Ancient Meitei literature

This article is about the literature in Ancient Meitei. For the medieval and modern era literatures, see Meitei literature.
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Ancient Meitei literature
(Old Manipuri literature)
An illustration of the ancient Meitei language narrative work Numit Kappa (Meitei for 'Shooting at the Sun')
Cultural originsMeitei culture
Subgenres
Moirang Saion
Related genres

Ancient Meitei literature, also termed as Old Manipuri literature, is literature written in the Old Manipuri language from the earliest texts until the time of King Pamheiba (Meitei for 'Garib Niwaj'). All the ancient Meitei literary works are written in the traditional Meitei script.[1] The ancient Meitei language texts, written in Meitei script, are conventionally termed as "the puyas".[2]

Many of the ancient Meitei literary works need transliteration and translation, as the language used is often "obscure and unintelligible" to the modern Manipuri.[3]

Overview[edit]

Ougri (Meitei: ꯑꯧꯒ꯭ꯔꯤ), an Old Manipuri ritual song, was composed during the 1st century CE, and was sung mostly for the "destruction and ruination and also for prosperity" of the ancient Meitei society.[4][5]: 13-14  Many scholars commented that this musical work existed even before the beginning of the Common Era.[4]: 329 

The Poireiton Khunthok is a 3rd century ancient Meitei language literary work, which is a narrative of a historical colonisation of the valley by a group of people, led by Poireiton, in an area between the Langgol Hills and the Koubru mountains.[6]

The Khencho (Meitei: ꯈꯦꯟꯆꯣ), another poetic work, was composed before the end of the 7th century CE.[4]: 330 [5]: 13–15 

Traditionally attributed to author Akoijam Tombi,[7] during the reign of Meitei King Khongtekcha Yoiremba in c. 763 CE,[8][7][9] the Pānthoibī Khōnggūl (Meitei: ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯢꯕꯤ ꯈꯣꯡꯒꯨꯜ, transl: in quest of Panthoibi, Panthoibi's footprint)[10][11] narrates the adventures of lady Panthoibi and her lover Nongpok Ningthou.[12][13][14]

In 1100 CE, the Loyumba Shinyen (Meitei: ꯂꯣꯌꯨꯝꯄ ꯁꯤꯟꯌꯦꯟ), a written constitution was finalised and under the patronage of Meitei King Loiyumba (1074 CE-1112 CE) of the Ancient Kangleipak. It was a formal declaration of the proto-constitution which was first drafted in 429 CE by King Naophangba.[15][16]

Notable literary works[edit]

Literary and poetic works[edit]

  • Chengleiron (Meitei: ꯆꯦꯡꯂꯩꯔꯣꯟ, transl: narrative of the Chenglei clan). Legend of Chingjen Nāran Pānganbā, king of the Chengleis[5]: 23, 181 
  • Hijan Hirao (Meitei: ꯍꯤꯖꯟ ꯍꯤꯔꯥꯎ), a long narrative poem.[5]: 16–17 
  • Khongchomnupi Nongkalol (Meitei: ꯈꯣꯡꯆꯣꯝꯅꯨꯄꯤ ꯅꯣꯡꯀꯥꯂꯣꯜ). An allegorical description of how the Pleiades and Orion took their places in the sky and how Khurkhul was named. [5]: 54–55 [17]
  • Numit Kappa (Meitei: ꯅꯨꯃꯤꯠ ꯀꯥꯞꯄ, transl: the shooting down of the sun). An epic in which the hero, Khwai Nungjeng Piba, shoots Taothuireng, one of the two Sun gods, in order to create the night.[5]: 23, 26–29 
  • Nungpan Ponpi Luwaopa, (Meitei: ꯅꯨꯡꯄꯥꯟ ꯄꯣꯟꯄꯤ ꯂꯨꯋꯥꯎꯄ). An epic in which Nungpan Ponpi Luwaopa, prince of the Luwang, wins the back the life of his wife Koubaron Namoinu from Thongalen, the God of death.[5]: 23, 46–48, 198, 297 
  • Panthoibi Naheirol (Meitei: ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ ꯅꯥꯍꯩꯔꯣꯜ). the story of the passion of thegoddess Panthoibi for her lover Nongpok Ningthou.[5]: 60, 61, 62 
  • Poireiton Khunthok (Meitei: ꯄꯣꯏꯔꯩꯇꯣꯟ ꯈꯨꯟꯊꯣꯛ). Story of the settlement of a valley near Langol Hill by a band of prople from the land of Death led by Poireiton.[5]: 85=88 [18]
  • Salkao (Meitei: ꯁꯜꯀꯥꯎ, lit. 'male ox'). Records of seven fights between bulls owned by members of the elite.[5]: 87 
  • Tharon (Meitei: ꯊꯥꯔꯣꯟ, transl: lore of months), apoetic account of the twelve lunar months of a year.[5]: 100–101 
  • Yakeiron (Meitei: ꯌꯥꯀꯩꯔꯣꯟ), a poetry collection.[5]: 19–20 

