Jump to content

Meitei people: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Content deleted Content added
Minor edits
Tags: Mobile edit Mobile web edit
 
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Ethnic group of South Asia}}
{{Redirect5|Meitei|the predominant language of [[Manipur]]|Meitei language}}
{{Redirect|Manipuri people}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=September 2023}}
{{Use Indian English|date=September 2023}}
{{Infobox ethnic group
| group = Meitei people <br /> {{small|(Manipuri people)<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |title=Meitei {{!}} people {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Meitei |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=15 November 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221115171246/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Meitei |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
| native_name = [[File:Meitei_transliteration_of_the_term_Meitei_-transparent.png|50px|]]
| native_name_lang = mni
| flag = Salai Taret Flag.svg
| flag_caption = Cultural flag of the Meitei people
| image =
| caption =
| total = 1,800,000+<ref name="Ethnologue"/>
| total_year = 2011
| region1 = {{IND}}
| pop1 = 1,760,913<ref>{{cite web |title=Languages Specified in the Eight Schedule (Scheduled Languages) |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language-2011/Statement-1.pdf |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |quote=Listed as Manipuri in the 2011 Indian census |archive-date=15 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200815041600/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011Census/Language-2011/Statement-1.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>
| region2 = {{nbsp|10}} [[Manipur]]
| pop2 = 1,522,132<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Manipur |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1400.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112015659/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1400.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
| region3 = {{nbsp|10}} [[Assam]]
| pop3 = 168,127<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Assam |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020113828/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
| region4 = {{nbsp|10}} [[Tripura]]
| pop4 = 23,779<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Tripura |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1600.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=10 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210410152742/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1600.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
| region5 = {{nbsp|10}} [[Nagaland]]
| pop5 = 9,511<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Nagaland |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1300.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112015655/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1300.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
| region6 = {{nbsp|10}} [[Meghalaya]]
| pop6 = 4,451<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Meghalaya |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1700.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112015714/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1700.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
| region7 = {{nbsp|10}} [[Arunachal Pradesh]]
| pop7 = 2,835<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Arunachal Pradesh |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1200.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=9 January 2021 |archive-date=19 June 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210619023527/https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1200.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
| region8 = {{nbsp|10}} [[Mizoram]]
| pop8 = 2,242<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Mizoram |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1500.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=12 January 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200112015704/http://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1500.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>
| region9 = {{flag|Myanmar}}
| pop9 = 25,000<ref name="TOI"/>
| region10 = {{flag|Bangladesh}}
| pop10 = 15,000<ref name="Ethnologue"/>
| langs = [[File:Meetei Mayek letter I.svg|20px]] [[Meitei language]] <br /> {{small|(officially known as [[Manipuri language]])}}
| rels = '''Majority''':<br />[[File:Om.svg|15px]] [[Hinduism]] (83.38%) - predominately [[Vaishnavism]]<br />'''Minority''':<br />{{hlist|[[File:The Symbol of Sanamahi.svg|30px]] [[Sanamahism]] (16%),|[[File:Star and Crescent.svg|15px]] [[Meitei Muslims|Islam]] (8%),<br/>[[File:Christian cross.svg|12px]] [[Meitei Christians|Christianity]] (1.06%)}}<ref name="ET">{{cite news|date=9 May 2023|title=Manipur violence: Who are Meiteis and Kukis? What are they fighting over|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipur-violence-who-are-meiteis-and-kukis-what-are-they-fighting-over/articleshow/100038719.cms|newspaper=Economic Times|access-date=22 July 2023|archive-date=22 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722033323/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipur-violence-who-are-meiteis-and-kukis-what-are-they-fighting-over/articleshow/100038719.cms|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Joshua">{{Cite web|url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13513/in|title=Meitei unspecified in India|publisher=Joshua Project|access-date=20 September 2023|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624182812/https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13513/in|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title='Inclusion of Sanamahi religion in minority is being reviewed' : 27th aug11 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..270811.aug11|website=www.e-pao.net|access-date=25 May 2020|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307055131/http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..270811.aug11|url-status=live}}</ref>
| related = [[Bamar people|Bamars]], [[Shan people|Shan]], [[Chin people|Chin]], [[Kachin people|Kachin]], [[Meitei Pangals]], [[Tripuri people|Tripuri]], [[Naga people|Nagas]], other [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] groups
}}
{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}
{{Meitei people}}
The '''Meitei people''', also known as '''Meetei''',<ref name="samson">{{cite journal |last=Samson |first=Kamei |year=2019 |title=Theorising Social Fear in the Context of Collective Actions in Manipur |journal=Journal of Northeast Indian Cultures |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=12–43 |url=http://journals.dbuniversity.ac.in/ojs/index.php/jneic/article/view/606/578 |access-date=26 October 2020 |archive-date=4 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201204083235/http://journals.dbuniversity.ac.in/ojs/index.php/jneic/article/view/606/578 |url-status=live }}<br />P.20: "historically, academically and conventionally Manipuri prominently refers to the Meetei people."<br />P.24: "For the Meeteis, Manipuris comprise Meeteis, Lois, Kukis, Nagas and Pangal."</ref> '''Manipuri people''',<ref name=":4" /> are a [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] ethnic group native to the [[States and union territories of India|Indian State]] of [[Manipur]]. They form the largest and dominant [[ethnic group]] of [[Manipur]] in [[Northeast India]]. They speak the [[Meitei language]] (officially called [[Manipuri language|Manipuri]]), one of the [[22 official languages of the Indian Republic|22 official languages of the Republic of India]] and the sole official language of [[Government of Manipur]].<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipuri language {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Manipuri-language |access-date=15 November 2022 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=11 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711165900/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Manipuri-language |url-status=live }}</ref>
The Meiteis primarily settled in the [[Imphal Valley]] region in modern-day Manipur, though a sizeable population has settled in the other Indian states of [[Meitei people in Assam|Assam]], [[Meitei people in Tripura|Tripura]], [[Nagaland]], [[Meghalaya]], and [[Mizoram]].<ref name="Ethnologue">{{cite web |title=Meitei |url=https://www.ethnologue.com/language/mni |website=Ethnologue |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190724203234/https://www.ethnologue.com/language/mni/ |archive-date=24 July 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Festivals in Meghalaya, Fairs and Festivals of Meghalaya|url=http://www.travelhot.in/TravelExperience/Meghalaya/Festivals_Of_Meghalaya.shtml|website=Travelhot.in|access-date=13 November 2018|archive-date=8 October 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181008084108/http://www.travelhot.in/TravelExperience/Meghalaya/Festivals_Of_Meghalaya.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> There is also a notable presence of Meiteis in the neighbouring countries of [[Meitei people in Myanmar|Myanmar]] and [[Meitei people in Bangladesh|Bangladesh]].<ref name="Ethnologue" /><ref name="TOI" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Thokchom |first1=Khelen |title=Myanmar Meiteis in search of roots |url=https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/myanmar-meiteis-in-search-of-roots/cid/586856 |access-date=29 September 2020 |work=The Telegraph |date=19 May 2008 |archive-date=2 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202150920/https://www.telegraphindia.com/north-east/myanmar-meiteis-in-search-of-roots/cid/586856 |url-status=live }}</ref> The Meiteis represents about 53% of Manipur's population.<ref name="Khomdan Singh Lisam pp 322">Khomdan Singh Lisam, ''Encyclopaedia Of Manipur'', {{ISBN|978-8178358642}}, pp. 322–347</ref>


==Endonyms and exonyms==
{|class="infobox bordered" style="width:22em; font-size:95%; text-align:left;" cellpadding="3"
The Meitei are known by a number of [[endonym]]s, ''Meitei'', ''Meetei'', ''Meithei'' ([[Meitei language|Meitei]]),<ref name=":4" /> and as well as by numerous [[exonym]]s, such as ''Meckley'',<ref>{{Cite journal|last=Temple|first=RC|date=1894|title=Contributions Towards the History of Anglo: Burmese Words|url=https://scholar.googleusercontent.com/scholar.bib?q=info:3izSSSpp7WAJ:scholar.google.com/&output=citation&scisdr=CgXmKpcBEKCtvgsxH5s:AAGBfm0AAAAAYIg3B5uaQvRpic0NdRIKMnTNIOZvYQO3&scisig=AAGBfm0AAAAAYIg3B-VM7r10FZcI6fy2HPRzwsapM5wN&scisf=4&ct=citation&cd=-1&hl=en|journal=The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland|pages=152–164|access-date=20 September 2023|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427160239/https://scholar.googleusercontent.com/scholar.bib?q=info:3izSSSpp7WAJ:scholar.google.com/&output=citation&scisdr=CgXmKpcBEKCtvgsxH5s:AAGBfm0AAAAAYIg3B5uaQvRpic0NdRIKMnTNIOZvYQO3&scisig=AAGBfm0AAAAAYIg3B-VM7r10FZcI6fy2HPRzwsapM5wN&scisf=4&ct=citation&cd=-1&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite journal|last=Sanjeev|first=Thingnam|date=2020|title=Surveying and producing the frontier in nineteenth century Manipur: challenges and practices|url=https://scholar.googleusercontent.com/scholar.bib?q=info:-8gD4cKq6JoJ:scholar.google.com/&output=citation&scisdr=CgXmKpcBEKCtvgsxjss:AAGBfm0AAAAAYIg3lstuSe5saVbdSPKMO-VTY_auj1nB&scisig=AAGBfm0AAAAAYIg3lkgn-Tk-dPbtnIyPNieoVF1p9rpH&scisf=4&ct=citation&cd=-1&hl=en|journal=Asian Ethnicity|volume=21|issue=1|pages=122–136|doi=10.1080/14631369.2019.1585750|s2cid=150642454|access-date=20 September 2023|archive-date=27 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210427160233/https://scholar.googleusercontent.com/scholar.bib?q=info:-8gD4cKq6JoJ:scholar.google.com/&output=citation&scisdr=CgXmKpcBEKCtvgsxjss:AAGBfm0AAAAAYIg3lstuSe5saVbdSPKMO-VTY_auj1nB&scisig=AAGBfm0AAAAAYIg3lkgn-Tk-dPbtnIyPNieoVF1p9rpH&scisf=4&ct=citation&cd=-1&hl=en|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Manipuri'', ''Cassay-Shan'', and ''Kathe'' ([[Burmese language|Burmese]]). {{sfn|Parratt|2005|loc=Vol. 1|pp=24}} The term ''Manipuri'' is widely used, but problematic because of its ambiguous scope: next to being a synonym for ''Meitei''/''Meetei'', it can also refer in a wider sense to the native ethnic groups in the hills of Manipur.<ref name=samson/>
! colspan="2" style="text-align:center; font-size:larger; background-color:#b08261; color:#fee8ab;" | Meitei people
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:0px; border:none;" | {{{image|}}}
|-
| colspan="2" style="text-align:center; padding:0px; border:none;" | {{{caption|}}}
|-
! style="background-color:#fee8ab;" | Total population
| style="background-color:#fff6d9;" | 1,648,000<ref>[http://www.ethnologue.com/14/show_language.asp?code=MNR Ethnologue.com]</ref>
|-
! style="background-color:#fee8ab;" | Regions with significant populations
| style="background-color:#fff6d9;" | [[Manipur]]
|-
! style="background-color:#fee8ab;" | Language
| style="background-color:#fff6d9;" | [[Meitei language|Meitei]] (Manipuri)
|-
! style="background-color:#fee8ab;" | Religion
| style="background-color:#fff6d9;" | [[Hinduism]] {{
#if: {{{related|}}} |
<tr>
<th style="background-color:#fee8ab;">Related ethnic groups</th>
<td style="background-color:#fff6d9;">{{{related}}}</td>
</tr>
|}}
|}<noinclude>


