Classicism in Meitei culture
(Classicalism in Meitei culture)
Clockwise from top: the depiction of Lai Haraoba classical performance[lower-alpha 1] on the Republic Day of India,[1] the Khamba Thoibi classical dance,[lower-alpha 1][lower-alpha 2] the Thang-Ta classical martial art,[lower-alpha 3] the ancient Meitei language text Numit Kappa, Armenian stamp illustrating Manipuri classical dance as the "national dance" of India,[lower-alpha 4][lower-alpha 5]
Cultural originsMeitei culture
Related topics
Intangible cultural heritage of Meitei civilization

The cultural heritages of Meitei civilization has classicism in diverse traditions of cinemas, dances, language, literature, music, theatre, etc.

In dances

The steps, gaits and poses of using thang (Meitei for 'sword') and ta (Meitei for 'spear') in the traditional Meitei dance-cum-martial art form of Thang-Ta form the basic foundation of the classical choreographic steps of Lai Haraoba, Manipuri Raas Leela, Meitei Sankirtana and Pung Cholom.[10]

The Manipuri classical dance, also known as the Manipuri Raas Leela (Meitei: ꯖꯒꯣꯏ ꯔꯥꯁ/ꯔꯥꯁ ꯖꯒꯣꯏ, romanized: Jagoi Raas/Raas Jagoi[11][12][13]), is a jagoi and is one of the major Indian classical dance drama forms, originating from Kangleipak (Meitei for 'Manipur').[14] Formally developed by Meitei Hindu King Ching Thang Khomba (Meitei for 'Rajarshi Bhagyachandra') of Manipur Kingdom in the 18th century CE,[15][16][17] the Manipuri classical dance form, which is considered to be the highest spiritual expression of the worship of Hindu deity Krishna,[18] spreads across the Indian subcontinent in subsequent centuries.[19] Owing to its huge influences on the diverse cultural heritages across India, it is recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India as one of the few primary classical dance forms of the Republic of India,[20] and is honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Manipuri every year.[21]

Pung Cholom and Meitei Nata Sankirtana are the other classical dance forms, which are also related to the Manipuri Raas Leela.[22]

The ritualistic and theatrical dances of the Lai Haraoba, in general and one of its primary forms, the Khamba Thoibi Jagoi (Meitei for 'Khamba Thoibi dance') in particular, are also considered to be classical dances.[23] Notably, Lai Haraoba's Khamba Thoibi Jagoi (Meitei for 'Khamba Thoibi dance') is one of the cultural elements, giving inspirations to the development of the Manipuri Raas Leela classical dance drama form.[24]

In music

Nat (a shortened form of Meitei Nat Sankirtan)[25] is a classical form of music of Manipur. It is a product of the Sanskritisation of traditional Meitei culture with Hindu culture by the Brahmanas, having 6 ragas and 36 raginis.[26]

Contrasting to the other forms of Indian classical music, which are performed by sitting, in the Meitei Nata-Sankirtana, artists perform musical instruments as well as sing songs, simultaneously performing the delicate movements of the body and hands, based on the form of Khuthek Anoi (Meitei for 'language of hand movements'), aligning to different footsteps, based on the Khongthang Anoi (Meitei for 'language of footsteps').[27]

In language and literature

"The beginning of this old Manipuri literature (as in the case of Newari) may go back to 1500 years, or even 2000 years, from now."[28]

—Suniti Kumar Chatterji, Padma Vibhushan awardee Indian scholar

Meitei language (Meitei: ꯃꯩꯇꯩꯂꯣꯟ/মৈতৈলোন, romanized: Meiteilon), also known as Manipuri language (Meitei: ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ/মণিপুরী), is a classical language of Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan linguistic family, having a literary tradition of not less than 2000 years.[29] Some of the early literary works include the Ougri (c. 1st century CE musical composition),[30] the Numit Kappa (c. 1st century CE narrative work),[31] the Poireiton Khunthok (c. 3rd century CE narrative work),[32] the Khencho (pre-7th century CE musical composition),[33] 6th-7th century CE copper plate inscriptions of king Khongtekcha,[34] the Panthoibi Khonggul (c. 8th century CE narrative work),[35] the Loiyumpa Silyel (c. 11th-12th century CE written Constitution, drafted in 429 CE), etc.[36] Besides, Meitei language is best known for its classical association with the Manipuri classical dance and other intangible cultural heritages of Meitei civilization.[37]