Government and administration[edit]

  • Laisra Pham (Manipuri: ꯂꯥꯏꯁ꯭ꯔꯥ ꯐꯝ)}, a treatise on administration and social conduct.[19][5]: 14 
  • Loyumba Sinyen (Manipuri: ꯂꯣꯌꯨꯝꯕ ꯁꯤꯟꯌꯦꯟ) Constitution of King Loyumbā (1074–1112CE). it defines rules and regulations for the King, his nobles, and the people codified from traditional systems.[5]: 9, 18, 21, 207 

Natural science[edit]

  • Leiron (Meitei: ꯂꯩꯔꯣꯟ, lit. 'account of flowers'), a rhythmic and musical descriptions of 100 flowers known to the Meitei people.[5]: 91–96, 98 
  • Yenlon (Meitei: ꯌꯦꯟꯂꯣꯟ, lit. 'account of herbs'), a description of 66 herbs used by the Meiteis in foods and medicine.[5]: 96–98 

History and geography[edit]

  • Langkol Chingkoipa (Meitei: ꯂꯥꯡꯀꯣꯜ ꯆꯤꯡꯀꯣꯏꯄ, lit. 'Account of the Langgol hills'), description and praise of the extensive Langgol hills.[5][5]: 104–104 
  • Naothingkhong Phambal Kaba (Meitei: ꯅꯥꯎꯊꯤꯡꯈꯣꯡ ꯐꯝꯕꯥꯜ ꯀꯥꯕ), a historical tragedy based on the life of life of Prince Hongnemyoi Khunjāo until his accession to the Meitei throne as Nāothingkhong in 663 A.D. [5]: 14, 21, 49–54, 297 
  • Nongmaiching Chingkoipa (Meitei: ꯅꯣꯡꯃꯥꯏꯆꯤꯡ ꯆꯤꯡꯀꯣꯏꯄ, lit. 'Account of Nongmaiching mountains'), a description of a number of cliffs, slopes and adjacent locations in the Nongmaiching Ching.[5]: 102–103 
  • Chainarol (Meitei: ꯆꯥꯏꯅꯔꯣꯜ, transl: An Account of Combats), a collection of 27 stories of warfare among the clans.[5]: 23, 36–42, 87 
  • Tutenglon (Meitei: ꯇꯨꯇꯦꯡꯂꯣꯟt, transl: dredging the channels of rivers), a heroic account of two Meitei royal brothers, Yoimongbā and Tāothingmāng, who take on the colossal task of dredging the channels of the rivers in Manipur, the Iril and the Imphal.[5]: 24–26 
  • Toreirol Lambuba (Meitei: ꯇꯣꯔꯩꯔꯣꯜ ꯂꯝꯕꯨꯕ, transl: An account of toponyms of places in riverbanks)- describes how places, particularly those located on the banks of meandering rivers, got their names.[5]: 99–100 
  • Thawanthaba Hiran (Meitei: ꯊꯋꯥꯟꯊꯥꯕ ꯍꯤꯔꯥꯟ) a historical tragedy of crime of passion in the court of King Thawānthābā, (1195-1231). [5]: 23, 29–36 

Royal chronicles[edit]

  • Khuman Kangleirol (Meitei: ꯈꯨꯃꯟ ꯀꯪꯂꯩꯔꯣꯜ), ā royal chronicle of Khuman Salai.[5]: 79 
  • Ningthourol Lambuba (Meitei: ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧꯔꯣꯜ ꯂꯝꯕꯨꯕ)
  • Chada Laihui (Meitei: ꯆꯥꯗꯥ ꯂꯥꯏꯍꯨꯏ), a matrilineal genealogy of the Meitei kings, beginning with Chākhā Nuron Piron Yāmbi, mother of Nongdā Lāiren Pākhangba[20]
  • Moirang Ningthourol Lambuba (Meitei: ꯃꯣꯏꯔꯥꯡ ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧꯔꯣꯜ ꯂꯝꯕꯨꯕ), a poetic account of the Moirāng kings.[5]: 71–75, 77–78, 81, 110 

Scripture and religious works[edit]

