovery of Kangleipak 7

The contents and extents of the Geographical areas of ancient Kangleipak.

(An anti-thesis against the Misinformation and Disinformation of the fact)

Now-a-days there is a systematic campaign against certain Historical and cultural facts of ancient Kangleipak from some small fraction of the Manipur population. On single fact, to mention only one, misinformed and disinformed  the Kanglei people is the contents and extents of the geographical areas of ancient Kangleipak against clear historical records of the land.

The humble writer offers the following historical facts in this regard to the global audience as an item of thought provocation.

Because of the availability of some Puyas (scriptures) – Wakoklon Heelen Thilel Sali Ama-Ilon Pukok, Wakoklon Thilel Salai Amailon, Kham-oi Yang-oi Sekning, Wachetlon Pathup to the patriotic Kangleichas as gifts from the graves of the enlightened buried ancestors, we know now in the 21^st century very well that there were 7 (seven) Kanglas as administrative centers of the seven sons of the Kanglei Monarch, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa spread over through out the length and breath of Kangleipak. We have the Mangang Kangla at Imphal Kangla for the 1^st son; present Langkol Ningthou Laipham was the Luwang Kangla for the 2^nd son;  the Khuman Salai people inhabited Yailipok (Yairipok), then Umukhong, then Laikoipung and lastly and permanently at present Pumlel area, Pumlel was Khuman Kangla; Angom Kangla was at the area of Kongba river; Moirang Kangla is even new located at Moirang  to the west of Loktak Lake; Kha-nganba Kangla was at Taknakha area; and lastly the Salai Leisangthem Kangla was in the present Imphal Kangla area, later Leisang Hithen area for the seventh son.

These areas of Kangleipak covered by 7 Kanglas, administrative centers of the seven sons of Kochin Tukthapa are naturally and effectively the geographical areas, and geographical contents and extents of ancient Kangleipak.

We have 7 (seven) Laipungthous as physical parts of the Ipung Loinapa Apakpa, the ultimate Universal Lord, the God Father Creator and places of worship of these seven Laipungthous. We have the place of worship of Nongpok Chingkhei Apanpa at Langmaiching (Nongmaiching) in the East of Imphal valley; we have the Awangpa Koupalu on the top of the Koubru mountain; we have the place of worship of the Thangching Koilel Lai Sitapa on the top of the Thangching mountain in the south west of Kangleipak; we have the place of worship of Wangpulel Khana Chaopa Lai Sitapa  (at present Wangbrel) in Chandel district in the south east mountain area of Kangleipak; we have the place of worship of the Eelai Pulel Puling Lai Sitapa at Loktak area; we have the Lainingthou Pangkalpa ( the writer cannot pinpoint the place of worship); we have the Salailel Sitapa (Space) covering these areas of the Laipungthous. These  are seven Laipungthous and 7 places of worship for these Laipungthous. We, the Kangleicha Meetei Race worship Kangleipak as Ipung Loinapa Apakpa , Universal God Father Creator composed of these 7 Laipungthous. We worship Kangleipak as Father Land.

The names of 7 Laipungthous are pure and pure Kanglei Meetei words/concepts. This means the Kanglei Meetei Race effectively possessed the hills and plain areas of Kangleipak before the advent of Hinduism since time immemorial. Please remember before Hinduism, the Hills and plain people are of the same Race. All places of worship except Eelai Pulel Puling Lai Sitapa are in the mountains and hills of Kangleipak indicating areas coverage of Kangleipak.

These are the geographical areas content and extents of Kangleipak as known in the Puwari (History) of Kangleipak.

Let us see another historical  record of Kangleipak embedded in an age long tradition in respect of the geographical extent of Kangleipak.

“Then the incoming  Chahitaba thus addresses the Raja  ‘O son of heaven, ruler of the kings, great and ancient Lord, Incarnation of God, the great Lord Pakhangba, Master of the bright sun, Lord of the plain and despot of the hills whose kingdom is from the hills on the east to the mountains on the west…..’ …….”.

