TODAY -

Historical Chronology of Kuki people from B.C 700-1919 A.D
- Part 1 -

TS Letkhosei Haokip *



Origin: Kuki people are Tibeto-Burman Mongoloid-Jewish ethniccommunity,separated by the three international boundaries of India, Myanmar and Bangladesh. It is believed that the Kukis emerged out from a cave called "Khul"[1] somewhere in central China. The so stated cave is believed to be the present 'Great Wall of China' built by Qin Shi Huangdi during the 17th century.

About 20-25 years back (1987) my elderly paternal grand uncle told me that "His father who had taken from father and great grand-fathers down the generations' that, "Those ancestors emerging from the cave include Chongthu/Songthu ,Vangalpa ,Khupngam and some clansmen, leaving behind Songja, Noimangpa and others of the group". [2]

According to William Shaw in his book, "The Thadou Kukis", (1929), (op cit),when Chongja's party, following on, found the stone blocking their passage out and after making many attempts gave up and returned to Noimangpa reporting the result'. Pi Nemneh, wife of Songja, cursed Chongthu and party for leaving them at doom in the 'Khul'. It is also told that Songja, Noimangpa and other clansmen of the Manmasi (Manashe[3]) people who were left behind are assimilated with the Chinese and Japanese people.

The names of villages of the time were Noimang, Kholaichal, Khopalva, Khothip, Khomang, Khokanglai and Khokisupi.[4] The period Chongthu and his clansmen come out from 'Khul' is believed to be between 180-230 A.D. This can be rectified by the settlement of Lenthang (100-182 A.D) and Lunkim in their so called upper earth, by the time Chongthu and party reached the site, after coming out from 'Khul'. It is pertinent to state that, the period between 180-230 A.D has been neither recorded nor the period of Chongthu's emergence from the bowel of the earth or 'Khul' has been indicated.

Kuki-Jewish Origin: One acceptable theory propounded by Dr Milui Lenthang Khuplam, in his book, 'Manmasi Chate Thulhun Kidang Masa: The Wonderful Genealogical Tales of Manmasi'(2005), stated the Kukis to be one of the ten lost tribes of the Jews.[1] In this connection in 1999, Hillel Halkin, a well-known author and journalist, and for many years the Israel correspondent for the 'New York Times' presented Dr. Khuplam a scroll of confirmation that states the Kuki people as descendants of Manmasi (Manasseh), one of the twelve tribes of Israel.[3]

In the year 2001, Lars Goran Svensson of Sweden and 'Sister Angel', his assistant, met with Dr Khuplam. They had come to Manipur for a third time to seek out the lost tribes of Israel in order to bring them back to the 'Promised Land'. [3] In the year 2006-07, 200 Kuki families were taken on batches to Israel.[5]

Course of Migration: According to history, the Kuki-Manmasi (Manashe) people with other tribes of Israel were exiled to Assyria in 722 BC. Babylon conquered Assyria in 607 BC. Syria was later conquered by Persia in 457 BC. Alexander the Great of Greece conquered Persia in 331 BC.[6] It was during this period that the Kuki-Manmasi people were deported from Persia to Afghanistan and other places. Throughout this entire period, their 'Savun Lekhajol' or 'Torah Scroll' was with them under the possession of 'Thempu' [priest(s)] and 'Lamkai Pipu' [elder(s)].

From Afghanistan their migration continued eastward till reaching Tibetan-Chinese border. Some of the tribesmen remained back at the Bay of Bengal. From there the adventurous groups continued to wander following the course of Wei River, and reached China. The Kuki-Manmasis settled there at about 231 BC.[6]

* Historical Chronology of Kuki People from B.C 300 to 01 A.D: is briefly substantiated as under. There is no detailed and chronologically recorded document. Little information found from different books by different writers at different period states that the Kuki-Manmasi people lived in Yunnan province during 300-200 B.C period. Yunnan at that time was not a territory of China. Some of the known Manmasi chieftains are Naman (Namin), Nul/ Nur and Lhandoh/ Thlanrawk.[7]

1. B.C 300-200 Period: Some of the prominent Manmasi Kuki villages, bearing the present day indigenous names are Injang, Lunglen, Lungten/Lungtian, Mongga-lung/ Maungalung, Phaijang, Selkul/ Seipui, Thenjang and Thenchung etc. The names of their chiefs and chieftains of the period are Zosua/Joshua (Zosanga), Thokpu and Khangpa.[8]

