TODAY -

When you remember Marathon, I remember Maibam Tamra Singh

Dr. Khomdon Lisam *

8th Mega Marathon 2014 - under theme 'Run for Your Nation' at Imphal :: 16 February 2014
8th Mega Marathon 2014 at Imphal on 16 February 2014 :: Pix - Ashok Ningthoujam



Lord North Brook, the Viceroy and Governor General of India (3 May 1872- 12 April 1876) expressed his desire to visit some places of the eastern region of India. He informed the Chief Commissioner of Assam, Mr. Richard Harte Keatinge (1874–1878) about the date and place of the proposed meeting. Mr. Richard Harte Keatinge in turn informed Dr. R. Brown, FRCS the Political Agent of Manipur (1867-1875).

Dr. R. Brown informed Maharaja Chandrakirti, son of Maharaja Gambheer Singh about the proposed meeting with Lord North Brook, the Viceroy and Governor General of India at Malugram, Cachar on 30 July, 1874 through Thangal Major. After a lengthy discussion with his officials, the Maharaja Chandrakirti decided to join the Meeting with Lord North Brook, the Viceroy of India at Malugram, Cachar on 30 July, 1874. The Maharaja was keen to go for the meeting with appropriate security.

Thangal Major made an elaborate security arrangement for the king. An advance party of 500 people comprising of Khoisnam joy singh, Yumkhaibam Maipak Subedar, Thingbaijam komol singh, Tongbram Bol Singh, Subedar and many soldiers, attendants, cooks with necessary food supplies and equipment to clear the jungles, to repair the road, to make temporary bridges, to erect temporary shelters at suitable places and to mobilize local people for receiving the Maharaja was dispatched in advance.

He mobilized 500 Meitei soldiers with guns, bayonets, ammunitions, swords and another 500 hill soldiers in black dress with headgear well equipped with swords and spears for personal protection of the king. He prepared eight elephants well decorated with Sembang Mahum for the journey He also mobilized 50 cavalry for special protection of the king.

The Maharaja started his journey for the Zilla Durbar on 17 Ingngel, Friday, 1874 accompanied by his two sons, Kullachandra Wangkheilakpa , Pheijaosana (Jhalkirty), Samuhanjaba. Thangal Major, Sougaijamba Major, longjam Puskar and many other noblemen accompanied Maharaja Chandrakiti in the journey. Maharaja arrived at Cachar on 24 Ingngel, 1874 after a hazardous journey. After reaching Cachar, when he relaxed on the bed, he suddenly remembered that he had forgotten to bring two important documents which the British Authorities had signed in favour of his father, Maharaja Gambheer Singh .

The two documents were (1) The Treaty of Yandabo, signed on 24 February 1826 . Under this treaty, the British Government and the King of Burma recognized Gambheer Singh as the ruler of Manipur. (2) Another treaty is the Treaty of 1833, signed on 18 April, 1833 under which the British Government agreed to give to the Raja of Manipur the line of the Jiri river and western bank of Barak river as the boundary between Manipur and Assam.

He declared in presence of everybody that " In my dream , Shri Shri Govinda appeared and told me that I will have a successful meeting with the Viceroy provided I wear a garland which is the nirmal of Shri Shri Govinda. There are still four days left for the Zilla Durbar. But if one of you go to Imphal, you can ask my mother (Maisnam Kumudini ) to hand over the two documents of 1826 and 1833. Is there any volunteer.?"

At this critical moment, one Maibam Tanmra volunteered to run to Imphal. Maibram Tamra Singh was well known for his exceptional strength and very good physique. With the blessings of the Maharaja, he started running with a small bag of chengpak on foot from Cachar in the early morning and kept continuously running without any break. When he reached Lamangdong (Bishnupur), he collapsed and went to sleep for few hours.

He was woken up in the morning by an elderly person , The man enquired what happened to him. He told all the stories. The man gave him his horse to go ahead. He entered the palace on horseback and told the stories to queen mother Maisnam Kumudini . The queen mother with the help of Surchandra, Maharaja's eldest son arranged everything - the documents , the garland nirmal from Shri Sri Govinda .

