A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO KANGLEIPAK / MANIPUR:
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manipur
Location of Kangleipak / Manipur
KANGLEIPAK / MANIPUR:
Manipur (Kangleipak) (Pron:/məɳɪpʊr/) Manipur is a state in northeastern India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. Its people include the Meetei, Pangal, Naga, and Kuki, who speak different languages of branches of the Tibeto-Burman family. The state is bounded by Nagaland to the north, Mizoramto the south, and Assam to the west; Burma lies to the east. It covers an area of 22,327 square kilometres (8,621 sq mi).
The Meetei, who live primarily in the state's valley region, form the primary ethnic group (60% of the total population). Their language, Meeteilon (also known as Manipuri), is the lingua franca in the state.
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| Location of Kangleipak / Manipur |
Manipur (Kangleipak) (Pron:/məɳɪpʊr/) Manipur is a state in northeastern India, with the city of Imphal as its capital. Its people include the Meetei, Pangal, Naga, and Kuki, who speak different languages of branches of the Tibeto-Burman family. The state is bounded by Nagaland to the north, Mizoramto the south, and Assam to the west; Burma lies to the east. It covers an area of 22,327 square kilometres (8,621 sq mi).
For more information, read more at : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manipur
History:
Manipur was an independent country. Manipur came under British rule as a princely state (kangleipak) in 1891. During World War II, Manipur was the scene of many fierce battles between the Japanese and the Allied forces. The Japanese were beaten back before they could enter Imphal, which was one of the turning points of the war. After the war, the Manipur Constitution Act of 1947 established a democratic form of government, with the Maharaja as the Executive Head and an elected legislature. When India achieved independence in 1947, Manipur acceded to the new Union (through controversial Merger Agreement).
Manipur was a union territory from 1962 and later became a full-fledged state in 1972.M.K. Priyobarta became the first state Chief Minister (1972–74).
History:
Manipur was an independent country. Manipur came under British rule as a princely state (kangleipak) in 1891. During World War II, Manipur was the scene of many fierce battles between the Japanese and the Allied forces. The Japanese were beaten back before they could enter Imphal, which was one of the turning points of the war. After the war, the Manipur Constitution Act of 1947 established a democratic form of government, with the Maharaja as the Executive Head and an elected legislature. When India achieved independence in 1947, Manipur acceded to the new Union (through controversial Merger Agreement).
Geography and Climate:
Manipur is one of the seven states of Northeast India. The state is bound by Nagaland in the north, Mizoram in the south, Assam in the west, and by the borders of the country Burma in the east as well as in the south. The state capital of Manipur is Imphal. The state lies at latitude of 23°83’N – 25°68’N and longitude of 93°03’E – 94°78’E. The total area covered by the state is 22,347 km². The capital lies in an oval-shaped valley of approximately 700 square miles (2,000 km2) surrounded by blue mountains and is at an elevation of 790 metres above the sea level. The slope of the valley is from north to south. The mountain ranges prevent the cold winds from the north from reaching the valley and bar cyclonic storms originating from the Bay of Bengal.
Four major river basins are in Manipur State: the Barak River Basin (Barak Valley) to the west, the Manipur River Basin in central Manipur, the Yu River Basin in the east, and a portion of the Lanye River Basin in the north. The total water resources of Barak and Manipur river basins are about 1.8487 Mham. The overall water balance of the state amounts to 0.7236 Mham in the annual water budget. (By way of comparison, India receives 400 Mham (million hectare meters) of rain annually) The Barak River, the largest of Manipur, originates in the Manipur Hills and is joined by a number of tributaries such as the Irang, Maku, and Tuivai. After its junction with the Tuivai, the Barak River turns north and forms the border with Assam State, and then enters the Cachar, Assam just above Lakhipur. The Manipur river basin has eight major rivers: the Manipur, Imphal, Iril, Nambul, Sekmai, Chakpi, Thoubal and Khuga. All these rivers originate from the surrounding hills.
Almost all the rivers in the valley area are in the mature stage and, therefore, deposit their sediment load in the Loktak lake. The rivers draining the Manipur Hills are comparatively young, due to the hilly terrain through which they flow. These rivers are corrosive in nature and assume turbulent form in the rainy season. Important rivers draining the western area include the Maku, Barak, Jiri, Irang and Leimatak. Rivers draining the eastern part of the state, the Yu River Basin, include the Chamu, Khunou and other short streams.