The above quotation is from page 105 of the THE MEITHEIS by T.C. Hodson. Mr. Hodson not only shows the tradition of Cheithaba of the Meetei Race (Hodson writes as Chahitaba) in which Divine origin of state of the Meetei Race is clearly seen, shows the geographical extent of the hilly country Kangleipak embedded in the traditional annual ceremony Cheithaba performed in the Royal Palace since times immemorial. The traditional hymn of the Cheithaba Ceremony included the geographical extents of the  country because all men and women in the whole country had unconditional Loyalty to the country and to the King in the times of yore of Kangleipak. Please see the underlined sentence “Lord of the plain and despot of the hills whose kingdom is from the hills on the east to the mountains of the west’ as part of the ceremonial tradition of Cheithaba.

All these things shown above, tell very loudly and unambiguously to all men and women concerned  the contents and extents of the geographical areas of the ancient country Kangleipak since  times immemorial. No body can entertain any doubt in this matter.

There is another point to be remembered very well and to be counted without any dissent.

When the Lai people came down first to the Imphal valley from the Koubru mountain ranges touching first the present Imphal Kangla some times 20,000 years B.P., the whole land of the hills and plain of Kangleipak were inhabited by the Lai People. The indigenous peoples of the whole Kanglei Lands from the hills in the east to the mountains of the west were homogenous peoples, only the Lai People. When a man like Konchin Tukthapa became Monarch of Kangleipak, acceptedly a brave soldier and undisputedly an accepted leader of  the people, and also by disposition a God fearing leader, there is no point to argue disloyalty among the Homogenous countrymen of Kangleipak to the king.

From to day, because of the facts and reasons stated above, all unnecessarily suggested ideas that Kangleipak covers only the present Imphal Kangla areas may be kept to rest for all times to come.

Discovery of Kangleipak 6

The snake culture of the WORLD vis-a-vis KANGLEIPAK.

In the article of the writer in the matter, Pakhangba, a Snake as the Progenitor of the Kangleicha Meetei Race (It is an improper concept, created and born during Hindu rule in Kangleipak), the writer had showed the unacceptability of the concept that Pakhangba, a snake as the Progenitor of the Kangleicha Meetei Race, scientifically and historically.

Now the writer will show the snake culture of the world vis-a-vis Kangleipak in order to strengthen and confirm the blunder and unacceptability of the concept of Pakhangba as a snake as a Progenitor of the Meetei Race.

The Celtic symbols of serpent (Xerox from the originals)

                                                        

‘Every ancient mythology has some form of world serpent.’

‘The serpent represent the cyclic nature of life.’

‘Thus, many ancient people believed snakes are immortal.’

‘The serpent also is a phallic symbol, but ironically, serpents also are one of the older symbols of female power in the celtic religion.’

‘The coiled snake with its tail in its mouth is some times known as Ouroboros, and is thought to represent the circle of the continuity of life.’

From an article, the serpent (An Nathair) by Michealin Daugherty. (Source: irelandsown.net/serpent.html)

Ouroboros (Xerox from the originals)

(From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia)

                                             

                                 

‘The Ouroboros often represents self reflexivity or cyclicality, specially in the sense of something constantly recreating itself, the eternal return, and other things perceived as cycles that begin anew as soon as they end (see Phoenix). It can also represent the idea of Primordial unity ......”

Historical representations.

Antiquity

‘Plato described a self eating, circular being as the first living thing in the universe - an immortal, perfectly constructed animal.’

‘The notion of the serpent or dragon eating its own tail can be traced back to ancient Egypt, circa 1600 B.C. From ancient Egypt it passed to phoenicia and then to the Greek philosophers, who gave it the name Ouroboros (tail devourer).’

Non-western traditions

‘It is also present in some Hindu folk-myths, as a snake (Adisesha) circling the tortoise Maha Kurma that supports  eight elephants which support the world on their back.’