== Geographical distribution ==
The '''Meiteis''' are the majority ethnic group of [[Manipur]], and because of this are sometimes referred to as Manipuris. Generally speaking, Meitei is an [[endonym]] and Manipuri is a [[endonym|xenonym]]. The Meitei people are made up of seven clans, which trace their history back to 33 A.D (Written Record).


== Society ==
=== India ===
Meitei [[women]] have always enjoyed equal status with [[men]], and today they work in nearly every [[social]] and [[economic]] sphere of [[society]]; in particular, they control the Meitei markets and the trade in [[vegetables]] and traditional [[clothing]]. 'Nupi Keithel' is a market run by meitei women only. The traditional dress of the women folk is a sarong called "phanek". It is worn at the waist down to the ankles, or under the arms, covering the breasts and down to mid-calf. Traditionally women do not wear a blouse when the phanek is worn in the higher position. This is complemented by a blouse and a wrap. Men wear a "khudei" which is similar to the Thai and Khmer men's garment which is a knee-length cloth wrapped in folds at the waist. In recent years, men's formal wear is a longer and ankle-length version called a "pheijom" which is similar to the Indian "dhoti".


==== Manipur ====
The Meitei people are well-known for their sporting prowess, [[hockey]] and [[polo]] are [[traditional]] and the Meitei form of [[martial art]], ''thang ta'', has recently been recognised as one of the official forms of international martial arts. 'Polo' which has well known place in international sports is known to be originated from Manipur which original name is 'Sagol Kangjei' a royal game used to be played by kings and royal persons of Manipur.
The Indian state of [[Manipur]] has the largest Meitei population among all its geographical distribution.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipuri language {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/topic/Manipuri-language |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220711165900/https://www.britannica.com/topic/Manipuri-language |archive-date=11 July 2022 |access-date=14 March 2023 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en}}</ref>


== Religion ==
==== Assam ====
{{Further|Barak Valley#Languages|Meitei associate official language movement}}
The major population is concentrated in the [[Imphal]] valley of Manipur, Cachar valley of [[Assam]], [[Tripura]], [[Bangladesh]] and [[Myanmar]]. Majority of the Meiteis are followers of Vaishnavite [[Hindu]]ism without leaving their ancient Meitei religion "Sanamahi Laining" (Sanamahism). All the Meities are belong to their native Religion Sanamahism as a part of their livelihood. A section to almost half of total Meiteis follows [[Sanamahism]] without mixing with other religion. There are some individuals who follow religions like [[Christianity]] and the [[Bahá'í Faith]]. The original religion of the native Manipur is Sanamahism. It is still followed and worshiped by the valley and Hill based people even even though they are partially converted to Christian and Hindu in recent centuries (1800 and 1700 A.D). Revivalism of this native religion is more or less started by the growing number of educated native people to stand themself stronger in the world of religion. In the religious history of Manipur, the 14th of May, 1945, the Meetei Marup (Organisation of Meetei Body) was formed in Manipur unanimously. This lead to the revival of Meetei traditional, cultures, scripts(Meetei Mayek), customary practices, and traditional religious ceremonies related to the Meetei society. At the closed of the 20th century Sanamahism gained a strong foothold owing to the coming of modern education, increase in population and many other social factors. The gap between Sanamahism and Hinduism and Christain became almost abandon. During this period the impact of Sanamahism became more and more embedded in the hearts and mind of the people at large. As a result it gave a new hope and dimension in the process of the revivalist's movement of Sanamahism. Old beliefs and religious bindings were untied and the beliefs of emerging movement began to take their place. Many books on how to conduct religious ceremonies with rites and rituals are being published. Holy Books for Sanamahi religion were selected. All these are the advancement of the growth and development of Sanamahi religion. With the establishment of many religious organizations disposed to Sanamahism several interpretation of religious ceremonies, functions and prayers have come up. On the other hand the influence of other religion like Hindu, Christian, Islam are increasing day by day in the Hill and Valleys which is simply indicated by the growing number of Hindu Temple, Church, Mosques etc. For Meetei/Meiteis it can become a strong thread to the native religion as Native worship places are not taking care by any Govt. and Local people like other religion do.
[[File:Map of Barak Valley.jpg|thumb|Districts of Barak Valley - Meitei speaking population settlement areas of Assam]]
Meitei people are the third largest ethnic group, after Bengalis and Hindi speaking people, in the [[Barak Valley]] region of [[Assam]] state of India.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Mishra |first=Awadesh |date=1 January 1999 |title=The Manipuris in the Barak Valley: A Case Study of Language Maintenance' |url=https://www.academia.edu/1059019 |url-status=live |journal=Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230425140404/https://www.academia.edu/1059019 |archive-date=25 April 2023 |access-date=20 September 2023}}</ref>


== Language ==
=== Bangladesh ===
{{Main|Meitei language in Bangladesh}}
The language used is called Meiteilon. It belongs to the Tibeto-burman family of languages. Literally it means the "language of the Meiteis". But for some time now, it has been known as Manipuri. Since 1992, the language is in the 8th schedule of the [[Indian Constitution]]. Commonly the text is written in the Bengali Script. The original script, called [[Meitei Mayek script|Meitei Mayek]], has been out of use for a long time but revived recently. The script and language is teaching in the School and colleges at this time in Manipur. This much improvment was strongly gain after the Meetei leader Mr. CHINGSHUBAM AKABA, who was murdered in connection with the development and popularity of his name in the state on the 31st midnight of December 2006 at his resident gate in Imphal. People are trying to bring this script upto the international standard as it is the only lone script of NE India.
[[File:Sylhet in Bangladesh.svg|thumb|Areas where there is significant population of Meiteis in Bangladesh]]
The population of Meiteis are found in four districts of [[Sylhet Division]] in Bangladesh, namely [[Sylhet District]] (thirteen villages), [[Moulvibazar District]] (twenty-eight villages), [[Sunamganj District]] (three villages) and [[Habiganj District]] (four villages). In early times, there were Meitei population in [[Dhaka]], [[Mymensingh]] and [[Comilla]] also.<ref name=":Bangladesh">{{Cite web |title=Textile Bdesh Myanmar 3 |url=http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Arts_and_Culture.Mutua_Bahadur_Art_Collection.Textile_Bdesh_Myanmar_3 |access-date=14 March 2023 |website=www.e-pao.net |archive-date=23 December 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221223091851/http://www.e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Arts_and_Culture.Mutua_Bahadur_Art_Collection.Textile_Bdesh_Myanmar_3 |url-status=live}}</ref>