Physiographically, Manipur may be characterised in two distinct physical regions – an outlying area of rugged hills and narrow valleys, and the inner area of flat plain, with all associated land forms. These two areas are not only distinct in respect of physical features but are also conspicuous with regard to various flora and fauna. The valley region would have been a monotonous, featureless plain but for a number of hills and mounds rising above the flat surface. The Loktak lake is an important feature of the central plain. The total area occupied by all the lakes is about 600 km². The altitude ranges from 40 m at Jiribam to 2,994 m at Mt. Iso Peak near Mao Songsong.
The soil cover can be divided into two broad types, viz. the red ferruginous soil in the hill area and the alluvium in the valley. The valley soils generally contain loam, small rock fragments, sand and sandy clay, and are quite varied. On the plains, especially flood plains and deltas, the soil is quite thick. The top soil on the steep slopes is very thin. Soil on the steep hill slopes is subject to high erosion, resulting in gullies and barren rock slopes. The normal pH value ranges from 5.4 to 6.8. The climate of the State is salubrious with approximate average annual rainfall varying from 933 mm at Imphal to 2593 mm at Tamenglong. The temperature ranges from sub-zero to 36°C.
Due to its natural beauty Manipur is known as the 'Switzerland of India'.
Manipur, as the name suggests, is a land of jewels. Its rich culture excels in every aspects as in martial arts, dance, theatre and sculpture. The charm of the place is the greenery with the moderate climate making it a tourists' heaven. The beautiful and seasonal Shirui Lily at Ukhrul (district), Sangai (Brow antlered deer) and the floating islands at Loktak Lake are few of the rare things found in Manipur. Polo, which can be called a royal game, also originated from Manipur.
Manipuri Language: Meeteilon, a Tibeto-Burman language, the official language of Manipur, has a long history. It is the main language of communication among the different tribes and people inhabiting Manipur. English is slowly gaining ground as a common language of communication, especially in the cities.
- Besides Meetei Lon, there are 29 different dialects spoken in Manipur. The ten main hill dialects are recognised by Government of Manipur for the medium of instruction and examination up to class XII are:
- Thadou dialect of Thadou people, the second language in the state after Meiteilon during the Colonial Period.
- Vaiphei dialect of Vaiphei people
- Tangkhul, dialect of Tangkhul people
- Paite, dialect of Paite people
- Hmar, dialect of Hmar people
- Mao, dialect of Mao people
- Lianglad, dialect of Liangmai Naga People
- Rongmei, dialect of Rongmei people
- Maring, dialect of Maring Naga/Maring, Maring Khoibu, Maring Narum-saibol people
- Maram, dialect of Maram Naga
- Besides Meetei Lon, there are 29 different dialects spoken in Manipur. The ten main hill dialects are recognised by Government of Manipur for the medium of instruction and examination up to class XII are:
Meeteilon has been recognised as the official Manipuri language by the Indian Union and has been included since 1992 in the list of scheduled languages (included in the 8th schedule by the 71st amendment of the constitution in 1992). Meitei is taught as a subject up to postgraduate level (Ph D) in Indian universities, apart from being a medium of instruction up to the undergraduate level in Manipur.
Manipuri Script:
Meetei Mayek is a script, commonly referred as Mayek, which has been used since ancient times. The origins of the Manipuri alphabet, or Meetei Mayek as it is known in Manipuri, are unknown. Many historical documents were destroyed at the beginning of the 18th century during the reign of King Pamheiba. Some believe the alphabet has been used for almost 4,000 years.
Between 1709 and the middle of the 20th century, the Manipuri language was written with the Bengali alphabet. During the 1940s and 50s, Manipuri scholars began campaigning to bring back the Manipuri alphabet. In 1976 at a writers conference, all the scholars agreed on a new version of the alphabet; it contains several additional letters to represent sounds not present in the language when the script was first developed. The current Manipuri script is a reconstruction of the ancient Manipuri script. Since the early 1980s, the Manipuri alphabet has been taught in schools in Manipur. Manipuri language is written in Meetei Mayek alphabet more widely than Bengali alphabet in modern times.
Religion:The people of Manipur follow several faiths and religions which can be traced to its history. Sanamahism is an ancient indigenous religion. The Sanamahi worship is concentrated around the Sun God/Sanamahi. The early Manipuri worshipped a Supreme deity, Lainingthou Soraleland followed their ancestors. Their ancestor worship and animism was based on Umang Lai – that is, ethnic governing deities worshipped in sacred groves. Some of the gods (Lais) whom Manipuri worship are Atiya Sidaba, Pakhangba, Sanamahi, Leimaren, Oknarel, Panganba, Thangjing, Marjing, Wangbaren, and Koubru.