She also offered two kwa matap for her son prepared by herself with the instruction that his son Maharaja Chandrakirti should go for the meeting chewing the kwa matap. Maibam Tamra started his return journey again on horse back. On reaching Lamangdong , he handed over the horse to the owner and stated running on foot. He reached Cachar just one day prior to the proposed meeting at Malugram.

The king was very happy and Maibam Tamra Singh was awarded for his exemplary work. The Zilla Durbar was held on 30 July, 1874. The Viceroy was really happy and impressed to see Maharaja Chandrakirti and his entourage. On 31st July, 1874, an exhibition Polo match was displayed in honour of Lord North Brook, the viceroy of India at Silchar. Chandrakirti made his return journey for Imphal on 14 August, 1874.

Today , the Marathon is known as a long-distance running event with an official distance of 42.195 kilometres (26 miles and 385 yards), usually run as a road race. The event was instituted in commemoration of the fabled run of the Greek soldier Pheidippides, a messenger from the Battle of Marathon to Athens, Greece. Thus the name Marathon comes from the legend of Pheidippides, a Greek messenger.

The legend states that he was sent from the battlefield of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon (in which he had just fought), which took place in August or September, 490 BC. It is said that he ran the entire distance without stopping and burst into the King's assembly, exclaiming nenikekamen, "we have won", before he dropped death in front of the king.

The marathon was one of the original modern Olympic events to commemorate the battle of Marathon in 1896, though the distance did not become standardized until 1921. The International Olympic Committee agreed in 1907 that the distance for the 1908 London Olympic marathon would be about 25 miles or 40 kilometres.

The Greek invented the Marathon race of around 25 km to commemorate the battle of Marathon. But here is one forgotten Manipuri hero who run more than 250 km at a stretch without stopping from Cachar to Imphal and on the next day from Imphal to Cachar. Can we think of organising a State Race naming Maibam Tamra Singh Race to commemorate the Zilla Durbar of Maharaja Chandrakirti.

I am making a fervent appeal to the Department of Sports and Youth Affaires , the Sports lovers and the civil societies in Manipur the feasibility of instituting one road race naming Maibam Tamra Singh Race to commemorate the Zilla Durbar of Maharaja Chandrakirti. I think this is a matter of pride for us to remember this event, which is not less than Marathon race.


* Dr. Khomdon Lisam wrote this article for e-pao.net
The writer can be contacted at khomdon(doT)lisam(at)yahoo(dot)com
This article was posted on March 26, 2015.


* Comments posted by users in this discussion thread and other parts of this site are opinions of the individuals posting them (whose user ID is displayed alongside) and not the views of e-pao.net. We strongly recommend that users exercise responsibility, sensitivity and caution over language while writing your opinions which will be seen and read by other users. Please read a complete Guideline on using comments on this website.