== Food ==
=== Myanmar ===
Myanmar has a significant population of Meitei people in [[Kachin state]], [[Yangon Region]], [[Sagaing Region]], [[Shan state]], [[Ayeyarwady Region]], among others.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipuri in Myanmar 1 |url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Arts_and_Culture.Mutua_Bahadur_Art_Collection.Manipuri_in_Myanmar_1 |access-date=14 March 2023 |website=e-pao.net |archive-date=14 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230314123650/http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.Arts_and_Culture.Mutua_Bahadur_Art_Collection.Manipuri_in_Myanmar_1 |url-status=live }}</ref>
The favored food among the Meiteis is rice, fish and a lot of vegetables. Foot stuffs include "Ngari" meaning "Fermented preserved fish" in the native tongue. Due to the fermentation involved, Ngari has a distinct smell and taste. Manipur valley Meetei has a tradition of keeping ponds at every resident has enough preservation of water and fish as a tradition. So, when they like to eat fish dishes they can just fishing from their own ponds. A huge water accumulation in low-lying areas (swamps) as well as number of tributary streams received enough water during the rainy days mainly in the [[monsoon]]s which helps fish migration and breeding. A huge varieties of fishes bears in this mentioned water bodies including paddy fields and canals. During the flood fishing is very popular in most part of the valley where fishes are wash out from private fish firms and ponds to the shallow lands surfaces but this water and fishes ultimately goes to rivers and then to the “Loktak Lake” a world famous wetland at the south western part of the Valley. Landscape, climate and vegetation, environment of the valley gives an ultimate food habit of eating fish with different varieties with time to time. For example Dry-fish “Nga Ayaiba” generally prepared drying in sun as well as on fire to preserved in earthen pots to eat during other seasons where enough fish is not available in fresh in part of the valley and foothill regions of Manipur. Examples of Nga Ayaiba are Ngamu, Ukabi, Ngachou, Ngakrijou, Fabounga, Pengba, Ngakup etc. Nga Ayaiba means a lot for Meetei food as it can give a good taste to a kind of curry called “ Kangsoi” prepared by simple boil with vegetables and peaces of Nga Ayaiba or Ngari along with salt, chilly, ginger, onion, green corianders etc. This is most popular cook food among the Meetei family as it controls overweight and fatness with good digestion capacity. The Meetei people living outside Manipur i.e., other state and Countries export the Ngari and Nga Ayaiba they feel home seek and missed home food to such this fish stuffs. Due to the dry and fried without old involved, Nga ayaiba has a distinct smell and taste. It is found in low quantities in many Meetei dishes. Another dish contains "Hawaizar", meaning, "preserved Soya-beans". Soya-bean is boiled on low heat for a time, washed, packed in leaves and let to cool down for several days where it ferments. It is wrapped in [[banana]] leaves and distributed. Both the food forms are a cottage industry in Manipur. Other world distinct dishes of Meeteis called "Eronba" a generic name of cooking which crusted boil vegetables and fermented fish with Chilly. This taste is different depend on type of vegetable we use for example with Bamboo shoot it is call “Soibum eronba ” with Gaint bean “Yongchak eronba” with young banana try “Laphu eronba” etc. Where “Ametpa or Morok Metpa and Singju” meaning dry crusted with Ngari with Chilly, Chilly with fresh vegetables is even used in the fast food in the local restaurants, it is bit hot and very tasty too. Other food stuffs are well cook with Masalas e.i., Athongba as generic term Cook with oil and masalas for example Fish dishes cook from fresh fishes with oil and proper masalas are famous for example Sareng thongba. OOTI thongaba (Pea nut and green leaves with soda (oot), Chagempomba (fine fractions of rich with Hawaizar and green vegetables” makes Meetei proud for a distinct taste to this world. Ataoba is also a generic name where every vegetables or meat are fried then we call as Ataoba. Nga-Ataoba (Fried Fish) is most popular food items among Meiteis. The word “Thakpa “ means to drink any kind of liquids and smokes. Chakmang Yoo-Thakpa is popular among the males, which means that to drink wine (Yoo) before meal. To explore Meetei dishes or food habit to this world need a good investigation of the regional food of Manipur to add into the Menu of the world food as a special Meetei Dishes like Chinese food.


== Origins and history ==
==External links==
{{main|History of Manipur|Meitei literature|Meitei mythology|Meitei folklore}}
* [http://www.e-pao.net E-Pao.Net]
{{See|Meitei people in Assam#History{{!}}Meitei history in Assam|Meitei people in Bangladesh#History{{!}}Meitei history in Bangladesh|Meitei people in Myanmar#History{{!}}Meitei history in Myanmar|Meitei people in Tripura#History{{!}}Meitei history in Tripura}}
* [http://www.kanglaonline.com kanglaonline.com]
{{Quote box
* [http://www.ema-europe.org European Manipuri Association]
| quote = "The beginning of this old [[Manipuri literature]] (as in the case of [[Newari language|Newari]]) may go back to 1500 years, or even 2000 years, from now."<ref>{{Cite book |title=[[Indian Literature (journal)|Indian Literature]] - Volume 14 - Page 20 |publisher=[[Sahitya Akademi]] |year=1971 |edition=Volume 14 - Page 20 |pages=20 |language=en |quote= 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.}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Siṃha |first=Niṃthaukhoṃjama Khelacandra |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=EpAOAAAAMAAJ |title=Manipuri Language: Status and Importance |publisher=N. Tombi Raj Singh |year=1975 |pages=34 |language=en, mni |quote=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... |author-link=Ningthoukhongjam Khelchandra |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920065525/https://books.google.com/books?id=EpAOAAAAMAAJ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sanajaoba |first=Naorem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=-CzSQKVmveUC&dq=manipuri+court+language&pg=PA290 |title=Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization |date=1988 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-853-2 |pages=290 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920065543/https://books.google.com/books?id=-CzSQKVmveUC&dq=manipuri+court+language&pg=PA290 |url-status=live }}</ref>
* [http://www.manipuri.org manipuri.org]
| source = —[[Suniti Kumar Chatterji]], [[Padma Vibhushan]] awardee Indian scholar
|width = 28%
|style = min-width: 15em
|bgcolor = #FFE0BB
|align = right
}}


The earliest sections of the ''[[Cheitharol Kumbaba]]'', a Meitei chronicle, record the gradual spread of Meiteis across {{langnf|mni|[[Kangleipak]]|[[Manipur]]}} and their assimilation of other clans into a confederacy.{{sfnp|Parratt|2005|pp=4}}{{sfnp|Sebastian|2019|pp=57-58}}
==References==
<references/>


=== In Kangleipak (Manipur) ===


In 1100 CE, '''[[Loyumba Shinyen]]''' ({{langx|omp|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯣꯌꯨꯝꯄ ꯁꯤꯟꯌꯦꯟ}}|{{Script|Latn|Loyumpa Shinyen}}}}), an [[ancient Meitei language]] [[constitution]] was written and regulated under the supervision of Meitei King [[Loiyumba|Loiyumba (Loyumba)]] (1074 CE-1112 CE) in the [[Ancient Kangleipak]] (early [[Manipur]]).<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sanajaoba |first=Naorem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9eYC4tjzyi4C&dq=loyumba+shinyen+written+constitution&pg=PA304 |title=Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001 |date=1991 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-271-4 |pages=304 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920065526/https://books.google.com/books?id=9eYC4tjzyi4C&dq=loyumba+shinyen+written+constitution&pg=PA304 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is a formal proclamation of the proto-constitution which was drafted in 429 CE by Meitei King [[Naophangba]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sanajaoba |first=Naorem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vO-vtI8NuxIC&dq=loyumba+shinyen+final+document&pg=PP2 |title=Manipur: Treatise & Documents |date=1993 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-399-5 |pages=2 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920065527/https://books.google.com/books?id=vO-vtI8NuxIC&dq=loyumba+shinyen+final+document&pg=PP2 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sanajaoba |first=Naorem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9eYC4tjzyi4C&dq=loyumba+shinyen+written+constitution&pg=PA304 |title=Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001 |date=1991 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-271-4 |pages=304 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920065526/https://books.google.com/books?id=9eYC4tjzyi4C&dq=loyumba+shinyen+written+constitution&pg=PA304 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Sanajaoba |first=Naorem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=vO-vtI8NuxIC&dq=loyumba+shinyen+Manipur+state+Constitution+act+1947+final+document&pg=PP2 |title=Manipur: Treatise & Documents |date=1993 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-399-5 |pages=2 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920065544/https://books.google.com/books?id=vO-vtI8NuxIC&dq=loyumba+shinyen+Manipur+state+Constitution+act+1947+final+document&pg=PP2 |url-status=live }}</ref> The idea of its [[constitutionalism]] was functional until it was substituted by the [[Manipur State Constitution Act 1947]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Sanajaoba |first=Naorem |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=9eYC4tjzyi4C&dq=loyumba+Shinyen+Manipur+State+Constitution+Act+1947+substituted+merger+India+October+15+1949&pg=PA304 |title=Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001 |date=1991 |publisher=Mittal Publications |isbn=978-81-7099-271-4 |pages=304 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=20 September 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230920070029/https://books.google.com/books?id=9eYC4tjzyi4C&dq=loyumba+Shinyen+Manipur+State+Constitution+Act+1947+substituted+merger+India+October+15+1949&pg=PA304 |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[Category:Ethnic groups in India]]
[[Category:Indo-Mongoloid]]
[[Category:Manipur]]


=== In Myanmar (Burma) ===
[[ca:Manipuri]]
[[File:Manipuri horseman.jpg|thumb|An 1855 watercolour of a ''Kathe'' horseman in the Burmese royal service]]
[[ru:Манипури]]
Myanmar is home to a sizeable community of Meiteis, who are called ''Kathe'' in Burmese.<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal |last=Nongthombam |first=Jiten |date=1 July 2011 |title=The Meitei Diaspora in Myanmar |url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09739572.2011.10597359 |journal=Diaspora Studies |volume=4 |issue=2 |pages=155–167 |doi=10.1080/09739572.2011.10597359 |doi-broken-date=1 November 2024 |issn=0973-9572 |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=11 December 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201211164535/https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/09739572.2011.10597359 |url-status=live }}</ref> Unlike other Hindu communities in Myanmar, the Meitei resemble other Burmese ethnic groups in terms of physical appearance, which has accelerated their assimilation and integration into Burmese society.<ref name=":1" /> In the early 1950s, Burmese Meiteis numbered approximately 40,000, with a third of them residing in [[Mandalay]].<ref name=":3">{{Cite book|last=Sanajaoba|first=Naorem|title=Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization|date=1988|publisher=Mittal Publications|isbn=978-81-7099-853-2|language=en}}</ref> Current estimates are approximately 25,000.<ref name="TOI">{{Cite web|title=Manipuris in Mandalay see ray of hope in Modi|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Manipuris-in-Mandalay-see-ray-of-hope-in-Modi/articleshow/48059811.cms|last1=Sunil|first1=Oinam|date=14 July 2015|website=The Times of India|language=en|access-date=25 May 2020|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202151013/https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/Manipuris-in-Mandalay-see-ray-of-hope-in-Modi/articleshow/48059811.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> Meiteis have resettled throughout the country, including in villages near [[Myitkyina]] to the north, [[Homalin]], [[Kalewa]], [[Pyay]], in the center of the country, and [[Yangon]] to the south.<ref name=":3" /> They continue to practice [[Hinduism]] in Myanmar.<ref>{{Cite news|date=13 June 2019|title=စစ်ကိုင်းမြို့တွင် ကသည်းမယ်တော်ကြီးချိုးရေတော်သုံးပွဲကျင်းပ|work=Eleven Broadcasting|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vHz1Rwro6Yo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211221/vHz1Rwro6Yo |archive-date=21 December 2021 |url-status=live|trans-title=Three festivals of Kathe Maedaw Gyi Cho Ye Taw held in Sagaing}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
[[sh:Meitei]]

