TODAY -

Social Evolution of Meiteis

Dr. Sougaijam Priyokumar Meitei *

 Cheiraoba Chak Katpa at Sanamahi Kachin on  April 06 2019
Cheiraoba Chak Katpa at Sanamahi Kachin on April 06 2019 :: Pix - Shankar Khagembam



"In Manipuri culture, despite of Hinduism, Meitei ideals, art, knowledge, worship patterns, dresses, festivals, foods, etc. are sustained and still unique to totalitarian Hindu society."

The Meitei ethnic group primarily has two forms of religious systems. One is Vaishnavite group, a sect of Hinduism and other is Sanamahi, a revivalist group of Meitei traditional religion.

However, this difference in belief system cannot separate between these two groups because Meiteis are compactly bound together by social history, kinship system, marriage system, rites & rituals, totems & taboos, food habits and attires. Therefore, being a Manipuri, understanding the social history and cultural evolution of Meitei people by studying its various forms of social institutions is very much necessary.

From the very beginning, sense of oneness among the individuals and social groups is brought up by social organisation or civil society organisation, of which village organisation, local clubs, Meira Paibi (Women Association) may be mentioned. Whenever, there is any political or social crisis, these organisations play an important role in resolving the issues.

Keeping in mind this common Meitei belongingness, sense of solidarity must be retained irrespective of the religious belief system, caste or creed. Reviving the cultural identity through revivalist movement such as giving due importance to Ebudhou Pakhangba (ancestral God), developing Meitei Script (Meitei Mayek) are handful contribution of revivalist movement to Manipuri society.

The leaders and intellectuals who dedicated in such struggles should be paid high regards. Paying respect as well following to the pathways of such selfless leaders who restlessly work for their society is the duty of the present Meitei generation.

Meanwhile, it is indeed required to enlighten the youths who are future pillars of society through proper education and enculturation in bringing inclusive development of the nation.

The Meiteis are considered invariably as early people of Manipur. It had its own kingdom covering the areas surrounded by Kabaw Valley on the east, Naga hills on the north, Chin and Lushai hills on the south as well as some areas of Barak Valley on the west.

Apart from it, boundaries were extended further through invasion towards east as well as towards west. Meitei or Manipuri kings were never remained isolated from its neighbouring people. Meiteis reside not only in Manipur, but also scattered in Myanmar, Bangladesh, Barak Valleys, Tripura, Guwahati, etc.

There are evidences that some kings of Manipur had brought other peoples from various other regions, new cultures from neighbouring lands to strengthen own society and own culture.

For Example, King Churachand brought Teli people to Manipur in order to meet the demands of vegetable oil in the light of economic needs. Therefore, acculturation, assimilation and cultural integration were in practice knowingly or unknowingly.

Owing to the Meitei kings being very powerful, external influences could not engulf Manipuri culture, rather the king got other ethnic people assimilated to the host society. Even, Hindunisation, could not wipe away the cultural identity of the Meitei, rather adopted and modified the Hindu elements, synthesized a new one with traditional culture. It shows the excellent creativity of Meiteis.

Hindunisation was like immunisation to Meitei culture and made it immune to afflictions caused by other culture. Meitei culture had undergone beautification by fabrics of Hindus and indigenous elements being dominated by the later.

In Manipuri culture, despite of Hinduism, Meitei ideals, art, knowledge, worship patterns, dresses, festivals, foods, etc. are sustained and still unique to totalitarian Hindu society.

Manipuri kings had numerous noblemen and intellectuals (Maichous) who persistently facilitated the kingship. There were proper military system, record system, cultural and heritage preservation system.

Meitei king fought Burmese, Chinese and could defeat them at different intervals. It means that there was capable kingdom having motive of kingdom expansion, neither marginalised nor separated from the essential features of a kingdom.

One wise thing, even though people adopted Hinduism, the ill practice of caste system, child marriage, sati system etc were never in a position to victimise the Meitei king and his people. Some amicable concepts such as penalising for clan or sub clan endogamy which has scientifically cause and effect relationship from the genetical point of view as well were introduced.

And, such practices are not similar with that of caste system and inter caste marital restrictions. The whole practice of the Manipuris was worth mentioning and done in a very calculative way for cultural growth.

After assimilating Meitei Brahmins (Bamons), the Meitei cultural identity became significant. Meitei style of dishes were enhanced and promoted to a larger extent by Meitei Brahmins.