‘Snakes are sacred animals in many west African religions.’

Modern

‘The flag of the short lived Italian Regency of Carnaro featured the Ouroboros on it. The Ouroboros has been incorporated into the crests of the Hungarians and Roman  unitarian churches.’

From what the writer has quoted above from the article, the serpent (An Nathair) by Michealin Daugherty and from the article, Ouroboros from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, the esteemed readers might have understood that the snake culture was associated with the western and middle east countries (peoples) since B.C. Not only the western and middle east countries the snake culture was associated with the African and Indian peoples also since early times.

The present Indian people came to

the Indian Sub-continent with snake culture

On page 11 of the ‘KIRATA-JANA-KRTI’ by Sunity Kumar Chatterji, under the heading ‘13. THE ARYAN NORDICS : THEIR ADVENT INTO INDIA’ Mr. Chatterji writes ‘They spread west and south and east, and a branch of them, the Aryans, crossed the Caucasus Mountains into Northern Mesopotamia by 2200 B.C.,   whence some of their tribes after wanderings spread over several countries in Iraq, Iran and North western Frontier of India, finally came into India at a period not earlier than 1500 B.C. - probably nearer to 1200 B.C. than 1500. They brought with them their own culture and religion, .........................’

‘So, when the Indus Valley Civilisation was discovered all scholars were puzzled. They could not term the civilisation as Aryan since they already established the theory that Aryans entered India not earlier than 1500 B.C..’

‘A peace treaty of about 1400 B.C. between the Hittites and the Mattani Rulers of the Mattani, reveals the names of the Vedic Gods Indra, Varuna and Nasatya.  Ghosh thus concluded that about the middle of the second millennium B.C. the forefathers of the Indo Aryans still in the western Asia on their way to India from a European home.’

These two quotations above are from ‘The Aryan Hoax by Paramesh Choudhury (1995)’ pages 20, 375.

V.D. Mahajan in his history book, Ancient India on page 850 says that Aryan kings were still in the west Asia in their way to India in 1435 B.C.

An advanced History of India by R.C. Majumdar etc. on page 25 says ‘In the Chaotic State of early Aryan Chronology, it is a welcome relief to turn to Asia Minor or other countries in west Asia and find in certain tablets of the 14 century B.C., discovered at Boghaz Keui and other places, references to kings who bore Aryan names and invoke the Gods Indra, Mitra, Varuna ......’

From the above quotations from some of the reputed writers and historians of present India, the esteemed readers might have understood that the present Hindu people were part and parcel of Europe and west Asia people, sharing their culture, including that of snake culture and way of life upto most probably 1200 B.C.

After about 3000 years on the Indian soil, some Hindu Indians came to Kangleipak and a Hindu decent Pamheiba Garivaniwaz became king of Kangleipak in 18th century A.D., but actual ruler was one Santi Das Gosai, a Hindu  religious preacher, the Dharma Guru of king Pamheiba.

Before the advent of Hinduism, the people of Kangleipak and Kangleichas Meetei Race had nothing to do with snake culture and snake in their religion. Even to day some of the Kangleichas eat big snakes called Pythons. Every thing connected with the snake culture and snakes was brought and imposed by the Hindu kings upon the indigenous Kangleichas during their rules since 18th century A.D.

Tradition of rebirth and cyclic nature  of life of the Kangleicha Meetei Race.

The Kangleicha Meetei Race is a Race having extreme belief in the rebirth of human soul. During the time of Kanglei Monarchs, when a person is convicted of a serious crime, like treason, he was killed by the state executioner. The highest court, the king with seven Maichous, will say to the executioner ‘Angang Olhanlo’ = ‘Change him to child’ meaning ‘the man will be born as child’ after his death by gallows.