2. # Khangpa (B.C 220-200): Khangpa was their most powerful and influential chieftain. The period between 270-250 B.C, witnessed hostility among the various Chou, Misho, Mao and Hans dynasties. Feeling unsecured, the Manmasi Kuki people shifted their settlement from Yunan province to Central China. The Chinese called Manmasi Kuki people as 'Khang'.[9]

3. # Benglam (Chhura) Era (B.C 201-131): During this period, there is nothing much to highlight about this people. The significant event worth mentioning is about their chieftain called Benglam. Benglam possessed a magical power to hypnotise people. He was in love with a Mishmi girl. The parents of the girl did not consent his proposal to marry their daughter. His two comrades 'Douvan-ngul' and 'Douvanthang' co-operated him to marry her. Even today, the stories and fables about this ruler is being narrated and tld to children. There was a rivalry between the Mons and Manmasi Kukis during this period.[7]

4. # Songkho-on (Chawngkhum) Era (B.C 140-101): This era is the period of their settlement in Thakthing region and Irrawady river valley. The most powerful chieftain was Songkho-on.[10] During this period, some clansmen travel to Arakan region and some of them into Chinhills.

5. # Mopung Era (B.C 100-50): Mopung became the most powerful chieftain after the death of Dangsa. The Shans continued to wage war against them even in their new settlement at Molpi. So they continued to travel further. Travelling to the most southern part and founded a new settlement in the Chindwin valley. They called this new location, 'Bolkho',[11] (meaning swampy village).

6. # Dangsa Period (B.C 70): After the death of Songkho-on, Dangsa emerged as the strongest chief. 'Songsang' was their biggest village and centre of the period. The Shans attacked and captured Songsang. The Manmasi Kukis went southward to find a new location. They settled in a place called 'Molpi',[12] (meaning, huge hill).

7. # Tamlop (B.C 60-10 A.D): Tamlop was their chieftain at Buolkho during 60-10 B.C. During this period, the Sijangs were famous for their blacksmithy.[13] During Tamlop's era, a certain chieftain was said to be very rich, who was stated to have meal in golden plate.[7]

* Historical Chronology of Kuki People from 01-1919 A.D; (Emergence of Kuki Kings and Kingdoms):
The era of chieftainship has come to an end and the emergence of small kingdoms started taking its root from A.D period onwards. Some of the available recorded kingdoms and kings of the Kuki-Manmasi people are briefly chronologised as under.

1. *Mangthangson (A.D 1-20): Mangthang was from Molcham. He was the most prominent Kuki Manmasi king of the period. Other prominent chieftainships of the period in and around Molcham are Galpi, Molpi, Molcham, Mangsaphai, Sikibung, Sipibung, Chonjolbung, Chalon, Sangthei, Jangtunlui, Sijol, Bungjol, Lapuphai, Kungbulbung, Hansebung, Phabanthra, Moirangkhom and Khambikhal etc, (The Marings by R.K Das).

2. * Chongphut (B.C 19-70): The next king to come in power was Chongphut. Nothing much is known about this chieftain. Chongphut's territory comprised of Chindwin valley and its contagious regions. His capital was located at 'Bolkho', [7] in the Chindwin valley.

3. Thimzin (Total Darkness),(25-40 A.D): The period of 'Thimzing' is believed to be between A.D. 25-40. This unusual total darkness befell humanity for consecutive 7 days and 7 nights. There was shortage of dry firewood and other daily essential items. The interesting thing said about the unusual event was that the ghosts (spirits) of the dead visit human beings. It was also said that whoever doze were dying. In order to keep their eyes widely opened (not doze), they used to insert a bamboo-chip between the eyes to keep the eyes widely opened.[2]

The clansmen gathered together at the house of the chieftain and sang together. The singers as well as the 'Khongsai/Khongbeng'(drummers), party were said to be very melodious. It is from that period that those drummer groups came to be known as 'Khongsai' (meaning drummers or drum beaters).

