A few corrections on Origin of Khunchai (Kuki) Tribes of Kangleipak

P. Uttam Mangang *

A Hmar couple - Ethnic Doll at Mutua Museum's Cultural Heritage Complex in 2008

A few corrections as a rejoinder, need to be put forward as regards an article written on 18th May, 2015 in the local News Paper "Sangai Express" under the heading of Supplementation to the article, "Origin of Khunchai (Kuki) Tribes of Kangleipak" by Shri TS Letkhosei Haokip. There was no mention of 'Kuki Ahongba Kuki Achouba' in the ancient texts (puyas) of Kangleipak.

The name Kooki Ahongpa Laiki Achoupa found in the puya 'Pungkhanpa Lon' is the name of a local deity who was revered as a protectorate of Loilen Khunpilok / Laiching -ching ( an area that comprises of the Loktak and Moirang Thangching).

How can Laiki be changed to Kuki? Such a name cannot be taken as belonging to the Kuki ethnic tribe or to a male of the Kuki ethnic tribe. For instance, the archaic Meetei word 'Kubiba' is synonymous with the meaning of 'giving blessings'.

When a Meetei performs a rite where he invokes a soul he uses such words as 'Kuk -Kuk', 'Re-Re', Kuk is a word often used by he meeteis. That is why it is used in rituals. No puyas still exist that indicate that the name belongs to the Kuki ethinic group. Please do not claim this name wrongly. There was no mention of Kooki Ahongpa Laiki Achoupa when Nongta Lairen Pakhangapa was coronated. Kooki Ahongpa Laiki Achoupa was not included among the names mentioned in such puyas as Pakhangpa Laihui, Pakhangpa Phambal, Ningthourol Seireng etc. when Nongta Lairen Pakhangpa ascended the throne of Kangleipak. This is a figment of imagination.

The name Kooki Ahongpa Laiki Achoupa is one of the names mentioned by a Meetei local maiba (priest) when he performs a ritual at the time of preparing a foundation for a homestead / granary or other dwellings so that unwanted happenings may not come in the way of the dwellers or members of the houses.

The name Kooki Ahongpa Laiki Achoupa was not present during the time of Nongta Lairen Pakhangpa. It was in existence before his reign. Nongta Lairen Pakhangpa was not the first king of kangleipak. Many kings reigned before him. That Nongta Lairen Pakhangpa was the first King is a claim made by only one clan (salai).

The name of Nongta Lairen Pakhangpa's mothers was Leinung Yabirok / Nongta Nongkhanlembi. It is an irrelevant claim to say that the name of the mother of Nongta Lairen Pakhangpa was that of a Kuki woman with the name of Lenghoi / Nungmaidenga. This unfounded claim was made based on a folktale written by William Shaw in his book, "The Thadou Kukis" - pp 47 - 48. William Shaw and T.C. Hudson cannot be the full authorities based on which the authentic history of Kangleipak can be distorted.

Meitingu Taothing-mang was not a Kuki, his father's name was Khuyoi Tompok; the mother's name was Nongmainu Ahongbi. It will be a grave mistake to conclude that the suffix 'mang' found in a Kuki name like Haokholmang is found in Taothingmang, son of Khuyoi Tompok, and as such he is a Kuki. Such a wrong step will breed a lot of controversies.

How do we interpret the identity of location like Sagolmang because it has the suffix 'mang'. Does that mean that it has a Kuki origin and is a Kuki name? Let us put a stop to these unscholarly misinterpretations in order to put forward unfounded claims.

There are lots of similarities in names, prefixes, suffixes etc. among the various racial groups, communities and tribes of this world. So, a mere suffix like 'mang' cannot be a means to lay claim on being an ethnic Kuki. Such a claim must be outrightly rejected.

Let there be no further exchange of counter claims in newspapers. These contentious issues can be amicably solved through a talk across the table if your desire.