THE FIRST NOTE OF REALISM

However, the first work to register the note of realism is Thawanthaba Hiran, a tragedy based on a crime story. Departing drastically from the legendary nature of stories in the other works, it was based on historical events.

Closely aligned with history, it grapples with the violent and bloody conflicts between the Khuman and the Meetei clans. The horrific violence that characterized the work makes it distinct.

Chainarol is an account of combats based on the feuds of the clans. There are twenty-seven stories based on real life incidents.

Besides the numerous literary tracts on the cult of heroism and bravery, the theme of romance and love found abundant expression in the literature of this period. We find works, which can be classified as pure fiction in clear distinction from those fictions based on historical realities.

Many of these fictions were based on mythical legends. Nungpan Ponpi Luwaopa narrates the romantic saga of Luwang Prince Luwaopa and Koubru Namoinee, the adopted daughter of the Koubru King. Myth and legend fuse together with divine intervention playing an important role in the narrative.

After a series of mishaps and ordeals, the two lovers are finally united. Fate emerges as the overarching power dominating human lives in the tragic story of Naothingkhong Phambal Kaba. Human actions and human characters are helpless in the sweeping changes brought by the elements of fate and destiny.

Panthoibi Khongkul is one of the most valued literary works in Manipuri. It is, perhaps, the most, critically assessed work of Manipuri literature of the early period.

As the title suggests, the story deals with the trail or foot prints left by Panthoibi after she leaves the house of her husband. As per this text, Panthoibi is the epitome of freedom which makes her distinct and ahead of her time. Panthoibi, the Meetei Princess, is described as a maiden of rare beauty.

Eagerly sought by many powerful kings and princes, she is portrayed as an extremely independent character. Her spirit is symbolic of a natural zest for life.

Spurning many proposals for marriage, she was finally persuaded to marry Taram Khoinucha, the Khaba Prince born of Khaba Sokchrongba, king of the Khaba dynasty and the queen Teknga. With great pomp and grandeur, the bride was received in her new household.

However, Panthoibi still retained her zest for freedom and independence. She never took to married life as a married woman was meant to.

Instead of keeping indoors, she roamed the countryside alone. It was fate that took her by chance to Angoupa Kainou Chingsompa, the Lord of the Langmai hills. Instantly, they were attracted to each other. The love-struck couple decided to break all traditional social barriers by running away.

Angoupa wanted to take her to his land. After some dramatic twists and turns, the lovers finally managed to elope. The Khaba warriors led by their king pursued the fleeing couple but eventually failed to capture them.

Thus united, the two lovers were received by the Langmai people with dance and music.

continued....