Khamba Thoibi Sheireng (Meitei for 'Epic of Khamba and Thoibi'), the third longest Indian epic poem, next to the Mahabharata and the Ramayana, is a classical Meitei epic poem,[38] having 39,000 lines, and is regarded as the national epic of the Manipuris.[39] The Meitei classic tale of Khamba and Thoibi became an Assamese classic as well, after being translated into Assamese language as "Khamba Thoibir Sadhukatha", by Assamese author and anthropologist Rajanikanta Bordoloi (1869-1939).[40][41]

Besides the Khamba Thoibi, other notable ancient Meitei narrative literary works which are considered to be classics, include the Nungpan Ponpi Luwaopa, the Chainarol and the story of Petanga.[42]

The tales of Meitei folklore, which are considered to be classical in heights, include the stories of Sandrembi and Cheisra,[43] Emoinu (Imoinu),[44] Hanuba Hanubi Paan Thaaba, Pebet and Hoidong Lamboiba, Thabaton and Keibu Keioiba, Lai Khutshangbi, Uchek Langmeidong, Eeta Thangmei and Tapta.[45]

Since ancient times, it was continuously used to be the sole "court language" of the Durbar (court) as well as all the other courts in the Kingdom of Manipur,[46] later even officially declared as such in the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947, before Manipur became a territory of the Republic of India.[47]

Owing to its huge literary heritage of ancient and medieval eras written in traditional Meitei script,[48] it was recognised by the Sahitya Akademi of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India as one of the major advanced languages of India in 1972, and since then, it was honoured annually with the Sahitya Akademi Award for Meitei, the Sahitya Akademi Translation Prize for Meitei, the Yuva Puraskar for Meitei and the Bal Sahitya Puraskar Award for Meitei.[49] Later, it was again recognised by the Government of India as an official scheduled language, enlisted in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India in 1992.[50] Since 2013,[51] Meitei classical language movement for the official recognition of Meitei as a "classical language" is carried out widespreadly, in Manipur, Assam and Tripura, endorsed by the Government of Manipur, several civil society organizations and various language experts.[52]

In cinemas and theatres

World Classic

Ishanou (Meitei for 'The Chosen One'), a 1990 Indian Meitei language film, was screened in the Un Certain Regard section in the 1991 Cannes Film Festival,[53] and again after a gap of 33 years, it was recognized as a "World Classic" in the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Notably, it was the only film selected from India for the event in that year.[54][55][56]

Meitei adaptations of classical Greco-Roman plays

Numerous theatrical plays based on Antigone, a princess from ancient Greek mythology, was and is frequently produced in Meitei language in its own adaptation,[57][58][59] in Imphal.[60] Malemnganbi is a Meitei adaptation of Sophocles' ancient Greek tragedy play named Antigone, rescripted by Makhonmani Mongsaba and directed by Chanam Nillabira Meitei.[61] In 1985–86, Lengshonnei, a play based on Antigone, adapted into Meitei language, by Ratan Thiyam, was performed in Imphal.[62][63] Some sources say that he adapted from Antigone (Sophocles play)[64][65] while some others assert that it was from Antigone (Brecht play).[66][67][68]

Hojang Taret is a classical Meitei language play based on Euripides's ancient Greek tragedy named "The Phoenician Women".[69] Directed by Oasis Sougaijam and produced by The Umbilical Theatre in Imphal,[70][71][72] the play shows the moral uncertainty of the royal sibling rivalry that led to the destruction of the ancient city of Thebes, Greece.[73][74][75]

Bacchae (Thiyam play) is a classical Meitei language play, based on the eponymous ancient Greek tragedy, authored by Euripides (480-406 BCE), one of the 3 tragedians of classical Athens. Directed by Thawai Thiyam, the Meitei play shows the story of king Pentheus of Thebes and Olympian god Dionysus.[76][77]

Meitei adaptations of classical Sanskrit plays

Classical Sanskrit plays such as Urubhangam (originally authored by Bhasa in 2nd-3rd century CE) was reproduced into its Meitei version by Ratan Thiyam, shown in Imphal,[78][79] Panaji,[80] Edinburgh,[81] as well as in Athens.[82] Its another Meitei version was directed by Uttamkumar Naorem, shown in Kakching.[83]

Others include Shakuntala (based on Kalidas' Abhigyanam Shakuntalam), directed by Kshetri Jugindro, shown in the Jawaharlal Nehru Dance Academy in Imphal.[84] Bhagwatajjukiyam (based on Bodhayana's Bhagavadajjukam) was produced in a Meitei version, directed by Kshetri Jugindro, under the "Manipuri Ensemble", notably staged in the 2023 Bharat Rang Mahotsav.[85][86]