LATEST IN E-PAO.NET
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #8
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • The fight for survival in Manipur
  • A call for unity from displaced voices
  • COVID-19: Update 08 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Dogs Are Staying on the Ground :: Poem
  • Football Tournament at Heinoukhongnembi
  • Condemns Kuki Inpi's Directive
  • Installation Ceremony of Lions Club, Imphal
  • All that can go wrong has gone wrong
  • Manipur peaceful from Delhi's perspective
  • Bashanta Ras @Govindaji #2 : Gallery
  • Hypocrisy & the betrayal of sovereignty
  • Healing with Art for children concluded
  • Manipur : Champions 24th Junior Natl Wushu
  • Path to Becoming a Leader Who Inspires
  • Van Mahotsav 2025, festival of life
  • The Flavours of Life :: Poem
  • Assault on sensibilities of the media
  • Revival of MPP after years of bitter disputes
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Jianreilung, Chingamba, Masounii : eMing
  • How Jessami conservation of Nongin
  • Shija Hospitals turns 40
  • COVID-19: Update 06 July 2025 : Manipur
  • The Indomitable Young Souls :: Poem
  • Growing network of drug dealers in country
  • Politics of SoO pact since 2008
  • No takers for disturbance-free education
  • 31st Governor Cup Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • PM welcome to Manipur: Feel the reality
  • Kainkhol wins best Social Message Film Award
  • Distortion of facts: Manipur sports movement
  • Govt services reach Manipur's tribal villages
  • 134th Durand Cup Trophies Flag Off
  • COVID-19: Update 05 July 2025 : Manipur
  • How to take care of oily skin in monsoon
  • First-Ever Tripura Esports Championship
  • Konung Kang Chingba #1 : Gallery
  • Manipur Iskcon's 25th Ratha Yatra 2025
  • Native Threshing machine made for farmers
  • COVID-19: Update 04 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Riso Ejang: Youth-led Transformation
  • Include males too in addressing HPV
  • Whispers from the past :: Poem
  • LPU opens permanent outreach centre
  • Raj Bhavan moving on the right track
  • Speculations over PM Modi's visit to state
  • Colonial Knowledge Production in NE #7
  • Make Yourself Visible to Opportunity
  • Orange bowl: tradition with ecological wisdom
  • 10 ways to keep a kitchen garden disease free
  • Between PR, military mandates & AFSPA
  • Allocation fund for MLALAD Fund during PR
  • Denounces Killing of KNA Deputy C-in-C
  • COVID-19: Update 03 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Cases of fake Aadhaar cards
  • Sincere dealing must for stricter Aadhaar
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Wanna be a singer? Get Botox
  • A Central institute in Manipur
  • Nagging in the name of love
  • COVID-19: Update 02 July 2025 : Manipur
  • 'Benefits' of Indira's Emergency
  • Social Stigma :: Poem
  • Inking a peace pact: Why, how: SoO quagmire
  • Van Mahotsav under shadow of declining forest
  • 11th Th Kishan Memorial Lecture : Gallery
  • Manipur crisis & the Left media's blind spot
  • COVID-19: Update 01 July 2025 : Manipur
  • Bombom RK : Musclemania Universe NYC
  • The Grief :: Poem
  • Music Concert & Quiz (MCQ) 2.0
  • SoO agreement unlikely to be scrapped
  • Regulating use of plastic carry bags
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #4 : Gallery
  • International Day of Yoga @JNMDA : Gallery
  • BD Behring: The inimitable Gentleman I knew
  • Violence in the name of patriotism : Misguided
  • Daily oral vs long-acting injectable for HIV
  • COVID-19: Update 30 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Smile :: Poem
  • Why was President's Rule imposed ?
  • BJP under pressure to forge unity
  • Kang @Leikai in Imphal : Gallery
  • July Calendar for Year 2025 : Tools
  • COVID-19 : A recurring crisis in Manipur
  • DC Kaith and Forestry in Manipur : Book
  • COVID-19: Update 29 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Longing for Peace :: Poem
  • Black badge, slogan protest by peeved scribes
  • Present the true picture before Delhi
  • Pung-Cholom @ Polo Tournament : Gallery
  • Life: A Journey Through Thought & Being
  • Khongjai Hills & Kuki claim to indigeneity
  • Master Time by Managing Information
  • COVID-19: Update 28 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Pride & patriotism in CCpur's army families
  • The Power of Poppy - 87 :: Poem
  • World Decarbonisation Day: green environment
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #2 : Gallery
  • Loss of two precious lives from Manipur
  • Balancing civil liberties with public safety
  • COVID-19: Update 27 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Gender equality & human rights are indivisible
  • Stay hydrated this summer season
  • Silent Half of the Sun :: Poem
  • Connecting the dots in the wishlist
  • Assembly record tampering claims by ex-CM
  • The immortal legacy of Pukhramba Kajao
  • International Day against Drug Abuse 2025
  • COVID-19: Update 26 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Black pottery from Ukhrul - tribal heritage