Everybody upto this day a man or a woman born as a Meetei knows very well that when a person is about to die, he/she is put over a Changpi  banana tree leave using a part of the Changpi banana tree as pillow inside a Khangpokshang in the Sumang (like courtyard) of the Meetei home. Khangpokshang is a compound word. Khangpokshang = Khang + pok + shang = Khang means Khangpa (Khangba), further means to endure the pains and suffering prior to death + Pok means Pokpa, further means to be born + Shang means hut. Therefore, Khangpokshang, for the Meetei Race, is a hut in which a dying person waiting his/her rebirth self controlling his/her sufferings and pains just before death. Every body must know that a Meetei person lies inside the Khangpokshang just before death facing up the sky. An example of extreme belief in the rebirth process of life.

‘Khamchinkon’ is a word/concept very frequently used in the scripture called ‘Kham-oi Yang-oi Sekning’, a Puya in which the life, birth-death-birth, is discussed in details.

‘Khamchinkon’ = Kham + chin + kon = Kham means khampa = khamba means end ( end of life) + chin means machin further means beginning + kon means konnachak further means coiled position of a child before birth in the mother’s womb. Therefore khamchinkon means the process of life (soul), death > birth > death ..... unending circle of life (soul).

There are two words/concepts, chakpalon and chakoi, which are discussed in details in two Puyas called Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Ama-Ilon Pukok and Polpilang. Polpilang = Polpi + lang = Polpi means life (soul) + lang means body. Therefore Polpilang means soul and body (soul body).

There are four chaks in the Meetei mythology - Hei chak, Ha chak, Kona - chak, Langpa chak. Hei chak means (time) of the father in which the soul (thouwai) of human beings  resides in the father, in Ha chak and Kona chak the soul resides in the mother, and Langba chak means human life time as man and woman. After human beings lived for a time as man and woman, they die and the souls return to the human father, and repeat the 4 chak process of human life.

The mythology of the Meetei Race, chakpalon and chakoi, is studied in the above mentioned two Puyas. Chakpalon = Chakpa + lon = chakpa means chak further means 4 stages (times) of life cycle + Lon means study and results thereof. Chakoi = chak + koi = chak means chak (time) + koi means round (circle).

Therefore, chakpalon and chakoi means life and death and their cyclic nature in the universal process ordained by the universal father, the God creator.

Inspite of the extreme belief of the Meetei Race in the cyclic process of life and soul, there is not a single instance of symbolic representation like Ouroboros in traditions, Mythologies and Puyas or otherwise in ancient times of Kangleipak.

When the Hindu comes

In 1834 A.D. when king Gambhir Singh was ill, he started worshipping Pakhangba  in a Kufa for his long life at Langthabal hill. During the worship the king had an earnest desire to see ancestor Pakhangba in the shape of swallowing its tail in the mouth (like Ouroboros) once he saw in a worship in ‘Nungjeng Pukhri.’  “ Mana ukhiba Mabudhou Pakhangbagi  murti adu ningsinglaktuna makhudombina leipakta yekle. Leimaida yekliba Mabudhougi murti aduda mapukning changna mityeng tabada khanghoudana Mabudhougi murti adu thangeisengba Pakhangba ollaktuna  mameibu mayana chiklambadu thadoklaga chongkhatlaktuna  maharajgi maraibakta chiklamlaga leimaida murti oina amuk  hanjinkhi.” (page 35 of Meitei Ningthourol by Sarangthem Bormani Singh). King Gambhir Singh died in this way.

“Gambhir Singh Maharajabu chikpa Pakhangba adu Pebra panditna mingkhei sonduna lupagi komfuda haplaga waithou mathak tangjeng patta thadokkhi, mapham aduda tangjeng pakhangba oina leikhi.” (page 38 of Meitei Ningthourol by Sarangthem Bormani Singh).

There is a confusion to the readers of page 35, 38 of the Meitei Ningthourol by Sarangthem Bormani that the snake Pakhangba that was set free by Pebra Pandit at Tangjeng Pat was a live snake Pakhangba or the drawn Pakhangba murti on the ground.