See also

Notes

  1. 1 2 The ritualistic and theatrical dances of the Lai Haraoba, in general and one of its primary forms, the Khamba Thoibi Jagoi (Meitei for 'Khamba Thoibi dance') in particular, are also considered to be classical dances.[2]
  2. ↑ Besides the Khamba Thoibi classical dance form, the love story of Khamba and Thoibi itself is also considered to be classical in its own heights.[3]
  3. ↑ The traditional Meitei dance-cum-martial art form of Thang-Ta gives the basic foundation of the classical choreographic steps of Lai Haraoba, Manipuri Raas Leela, Meitei Sankirtana and Pung Cholom.[4]
  4. ↑ Manipuri dance form, along with the Armenian Hov Arek, are referred to as the "National Dances" (of India and Armenia respectively) during the Armenia-India joint issue of postage stamps.[5][6][7]
  5. ↑ It is the highest spiritual expression of the worship of Hindu deity Krishna,[8] as well as an intangible cultural heritage of Meitei civilization.[9]

References

  1. ↑ —Newspaper, The Peninsula (2017-01-26). "Diverse Indian culture reflected at Republic Day tableaux". m.thepeninsulaqatar.com. Retrieved 2023-12-22. One of the oldest ritualistic theatres of the world, Lai Haraoba was recreated by the Meitei community of Manipur which practices it, with a replica of the deities, elaborate traditional paraphernalia and live dancing by the devotees.
    —"Republic Day parade: Which states had the best tableaux and which had the weirdest ones?". Firstpost. 2017-01-26. Retrieved 2023-12-22. Manipur: The focus was on the ancient theatre tradition of Manipur, Lai Haraoba. Press Information Bureau reported that the tableau is an attempt to recreate the ambience of this 'quaint' and rich cultural tradition with a replica of the local deities and the dance of the devotees and the priestess. This ancient tradition preserved by the Meiteis must be watch for the transcendental trait of it.
    —"Republic Day parade: Colours of East India come alive at Rajpath". India Today. Retrieved 2023-12-22. In its tableau Manipur showcased its famous Lai Haraoba festivities - an ancient tradition of the Manipuris characterised by worship of traditional deities. According to the Meitei community, every year in the advent of summer, their Gods visit the earth for peace and prosperity of all human beings. Thus, people on earth celebrate the occasion with joy and dance!
    —"Seventeen States and Six Central Ministries to showcase their tableaux in Republic Day Parade – 2017". pib.gov.in. Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India). Retrieved 2023-12-22. Lai Haraoba is one of the oldest ritualistic theatres of the world jealously preserved by the Meitei community of Manipur with utmost awe and sanctity. The entire community participates in it with complete devotion. Lai Haraoba, translated as 'Happiness of the Gods' is celebrated to worship local deities to bring prosperity and well-being of the land and its inhabitants. These divinities are referred to as Umag Lais or Sylvan Gods as their abodes are located in a wooded area. The sacred ceremonies are conducted by Maibis or priestesses who are adept in dance and sacred rituals. The common people also dance as an act of worship to the accompaniment of the traditional stringed instruments (pena) and drums (langdeng pung). The Manipur tableau is an effort to recreate the ambience of this quaint and rich cultural tradition with a replica of the deities, elaborate traditional paraphernalia and live dancing by the devotees as well as a Maibi (priestess) performing the sacred dance to awaken the God from his slumber.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  2. ↑ —Pathway Volume 41. Vol. 41. University of Michigan; Marg Foundation (Mumbai, India), Modern Architectural Research Group, Modern Artists and Architects Research Group, National Centre for the Performing Arts (India). 1988. pp. XV. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    —Doshi, Saryu (1989). Dances of Manipur: The Classical Tradition. University of Michigan. Marg Publications. pp. XIX. ISBN 978-81-85026-09-1. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya (histrionic representation)...
    —DM Silveira's India Book. University of Michigan. Classic Publishers. 1994. p. 230. ISBN 978-81-900218-2-1. ...Lai Haraoba is the ritual folk-cum-classical dance of Manipur and tells the story of creation according to the Manipuris. Khamba Thoibi is a popular Manipuri dance which tells the story of princess Thoibi and poor boy Khamba...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    —Mãrg. Vol. 41. Pennsylvania State University; National Centre for the Performing Arts (India). p. 109. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya histrionic representation)...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    —Khuraijam, Bobo (2011-03-13). "Three Cheers – KanglaOnline". Retrieved 2023-11-13. ... Would it not be like asking for a Hip-Hop dance from a classical Khamba-Thoibi jagoi performance if we expect street aggression from our teachers? ...