  • Sanamahi Laihui (Meitei: ꯁꯅꯥꯃꯍꯤ ꯂꯥꯏꯍꯨꯏ)[5]: 84, 148, 149 
  • Panthoibi Khonggul (Meitei: ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ ꯈꯣꯡꯒꯨꯜ)[5]: 58, 59, 60 
  • Pakhangba Laihui (Meitei: ꯄꯥꯈꯪꯕ ꯂꯥꯏꯍꯨꯏ)[5]: 84 
  • Nongsaba Laihui (Meitei: ꯅꯣꯡꯁꯥꯕ ꯂꯥꯏꯍꯨꯏ)[5]: 83 

Songs[edit]

  • Ahonglon (Meitei: ꯑꯍꯣꯡꯂꯣꯟ), joyous ritual song of Royal festivals dating back to at least the 11th century. Mentioned in the Loyumbā Sinyen.[5]: 17–18 
  • Anoirol (Meitei: ꯑꯅꯣꯏꯔꯣꯜ), a long song accompanied by the penā in that describes the evolution of dance.[5]: 13–15 
  • Apoklon (Meitei: ꯑꯄꯣꯛꯂꯣꯟ) hymns to the creator, Apopka.[5]: 22 
  • Khencho (Meitei: ꯈꯦꯟꯆꯣ) religious song or poem.[5]: 14–15 
  • Kumdamsei (Meitei: ꯀꯨꯝꯗꯝꯁꯩ) ritual song that ushers in a new season.[5]: 21 
  • Lairemma Paosa (Meitei: ꯂꯥꯏꯔꯦꯝꯃ ꯄꯥꯎꯁꯥ), religious song or poem.[5]: 15 
  • Loutā Eesei (Meitei: ꯂꯧꯇꯥ ꯏꯁꯩ), hymn sung before ploughing begins, prayer for a bountiful harvest.[5]: 22 
  • Langmeilon (Meitei: ꯂꯪꯃꯥꯏꯂꯣꯟ), sung to celebrate a King's victory or coronation. connected with the celebration of the king's victory or of his coronation.[5]: 20 
  • Mei (Meitei: ꯃꯩ) hymn to the fire god.[5]: 21–22 
  • Ougri (Meitei: ꯑꯧꯒ꯭ꯔꯤ), very old ritual song, sung at the coronation of Nongdā Lāiren Pākhangbā in 33 A.D.[5]: 13–14 
  • Pakhangba Langyensei (Meitei: ꯄꯥꯈꯪꯕ ꯂꯥꯡꯌꯦꯟꯁꯩ), ritual song, coronation ceremonial poetry, philosophical riddles.[5]: 20 
  • Phoukouron (Meitei: ꯐꯧꯀꯧꯔꯣꯟ), hymn to Phouoibi, goddess of crops.[5]: 22–23 
  • Sana, Lamok (Meitei: ꯁꯅꯥ ꯂꯝꯑꯣꯛ, lit. 'royal welcome'), ā hymn to Pākhangbā, one of the presiding deities of the Meitei community.[5]: 21 
  • Yakeiba (Meitei: ꯌꯥꯀꯩꯕꯥ) ritual song.[5]: 18–19 

Translations and literary adaptations to modern Meitei[edit]

Many scholars and writers, including but not limited to M. Chandra Singh,[21] Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra[22] and O. Bogheswor,[23] have dedicated their long lives in the translations, literary adaptations and restorations of ancient Meitei literary works. The contributions of these group of people make the new generations of readers aware of the essence and values of the old literature. In addition to them, the Manipuri Sahitya Parishad published books of old literature along with the modern versions.[24][25]

Significance in modern times[edit]

The Civil Services Examination (CSE), conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), for the recruitment of the bureaucrat civil services of the Government of India, offers its aspirant candidates across the entire country an optional subject of Meitei literature.[26]

See also[edit]