Regarding the death of king Gambhir Singh, the ‘Manipur and the Naga hills’ by Major General Sir James Johnstone says on page 87 ‘The Kubo Valley was handed over to the Burmese on the 9th of January, 1834, and on that day Ghumbeer Singh died in Manipur of Cholera.”

                              

The above two xerox copies are from two books, Luwang Nonghum Sanglen and Pakhangba Naoyom by Shri Hijam Ibobi and  his  relative, Hijam Phajabi of Singjamei Waikhom Leikai. Shri Hijam Ibobi was head Pandit  Achouba of Royal Palace before the merger of Manipur to India in 1949.

This Ouroboros type symbols of Pakhangba is said ‘Paphan’ or ‘Pakhangba Paphan’ in Manipur now.

The names of the above symbols as ‘Paphan’ or ‘Pakhangba Paphan’ are wrong and conceptually very misleading.

“Talang Eepung Loinapa Apakpa Masana Oipa Mihun, Sam, Tu, Khuchinnachingpa Singli Paphan 108, Mihun 84, Tangsamli 27, Thapung 10 ki Eepha Eemenpham, Thonglon 9, Pankhei 8, Eelam 7, ............”

The above quotation is from the scripture, Puya Wakoklon Heelel Thilel Salai Ama-Ilon Pukok. Please see the underlined words. The words/concepts in the quotation cannot be deciphered fully by the writer till now. Mihun = Pulse, Sam = Hair, Tu = Hair all over the body, Khuchin = Nail, Singli = Nerve, Vein, Paphan = Pa + Phan = Pa means Paba further means very finely, Phan means Phandokpa further means spread over wide areas.

We know very crudely that the Singli (Probably nerves and veins) spreads very finely through out the body as Cobweb or spider net. We call this generally  ‘Singli Paphan’.

This ‘Singli paphan’ is/was never connected with the present snake Pakhangba or ancient  Lailel Pakhangba in any way or in any sense.

The above quotation from the Puya seems to express Physiological scientific findings in the ancient Kangleipak, but is never expressed any where or any time in the Past Kangleipak in symbols like Ouroboros or otherwise.

Therefore, from the reasons given above by the writer in this article, please know for certain that the symbolic representations of snake Pakhangba or ancient Lailel Pakhangpa or Paphan or Pakhangba Paphan as Ouroboros or a snake swallowing its tail or any other snake symbols are since the advent of Hinduism, not of ancient Kangleipak.

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Discovery of Kangleipak - 5

Pakhangba , a Snake as the progenitor of Kangleicha Meetei Race.

(It is an improper concept, created and born during Hindu Rule in Kangleipak).

Though most of the Meetei people, who are educated and cultured, do not agree with the idea and concept that the present Meetei Race are the descendants of a Lairel in the meaning of a big Snake, Python; but many uncultured, uneducated, uncritical and unsubtle minded people, even to day, are thinking that the Meetei Race are the sons and daughters of a Lairel in the meaning of a big snake or Python. Yes, the ancient Meetei Race are the descendants of a Lairel, in the original meaning of Lairel = Lailel = Lai + lel = Lai means God + Lel means the best, the highest, the ultimate as in the meaning of Phirel (best cloth), Ngarel (the best fish), Sharel (the best beast), Chaklen (the best meal) etc. This  wrong and improper idea and concept prevails in some hill communities also in Kangleipak.

This injurious, wrong and improper idea or concept was created and born  during the Hindu Rule since the advent of Hinduism in the 18th century A.D.

Before tracing the birth of the idea or concept historically on the soil of Kangleipak, let us look at the problem scientifically.

The geological age of the earth is estimated to be 4500 million years. On this Earth, about 3500 million years B.P. one cell-organism, unidentifiable plant or animal came into being, fish developed 400 million year B.P., from fish, amphibians developed 280 million years B.P., from amphibians, reptiles (snakes, pythons etc.) developed 250 million years B.P., from reptiles, mammals (monkeys, apes etc.) were developed 150 million years B.P. But Homo Sapien (man) developed from mammal 2 million years B.P.