  3. ↑ —KanglaOnline (2011-04-04). "The great Meitei Reconciliation Process: Revisiting the classical folklore on "Emoinu Chakhong Ngahongbi" by Late Shri Ningomabam Angouton Meetei – KanglaOnline". ... The folklore of Emoinu Celebration from the story "Washak Ngakpa" meaning Keeping the Promise, written by Late Shri Ningombam Angouton Meetei and the classical love story "Khamba -Thoibi" are classical examples of successful reconciliation process of the old Meitei factions...
    —Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New (1968-03-17). "Some Classics of Manipur". AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No.12 ( 17 MARCH, 1968 ). India: All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi. pp. 7, 8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
    —Bond, Ruskin (2000-10-14). "The Story of Khamba and Thoibi". The Penguin Book of Classical Indian Love Stories and Lyrics. Penguin UK. pp. 3, 4. ISBN 978-93-5118-814-8.
  4. ↑ Dzüvichü, Lipokmar; Baruah, Manjeet (2017-11-13). Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation. Taylor & Francis. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9.
  5. ↑ "Two new postage stamps celebrate Armenian, Indian national dances". panarmenian.net.
  6. ↑ "Two new postage stamps dedicated to "Armenia-India joint issue. National dances" theme | Lragir".
  7. ↑ "Two new postage stamps celebrate Armenian, Indian national dances". www.newsinfo.am.
  8. ↑ Sarwal, Amit (2022-05-15). The Celestial Dancers: Manipuri Dance on Australian Stage. Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 978-1-000-62550-9.
  9. ↑ "Dance | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". www.indiaculture.gov.in.
  10. ↑ Dzüvichü, Lipokmar; Baruah, Manjeet (2017-11-13). Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation. Taylor & Francis. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9.
  11. ↑ Banerjee, Utpal Kumar (2006). Indian Performing Arts: A Mosaic. Harman Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-86622-75-9.
  12. ↑ Sruti. P.N. Sundaresan. 2006.
  13. ↑ Derek, O' Brien (2006). Knowledge Trek 7, 2/E. Pearson Education India. ISBN 978-81-7758-055-6.
  14. ↑ "6 Classical Dances of India | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  15. ↑ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. p. 55. ISBN 978-1-000-29629-7.
  16. ↑ Kulasrestha, Mahendra (2006). Culture India. Lotus Press. p. 257. ISBN 978-81-8382-013-4.
  17. ↑ Balasubramanian, G. A beautiful life: Value education & life skills. Pearson Education India. p. 30. ISBN 978-81-317-6644-6.
  18. ↑ Sarwal, Amit (2022-05-15). The Celestial Dancers: Manipuri Dance on Australian Stage. Routledge. p. 25. ISBN 978-1-000-62550-9.
  19. ↑ "Manipuri | History, Characteristics, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  20. ↑ "Dance | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". www.indiaculture.gov.in. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  21. ↑ "Sangeet Natak Akademi Puraskar (Akademi Awards)". Sangeet Natak Akademi, Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Archived from the original on 2012-02-16. Retrieved 2012-02-16.
  22. ↑ Dzüvichü, Lipokmar; Baruah, Manjeet (2017-11-13). Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation. Taylor & Francis. p. 373. ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9.
  23. ↑ —Pathway Volume 41. Vol. 41. University of Michigan; Marg Foundation (Mumbai, India), Modern Architectural Research Group, Modern Artists and Architects Research Group, National Centre for the Performing Arts (India). 1988. pp. XV. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    —Doshi, Saryu (1989). Dances of Manipur: The Classical Tradition. University of Michigan. Marg Publications. pp. XIX. ISBN 978-81-85026-09-1. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya (histrionic representation)...
    —DM Silveira's India Book. University of Michigan. Classic Publishers. 1994. p. 230. ISBN 978-81-900218-2-1. ...Lai Haraoba is the ritual folk-cum-classical dance of Manipur and tells the story of creation according to the Manipuris. Khamba Thoibi is a popular Manipuri dance which tells the story of princess Thoibi and poor boy Khamba...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    —Mãrg. Vol. 41. Pennsylvania State University; National Centre for the Performing Arts (India). p. 109. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya histrionic representation)...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    —Khuraijam, Bobo (2011-03-13). "Three Cheers – KanglaOnline". Retrieved 2023-11-13. ... Would it not be like asking for a Hip-Hop dance from a classical Khamba-Thoibi jagoi performance if we expect street aggression from our teachers? ...