Notes[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Datta, Amaresh (1987). Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: A-Devo. Sahitya Akademi. p. 142. ISBN 978-81-260-1803-1.
  2. ^ Walter, Mariko Namba; Fridman, Eva Jane Neumann (15 December 2004). Shamanism [2 volumes]: An Encyclopedia of World Beliefs, Practices, and Culture [2 volumes]. Bloomsbury Publishing USA. p. 573. ISBN 978-1-57607-646-0.
  3. ^ Assam (India) (1899). Report on the Administration of the Province of Assam. University of California. p. 20.
  4. ^ a b c Paniker, Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 326. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
  5. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature (in English and Manipuri). India: Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.
  6. ^ Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam. "Poireiton Khunthokpa". History Of Old Manipuri Literature (in English and Manipuri). India: Digital Library of India. pp. 121, 122. The Poireiton Khunthokpa, is the most conspicuous one of all pre-Garibniwaz manuscripts. From a linguistic point of view, it seems to be much earlier than any of the books yet come under our view. Circumstantial and other incidental evidences would confirm that the book might have been of the time of the third century A. D. It describes the colonization of the valley by a band of prople from the land of Death under Poireiton. They first established their colony near the Langol Hill; probably the vast area between the Koubru Hill and the Langol Hill was their kingdom. --Report on the Archaeological studies in Manipur Bulletin No. 1-by W. Yumjao Singh, pp 18-19.
  7. ^ a b "The relationship between Thang-Ta & Meitei Pung maintained by our Ancient ..." (PDF). ccrtindia.gov.in. Centre for Cultural Resources and Training. p. 4.
  8. ^ Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi (16 June 2019). Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. Lulu.com. p. 119. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
  9. ^ Mukherjee, Sujit (1998). A Dictionary of Indian Literature: Beginnings-1850. Orient Blackswan. p. 280. ISBN 978-81-250-1453-9.
  10. ^ Society and Economy in North-East India. Regency Publications. 2004. ISBN 978-81-87498-83-4.
  11. ^ Zama, Margaret Ch (2013). Emerging Literatures from Northeast India: The Dynamics of Culture, Society and Identity. SAGE Publishing India. p. 79. ISBN 978-81-321-1746-9.
  12. ^ North East India History Association. Session (2003). Proceedings of North East India History Association. The Association.
  13. ^ Dr. Yumlembam Gopi Devi (16 June 2019). Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. Lulu.com. p. 119. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
  14. ^ Ray, Asok Kumar; Chakraborty, Satyabrata (2008). Society, Politics, and Development in North East India: Essays in Memory of Dr. Basudeb Datta Ray. Concept Publishing Company. p. 88. ISBN 978-81-8069-572-8.
  15. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1993). Manipur: Treatise & Documents. Mittal Publications. p. 2. ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5. Manipur, known as 'Meetei Leipak' or 'Kangleipak' in the two millennia old Meetei manuscripts had experienced some form of constitutional government under a proto-Constitution in 429 A.D. which was reduced to a final format in 1110 A.D. Constitution entitled 'Loiyamba Shinyen' during the regime of King Loyumba.
  16. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1991). Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001. Mittal Publications. p. 304. ISBN 978-81-7099-271-4. The constitutionalism had developed with the adoption of a prototype of a constitution in 429 A.D. which was finally moulded into the written constitution in 1110 A.D., called 'Loyumba Shinyen' till it was substituted by Manipur State Constitution Act, 1947 which operated till Manipur's merger with India on October 15, 1949.
  17. ^ Devi, Lairenlakpam Bino (2002). The Lois of Manipur: Andro, Khurkhul, Phayeng and Sekmai. India: Mittal Publications. p. 16. ISBN 978-81-7099-849-5.
  18. ^ Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam. "Poireiton Khunthokpa". History Of Old Manipuri Literature (in English and Manipuri). India: Digital Library of India. pp. 121, 122.
  19. ^ Himalaya Today - Volume 4, Issue 1 - Volume 5, Issue 1. Himalaya Today Publications. 1992. p. 49.
  20. ^ Datta, Amaresh (1987). Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: A-Devo. India: Sahitya Akademi. p. 605. ISBN 978-81-260-1803-1.
  21. ^ Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1993). Folk Culture of Manipur. Manas Publications. p. 115. ISBN 978-81-7049-063-0. Late Pandit M. Chandra Singh, Thaynagi Meitei Sahitya (Old Literature of Manipur), included in the speech collection of 1952 published by Manipur Sahitya Parishad, ...
  22. ^ Ahluwalia, B. K. (1984). "Literature". Social Change in Manipur. India: Cultural Publishing House. p. 58. Exploring in the field of ancient Manipuri literature, N. Khelachandra Singh has brought out 'Manipuri Shahityagi ...
  23. ^ George, K. M. (1992). Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Plays and prose. India: Sahitya Akademi. pp. 427, 431, 432. ISBN 978-81-7201-783-5.
  24. ^ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (25 November 2020). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. p. 139. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.
  25. ^ Roy, Jyotirmoy (1973). "Literature; Religion, Literature and Dance". History of Manipur. India: Eastlight Book House. pp. 176, 178, 182.
  26. ^ "UPSC Manipuri Literature Syllabus for IAS Mains". BYJUS. Retrieved 1 August 2023.

External links[edit]

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