Recollection of history, lets integrate don't disintegrate

NC Ranjan *

Evolution of human being is a continuous process with new discoveries in different aspects of human life. The technological advancement in the field of science and technology, in the 20th century, has connected the world as never before and time has been compressed though the medium of internet, mobile telephone thereby becoming a one family.

In this era of human history, in Manipur, we have people that discussed about the history of Manipur with the intention to criticise their forefathers for adopting Vaishnavism brand of Hinduism. The role of the Royal Family especially the Kings have been commented and criticised. But, when we look back at that period there were fighting between different principalities ruled by specific clans, the battles between the Moirang and Ningthouja principalities for domination is a case in point.

In addition, regular battles were fought between the Ningthouja and the neighbouring kingdom of Awas, in present day Myanmar, as a part of their expansionist agenda. To consolidate the kingdom under one ruler, tradition and customs different kings have contributed at different period of time.

Under Pamheiba the territory of Manipur was almost consolidated and the power of the kingdom was expanded with repeated campaign against the Awas. Chingtangkhomba (Bheigyachandra) takes the cultural component to a higher level by reviving worshiping of Krishna of Cheiteina Bakti movement. At the same time he was also able to defeat the Moirang king and successfully consolidate the present Meitei identity.

Since, he unified the hills and valley he was referred as Chingthangkhomba. Gambhir Singh, Narasingh, Heerachandra, the founder of guerrilla warfare, Chinglensana and Sengoisana the lion of Manipur, are Heros. On the basis of the power of the king the territory keeps on changing but at certain point of time the kingdom was extended upto Haflong (Assam) and Badarpur (Silchar).

Sana chahi Ahum the son of King Chorjit who ruled in Cachar having his Palace at Sonai is still regards by many for his help in the 1857 Sepoy mutiny. In this milieu, there were not many options to the rulers other than taking sanctuary outside Manipur when defeated in a battle.

With assistance from the friendly kingdom the king organised his people to regain back the lost sovereignty. The action of the king was a political and strategic one. These contributions of the different kings have resulted in making the present modern national state of Manipur

Similarly, as a strategic ploy to consolidate the fragmented kingdom and to make a strong united society the Ningthouja king adopted Vaishnavism as a religion. The Meitei identity is constructed over a period of time with the amalgamation of different clans ruling over different parts as principalities.

Today, people of different origins and different groups have contributed into emergence of contemporary composite Meitei identity. Nongmeikapam are Afghans, Haobam are those looks after haos for the king, they are from Thangals, Sougaijam are Kongjai are some of the examples. Similarly, the Manipuri identity is also constructed over a long period of time with the contribution of different peoples.

Tamenglong (Tai-mei-long) hill is inhabitat by Tai, and they also called the people residing in valley as tai-mei (Meitei). Khaba-nganbas have converted themselves into Tangkhul and settles down in Yangangpokpi.

However, it is also a fact that the adoption of Vaishnavism as state religion by the king has its own negative impacts on the society, particularly on the social relationship. Today, the social stratification that comes into being after the adoption of the new religion is changing.

The social divide between those engage in religious performance, Bamon (Manipuri Brahmins) and the rest of society has reduced to a large extent. Education has played a major role in this secularization of the society.

Bamons now cocked in families or places that were once forbidden by the sections of the population who have faith in Vaishnavism. Amongst the population that were kept at arm length by the followers of Vaishnavism is the presently being identified as tribal people.

However, the fact that these two groups of people have the same origin and the clear cut demarcation that exists today is of recent phenomenon cannot be denied. But in the name of religion people are trying to create divides amongst the people of same origin.

So, it is very hard to learn when Nagas terms Meitei as Kacha Hindu and we cannot be under one political roof, quoted from comments in e-Sangai Express newspaper. This is the blatant manifestation of the agendas of Mr. Muivah. The action of Mr. Muivah is a political choice directed to achieve his political ambitions. His political ambitions are well documented in Bertil Lintner - Land of Jade: A journey through insurgent Burma.

The actions of dividing people on the basis of religion is very unfortunate and this completes the vicious cycle of the mistakes committed the rules of Manipur in the past 200-300 years back which hurts the sentiment of Hill peoples. It is high time that we also rectify ourselves instead of misinterpreting the history by not forgetting the fact that all are Manipuri whatever be their religious affiliation.

In this era of economic integration economy shall remain an important determinant factor for integration and change can be brought by economic development rather than bloodshed.

In the end it is the people of Manipur that has to defend Manipur. Consequently, the people needs to give the due respect the royal family and the Kings and the history at the same time recognising the limitations and look forward to make a better future.