  24. ↑ Dances Of India. Har-Anand Publications Pvt. Limited. 2010. p. 19. ISBN 978-81-241-1337-0. ...The Rasa Lila dances of Shiva and Parvati, Radha and Krishna, and the local deities Khamba and Thoibi form the foundation of the Manipuri dance...
  25. ↑ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. p. 293. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2.
  26. ↑ Singh, G. P. (2009). Historical Researches Into Some Aspects of the Culture and Civilization of North-East India. GPH. p. 51. ISBN 978-81-212-1012-6.
  27. ↑ Dzüvichü, Lipokmar; Baruah, Manjeet (2017-11-13). Modern Practices in North East India: History, Culture, Representation. Taylor & Francis. p. 361. ISBN 978-1-351-27134-9.
  28. ↑ —Indian Literature - Volume 14 - Page 20 (Volume 14 - Page 20 ed.). Sahitya Akademi. 1971. p. 20. The beginning of this old Manipuri literature (as in the case of Newari) may go back to 1500 years, or even 2000 years, from now.
    —Siṃha, Niṃthaukhoṃjama Khelacandra (1975). Manipuri Language: Status and Importance (in English and Manipuri). N. Tombi Raj Singh. p. 34. The beginning of this old Manipuri literature (as in the case of Newari) may go back to 1500 years, or even 2000 years, from now...
    —Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. p. 290. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2.
  29. ↑ —"'Manipur language which belongs to Tibeto-Burma has touched the criteria of a classical language'". 2018-02-21.
    —"Manipuri is a classical language".
  30. ↑ —Ayyappappanikkar (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 326. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
    —Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam. "Ougri". History Of Old Manipuri Literature (in Manipuri). Manipur University Library; North Eastern States Libraries. India: Digital Library of India; Internet Archive. pp. 81, 82, 83.
    —Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). "The Early Period (Ritual Songs) : Ougri". A History of Manipuri Literature (in English and Manipuri). India: Sahitya Akademi. pp. 13, 14. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9. Again from amongst the songs mentioned above, 'Ougri' and 'Khencho', in view of their more archaic diction and much advanced historical allusions, may be considered earlier than the rest. ... 'Ougri' is referred to as sung at the coronation of Nongdā Lāiren Pākhangbā, which took place in 33 A.D. ...
    —Ayyappappanikkar (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 329. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
  31. ↑ —Wouters, Jelle J. P.; Subba, Tanka B. (2022-09-30). The Routledge Companion to Northeast India. Taylor & Francis. p. 473. ISBN 978-1-000-63699-4. ... Numit Kappa, a Meitei text from the 1st century CE, is particularly relevant and insightful in examining this peculiar relationship between power and violence. The text is recited as incantations during chupsaba, a cleansing ritual for 'violent' death...
    —"Shooting the Sun: A Study of Death and Protest in Manipur". Economic and Political Weekly. Austin, USA. 44 (40). 2009-10-03 – via University of Texas. ... Numit Kappa gives one such version. Considered one of the earliest known literary compositions in Meitei script, it is dated to the first century AD...
    —Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam. "Numit Kappa". History Of Old Manipuri Literature (in Manipuri). Manipur University Library; North Eastern States Libraries. India: Digital Library of India; Internet Archive. pp. 95, 96.
    —Kshetrimayum, Jogendro (2009). "Shooting the Sun: A Study of Death and Protest in Manipur". Economic and Political Weekly. 44 (40): 48–54. ISSN 0012-9976. JSTOR 25663656.
  32. ↑ —Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam. "Poireiton Khunthokpa". History Of Old Manipuri Literature (in English and Manipuri). Manipur University Library, Imphal. 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 review. 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 people 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.
    —Bhaṭṭācāryya, Haridāsa (1953). The Cultural Heritage of India: Languages and literatures. University of Michigan. India: Ramakrishna Mission, Institute of Culture. p. 663. ... The beginnings of this Old Manipuri literature may go back to 1,500 years or even 2,000 years from now. ... Poireiton Khunthok, a prose work describing the settlement of some Meithei tribes, is the oldest work in Manipuri going back to the third century A.D. ...