Manipuri Script:
Meetei Mayek is a script, commonly referred as Mayek, which has been used since ancient times. The origins of the Manipuri alphabet, or Meetei Mayek as it is known in Manipuri, are unknown. Many historical documents were destroyed at the beginning of the 18th century during the reign of King Pamheiba. Some believe the alphabet has been used for almost 4,000 years.
Between 1709 and the middle of the 20th century, the Manipuri language was written with the Bengali alphabet. During the 1940s and 50s, Manipuri scholars began campaigning to bring back the Manipuri alphabet. In 1976 at a writers conference, all the scholars agreed on a new version of the alphabet; it contains several additional letters to represent sounds not present in the language when the script was first developed. The current Manipuri script is a reconstruction of the ancient Manipuri script. Since the early 1980s, the Manipuri alphabet has been taught in schools in Manipur. Manipuri language is written in Meetei Mayek alphabet more widely than Bengali alphabet in modern times.
Religion:The people of Manipur follow several faiths and religions which can be traced to its history. Sanamahism is an ancient indigenous religion. The Sanamahi worship is concentrated around the Sun God/Sanamahi. The early Manipuri worshipped a Supreme deity, Lainingthou Soraleland followed their ancestors. Their ancestor worship and animism was based on Umang Lai – that is, ethnic governing deities worshipped in sacred groves. Some of the gods (Lais) whom Manipuri worship are Atiya Sidaba, Pakhangba, Sanamahi, Leimaren, Oknarel, Panganba, Thangjing, Marjing, Wangbaren, and Koubru.
GAMES AND SPORTS: Information from the site owners:---
Dear readers, our main aim in this section is just share the sports movement, achievements, the winners of KANGLEIPAK / MANIPUR. our aim is to collect all the present and bygone winners who are not known to the general people. This site is meant for KANGLEICHAS / MANIPURIS and all sports lovers around the world.
We will try to collect all the winners of Manipur, who have brought and bringing the fame and reputation of Manipur irrespective of caste, colour, creed, community and race. We may take time to collect. But we will collect all those who have done and doing Kangleichas / Manipuris proud for future generations.
The achievements of Manipur are very much associated with the legacy left behind the ancient forefathers. The ancient indigenous games associated with Kangleichas / Manipuris have contributed a lot to adapt to the present modern games and sports. Some of the ancient games and martial arts have helped the present Kangleichas / Manipuris to excel in the present modern games and sports.
Let us know some of the Indigenous Games of Kangleipak / Manipur :--
Indigenous Games: The indigenous gmes of Kangleipak / Manipur can be classified as Outdoor Games and Indoor Games.(A) Outdoor Games: Some of the outdoor games are:-
(i) Mukna (Wrestling), (ii) Mukna Kangjei / Khong Kangjei ( Wrestling Hockey), (iii) Sagol Kangjei (Polo), (iv) Yubi Lakpi ( Gugby), (v) Oo Laobi (somewhat similar to Kabaddi),(vi) Hiyang Tannaba ( Boat Racing ), (vii) Arambai Hunba.
GAMES AND SPORTS: Information from the site owners:---
Dear readers, our main aim in this section is just share the sports movement, achievements, the winners of KANGLEIPAK / MANIPUR. our aim is to collect all the present and bygone winners who are not known to the general people. This site is meant for KANGLEICHAS / MANIPURIS and all sports lovers around the world.
We will try to collect all the winners of Manipur, who have brought and bringing the fame and reputation of Manipur irrespective of caste, colour, creed, community and race. We may take time to collect. But we will collect all those who have done and doing Kangleichas / Manipuris proud for future generations.
The achievements of Manipur are very much associated with the legacy left behind the ancient forefathers. The ancient indigenous games associated with Kangleichas / Manipuris have contributed a lot to adapt to the present modern games and sports. Some of the ancient games and martial arts have helped the present Kangleichas / Manipuris to excel in the present modern games and sports.
Let us know some of the Indigenous Games of Kangleipak / Manipur :--
Indigenous Games: The indigenous gmes of Kangleipak / Manipur can be classified as Outdoor Games and Indoor Games.(A) Outdoor Games: Some of the outdoor games are:-
(i) Mukna (Wrestling), (ii) Mukna Kangjei / Khong Kangjei ( Wrestling Hockey), (iii) Sagol Kangjei (Polo), (iv) Yubi Lakpi ( Gugby), (v) Oo Laobi (somewhat similar to Kabaddi),(vi) Hiyang Tannaba ( Boat Racing ), (vii) Arambai Hunba.
The achievements of Manipur are very much associated with the legacy left behind the ancient forefathers. The ancient indigenous games associated with Kangleichas / Manipuris have contributed a lot to adapt to the present modern games and sports. Some of the ancient games and martial arts have helped the present Kangleichas / Manipuris to excel in the present modern games and sports.