A total of 108 dish items coupled with aesthetic values, cooked in ceremonial feasts & festivals, rites and rituals is really a wonderful gift to the cultural resource of Manipur. The then kings at their different eras, made strategic planning for social, cultural and political growth.

To strengthen religious system, Brahmins were made assimilated, Muslim were made assimilated to strengthen military and economic system to the Manipuri society.

Also, by witnessing the art forms of Vaishnavism, Meitei people created several innovative and unique things. Manipuri classical dance, Manipuri food, architect of Govindajee temple is some of such creations. Manipuri rice hotel (mostly in other states of north east) is famous because of Meitei Brahmins or Bamons for the unique styles of cooking.

Nevertheless, worshipping of Tulsi plant (Holy Basil) in the centre of courtyard is acculturated, the uniqueness in Manipuri style is still observed and identifiable, in the forms of praying, design of Tulsibong, design of mounding lump of soil or concrete altar where Tulsi is planted and circular sacred space around the Tulsi plant.

Making fermented fish, Ngari, even though the fish is imported from Assam or Bengal, it is Manipuri style and will remain as the unique elements of Manipuri culture.

From this progressive cultural phenomenon, it is revealed that Meitei culture did not lose anything by Hindunisation. Rather, Meitei culture had undergone beautification by amalgamating Hindus and indigenous cultural elements where uniqueness is distinctly observed.

In fact, Manipuri culture is occupying a significant position in the universe because of Meitei ideals, arts, skills, food habits, etc. which can invariably be enshrined up to top classical level.

Meitei ideals are still capable of culminating integrity, peace and multi-cultural development in the state.


* Dr. Sougaijam Priyokumar Meitei wrote this article for Imphal Times
This article was posted on 07 July, 2019 .


* 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
  • Archaeology: Culture of Manipur : Booklet
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • 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
  • Shinthoibi, Jangvei, Tamphaton : eMing
  • 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
  • Solution from Buddhist & Jain perspectives
  • AI sparks employment concerns in Manipur
  • Greatest Foe :: Poem
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Kangpokpi
  • Call for Recognition of a 3rd Category of IDPs
  • Jun 18, 2001- May 3, 2023: Seed of violence
  • Contract scam in hill districts
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #5
  • Spaced Out - Panthung Di Kadaaida! : Rvw
  • Condemns the Killing of Abdul Qadir
  • COVID-19: Update 17 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Thoubal aspirant makes Manipur proud
  • Tamenglong hospital brings quality healthcare
  • Chief Justice at Relief Camp, Mayang Imphal
  • Kuki CM & Sixth Schedule
  • Selective protests, selective silence
  • Nailing the culprits need of the hour
  • UK Meetei diaspora run for Myanmar : Gallery
  • Erwin Khundrakpam : NEET-UG 2025 topper
  • Will we rise to #endAIDS challenge or stumble
  • COVID-19: Update 16 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Appeal to Prime Minister: Manipur Crisis
  • Urges Action on Misinformation
  • Condolences : 2 young cabin crew
  • Grateful To Be Alive :: Poem
  • Making bonfire on the roads
  • Aggression yet again, inspite of playing victim
  • Aftermath of flooding @ Khurai #2 : Gallery
  • Zomia, geopolitics, & the struggle for unity
  • COVID-19: Update 15 June 2025 : Manipur
  • Condolences : Demise of 2 Manipuri Girls
  • Manipur unites in grief after Air India tragedy
  • Hail arms recovery as step toward peace
  • Cleanliness Drive at JNIMS Campus
  • Global Wind Day for a clean environment
  • First came the rain, then the heat
  • Rise in Covid-19 cases
  • Thang-Ta Day @Khuman Lampak #3 : Gallery
  • Meetei diaspora in UK runs for Myanmar victim
  • Manipur empower children with disabilities
  • COVID-19: Update 14 June 2025 : Manipur
  • World Blood Donor Day 2025
  • The Power of Poppy - 85 :: Poem
  • A Northeast Gin Makes Its Mark
  • Mera Houchongba @Kangla #3 : Gallery
  • Saluting Nganthoi, Lamnunthem : Joining hand
  • Condolence : Nganthoi & Lamnunthem
  • 50 years of Pebet #2 : Gallery
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Colonial Knowledge in NE India #4
  • Namphake Monastery @ Dibrugarh : Gallery
  • 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
  • 27th Meira Paibi Numit : Gallery
  • Trump's tariff legacy & its global echo
  • Flooding at JNIMS Hospital #1 : Gallery
  • 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
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 1 : Ooba Video
  • President's Rule in Manipur : 1967 - 2025
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025