  33. ↑ —Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam. "Khencho". History Of Old Manipuri Literature (in Manipuri). Manipur University Library; North Eastern States Libraries. India: Digital Library of India; Internet Archive. pp. 97, 98.
    —Ayyappappanikkar (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 330. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
    —Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). "The Early Period (Ritual Songs)". A History of Manipuri Literature (in English and Manipuri). India: Sahitya Akademi. pp. 14, 15. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9. ... 'Khencho' is quite obscure and entirely unintelligible to the present generation though it forms an inseparable element of the daily proceedings of the festival. ...
  34. ↑ —"মণিপুরি ভাষা ও লিপি – এল বীরমঙ্গল সিংহ | আপনপাঠ ওয়েবজিন" (in Bengali). 16 September 2021.
    —Devi, Yumlembam Gopi (16 June 2019). Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. LP. p. 25. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7.
    —Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections (Assamese-Dogri). Sahitya Akademi. p. 325. ISBN 978-81-260-0365-5.
    —Sen, Sipra (1992). Tribes and Castes of Manipur: Description and Select Bibliography. Mittal Publications. p. 28. ISBN 978-81-7099-310-0.
  35. ↑ —Devi, Dr Yumlembam Gopi. Glimpses of Manipuri Culture. LP. p. 119. ISBN 978-0-359-72919-7. ... the text Panthoibi Khongul generally believed to have been written by Akoijam Tomboy during the reign of King Khongtekcha Yoiremba (763 A.D.) ...
    —Mukherjee, Sujit (1998). A Dictionary of Indian Literature: Beginnings-1850. Orient Blackswan. p. 280. ISBN 978-81-250-1453-9. Panthoibi khongul ( ? C ; Manipuri ) : prose narrative , the original of which was believed to have been composed in ancient Meitei language in first half of 8th century AD ...
    —"The relationship between Thang-Ta & Meitei Pung maintained by our Ancient ..." (PDF). ccrtindia.gov.in. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Centre for Cultural Resources and Training. p. 4.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  36. ↑ —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.
    —Singh, Khelchandra Ningthoukhongjam. "Loiyumba Shinyen - Waayen Pathaap". History Of Old Manipuri Literature (in Manipuri). Manipur University Library; North Eastern States Libraries. India: Digital Library of India; Internet Archive. p. 142.
    —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.
  37. ↑ Munsi, Urmimala Sarkar; Burridge, Stephanie (2012). Traversing Tradition: Celebrating Dance in India. en: Routledge, Taylor & Francis. p. 35. ISBN 978-1-136-70378-2. ... This means a command of Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Oriya, Meitei, Persian, or Arabic. ...
  38. ↑ —KanglaOnline (2011-04-04). "The great Meitei Reconciliation Process: Revisiting the classical folklore on "Emoinu Chakhong Ngahongbi" by Late Shri Ningomabam Angouton Meetei – KanglaOnline". Retrieved 2023-11-12. ... The folklore of Emoinu Celebration from the story "Washak Ngakpa" meaning Keeping the Promise, written by Late Shri Ningombam Angouton Meetei and the classical love story "Khamba -Thoibi" are classical examples of successful reconciliation process of the old Meitei factions...
    —Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New (1968-03-17). "Some Classics of Manipur". AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No.12 ( 17 MARCH, 1968 ). India: All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi. pp. 7, 8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
    —Bond, Ruskin (2000-10-14). "The Story of Khamba and Thoibi". The Penguin Book of Classical Indian Love Stories and Lyrics. Penguin UK. pp. 3, 4. ISBN 978-93-5118-814-8.
  39. ↑ —George, K. M. (1992). Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems. India: Sahitya Akademi. p. 258. ISBN 978-81-7201-324-0. H. Anganghal Singh's Khamba Thoibi Sheireng (Poem on Khamba Thoibi, 1940) is a national epic of the Manipuris based on the story of Khamba and Thoibi of Moirang. The poet composes the whole epic in the Pena Saisak style of folk ballads sung by minstrels or bards popular in Manipur.
    —Datta, Amaresh (1988). Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Devraj to Jyoti. India: Sahitya Akademi. p. 1186. ISBN 978-81-260-1194-0.