Let us know some of the Indigenous Games of Kangleipak / Manipur :--
Indigenous Games: The indigenous gmes of Kangleipak / Manipur can be classified as Outdoor Games and Indoor Games.(A) Outdoor Games: Some of the outdoor games are:-
(i) Mukna (Wrestling), (ii) Mukna Kangjei / Khong Kangjei ( Wrestling Hockey), (iii) Sagol Kangjei (Polo), (iv) Yubi Lakpi ( Gugby), (v) Oo Laobi (somewhat similar to Kabaddi),(vi) Hiyang Tannaba ( Boat Racing ), (vii) Arambai Hunba.
Mukna (Wrestling): Mukna is a popular form of wrestling. It has fundamental rules agreed by all Mukna organisations and with Royal Consent. Traditionally the game is controlled and organised by Pana Loisang of the Ruler of the state and village organisations. There are four, Panas-Ahallup, Naharup, Khabam and Laipham, who control all fixtures and times for the games and the State Meet in which the Final is invariably graced by the ruler, who presents the title of Jatra(Champion) for the year along with reward of Thum Nama (A full bag of salt) and Ngabong Phi (hand made cloth of cotton yarn), exemption of all state duties and Ningham Samjin dress (traditional). The game has two categories (1) Takhatnabi (League), (2) Naitom (Knockout). The young talents work and play all the year round with dedication for the title of 'Jatra' (Champion) of Mukna of Manipur.
Mukna Kangjei / Khong Kangjei ( Wrestling Hockey):
Mukna Kangjei is a game which combines the arts of mukna (wrestling) and Kangjei (Cane Stick) to play the ball made of seasoned bamboo roots. The origin of the game goes back well to Aniconic worship. People celebrate Lai Haraoba(festival to please traditional deities) and include this item to mark the end of the festival. It was believed that Khagemba Ningthou (King, 1597–1652) patronised this game. In later generations, the game is organised in the villages. Presently, associations are formed in Panas with rules and regulations of Mukna Kangjei. The game is played by two teams of seven players each. All players hold a natural cane stick with root, gradually increasing the size of the root, to the length of about seven inches to play the ball made out of seasoned bamboo roots of approximately a diameter of four inches (102 mm). The players put on Mukna Kisi Phijet (dress of cloth knot) to secure protection and holding each other. At present a short pant is added below Kisi (like cloth belt with knots). The game starts by throwing the ball in front of the panjenbas (leaders) of the two teams standing face to face to each other on the line. If possible they can pick up the ball and run. The process of running and obstructing each other to put the ball on the goal line of the ground is allowed, Pun onba (change of side) and end of the game is given by the command of the umpire. The rules for the game are known as Kangjei lon. It has improved a lot and was demonstrated during the Fifth National Games 1999 at Imphal.
Sagol Kangjei ( Polo):
To Manipuris according to Chaitharol-Kumbaba, a Royal Chronicle of Manipur King Kangba who ruled Manipur much earlier than Nongda Lairen Pakhangba (33 AD) introduced Sagol Kangjei (Khong kangjei|Kangjei on horse back). Further regular playing of this game commenced in 1605 during the reign of King Khagemba under newly framed rules of the game. The game requires perfect control of the pony, the stick and the ball with proficiency of riding. The sense of 'fair Play' was the main guided factor of this game. This is played between two teams of Seven players a side. During the time of the late Sir Chandrakirti Singh, K.C.S.I Maharaja of Manipur introduced regular game at Mapal Kangjeibung (now near Tikendrajit Park) on the ground of Sana-Lamjei (length 160 and 80 width in dimension) being one Lamjei equal to 6 ft (1.8 m) The game can be played in smaller ground also if occasion demands. Earlier, there was no definite rules for foul in traditional Sagol Kangjei. Manipur has produced players of outstanding calibres like Jubaraj Bir Tikendraji (Senapati of Manipur Army) as legendary player described by Mrs. Grimwood (1887–90). After 1891, Manipur produced outstanding players like (L) Ojha Tombi and Shyamjai Sharma who never had the chance to play in international tournament. From the history it is an established fact and accepted that Manipur is the birthplace of Polo of the World.
Yubi Lakpi (Coconut Rugby):
Yubi lakpi is a traditional game played in Manipur, India, using a coconut, which has some notable similarities to Rugby. Despite these similarities, the name is not related to the game of rugby or Rugby School in England, it is in fact of Manipuri origin, and means literally "coconut snatching".
