TODAY -

Tete a tete with the writer of 'Churachandpur da khundariba Meetei sing - Historical Accounts of Meeteis in Churachandpur'

James Khangenbam *



Kamal Toijamba a resident of Tengra Leirak, Red Cross Road, Churachandpur is a 75 year old author, teacher and a social activist based in Churachandpur. He is the founder general secretary of Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Churachandpur. He has written nine short story books so far and one of his short stories collection titled ‘ Thangboigi Mapa’ was awarded for excellence by Manipur Sahitya Parishad.

He is also the founder member and former Headmaster of Gandhi Centenary Memorial Junior High School, Churachandpur. Besides he is also the founding teacher of Bethany Christian High School and Singngat Standard High School.

He is also the founder chairman of ‘United Council for Restoration of Communal Harmony’ during the communal riot between Kuki and Paite, in 1997. He is also a columnist with a major vernacular newspaper for the last ten years. He writes his column under the pen name TK Luwang.

After consultation workshops, seminar, research and verifications with many scholars, he wrote a book titled “Churachandpur da Khundariba Meeteising (Historical Accounts of Meitei in Churachandpur)' in 2006. The second edition of the book is under print at a printing press.

He has been residing in Churachandpur since 1972. The question and answer session can be considered as an excerpt of his book while we also take a sneak peek of the town few decades’ back.

Q: Tell me about the present day Meetei settlement in Churachandpur ?
A: There are altogether fifteen Meetei localities (leikai) in Churachandpur town area at present. Around twenty thousand Meeteis are living in Churachandpur. They live mostly in two Assembly Constituencies-Saikot and Churachandpur out of the six Assembly Constituencies of Churachandpur.

According to 2011 population census, total number of Meetei living in Churachandpur town including Torbung area was fifteen thousand. According to the survey of Churachandpur Municipality in 1980, Meeteis hold the third place in population next to Hmar with a margin of hundred people. Meeteis also live in various hill areas of the district as well.

Q: Tell me about the occupation and livelihood of the Meeties in Churachandpur ?
A: Earlier agriculture and related cultivation was the main occupation. Nowadays, there is less cultivable land. Being in the town Meeteis run grocery shops. Most of the vehicles repairing workshops are run by Meetei. Iron and metal works related service are mostly provided by the Meeteis. Besides owning small eatery shops in the market.

Q: Churachandpur town was earlier referred to as Yelarig ?
A: The present police station at Lamka was earlier known as Yelang by the Meeteis only taking the name of the then village chief. Yelang came from Myanmar to work as a runner in the newly established Sub Divisional Headquarters of the British Government during the reign of Maharaj Churachand. Yelang was just 18 years old when he arrived in Churachandpur.

Q: Tell me more about the Yelang Bazar ?
A: Meeteis established the first official market in Churachandpur district. According to official records, elderly Meetei women were the first to run small snacks shop (hotel) selling Bora, Singju, Kanghou. There were around five to six such food outlets in the beginning. The elderly women were running the food outlets in an open area under the shades of big trees along the road.

The ladies approached Yelang to officially allocate a dedicated space to Start a market. The village chief granted the proposal and built a market shed. From then on, the market was popularly known as Yelang Bazar among Meetei population and people from other ethnic community also started calling by the name. Till now Yelang bazaar is fondly remembered by many. The first tea shop in Churachandpur was also run by a Meetei.

Q: What is your observation about contemporary Churachandpur ever since your settlement in 1972 ?
A: Before Moreh market was set up, Behiang in Churachandpur was the hub of products from Myanmar. Products coming from Myanmar through Behiang were sold to people coming from different parts of the country at the homes. Portable typewriters, fountain pen etc were among items which were available in plenty.

I bought a paddy field ( lou pari ama) at the cost of Rs 31,000 in Churachandpur. After about three years back, a Paite friend of mine came with a person. offering Rs 6 lakh for the paddy field I bought.

Then I thought it was a good deal and sold my paddy field. Those days Churachandpur was less populated and people used to live in small huts like the farm huts in a maize field. There were only few huts in a vast area of land.

Q: Tell me about the first Meetei settlement in Churachandpur ?
A: In Churachandpur town, there is a big locality by the name of Khumujamba Leikai. Adjacent to the leikai there is a small mole (Leipung) that is the place where the Meeteis settled for the first time in Churachandpur. According to Moirang Kangleirol, Churachandpur is a part of Moirang Kingdom, Meetei community thrive mostly at the river banks of Khuga River till the present Behiang area bordering Myanmar.

Meeteis are one of the earliest inhabitants of Churachandpur according to the record. Meetei settled alongside the Khuga River. It was called Khuga Valley as the area was plain. Earlier Maharaj Churachand use to maintain an orchard (Heikol) in Churachandpur.

Q: How was the district named Churachandpur ?
A: Churachandpur was named after the then King of Manipur, Maharaj Churachand. Songpi a Kuki chief proposed the then British officer of South West Sub Divisional Headquarter, Churachandpur to name the Headquarter after the name of a Manipuri king.

The British officer accepted the proposal and included the same in the gazette. The headquarter I am talking about is located along the Tipaimukh Road about 8 kilometer from the present New Churachandpur.

The naming of the district itself indicates a strong bond between the two ethnic communities - Meetei and the Kuki. It took place around 1919. During that time the jurisdiction of the South West Sub Divisional office of the British Government included Tamenglong, Chandel and Churachandpur districts. The Sub Divisional Officer was assisted by around eleven staffs. After Second World War the administrative office was shifted to New Churachandpur.

There were few contestations among some citizen to rename Churachandpur as Songpi as there was difficulty in pronouncing the name but it was rejected as the name was officially entered in the Gazette. The rejection notice was put up twice officially by the SDO office, thereafter the name Churachandpur was not challenged.


* James Khangenbam wrote this article for The Sangai Express
The writer can be contacted at jameskhangenbam7(AT)gmail(DOT)com
This article was webcasted on May 19 2023 .



* 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
  • Ougri Lirol :: Part 2 : Ooba Video
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2025 : Timeline
  • 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
  • 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