    —Das, Sisir Kumar (2005). A History of Indian Literature: 1911-1956, struggle for freedom : triumph and tragedy. Sahitya Akademi. p. 190. ISBN 978-81-7201-798-9. His epic Singel Indu was published in 1938 which was followed by his magnum opus Khamba Thoibi Sheireng (1940), a poem of 39000 lines, considered to be the 'national' epic of the Manipuris, written in the Pena Saisak style of folk ballads.
  40. ↑ Dalby, Andrew (2015-10-28). Dictionary of Languages: The definitive reference to more than 400 languages. Bloomsbury Publishing. p. 399. ISBN 978-1-4081-0214-5.
  41. ↑ Bardoloi Nirmalprabhya (1995). Rajani Kanta Bardoloi. Internet Archive; Digital Library of India. India: Sahitya Akademi. p. 14.
  42. ↑ Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New (1968-03-17). "Some Classics of Manipur". AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No.12 ( 17 MARCH, 1968 ). India: All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi. pp. 7, 8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  43. ↑ KanglaOnline (2013-01-07). "Manipur FASHION Extravaganza – KanglaOnline". Retrieved 2023-11-12. ... The grand finale was marked with his pompous show named "Sandrembi and Cheisra" which he derived from Manipuri classic folklore 'Sandrembi and Cheisra'. ...
  44. ↑ KanglaOnline (2011-04-04). "The great Meitei Reconciliation Process: Revisiting the classical folklore on "Emoinu Chakhong Ngahongbi" by Late Shri Ningomabam Angouton Meetei – KanglaOnline". Retrieved 2023-11-12. ... The folklore of Emoinu Celebration from the story "Washak Ngakpa" meaning Keeping the Promise, written by Late Shri Ningombam Angouton Meetei and the classical love story "Khamba -Thoibi" are classical examples of successful reconciliation process of the old Meitei factions...
  45. ↑ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. p. 342. ISBN 978-1-000-29629-7. ... These tales became popular as the funga-wari, wari meaning story. Hanuba Hanubi Paan Thaaba, Pebet Amasung Hoidong Lamboiba, Thabaton amashung Kabuikeioiba, Lai Khutshangbi, Uchek Langmeidong; Eeta Thangmei, Tapta, etc. are some classic examples of these folk tales that every Meitei child could relate to (Singha 2012). ...
  46. ↑ —Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. p. 290. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2.
    —Mohanty, P. K. (2006). Encyclopaedia of Scheduled Tribes in India: In Five Volume. Gyan Publishing House. p. 149. ISBN 978-81-8205-052-5.
  47. ↑ —Chishti, S. M. A. W. (2005). Political Development in Manipur, 1919-1949. Gyan Publishing House. p. 282. ISBN 978-81-7835-424-8.
    —Sharma, Suresh K. (2006). Documents on North-East India: Manipur. Mittal Publications. p. 168. ISBN 978-81-8324-092-5.
    —Tarapot, Phanjoubam (2003). Bleeding Manipur. Har-Anand Publications. p. 309. ISBN 978-81-241-0902-1.
    —Sanajaoba, Naorem (1993). Manipur: Treatise & Documents. Mittal Publications. p. 369. ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5.
    —Sanajaoba, Naorem (1993). Manipur: Treatise & Documents. Mittal Publications. p. 255. ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5.
  48. ↑ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. p. 290. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2.
  49. ↑ —Hajarimayum Subadani Devi. "Loanwords in Manipuri and their impact" (PDF). sealang.net. In 1972 the Sahitya Akademi, the highest body of language and literature of India recognized Manipuri (Manipuri Sahitya Parisad. 1986:82)
    —"Dr Thokchom Ibohanbi - first Manipuri writer to get Akademi award : 24th feb22 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net.
  50. ↑ —"The Constitution (Seventy-first Amendment) Act, 1992| National Portal of India". www.india.gov.in.
    —"Manipuri language in 8th Schedule By Jeet Akoijam".
    —"Languages Included in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution | Department of Official Language | Ministry of Home Affairs | GoI". rajbhasha.gov.in.
  51. ↑ "Manipur steps up to renew push for inclusion of Manipuri among India's classical languages". Imphal Free Press. The movement for recognizing Manipuri as a classical language began in 2013, yet there has been a gap in the follow up actions.
  52. ↑ —IANS (2016-08-20). "Classic language status for Manipuri demanded". Business Standard India.
    —"Classic language status for Manipuri demanded". MorungExpress.
  53. ↑ "Festival de Cannes: The Chosen One". festival-cannes.com.
  54. ↑ "Manipuri feature film 'ISHANOU' recognised as World Classic". The Economic Times. 2023-05-06. ISSN 0013-0389.
  55. ↑ "Aribam Syam Sharma's ISHANOU recognised as World Classic". Imphal Free Press.
  56. ↑ "Manipuri Film 'Ishanou' Becomes India's Only Restored Film To Be Screened At Cannes 2023". Outlook India.