As a result of wars between the Meitei kingdom and the [[Konbaung dynasty]] between the 17th and 18th centuries, many Meiteis were resettled in the Burmese kingdom.<ref name=":0">{{Cite journal|last=Oinam|first=Bhagat|date=2005|editor-last=Murayama|editor-first=Mayumi|title=Manipur|url=https://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Download/Jrp/133.html|journal=Sub-Regional Relations in the Eastern South Asia: With Special Focus on India's North Eastern Region|volume=133|access-date=20 September 2023|archive-date=2 December 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201202151211/https://www.ide.go.jp/English/Publish/Download/Jrp/133.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Some Meitei settlements in modern-day Myanmar originate from the 1758–1759 war, and from the Burmese occupation of Manipur from 1819 to 1826.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":3" /> [[Alaungpaya]], during the former campaign, resettled Meiteis in [[Sagaing]] and [[Amarapura]].<ref name=":3" /> The Meitei people's horsemanship skills were employed in the Burmese royal army, where they formed the elite Cassay cavalry (ကသည်းမြင်းတပ်) and artillery regiments (ကသည်းအမြောက်တပ်) which were employed during the [[Burmese–Siamese wars]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Singha|first=Memchaton|date=2016|title=Marriage Diplomacy Between the States of Manipur and Burma, 18Th to 19Th Centuries|journal=Proceedings of the Indian History Congress|volume=77|pages=874–879|issn=2249-1937|jstor=26552717}}</ref> The Burmese court also retained a retinue of [[Manipuri Brahmins]] called Bamons, also called ''Kathe Ponna'' (ကသည်းပုဏ္ဏား) to advise and conduct court rituals.<ref name=":3" />

== Language and writing systems ==
{{main|Meitei language|Meitei language in Bangladesh|Meitei language movement|List of Meitei-language television channels|List of Meitei-language newspapers|Meitei script}}

The Meitei people speak the [[Meitei language]] (also known as the Manipuri language), a [[Tibeto-Burman languages|Tibeto-Burman]] language. Meitei is one of the [[languages with legal status in India]], and was included in the [[Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India]] in 1992.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://mha.nic.in/hindi/sites/upload_files/mhahindi/files/pdf/Eighth_Schedule.pdf|title=Eight Schedule of the Constitution of India|website=Mha.nic.in|access-date=30 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010536/http://mha.nic.in/hindi/sites/upload_files/mhahindi/files/pdf/Eighth_Schedule.pdf|archive-date=5 March 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

There are many [[Meitei language movement]]s, including [[Meitei classical language movement|classical language movement]] (predominantly in Manipur), [[Meitei associate official language movement|associate official language movement]] (in [[Assam]]), [[Meitei linguistic purism movement|linguistic purism movement]] (predominantly in [[Manipur]]), etc.

Historically and then after a long gap, presently, Meitei was written in the indigenous [[Meitei mayek]] script.<ref>{{Cite web|title=History of Meetei Mayek|url=http://tabish.freeshell.org/eeyek/history.html|website=Tabish.freeshell.org|access-date=30 September 2017|archive-date=29 September 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170929043313/http://tabish.freeshell.org/eeyek/history.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The script was replaced by an alphabet based on the [[Bengali script]] in the early 18th century.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.omniglot.com/writing/manipuri.htm|title=Manipuri language and alphabets|website=Omniglot.com|access-date=30 September 2017|archive-date=27 May 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080527154306/http://www.omniglot.com/writing/manipuri.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The Meitei Mayek script has seen a revival in recent decades, and is now seen in street signs, schools, newspapers, and legislative proceeding records.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Laithangbam |first1=Iboyaima |title=Banished Manipuri script stages a comeback |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/banished-manipuri-script-stages-a-comeback/article19743482.ece |access-date=7 October 2020 |work=The Hindu |date=23 September 2017 |language=en-IN |archive-date=9 November 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109032654/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/banished-manipuri-script-stages-a-comeback/article19743482.ece |url-status=live }}</ref>

=== Literature ===
{{Further|Meitei literature|Meitei proverbs|Meitei Mahabharata|List of epics in Meitei language}}

[[File:The classical Meitei epic of the "Numit Kappa", written in ancient Meitei language (in archaic Meitei script).jpg|thumb|The ''[[Numit Kappa]]'', a Meitei epic composed around 33CE.]]

Among the heritage of diverse literary works in Meitei literature, the ''[[Khamba Thoibi Sheireng]]'', {{meitei|ꯈꯝꯕ ꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ ꯁꯩꯔꯦꯡ|lit=poem on Khamba Thoibi}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=George |first=K. M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m1R2Pa3f7r0C&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA29 |title=Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems |publisher=[[Sahitya Akademi]] |year=1992 |isbn=978-81-7201-324-0 |location=India |pages=29 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309163441/https://books.google.com/books?id=m1R2Pa3f7r0C&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA29 |url-status=live }}</ref>), is regarded as the [[national epic]] of the [[Manipuris]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=George |first=K. M. |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=m1R2Pa3f7r0C&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA258 |title=Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems |date=1992 |publisher=[[Sahitya Akademi]] |isbn=978-81-7201-324-0 |location=India |pages=258 |language=en |quote=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. |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309163432/https://books.google.com/books?id=m1R2Pa3f7r0C&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA258 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Datta |first=Amaresh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zB4n3MVozbUC&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA1186 |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Devraj to Jyoti |publisher=[[Sahitya Akademi]] |year=1988 |isbn=978-81-260-1194-0 |location=India |pages=1186 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309163434/https://books.google.com/books?id=zB4n3MVozbUC&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA1186 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":Sisir">{{Cite book |last=Das |first=Sisir Kumar |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=sqBjpV9OzcsC&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA190 |title=A History of Indian Literature: 1911-1956, struggle for freedom : triumph and tragedy |publisher=[[Sahitya Akademi]] |year=2005 |isbn=978-81-7201-798-9 |pages=190 |language=en |quote=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. |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309163444/https://books.google.com/books?id=sqBjpV9OzcsC&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA190 |url-status=live }}</ref> It is an [[epic poem]] based on the ancient romantic adventure tale of [[Khamba and Thoibi]]. It is the best known [[magnum opus]] of [[Hijam Anganghal Singh]]. It is often considered to be the greatest of all the Meitei epic poems. At 39,000 [[Verse (poetry)|verses]], it is [[Indian epic poetry#List of longest epics|the longest Indian epic]] just after the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Datta |first=Amaresh |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=zB4n3MVozbUC&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA1573 |title=Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Devraj to Jyoti |publisher=[[Sahitya Akademi]] |year=1988 |isbn=978-81-260-1194-0 |location=India |pages=1573 |language=en |quote=His best work, Khamba Thoibi sheireng, in 39,000 lines on the story of 'Khamba and Thoibi' was started in 1939 and the composition was completed in 1940. |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309163434/https://books.google.com/books?id=zB4n3MVozbUC&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Sheireng&pg=PA1573 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=":Sisir" /><ref>{{Cite book |last=Delhi |first=All India Radio (AIR), New |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=gL_8DwAAQBAJ&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Seireng&pg=PA1582 |title=AKASHVANI: Vol. XL. No. 35 ( 31 AUGUST, 1975 ) |date=31 August 1975 |publisher=All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi |pages=1582 |language=en |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309163433/https://books.google.com/books?id=gL_8DwAAQBAJ&dq=Khamba+Thoibi+Seireng&pg=PA1582 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Culture {{Anchor|Civilization|Civilisation}} ==
{{Further|Traditional Meitei religion|Meitei mythology|Meitei literature|Meitei folktales|Meitei folklore|Meitei festivals|Meitei dances|Manipuri classical dance}}
{{Multiple image|perrow = 2|total_width=300
| image1 = The Tableau of State of Manipur passing through the Rajpath during the full dress rehearsal for Republic Day Parade - 2005, in New Delhi on January 23, 2005.jpg
| image2 = The tableau of state of Manipur passing through the Rajpath during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on January 23,2006.jpg
| image3 = The tableau of Manipur passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg
| image4 = The tableau of Manipur passes through the Rajpath during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade-2017, in New Delhi on January 23, 2017.jpg
| image5 = The tableau of Manipur passes through the Raj path during the 61st Republic Day Parade-2010, in New Delhi on January 26, 2010.jpg
| size = 280
| spacing = 1
| position = centre
| border = 0
| color = white
| footer = The [[Republic of India]] honouring and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Meiteis (clockwise from the top): [[Kangla Fort]], [[Thang-Ta]] and the composite culture of {{langnf|mni|[[Kangleipak]]|[[Manipur]]}} (2005), [[Shri Shri Govindaji Temple]], [[Yaoshang]] and [[Pung Cholom]] (2006), [[Maibi]] and [[Lai Haraoba]] (2017), [[Hiyang Hiren]] and [[Pakhangba]] (2010), [[Maiba]], [[Pena (musical instrument)]] & [[Khamba Thoibi Jagoi]] (2018)
}}

=== Architectural designs and sculptures ===
{{Further|Meitei architecture}}
Some of the significant intricate designs of the traditional [[Meitei architecture]] and sculptures are seen in various buildings and institutions, especially the temples of [[traditional Meitei religion]]: [[Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple]], [[Pakhangba Temple, Kangla]], [[Sanamahi Kiyong Temple]], [[Thangjing Temple, Moirang]], among many. Others include the [[Ima Keithel]], [[Kangla Sanathong]]. include Some of the worthy to mention finely crafted sculptures are the [[Marjing Polo Statue]], [[Kangla Sha]] sculptures, [[Statue of Meidingu Nara Singh]].