  • Program on "Mission-Drug Free Campus"
  • Play makes a better world
  • Urgent Appeal to the Honourable MLAs
  • Tribal Empowerment Campaign at CCpur
  • Talk doing the round: PM to come
  • 'Emergency' relief for under-fire BJP
  • Golden Jubilee Art Fair @Imphal : Gallery
  • Declaration: Meetei People Convention, Delhi
  • A Flower Among the Rocks :: Review
  • Book Donation Campaign
  • Improved road connectivity boosts livelihoods
  • To Have Great Dreams :: Poem
  • COVID-19: Update 25 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Regret vs Sorry: Technical & moral insight
  • Cocktail of inept Govt, selfish people
  • State trailing others in cleanliness
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #6
  • UHI effect & rising temperatures in Manipur
  • Frequent road blockades cripple economy
  • COVID-19: Update 24 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Unite Health with Community health services
  • NSU, Imphal, tops IIRF Ranking 2025
  • Endless conflict :: Poem
  • Pak nobel pish prize for Trump
  • May 3, 2023 - June 24, 2025: Failure of Delhi
  • Hotter days, sudden rainfall no more a rarity
  • "The Great June Uprising" #2 : Gallery
  • How to Build a Career, Lead with Purpose
  • 2nd Foundation Day- Karnataka Meitei Assn
  • COVID-19: Update 23 June 2025 : Manipur
  • NSCN-IM Amnesty threatens to isolate it
  • Sunset :: Poem
  • Intl Yoga Day for a healthier environment
  • Of clogged drains and plastics
  • Poor roads testify Govt indifference
  • Welcome Home - Nganthoi #1 : Gallery
  • The Silent Erosion of Manipuri Language
  • Design health services around people
  • Serene Hills Host Inspiring Int'l Yoga Day
  • COVID-19: Update 22 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Chopper services between Senapati & Imphal
  • High Court Judges interacted with convicts
  • Redyeing the Fabric :: Poem
  • Differences yet to be resolved stand
  • Border fencing rage as solution eludes
  • Radio E-pao: 14 new songs updated
  • Climate Adaptive Agroforestry
  • Manipur overlooked demographic shifts
  • Young designers shine on Fashion Stage
  • COVID-19: Update 21 June 2025 : Manipur
  • International Day of Yoga at Lamphelpat
  • International Day of Yoga at JNMDA
  • The Power of Poppy - 86 :: Poem
  • Keishampat Lairembi Haraoba #1 : Gallery
  • Crisis in Manipur's Contemporary Education
  • Best 8 Performances in Manipuri Cinema
  • Identity: Caught between China & India ?
  • COVID-19: Update 20 June 2025 : Manipur
  • To The Father Who Listens :: Poem
  • How does net suspension affect youths ?
  • Targeting farmers to cripple state's economy
  • The virus is back and spreading
  • Who is afraid of Manipur ?
  • A threatened lily growing at Shirui Hills
  • World Environment Day in Manipur : Gallery
  • Ambubachi Mela at Maa Kamakhya
  • COVID-19: Update 19 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Dolls made from repurposed vegetable refuse
  • Condemns Attack on Farmer & Killing
  • Abhorrent politics of SoO
  • Police arrogance on harmless drivers
  • "The Great June Uprising" #1 : Gallery
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Protest @Checkon -AT arrest [Jun 9] : Gallery
  • Protests - AT arrest [Jun 8 night] : Gallery
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #1 : Gallery
  • /li>
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #2 : Gallery
  • North East NSS Festival @ MU : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #3 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #2 : Gallery
  • Flooding Imphal East [31 May] #1 : Gallery
  • S Nirupama @Miss Universe : Gallery
  • Protesters to Raj Bhavan [May 25]: Gallery
  • Human Chain @Airport road [May 26]: Gallery
  • Miss Shirui Pageant Contestant: Gallery
  • 48 hrs Bandh: protest security forces: Gallery
  • Protest Rally: Journalist harassment: Gallery
  • HSLC 2025: Full Result (Check Roll No)
  • HSLC 2025: Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2025 : Compartmental candidates
  • HSLC 2025 : Comparative Statement
  • HSLC 2025 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2025 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSLC 2025 : Govt School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Aided School Pass %
  • HSLC 2025 : Private School Pass %
  • People's Convention on 3rd May #2 : Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2025 #2: Gallery
  • Riya Khwairakpam : HSE Science Topper
  • Keisham Hannah : HSE Arts Topper
  • Warepam Lidia : HSE Commerce Topper
  • HSE 2025 Result : Science Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Arts Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Result : Commerce Full Result
  • HSE 2025 Information / Abbreviation
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Science
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Arts
  • HSE 2025 Topper : Commerce
  • HSE 2025 : Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2025 : Result Abstract
  • HSE 2025 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025