  57. ↑ "The Fight for Regional Autonomy through Regional Culture: Antigone in Manipur, North-East India". academic.oup.com. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  58. ↑ Mee, Erin (2010-06-01). "Chapter 7: Classics, Cultural Politics, and the Role of Antigone in Manipur, North-East India". Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies. 53 (Supplement_108): 131–142. doi:10.1111/j.2041-5370.2010.tb00032.x. ISSN 0076-0730.
  59. ↑ Hall, Edith; Vasunia, Phiroze; Alston, Richard; Riddiford, Alexander; Thorne, James; Roberts, Deborah; Mee, Erin; Mcconnell, Justine (2010). "India, Greece, and Rome, 1757 to 2007". Bulletin of the Institute of Classical Studies. Supplement (108): iii–180. ISSN 2398-3264. JSTOR 44216106. ...Meitei performance in Antigone needs to be seen as an contradistinction to both British and Bengali/Indian influence...
  60. ↑ Mee, Erin B.; Foley, Helene P. (2011-06-16). Antigone on the Contemporary World Stage. Oxford University Press. p. 108. ISBN 978-0-19-161811-6.
  61. ↑ "MALEMNGANBI – 20th Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2019". Retrieved 2023-11-12.
  62. ↑ "Appendix | Antigone on the Contemporary World Stage". academic.oup.com. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  63. ↑ "The Fight for Regional Autonomy through Regional Culture: Antigone in Manipur, North-East India". academic.oup.com. Oxford University Press. Retrieved 2023-11-13.
  64. ↑ "Ratan Thiyam to highlight social issues : 01st may11". Retrieved 2023-11-13. Among his masterpieces which include Sophocles' "Antigone", adapted as "Lengshonnei", and "Chakravyuha" assumes a special place.
  65. ↑ PUBLIC (2013-12-22). "India needs more regional schools of theatre: NSD chairperson Ratan Thiyam". The Shillong Times. Retrieved 2023-11-13. ..."Lengshonnei" (an adaptation of Sophocles' Antigone),...
  66. ↑ "Ratan Thiyam is new NSD chair". ... and "Lengshonnei" (an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's "Antigone") are some of his popular plays...
  67. ↑ "'In India, many talented actors have no place to go'". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2023-11-13. ...Some of his best Manipuri productions include Chakravyuha, Lengshonnei (an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's Antigone) and Ritusamharam (based on Kalidasa's work)...
  68. ↑ "Ratan Thiyam is new NSD chair". 2013-08-20. Retrieved 2023-11-13. ..."Lengshonnei" (an adaptation of Bertolt Brecht's "Antigone") are some of his popular plays...
  69. ↑ "At This Stage | 2018: Looking back". The Indian Express. 2018-12-25.
  70. ↑ "Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards". Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards.
  71. ↑ "WHAT TO EXPECT FROM 10 META PLAYS? - Art Culture Festival". 2018-03-21.
  72. ↑ "Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards". Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards.
  73. ↑ "Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards". Hojang Taret - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards.
  74. ↑ "WHAT TO EXPECT FROM 10 META PLAYS? - Art Culture Festival". 2018-03-21.
  75. ↑ "Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards". Hojang Taret- A Greek Tragedy brought to Life - Mahindra Excellence in Theatre Awards.
  76. ↑ "Discover the richness of northeast at NSD". Hindustan Times. 2015-08-25.
  77. ↑ williamgurumayum (2015-08-24). "Bacchae to open NE Play Festival". Imphal Times.
  78. ↑ "Revisiting Ratan Thiyam's Urubhangam - Footloose and fancy free with Dr.Sunil Kothari". narthaki.com. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  79. ↑ "Urubhangam – Rupkatha Journal on Interdisciplinary Studies in Humanities". rupkatha.com. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  80. ↑ "'Shastriya Natya Mahotsav'—a bouquet of classic Indian plays". 2017-03-24. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  81. ↑ DHNS. "The journey to centrestage". Deccan Herald. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  82. ↑ "How Ratan Thiyam brought Manipur onto the global stage". The Indian Express. 2020-03-01. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  83. ↑ "'Urubhangam' staged". Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  84. ↑ "Shakuntala's saga, in the colours of Manipur - Kalidas epic on imphal stage". www.telegraphindia.com. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  85. ↑ "BHAGWATAJJUKIYAM – 22nd Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2023". Bharat Rang Mahotsav. National School of Drama, Ministry of Culture (India). Retrieved 2023-12-21.
  86. ↑ "Intriguing plays staged on the fourth day of Bharat Rang Mahotsav 2023". The Times of India. 2023-02-20. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 2023-12-21.
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