=== Classical and folk dances, festivals and ritualistic theatres ===
[[File:Lai Haraoba-3 - 5571676820.jpg|right|thumb|233x233px|{{langnf|mni|[[Maibi]]s|priestesses}} dancing in {{langnf|mni|[[Lai Haraoba]]|Merrymaking festival of the gods}}]]
The {{langnf|mni|[[Lai Haraoba]]|Merrymaking festival of the gods}} is a traditional Meitei ritualistic theatrical festival, consisting of different dances, musical performances and carnivals in the temples and the streets. It's dedicated to the worship of the [[ancient Meitei gods and goddesses]], who are categorised as the {{langnf|mni|[[Umang Lai]]|Sylvan deities}} and {{langnf|mni|[[:simple:Lam Lai|Lam Lai]]|Tutelary deities}}.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lai Haraoba |url=https://www.sahapedia.org/lai-haraoba-0 |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=Sahapedia |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802205000/https://www.sahapedia.org/lai-haraoba-0 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lai Haraoba - a fertility rite of the Meitei |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/opinion/lai-haraoba-a-fertility-rite-of-the-meitei |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en |archive-date=2 August 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230802205141/https://www.ifp.co.in/opinion/lai-haraoba-a-fertility-rite-of-the-meitei |url-status=live }}</ref>
[[File:Rasa Lila in Manipuri dance style.jpg|thumb|256x256px|[[Raslila]] in {{langnf|mni|Jagoi Raas|[[Manipuri classical dance]]}} style]]
The '''''[[Manipuri classical dance]]''''', also referred to as the '''''Manipuri'' ''Raas Leela''''' ({{langx|mni|Jagoi Raas, Raas Jagoi}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Banerjee |first=Utpal Kumar |title=Indian Performing Arts: A Mosaic |date=2006 |publisher=Harman Publishing House |isbn=978-81-86622-75-9 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |title=Sruti |date=2006 |publisher=P.N. Sundaresan |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Derek |first=O' Brien |title=Knowledge Trek 7, 2/E |date=2006 |publisher=Pearson Education India |isbn=978-81-7758-055-6 |language=en}}</ref>), is a [[jagoi]] and is one of the major [[Classical Indian dance|Indian classical dance]] forms, originating from the historical [[Manipur Kingdom]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipuri {{!}} History, Characteristics, & Facts {{!}} Britannica |url=https://www.britannica.com/art/manipuri |access-date=2 August 2023 |website=www.britannica.com |language=en |archive-date=12 February 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230212081642/https://www.britannica.com/art/manipuri |url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Theatre and cinema ===
{{Main|Meitei cinema|Cinema of Manipur|List of Meitei-language films|Kalakshetra Manipur}}
[[File:Meitei Cinema - Maniwood Clapperboard.jpg|thumb|The clapperboard of [[Meitei cinema]] ([[Maniwood]])]]
The first [[Manipuri-language film]], ''[[Matamgi Manipur]]'', was released on 9 April 1972.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kanglafilms.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1:manipuri-cinema&catid=1:content|title=Manipuri Cinema|work=kanglafilms.com|access-date=1 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222102333/http://www.kanglafilms.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1:manipuri-cinema&catid=1:content|archive-date=22 December 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Paokhum Ama (1983) is the first full-length '''colour feature film''' (according to the [[Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences|Academy's]] definition of a feature film)<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/91aa_rules.pdf|title=91st Academy Awards Rules|website=The Oscars|access-date=4 November 2019|archive-date=23 August 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190823190433/https://www.oscars.org/sites/oscars/files/91aa_rules.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref> of Manipur and was directed by [[Aribam Syam Sharma]]. ''Lammei'' (2002) is the first Manipuri Video film to have a commercial screening at a theatre.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/shes-got-the-look-3/|title=From Manipur, stories of the women actors who didn't get to play Mary Kom|date=17 August 2014|work=The Indian Express|access-date=20 September 2023|archive-date=11 February 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170211125149/http://indianexpress.com/article/entertainment/entertainment-others/shes-got-the-look-3/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==== Golden Montgolfiere at the Nantes ====
{{langnf|mni|[[Imagi Ningthem]]|[[My Son, My Precious]]}} (1981) is the
[[Three Continents Festival#List of Montgolfière d'or winners|only Indian film]] that gets the [[Golden Montgolfiere]] at the [[Festival des 3 Continents]], [[Nantes]] in 1982, bringing fame and honour of the Indian cinema at the international platform.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Digitised Imagi Ningthem screened at Pune film fest : 15th jan14 ~ E-Pao! Headlines |url=http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=16..150114.jan14 |access-date=31 July 2023 |website=e-pao.net |archive-date=9 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230309173218/http://e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=16..150114.jan14 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=6 April 2022 |title=New book traces journey of Manipuri cinema |language=en-IN |work=The Hindu |url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/new-book-traces-journey-of-manipuri-cinema/article65295376.ece |access-date=31 July 2023 |issn=0971-751X |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731182755/https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/new-book-traces-journey-of-manipuri-cinema/article65295376.ece |url-status=live}}</ref>

==== World classic in Cannes ====
{{langnf|mni|[[Ishanou]]|[[The Chosen One (1990 film)|The Chosen One]]}} (1990) was screened in the [[Un Certain Regard]] section at the [[1991 Cannes Film Festival]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/131/year/1991.html |title=Festival de Cannes: The Chosen One |access-date=10 August 2009 |work=festival-cannes.com |archive-date=10 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110710235057/http://www.festival-cannes.com/en/archives/ficheFilm/id/131/year/1991.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and again after a gap of 33 years, it was recognised as a "World Classic" by the [[2023 Cannes Film Festival]]. Notably, it was the only film selected from India for the event in that year.<ref>{{Cite news |date=6 May 2023 |title=Manipuri feature film 'ISHANOU' recognised as World Classic |work=The Economic Times |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipuri-feature-film-ishanou-recognised-as-world-classic/articleshow/100038686.cms?from=mdr |access-date=31 July 2023 |issn=0013-0389 |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731125516/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipuri-feature-film-ishanou-recognised-as-world-classic/articleshow/100038686.cms?from=mdr |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Aribam Syam Sharma's ISHANOU recognised as World Classic |url=https://www.ifp.co.in/movies/aribam-syam-sharmas-ishanou-recognised-as-world-classic |access-date=31 July 2023 |website=[[Imphal Free Press]] |language=en |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731125822/https://www.ifp.co.in/movies/aribam-syam-sharmas-ishanou-recognised-as-world-classic |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Manipuri Film 'Ishanou' Becomes India's Only Restored Film To Be Screened At Cannes 2023 |url=https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/manipuri-film-ishanou-becomes-india-s-only-restored-film-to-be-screened-at-cannes-2023-news-284573 |website=Outlook India |date=8 May 2023 |access-date=20 September 2023 |archive-date=31 July 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230731125657/https://www.outlookindia.com/art-entertainment/manipuri-film-ishanou-becomes-india-s-only-restored-film-to-be-screened-at-cannes-2023-news-284573 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==== Achievements in the National Film Awards ====
{{Further|National Film Award for Best Feature Film in Meitei}}

=== Religions and beliefs ===
{{Further|Sanamahism|Sanamahi creation myth|Meitei deities|Meitei dragons|List of creatures in Meitei folklore|Meitei Hindus}}
According to the 2011 census, 83.38% of Meiteis practice [[Hinduism]], around 16% of Meiteis follow the traditional [[Sanamahism|Sanamahi]] religion, about 8% follow Islam<ref name="ET">{{cite news|date=9 May 2023|title=Manipur violence: Who are Meiteis and Kukis? What are they fighting over|url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipur-violence-who-are-meiteis-and-kukis-what-are-they-fighting-over/articleshow/100038719.cms|newspaper=Economic Times|access-date=22 July 2023|archive-date=22 July 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230722033323/https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/manipur-violence-who-are-meiteis-and-kukis-what-are-they-fighting-over/articleshow/100038719.cms|url-status=live}}</ref> and are known as [[Meitei Pangals]], and about 1.06% are Christians.<ref name="Joshua">{{Cite web|url=https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13513/in|title=Meitei unspecified in India|publisher=Joshua Project|access-date=20 September 2023|archive-date=24 June 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230624182812/https://joshuaproject.net/people_groups/13513/in|url-status=live}}</ref> Meiteis follow both [[Hinduism]] as well as [[Sanamahism|Sanamahi]] religious traditions and rituals. For example, they worship Sanamahi in the south-west corners of their homes.<ref>{{Cite web|title='Inclusion of Sanamahi religion in minority is being reviewed' : 27th aug11 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..270811.aug11|website=www.e-pao.net|access-date=25 May 2020|archive-date=7 March 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210307055131/http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=23..270811.aug11|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Calendar ===
{{Main|Meitei calendar}}
{{Further|Sanamahi creation myth}}
The Meitei people follow a traditional calendar called [[Meitei calendar|Maliyafam Palcha Kumsing]], which has 12 months and a 7-day week.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Names of 12 months of Kangleipak concepts and significances|url=http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.History_of_Manipur.Discovery_of_Kangleipak.Names_of_12_months_of_Kangleipak_concepts_and_significances|website=e-pao.net|access-date=25 May 2020|archive-date=24 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190924233119/http://e-pao.net/epSubPageExtractor.asp?src=manipur.History_of_Manipur.Discovery_of_Kangleipak.Names_of_12_months_of_Kangleipak_concepts_and_significances|url-status=live}}</ref>