Oo Laobi (Somewhat similar to Kabaddi):
Oo Laobi (Woo-Laobi) is an outdoor game mainly played by females. Meitei mythology believes that UmangLai Heloi-Taret (seven deities–seven fairies) played this game on the Courtyard of the temple of Umang Lai Lairembi. The number of participants is not fixed but are divided into two groups (size as per agreement). Players are divided as into Raiders (Attackers) or Defenders (Avoiders).
If Raiders are tired they declare for change and a time limit is decided on. The principles of Oolaobi are very similar to Kabaddi in India. The ground (court) is not marked; normally the open space in the premises of the house or temple is used for the game. Oolaobi is very popular with girls and a source of talent in Kabaddi.
The Raiders say "oo" without stopping as long as they can continue and try to touch the Avoiders. If a Raider touches an Avoider is out, the Avoider is out. This process goes on till Avoiders are out or surrender. If a raider fails to say "oo" or is out of breath, the Raider is out. Points are counted on the elimination of Raiders/Defenders.
Hiyang Tannaba (Boat Race):
Hiyang tannaba (Hi Yangba Tannaba) is a traditional function of the Panas. This is held during the month of November. This was introduced during the time of Ningthourel Khunjaoba, the second son of King Khagemba, who dug the Kangla Moat around the Palace to make it impregnable in the year of 1660 after he ascended the throne in 1652.In the traditional function two boats "Tanahi" (Race Boat) are detailed for leaders known as "Tengmai Lappa". In each boat forty Hiroys (Boatsman) operate the boat. The boat which reaches the finishing line is the winner and all boatsman raise their (Now) oars high in the air as a sign of reaching the finishing line first and thus the winner of the race is declared. The leader pays his respect to the deity and the King of Manipur.
Arambai Hunba:
People of Manipur are very fond of riding horses specially those who are in the village near the breeding areas. Since the ponies are easily available, the young boys get the chance of riding ponies without saddle on horse back. Sometimes they ride horse using a rope in place of regular bridle throwing branches of small trees in place of Arambai. This practice helped the Manipur Arambai force as a martial art which was very much required during the advance and withdrawal of forces. This art was very popular as an indigenous game of the youth of Manipur. This game is displayed even now, during the festival "Kwak Jatra" after Durga Puja.Apart from these games, some outdoor games, which are played by children, are in a position of extinction. The games like Khutlokpi, Phibul Thomba, Chaphu Thugaibi etc. are very popular game in Cambodia. Such games are played especially during the Khmer New Year.
(B) Indoor Games: Some of the indoor games of Kangleipak / Manipur are:--
Kang:
Kang is played by both male and female Meities of Manipur. Manipuris believe Kang is a game played by deity " Panthoibi". It is also believed that Manipuris began to play this game well before Vaishnavism came to Manipur. It is culturally a fine game of Manipur specially of Meiteis. It is played under a shed of building on an earth ground (court) smoothly levelled to suit the course of the 'Kang' the target on the court. It is well marked for the respective positions of the players of both to hit the target on the court. It has rules and regulations formed by the associations to suit the occasions of the games either for tournaments or Friendly. The dignitaries of the Palace, even Queen and King also participated on social functions. In olden days 'Kang' was played during summer, starting from Cheiraoba (Manipur New Year) to Kang Chingba. Presently the game is played in several tournaments throughout the year, organised by the Associations. Rules and regulations have been modified to suit the improved process of the game.
The above points are a brief introduction of Kangleipak / Mnipur. As the enthusiats of Games and Sports of our own motherland Kangleipak / Manipur, we would like to view that:--
"Kangleipak / Manipur has a rich tardition of Games and Sports. Manipur may be very small in size and population, her achievement in present National and International Games and Sports is unbelievable!!!
Manipur has produced so many National, International, Asian and World champions and winners. If achievements of Manipur are properly analysed, one will realise that Manipur has exceeded than some bigger countries in the achievement of sports.
The players of Manipur are not achieving by sudden, but simply following the LEGACY left behind by the Kanglei forefathers.The present achievements in Games and Sports both at National and International levels are influenced by sporting spirit of the individuals and sporting legacy left behind the forefathers."
Manipur has produced so many National, International, Asian and World champions and winners. If achievements of Manipur are properly analysed, one will realise that Manipur has exceeded than some bigger countries in the achievement of sports.
The players of Manipur are not achieving by sudden, but simply following the LEGACY left behind by the Kanglei forefathers.The present achievements in Games and Sports both at National and International levels are influenced by sporting spirit of the individuals and sporting legacy left behind the forefathers."
Hayum Sidaba...!!!
Eramdamna yaifarey...!!!
Eramdamna yaifarey...!!!
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