In this evolutionary hierarchy, the time distance between man and snakes (reptiles) is 250,000,000 – 2,000,000 = 248,000,000 years. In the evolutionary ladder, Snakes, Pythons etc. are below the Homo Sapien (man) by 248,000,000 years in evolution.

The indigenous Kangleicha knew that there is a mythology that when Sanamahi Lainingthou created man, the last living being created by Lainingthou Sanamahi was a ‘yong’ = a monkey. Lainingthou Sanamahi brought the ‘yong’ before His God Father, Salailel Sitapa and claimed to His Father that He was created a man. Salailel Sitapa disagreed and  told His son, Sanamahi Lainingthou to create man in the likeness of His (Salailel Sitapa) image. Thus man was created as an image of God, highest in the evolutionary Hierarchy nearest to God. Upto this day indigenous Kangleichas think that ‘yong’ is their ancestor.

In such facts of evolutionary process of living beings, scientific facts, on this planet earth, can there be any ancestral relationship of the indigenous Meetie Race with Snake-Python-Reptiles in their genealogy. Senseless ! The indigenous Kangleichas Meetei are not ‘Nag Bungsees’ of India.

Now let us trace the word or concept ‘Lairel’, some times ‘Lairen’ historically in the Kanglei society - what it was and what it is now to some people in the Kanglei Society? The word ‘Lairel’ is a word very frequently used by the indigenous people. In the Meetei traditional dance  ‘Thabal Chongba’, the dancers use it ‘Ngasida Lairel Nongjada’; in the Cheithaba hymn ‘Nayu tubi yoinongda, Nongda lairel Pakhangba’; in the Cheitharol Kumbaba ‘Nongda Lairen Pakhangba’; ‘Tubi Lairel Chagok’; Pakhangba gave birth to  Seven Lairels’; ‘There is a black Lairel in the Iroisemba zoo’; etc.

The use of ‘Lairel’ or ‘Lailel’, in different backgrounds as in the above, may puzzle even  the most inquisitive etymologist at present. No clearcut meaning or concept may be discerned from the words ‘Lairel’ or ‘Lairen’ at present circumstances to the general people. In the ‘Ngasida Lairel Nongjada’, the word ‘Lairel’ cannot be equated to a snake or python in its meaning and concept. In the hymn of Cheithaba ‘Nayu Tubi yoinongda, Nongda Lairel Pakhangba’, reading the two sentences together the word ‘Lairel’ meant a snake or python. In the hymn the meaning  and concept is ‘snakes or python Pakhangba’ is certain; in the Cheitharol Kumbaba, ‘Nongda Lairel Pakhangba’, the two words ‘Lairel Pakhangba, we do not know whether they meant ‘Snake Pakhnagba’ or otherwise. But in the sentences ‘Tubi Lairel chagok’ and ‘there is a black Lairel in the Iroisemba Zoo’. , the meaning or concept of ‘Lairel’ is definitely a snake or Python. In the sentence ‘Pakhangba gave birth to seven Lairels’, to us who know the cultural past of the Meetei Race, it is a Lairel = Highest God,  but  to  common people, it is a horrible meaning of ‘Snake or Python’.

These murky, vague concepts or meanings of ‘Lairel’ and ‘Pakhangba’ originated during the Hindu times since 18th century A.D. Machinations and indoctrinations with threat of physical injury to lead the indigenous Kangleichas to think in the way of ‘Nag Bungsees’ of India made these social maladies during the Hindu Rule of the last about 300 years.

The Meetei Race in Kangleipak had very sacred and solemn concepts of ‘Lairel’ and ‘Pakhangba’ before the advent of Hinduism in 18th century A.D.

The Meetei Race has the tradition and mythology that they are sons and daughters of the Universal Lord Creator.