=== Cuisine ===
{{Main article|Meitei cuisine}}
[[File:Yongchaak Singju with Hawai Maton.jpg|thumb|[[Singju]] is a signature dish of the [[Meitei cuisine]]]]
Rice, vegetables and fish are staple food of the Meiteis, although meat is also consumed; but in traditional meitei dishes meat is never used in non-vegetarian dishes. In traditional and cultural gatherings fish, snails, oysters, crabs, eels etc. are the only non-vegetarian elements used and a significant number of meiteis follow it where meat is cooked and eaten outside the house if consumed. Rice is the main carbohydrate source in a Meitei dish; typically, it is served with vegetables, fish, freshwater snails, crabs, oyesters, eels etc. Among the most famous species of fishes Manipuri Sareng ([[Wallago attu]]) or commonly known as Helicopter catfish, Hilsa ([[ilish]] Tenualosa ilisha), freshwater snails ([[pila (gastropod)]]) and edible oysters are considered a delicacy. The vegetables are either made as stews (Kangsoi) with less oil/no oil used in sauteing, or stir fried directly in oil with various added spices to make an oily spicy side dish (Kanghou). Roasted/Smoked and Sun-dried fish or fried fresh fish is usually added in most of the stews and curry to impart special taste. The vegetables, herbs and fruits consumed in the region are more similar to those in Southeast/East/Central Asian, Siberian, Arctic, Polynesian and Micronesian cuisines such as Myanmar, Thailand, Inuit, etc. E.g. treebean (yongchak), galangal (loklei), [[Eryngium foetidum|culantro]] (awa phadigom), [[Ocimum americanum|lime basil]] (mayangton), [[Houttuynia cordata|fishwort]] (tokningkhok) and many others, which are not cultivated in northern India. One of the most important ingredients in Meitei cooking is Ngari (fermented fish). Roasted ngari is used in the [[singju]] (a kind of salad), morok metpa (chilli chutney), [[eromba]] (boiled and mashed veggies with chillies). A variety of fermented bamboo shoots (soibum) as well as fresh bamboo shoots (Ushoi/Shoidon), and fermented soya beans (hawaijaar) also form an important part of Meitei cuisines. All meals are served with some fresh aromatic herbs on the side.

A typical every day Meitei meal will have rice, vegetable or fish curry, a piquant side dish (either morok metpa or [[eromba]] accompanied with herbs), a champhut (a steamed/boiled vegetable with little sugar, e.g., carrot, pumpkin or cucumber slices or steamed/boiled mustard green stems, etc. without sugar), and a Kanghou. Meat cuisines are also popular amongst the Meiteis and some of the common meat curries are yen thongba (chicken curry) and nganu thongba (duck cury) and depending on regions, oak thongba (pork curry) and shan thongba (beef curry).

=== Subsistence ===
The Meitei are mainly agriculturists in which rice is a staple crop. However, they also grow mangoes, lemons, pineapples, oranges, guavas, and other fruits. Fishing is also common among the Meitei that can either be a profession or a hobby. Women tend to dominate the local markets as sellers of food items, textiles, and traditional clothing.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Human: The Definitive Visual Guide|publisher=[[Dorling Kindersley]]|year=2004|isbn=0-7566-0520-2|editor-last=Winston|editor-first=Robert|location=New York|pages=441}}</ref>

== Notable people ==
{{Main|List of Meitei people}}

== Associations and organisations ==
{{Incomplete list|date=August 2023}}

=== Society-based ===
* [[Nikhil Manipuri Mahasabha]]

=== Language-based ===
* [[Manipuri Sahitya Parishad]]
* [[Naharol Sahitya Premee Samitee]]

=== Religion-based ===
* [[International Sanamahism Students' Association]]
* [[Lainingthou Sanamahi Sana Pung]]
* [[Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board]]
* [[South East Asia Cultural Organisation]]

== See also ==
* [[Meitei Brahmin]]s
* [[Meitei Muslims]]
* [[List of Meitei kings]]
* [[Meira Paibi]]
* [[Ningthouja dynasty]]
* [[Meitei festivals]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== Sources ==
* {{Cite journal|last=Brandt|first=Carmen|date=5 December 2017|title=Writing off domination: the Chakma and Meitei script movements|url=https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/19472498.2017.1411050|journal=South Asian History and Culture|volume=9|pages=116–140|language=en|doi=10.1080/19472498.2017.1411050|s2cid=148911026|issn=1947-2498}}
* {{Cite book|last=Hazarika|first=Manjil|url=https://oxford.universitypressscholarship.com/view/10.1093/oso/9780199474660.001.0001/oso-9780199474660|title=Prehistory and Archaeology of Northeast India: Multidisciplinary Investigation in an Archaeological Terra Incognita|date=2017|publisher=Oxford University Press|doi=10.1093/oso/9780199474660.001.0001|isbn=978-0-19-947466-0|language=en}}
* {{Cite book|last=Parratt|first=Saroj Nalini Arambam|title=The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: The Cheitharon Kumpapa : Original Text, Translation, and Notes|date=2005|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-415-34430-1|location=London}}
* {{Cite thesis|last=Sebastian|first=Rodney|title=Cultural Fusion in a Religious Dance Drama: Building the Sacred Body in the Manipuri Rāslīlās|date=2019|publisher=University of Florida|id={{ProQuest|2464172212}}}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Portal bar|Arts|Asia|Bangladesh|Geography|History|India|Language|Literature|Music|Myanmar|People|Politics|Religion}}
{{Manipur}}
{{Ethnic groups in Bangladesh}}
{{Ethnic groups in Myanmar}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Meitei, Meetei}}
[[Category:Meitei people| ]]
[[Category:Buddhist communities of Myanmar]]
[[Category:Hindu ethnic groups]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Bangladesh]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Manipur]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Myanmar]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Northeast India]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in South Asia]]
[[Category:Ethnic groups in Southeast Asia]]

Latest revision as of 10:43, 23 December 2024

Meitei people
(Manipuri people)[1]
Cultural flag of the Meitei people
Total population
1,800,000+[2] (2011)
Regions with significant populations
 India1,760,913[3]
           Manipur1,522,132[4]
           Assam168,127[5]
           Tripura23,779[6]
           Nagaland9,511[7]
           Meghalaya4,451[8]
           Arunachal Pradesh2,835[9]
           Mizoram2,242[10]
 Myanmar25,000[11]
 Bangladesh15,000[2]
Languages
Meitei language
(officially known as Manipuri language)
Religion
Majority:
Hinduism (83.38%) - predominately Vaishnavism
Minority:
[12][13][14]
Related ethnic groups
Bamars, Shan, Chin, Kachin, Meitei Pangals, Tripuri, Nagas, other Tibeto-Burman groups

The Meitei people, also known as Meetei,[15] Manipuri people,[1] are a Tibeto-Burman ethnic group native to the Indian State of Manipur. They form the largest and dominant ethnic group of Manipur in Northeast India. They speak the Meitei language (officially called Manipuri), one of the 22 official languages of the Republic of India and the sole official language of Government of Manipur.[1][16] The Meiteis primarily settled in the Imphal Valley region in modern-day Manipur, though a sizeable population has settled in the other Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram.[2][17] There is also a notable presence of Meiteis in the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh.[2][11][18] The Meiteis represents about 53% of Manipur's population.[19]

Endonyms and exonyms

[edit]

The Meitei are known by a number of endonyms, Meitei, Meetei, Meithei (Meitei),[1] and as well as by numerous exonyms, such as Meckley,[20][21] Manipuri, Cassay-Shan, and Kathe (Burmese). [22] The term Manipuri is widely used, but problematic because of its ambiguous scope: next to being a synonym for Meitei/Meetei, it can also refer in a wider sense to the native ethnic groups in the hills of Manipur.[15]

Geographical distribution

[edit]

India

[edit]

Manipur

[edit]

The Indian state of Manipur has the largest Meitei population among all its geographical distribution.[23]

Assam

[edit]
Districts of Barak Valley - Meitei speaking population settlement areas of Assam

Meitei people are the third largest ethnic group, after Bengalis and Hindi speaking people, in the Barak Valley region of Assam state of India.[24]

Bangladesh

[edit]
Areas where there is significant population of Meiteis in Bangladesh

The population of Meiteis are found in four districts of Sylhet Division in Bangladesh, namely Sylhet District (thirteen villages), Moulvibazar District (twenty-eight villages), Sunamganj District (three villages) and Habiganj District (four villages). In early times, there were Meitei population in Dhaka, Mymensingh and Comilla also.[25]

Myanmar

[edit]

Myanmar has a significant population of Meitei people in Kachin state, Yangon Region, Sagaing Region, Shan state, Ayeyarwady Region, among others.[26]

Origins and history

[edit]

"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."[27][28][29]

Suniti Kumar Chatterji, Padma Vibhushan awardee Indian scholar

The earliest sections of the Cheitharol Kumbaba, a Meitei chronicle, record the gradual spread of Meiteis across Kangleipak (Meitei for 'Manipur') and their assimilation of other clans into a confederacy.[30][31]

In Kangleipak (Manipur)

[edit]

In 1100 CE, Loyumba Shinyen (Old Manipuri: ꯂꯣꯌꯨꯝꯄ ꯁꯤꯟꯌꯦꯟ, romanized: Loyumpa Shinyen), an ancient Meitei language constitution was written and regulated under the supervision of Meitei King Loiyumba (Loyumba) (1074 CE-1112 CE) in the Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur).[32] It is a formal proclamation of the proto-constitution which was drafted in 429 CE by Meitei King Naophangba.[33][34][35] The idea of its constitutionalism was functional until it was substituted by the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947.[36]

In Myanmar (Burma)

[edit]
An 1855 watercolour of a Kathe horseman in the Burmese royal service

Myanmar is home to a sizeable community of Meiteis, who are called Kathe in Burmese.[37] Unlike other Hindu communities in Myanmar, the Meitei resemble other Burmese ethnic groups in terms of physical appearance, which has accelerated their assimilation and integration into Burmese society.[37] In the early 1950s, Burmese Meiteis numbered approximately 40,000, with a third of them residing in Mandalay.[38] Current estimates are approximately 25,000.[11] Meiteis have resettled throughout the country, including in villages near Myitkyina to the north, Homalin, Kalewa, Pyay, in the center of the country, and Yangon to the south.[38] They continue to practice Hinduism in Myanmar.[39]

As a result of wars between the Meitei kingdom and the Konbaung dynasty between the 17th and 18th centuries, many Meiteis were resettled in the Burmese kingdom.[40] Some Meitei settlements in modern-day Myanmar originate from the 1758–1759 war, and from the Burmese occupation of Manipur from 1819 to 1826.[40][38] Alaungpaya, during the former campaign, resettled Meiteis in Sagaing and Amarapura.[38] The Meitei people's horsemanship skills were employed in the Burmese royal army, where they formed the elite Cassay cavalry (ကသည်းမြင်းတပ်) and artillery regiments (ကသည်းအမြောက်တပ်) which were employed during the Burmese–Siamese wars.[41] The Burmese court also retained a retinue of Manipuri Brahmins called Bamons, also called Kathe Ponna (ကသည်းပုဏ္ဏား) to advise and conduct court rituals.[38]

Language and writing systems

[edit]

The Meitei people speak the Meitei language (also known as the Manipuri language), a Tibeto-Burman language. Meitei is one of the languages with legal status in India, and was included in the Eighth Schedule to the Constitution of India in 1992.[42]

There are many Meitei language movements, including classical language movement (predominantly in Manipur), associate official language movement (in Assam), linguistic purism movement (predominantly in Manipur), etc.

Historically and then after a long gap, presently, Meitei was written in the indigenous Meitei mayek script.[43] The script was replaced by an alphabet based on the Bengali script in the early 18th century.[44] The Meitei Mayek script has seen a revival in recent decades, and is now seen in street signs, schools, newspapers, and legislative proceeding records.[45]

Literature

[edit]
The Numit Kappa, a Meitei epic composed around 33CE.

Among the heritage of diverse literary works in Meitei literature, the Khamba Thoibi Sheireng, (Meiteiꯈꯝꯕ ꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ ꯁꯩꯔꯦꯡ, lit.'poem on Khamba Thoibi')[46]), is regarded as the national epic of the Manipuris.[47][48][49] It is an epic poem based on the ancient romantic adventure tale of Khamba and Thoibi. It is the best known magnum opus of Hijam Anganghal Singh. It is often considered to be the greatest of all the Meitei epic poems. At 39,000 verses, it is the longest Indian epic just after the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.[50][49][51]

Culture

[edit]
The Republic of India honouring and showcasing the cultural heritage of the Meiteis (clockwise from the top): Kangla Fort, Thang-Ta and the composite culture of Kangleipak (Meitei for 'Manipur') (2005), Shri Shri Govindaji Temple, Yaoshang and Pung Cholom (2006), Maibi and Lai Haraoba (2017), Hiyang Hiren and Pakhangba (2010), Maiba, Pena (musical instrument) & Khamba Thoibi Jagoi (2018)

Architectural designs and sculptures

[edit]

Some of the significant intricate designs of the traditional Meitei architecture and sculptures are seen in various buildings and institutions, especially the temples of traditional Meitei religion: Hiyangthang Lairembi Temple, Pakhangba Temple, Kangla, Sanamahi Kiyong Temple, Thangjing Temple, Moirang, among many. Others include the Ima Keithel, Kangla Sanathong. include Some of the worthy to mention finely crafted sculptures are the Marjing Polo Statue, Kangla Sha sculptures, Statue of Meidingu Nara Singh.

Classical and folk dances, festivals and ritualistic theatres

[edit]
Maibis (Meitei for 'priestesses') dancing in Lai Haraoba (Meitei for 'Merrymaking festival of the gods')

The Lai Haraoba (Meitei for 'Merrymaking festival of the gods') is a traditional Meitei ritualistic theatrical festival, consisting of different dances, musical performances and carnivals in the temples and the streets. It's dedicated to the worship of the ancient Meitei gods and goddesses, who are categorised as the Umang Lai (Meitei for 'Sylvan deities') and Lam Lai (Meitei for 'Tutelary deities').[52][53]

Raslila in Jagoi Raas (Meitei for 'Manipuri classical dance') style

The Manipuri classical dance, also referred to as the Manipuri Raas Leela (Meitei: Jagoi Raas, Raas Jagoi[54][55][56]), is a jagoi and is one of the major Indian classical dance forms, originating from the historical Manipur Kingdom.[57]

Theatre and cinema

[edit]
The clapperboard of Meitei cinema (Maniwood)

The first Manipuri-language film, Matamgi Manipur, was released on 9 April 1972.[58] Paokhum Ama (1983) is the first full-length colour feature film (according to the Academy's definition of a feature film)[59] of Manipur and was directed by Aribam Syam Sharma. Lammei (2002) is the first Manipuri Video film to have a commercial screening at a theatre.[60]

Golden Montgolfiere at the Nantes

[edit]

Imagi Ningthem (Meitei for 'My Son, My Precious') (1981) is the only Indian film that gets the Golden Montgolfiere at the Festival des 3 Continents, Nantes in 1982, bringing fame and honour of the Indian cinema at the international platform.[61][62]

World classic in Cannes

[edit]

Ishanou (Meitei for 'The Chosen One') (1990) was screened in the Un Certain Regard section at the 1991 Cannes Film Festival,[63] and again after a gap of 33 years, it was recognised as a "World Classic" by the 2023 Cannes Film Festival. Notably, it was the only film selected from India for the event in that year.[64][65][66]

Achievements in the National Film Awards

[edit]

Religions and beliefs

[edit]

According to the 2011 census, 83.38% of Meiteis practice Hinduism, around 16% of Meiteis follow the traditional Sanamahi religion, about 8% follow Islam[12] and are known as Meitei Pangals, and about 1.06% are Christians.[13] Meiteis follow both Hinduism as well as Sanamahi religious traditions and rituals. For example, they worship Sanamahi in the south-west corners of their homes.[67]

Calendar

[edit]

The Meitei people follow a traditional calendar called Maliyafam Palcha Kumsing, which has 12 months and a 7-day week.[68]

Cuisine

[edit]
Singju is a signature dish of the Meitei cuisine

Rice, vegetables and fish are staple food of the Meiteis, although meat is also consumed; but in traditional meitei dishes meat is never used in non-vegetarian dishes. In traditional and cultural gatherings fish, snails, oysters, crabs, eels etc. are the only non-vegetarian elements used and a significant number of meiteis follow it where meat is cooked and eaten outside the house if consumed. Rice is the main carbohydrate source in a Meitei dish; typically, it is served with vegetables, fish, freshwater snails, crabs, oyesters, eels etc. Among the most famous species of fishes Manipuri Sareng (Wallago attu) or commonly known as Helicopter catfish, Hilsa (ilish Tenualosa ilisha), freshwater snails (pila (gastropod)) and edible oysters are considered a delicacy. The vegetables are either made as stews (Kangsoi) with less oil/no oil used in sauteing, or stir fried directly in oil with various added spices to make an oily spicy side dish (Kanghou). Roasted/Smoked and Sun-dried fish or fried fresh fish is usually added in most of the stews and curry to impart special taste. The vegetables, herbs and fruits consumed in the region are more similar to those in Southeast/East/Central Asian, Siberian, Arctic, Polynesian and Micronesian cuisines such as Myanmar, Thailand, Inuit, etc. E.g. treebean (yongchak), galangal (loklei), culantro (awa phadigom), lime basil (mayangton), fishwort (tokningkhok) and many others, which are not cultivated in northern India. One of the most important ingredients in Meitei cooking is Ngari (fermented fish). Roasted ngari is used in the singju (a kind of salad), morok metpa (chilli chutney), eromba (boiled and mashed veggies with chillies). A variety of fermented bamboo shoots (soibum) as well as fresh bamboo shoots (Ushoi/Shoidon), and fermented soya beans (hawaijaar) also form an important part of Meitei cuisines. All meals are served with some fresh aromatic herbs on the side.

A typical every day Meitei meal will have rice, vegetable or fish curry, a piquant side dish (either morok metpa or eromba accompanied with herbs), a champhut (a steamed/boiled vegetable with little sugar, e.g., carrot, pumpkin or cucumber slices or steamed/boiled mustard green stems, etc. without sugar), and a Kanghou. Meat cuisines are also popular amongst the Meiteis and some of the common meat curries are yen thongba (chicken curry) and nganu thongba (duck cury) and depending on regions, oak thongba (pork curry) and shan thongba (beef curry).