In the scripture called Puya by the Meetei Race , it is written about the birth of Sanamahi and Pakhangba as under :

“ Asum Oipa Laipauki matung-inna Sitapaki eesaiphu eelon-nungta, numit humni supaki nouwaki mawong oina sanaki machu manpa nouwa ama leilamle; nouwa atupu yenglaka sanaki masak manpa angangpa machuna leitengpa mahi atupu upata Sanamhi haipa mingthonpu peetuna machaki matamkumna loukhatle. Asum touna loukhatlapaka Lailelpi Sitapi Lailem mata Peesille.”

Before the birth of Sanamahi Lainingthou, a voice from the primordial space said that Ipung Loinapa Apakpa, the Universal Lord will come down on the Earth to create living beings. This was heard by Salailel  Sitapa (Ipa Salailel, Ipa Sorarel) and Leimalel Sitapi (the Earth personified as deathless woman mother). The above quotation says in English roughly “ According to the Laipau (voice from the space), a child (nouwa) of three day was found in the eesaiphu eelon-nung of Salailel Sitapa (body of Salailel Sitapa). After seeing the child (Nouwa) decorated with red Sanaki machu manpa (having procreative power), Salailel Sitapa took up the nouwa and handed over to Leimalel Sitapi.” (The statement in the scripture cannot be translated in normal way, it should be explained. The writer has not done it).

This Laipau is the beginning of creation of the living beings according to the tradition and mythology of the Meetei Race and of the genealogy of the Meetei Race. Please examine the quotation from Puya and try to understand the words underlined. The “Laibou chongba’ tradition of the Meetei Lai Haraoba came from this ‘Laipau’ in the Puya. From the words and concepts of ‘Sitapaki eesaiphu eelon-nung’, the present tradition of having an ‘eesaiphu’ in every worship of God came’. The words and concept of ‘ Sanaki masak manpa’ meant ‘having procreative power’. The word ‘sanaki’ is not related with ‘Gold’ or Gold liquid’ in anyway.  From the words and concepts of ‘Mahi’ and ‘Sanamahi’ in the Puya categorically prove that the Meetei Race is not idolatry in their religion.

The Kangleichas Meetei Race know very well that Sanamahi Lainingthou is the elder son and Pakhangba is the younger son of Lainingthou Salailel Sitapa (Ipa Salailel, Ipa Sorarel) and Leimalel Sitapi (Malem Earth as deathless woman-mother) according to the tradition and mythology of the Meetei Race. According to this tradition and mythology, the genealogy of the Meetei Race is as under :

According to this tradition, and mythology of the Meetei race in Kangleipak, as shown in the diagram above, the first Monarch of Kangleipak, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa is the direct son of Lainingthou Salailel Sitapa (Ipa Salailel, Ipa Sorarel at present) and Leimalel Lailelma Sitapi (Malem Leima, the Earth). Konchin Tukthapa is the real name of the Kanglei first Monarch; Ipu Athoupa means brave grandfather; Pakhangpa = Pa + Khangpa = pa means Ipa further means Father + khangpa means to Know. So Pakhangpa = Pakhangba means a man who knows Father, that is, the Universal Lord Creator. The present household word Ibudhou is a derivative of ‘Ipu Athoupa’ of the Puya. The Meetei Race called Panthou to the husband of the mother-woman, not as Ipa. Ipa (Father) is solemn name of the Universal Lord Creator (Universal Father) given by the Meetei Race in Kangleipak.

As the Seven- Salai Meetei Race is the direct descendents of the first Monarch, brave grandfather Konchin Pakhangpa, the Meetei Race gave the first  Monarch of Kangleipak a very  respectful name ‘Lailel Pakhangba’. Lailel = at present Lairel = Lai + Lel = Lai means God + Lel means the best, the highest, ultimate God. So, Lailel Pakhangpa means highest God who knows the Universal Lord Creator on the Earth. The first Monarch of Kangleipak was idealised as God on the Earth and worshipped him as Lailel Pakhangpa by the Meetei race.