Subsistence

[edit]

The Meitei are mainly agriculturists in which rice is a staple crop. However, they also grow mangoes, lemons, pineapples, oranges, guavas, and other fruits. Fishing is also common among the Meitei that can either be a profession or a hobby. Women tend to dominate the local markets as sellers of food items, textiles, and traditional clothing.[69]

Notable people

[edit]

Associations and organisations

[edit]

Society-based

[edit]

Language-based

[edit]

Religion-based

[edit]

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d "Meitei | people | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Archived from the original on 15 November 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d "Meitei". Ethnologue. Archived from the original on 24 July 2019. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  3. ^ "Languages Specified in the Eight Schedule (Scheduled Languages)" (PDF). census.gov.in. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020. Listed as Manipuri in the 2011 Indian census
  4. ^ "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Manipur". census.gov.in. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  5. ^ "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Assam". census.gov.in. Archived from the original on 20 October 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  6. ^ "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Tripura". census.gov.in. Archived from the original on 10 April 2021. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  7. ^ "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Nagaland". census.gov.in. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  8. ^ "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Meghalaya". census.gov.in. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  9. ^ "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Arunachal Pradesh". census.gov.in. Archived from the original on 19 June 2021. Retrieved 9 January 2021.
  10. ^ "C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Mizoram". census.gov.in. Archived from the original on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  11. ^ a b c Sunil, Oinam (14 July 2015). "Manipuris in Mandalay see ray of hope in Modi". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  12. ^ a b "Manipur violence: Who are Meiteis and Kukis? What are they fighting over". Economic Times. 9 May 2023. Archived from the original on 22 July 2023. Retrieved 22 July 2023.
  13. ^ a b "Meitei unspecified in India". Joshua Project. Archived from the original on 24 June 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  14. ^ "'Inclusion of Sanamahi religion in minority is being reviewed' : 27th aug11 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". www.e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  15. ^ a b Samson, Kamei (2019). "Theorising Social Fear in the Context of Collective Actions in Manipur". Journal of Northeast Indian Cultures. 4 (2): 12–43. Archived from the original on 4 December 2020. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
    P.20: "historically, academically and conventionally Manipuri prominently refers to the Meetei people."
    P.24: "For the Meeteis, Manipuris comprise Meeteis, Lois, Kukis, Nagas and Pangal."
  16. ^ "Manipuri language | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 15 November 2022.
  17. ^ "Festivals in Meghalaya, Fairs and Festivals of Meghalaya". Travelhot.in. Archived from the original on 8 October 2018. Retrieved 13 November 2018.
  18. ^ Thokchom, Khelen (19 May 2008). "Myanmar Meiteis in search of roots". The Telegraph. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 29 September 2020.
  19. ^ Khomdan Singh Lisam, Encyclopaedia Of Manipur, ISBN 978-8178358642, pp. 322–347
  20. ^ Temple, RC (1894). "Contributions Towards the History of Anglo: Burmese Words". The Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland: 152–164. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  21. ^ Sanjeev, Thingnam (2020). "Surveying and producing the frontier in nineteenth century Manipur: challenges and practices". Asian Ethnicity. 21 (1): 122–136. doi:10.1080/14631369.2019.1585750. S2CID 150642454. Archived from the original on 27 April 2021. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  22. ^ Parratt 2005, pp. 24, Vol. 1.
  23. ^ "Manipuri language | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Archived from the original on 11 July 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  24. ^ Mishra, Awadesh (1 January 1999). "The Manipuris in the Barak Valley: A Case Study of Language Maintenance'". Linguistics of the Tibeto-Burman Area. Archived from the original on 25 April 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  25. ^ "Textile Bdesh Myanmar 3". www.e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 23 December 2022. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  26. ^ "Manipuri in Myanmar 1". e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 14 March 2023. Retrieved 14 March 2023.
  27. ^ 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.
  28. ^ Siṃha, Niṃthaukhoṃjama Khelacandra (1975). Manipuri Language: Status and Importance (in English and Manipuri). N. Tombi Raj Singh. p. 34. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 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...
  29. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. p. 290. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  30. ^ Parratt (2005), pp. 4.
  31. ^ Sebastian (2019), pp. 57–58.
  32. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1991). Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001. Mittal Publications. p. 304. ISBN 978-81-7099-271-4. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  33. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1993). Manipur: Treatise & Documents. Mittal Publications. p. 2. ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  34. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1991). Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001. Mittal Publications. p. 304. ISBN 978-81-7099-271-4. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  35. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1993). Manipur: Treatise & Documents. Mittal Publications. p. 2. ISBN 978-81-7099-399-5. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  36. ^ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1991). Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001. Mittal Publications. p. 304. ISBN 978-81-7099-271-4. Archived from the original on 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  37. ^ a b Nongthombam, Jiten (1 July 2011). "The Meitei Diaspora in Myanmar". Diaspora Studies. 4 (2): 155–167. doi:10.1080/09739572.2011.10597359 (inactive 1 November 2024). ISSN 0973-9572. Archived from the original on 11 December 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2023.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: DOI inactive as of November 2024 (link)
  38. ^ a b c d e Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2.
  39. ^ "စစ်ကိုင်းမြို့တွင် ကသည်းမယ်တော်ကြီးချိုးရေတော်သုံးပွဲကျင်းပ" [Three festivals of Kathe Maedaw Gyi Cho Ye Taw held in Sagaing]. Eleven Broadcasting. 13 June 2019. Archived from the original on 21 December 2021.
  40. ^ a b Oinam, Bhagat (2005). Murayama, Mayumi (ed.). "Manipur". Sub-Regional Relations in the Eastern South Asia: With Special Focus on India's North Eastern Region. 133. Archived from the original on 2 December 2020. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  41. ^ Singha, Memchaton (2016). "Marriage Diplomacy Between the States of Manipur and Burma, 18Th to 19Th Centuries". Proceedings of the Indian History Congress. 77: 874–879. ISSN 2249-1937. JSTOR 26552717.
  42. ^ "Eight Schedule of the Constitution of India" (PDF). Mha.nic.in. Archived from the original (PDF) on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  43. ^ "History of Meetei Mayek". Tabish.freeshell.org. Archived from the original on 29 September 2017. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  44. ^ "Manipuri language and alphabets". Omniglot.com. Archived from the original on 27 May 2008. Retrieved 30 September 2017.
  45. ^ Laithangbam, Iboyaima (23 September 2017). "Banished Manipuri script stages a comeback". The Hindu. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 7 October 2020.
  46. ^ George, K. M. (1992). Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems. India: Sahitya Akademi. p. 29. ISBN 978-81-7201-324-0. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  47. ^ George, K. M. (1992). Modern Indian Literature, an Anthology: Surveys and poems. India: Sahitya Akademi. p. 258. ISBN 978-81-7201-324-0. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 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.
  48. ^ Datta, Amaresh (1988). Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Devraj to Jyoti. India: Sahitya Akademi. p. 1186. ISBN 978-81-260-1194-0. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  49. ^ a b 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. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023. 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.
  50. ^ Datta, Amaresh (1988). Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Devraj to Jyoti. India: Sahitya Akademi. p. 1573. ISBN 978-81-260-1194-0. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023. His best work, Khamba Thoibi sheireng, in 39,000 lines on the story of 'Khamba and Thoibi' was started in 1939 and the composition was completed in 1940.
  51. ^ Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New (31 August 1975). AKASHVANI: Vol. XL. No. 35 ( 31 AUGUST, 1975 ). All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi. p. 1582. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  52. ^ "Lai Haraoba". Sahapedia. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  53. ^ "Lai Haraoba - a fertility rite of the Meitei". Imphal Free Press. Archived from the original on 2 August 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  54. ^ Banerjee, Utpal Kumar (2006). Indian Performing Arts: A Mosaic. Harman Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-86622-75-9.
  55. ^ Sruti. P.N. Sundaresan. 2006.
  56. ^ Derek, O' Brien (2006). Knowledge Trek 7, 2/E. Pearson Education India. ISBN 978-81-7758-055-6.
  57. ^ "Manipuri | History, Characteristics, & Facts | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Archived from the original on 12 February 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2023.
  58. ^ "Manipuri Cinema". kanglafilms.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 1 January 2016.
  59. ^ "91st Academy Awards Rules" (PDF). The Oscars. Archived (PDF) from the original on 23 August 2019. Retrieved 4 November 2019.
  60. ^ "From Manipur, stories of the women actors who didn't get to play Mary Kom". The Indian Express. 17 August 2014. Archived from the original on 11 February 2017. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  61. ^ "Digitised Imagi Ningthem screened at Pune film fest : 15th jan14 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 9 March 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  62. ^ "New book traces journey of Manipuri cinema". The Hindu. 6 April 2022. ISSN 0971-751X. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  63. ^ "Festival de Cannes: The Chosen One". festival-cannes.com. Archived from the original on 10 July 2011. Retrieved 10 August 2009.
  64. ^ "Manipuri feature film 'ISHANOU' recognised as World Classic". The Economic Times. 6 May 2023. ISSN 0013-0389. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  65. ^ "Aribam Syam Sharma's ISHANOU recognised as World Classic". Imphal Free Press. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  66. ^ "Manipuri Film 'Ishanou' Becomes India's Only Restored Film To Be Screened At Cannes 2023". Outlook India. 8 May 2023. Archived from the original on 31 July 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2023.
  67. ^ "'Inclusion of Sanamahi religion in minority is being reviewed' : 27th aug11 ~ E-Pao! Headlines". www.e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 7 March 2021. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  68. ^ "Names of 12 months of Kangleipak concepts and significances". e-pao.net. Archived from the original on 24 September 2019. Retrieved 25 May 2020.
  69. ^ Winston, Robert, ed. (2004). Human: The Definitive Visual Guide. New York: Dorling Kindersley. p. 441. ISBN 0-7566-0520-2.

Sources

[edit]
[edit]