From this brief statement of the genealogy of the present Meetei Race and of their first monarch, Konchin Tukthapa Ipu Athoupa Pakhangpa, every man and woman may be very sure that Lailel = Lairel, Pakhangba are never related with any meaning or  concept of Snake, Python etc.

The prosperous and disciplined society of Kangleipak became destablised in all respects and was in the process of destruction of all Kanglei Social fabrics since the advent of Hinduism. To destroy the backbone of the Kanglei racial genealogy  originating the Meetei Race from the Universal Lord  in the deep rooted tradition and mythology, the murky and derogatory concept of Reptile-Snake-Python was imposed upon the originally clear and solemn concepts of Lailel Pakhangpa with Royal authority since the days of Pamheiba Garivaniwaz and Santi Das Gosai in the 18th century A.D.

Now please see how the murky, unholy, derogatory concepts of Lairel Pakhangba were pushed in since the beginning of Hindu Rules in Kangleipak historically.

“Tarukni yumsakeisada Pakhangba Nongthoudagi Khaorou oina fifou mangda tarakye” page 99 Cheitharol Kumbaba (1967) English translation : “On 6th Wednesday, Pakhangba came down from heaven as a Cobra before the fifou.” This was in 1745 A.D. during the reign of Pamheiba Garivaniwaz. “Tarani Ningthoukabada Sna Yan  Lokchaoda Lairel Thokye” page 129, Cheitharol Kumbaba (1967). It was during reign of king Bhagyachandra in 1784 A.D. English translation : ‘On Monday at Sna Yan Lokchao Leirel  Came out.”

The unholy campaign to impose  the unholy concept of Reptile-Snake-Python upon the solemn concepts of Lailel Pakhangba will be more clear from the records of the ‘Diary of Manipur”, 1904, the so called Chronicle of the Royal Family (of Manipur):

“Pakhangba the ancestral God of the Manipuries came down from heaven in the shape of a small serpant and appeared in the front of the Raja’s house”.  Page 70, Diary of Manipur, 1904. It was during the reign of Pamheiba Garivaniwaz. Can any body imagine, Pakhangba, the ancestral God of the ‘Manipuris’ came down as a small snake from heaven, scientifically or otherwise ?

‘A peculiar kind of serpent was found at Lokchao, the serpent was called, by the name of Lairel (God of serpents)” page 96, Diary of Manipur, 1904.

These are all recorded facts of history. Along with these, the facts of building of temples of Pakhangba are recorded at page 99 of Cheitharol Kumbaba (1967) and at page 70 of the Diary of Manipur, 1904.

The modus operandi of the campaign, to impose concepts and traditions of Reptile-Snake-Python upon the solemn concepts and traditions of Lailel Pakhangba, was tricky and cruel.

At the sight of a cobra, a snake or a python, or some times, the Palace people will keep a cobra or a Python at some particular place and the mass people will be ordered to assemble there, and the Royal dignitaries will identify the Cobra, or snake or the python as the Kanglei ancestral God Pakhangba, it is called Lailel = Lairel, they will say. The indigenous Kangleicha will be forced to worship as such. Pakhangba temples were constructed and idol of Pakhangba in the shape and form of a cobra, or a snake or a python will be kept in the temple. The indigenous Kangleichas will  be forced to bow down before the cobra, or the snake, or the python idols regularly with some indoctrinations every time. Any people who shows some dissents will be punished severely.

Such machinations and indoctrinations with threat of physical injuries during the last about 300 years, about 6/7 generations, of Hindu rule imprinted the concepts of a cobra, or a snake, or a python in place of the solemn concepts of Lailel Pakhangba to the minds of indigenous Kanglei masses.

These machinations and indoctrinations with threat of physical injuries were at zenith during the reign of Pamheiba Garivaniwaz and Bhagyachandra.