The song they sang goes as, "Kachung'ah thimpi ajinge, Jaitha nem in lhavai inge; Akhu meiloijing abang e, Chungleng arvan a bom e, Daidona tha daikom e, Jangsel bang kahung soh e, Sel-hon kilip silsel e, leilong hon jai kasa e".[2] Its free translation goes as, "Darkness befall upon me; Disgustingly I am discouraged, The darkness look like a heap of clouds, covered by a heap of dark clouds, The spirit of toleration diminishes, Like a Yak I exclaimed, A pack of shivering Yaks, we sang a group chorus". Some people have died of the unusual darkness. By this time Chongphut's wife bored him a son, whom he named as Sinson.[7]

4. *Sinson/Sinsuon (60-110 A.D): Sinson was the eldest son of Chongphut. He had shifted from Bolkho to Sakhijang, alongwith his people. There were 11 villages with 952 houses. His sons are Lunkim, Lenthang, Thangngeo and Changsan.[7]

5. *Lenthang (100-182 A.D): After the death of Sinson, the second son, Lenthang took up the responsibility of kingship. Lenthang, though younger, was the king of about 20 big villages. All other brothers too founded new villages and became chiefs. Lenthang's two sons are Songte and Telien. Telien's kingship was succeeded by his son Thangneu.[7]

5. *Thangneu (230 A.D): Thangneu was the most prominent king of the period. His capital was at Sijang. He left Sijang accompanied by some of his subjects to Arakan to find more suitable area for settlement.[14] Some of the villagers remained back in the village.

6. *Vumjang (254 A.D): Vumjang was the son of Thangneu (230 AD) and grandson of Telien, the second son of Lenthang (100-182 AD). During this period, it was said that an extra ordinary human with half human, half lion form, terrorized human beings. Vumjang had a son, whom he named as Sholun.[7]

7. *Sholun (317 A.D): Sholun was another chief to come in power. He was the son of Vumjang (254 AD). Sholun's kingship covered about 13 large villages.[7] He was an excellent magician, as his father.

8. *Thangvum (370-421 A.D): Thangvum is the great grandson of Sholun (317 AD). His empire covered 27 villages. The capital was at Sijangbul.[16]

To be continued....




* TS Letkhosei Haokip (Research Scholar, Manipur University) wrote this article for The Sangai Express
This article was webcasted on December 20, 2010.


* 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
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • Summary of TDF Bootcamp Kohima
  • In pursuit of ST tag for Meiteis
  • 13 Aug: Heikat-Leikat #2 : Gallery
  • Formation of districts : (in)convenience ?
  • 'Samkhok' at 2024 Busan Intl Film Fest
  • Kitovi welcomes NSCN-IM talks with GoI
  • Final Day of TDF Bootcamp in Kohima
  • Harshit Dhingaun as Celebrity Fashion Jury
  • Morality and society
  • Clash over boundary line: Mindless violence
  • Legal tangle in recruitment
  • The first use of weaponised drones
  • World Bamboo Day @Chiangmai #2 : Gallery
  • Rugby player Holina Ningombam
  • Geopolitics and the fate of Manipur
  • 'Send ST recommendation to Centre'
  • The Power of Poppy - 50 :: Poem
  • Women in Borchapori are redefining tradition
  • Maru Amashung Maasha : Movie screenplay
  • A review of 'Bushido : The Soul of Japan'
  • State of education among Meitei Pangals
  • Connecting genomics & transcriptomics
  • Bhaichung Football partner with Southampton
  • Appreciation for Safe Release of Two Meitei
  • 'Child pornography': No apology at all
  • The stupidity Manipur has to suffer
  • Calling for a statewide torch rally
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #1 : Gallery
  • Sikthang, Karang, Gaiphun : eMing
  • Cessation of hostility prerequisite for dialogue
  • Kohima Bootcamp Showcase AR/VR fusion
  • Barriers towards organic farming
  • Festival look for Navratas
  • RGU Signs MoU With Capital Police
  • No red carpet welcome for freed youths
  • Resolving the hostage crisis
  • Cleanliness Day @GM Hall : Gallery
  • Role of vermicompost in organic farming
  • My body, Is it my own ?
  • The evolution of journalism in J&K
  • "Walking Lens 2.0" photography at Agartala
  • Condemnation of Murder at Kaprang
  • Why not task the two Kuki Ministers ?
  • Objection to raising Manipur issue at UNHRC
  • Marup Sannaba : Folktale #2
  • World Heart Day 2024
  • Oh, My Motherland Manipur :: Poem
  • Applications for financial support for IFFI
  • Tribal Design Forum Bootcamp at Kohima
  • Condemnation of Cold-Blooded Murder
  • Bridging divides amidst rising ethnic violence
  • From Sadar Hills to now Kangpokpi
  • Frankenstein's monster out of control
  • 128th Jananeta Irawat @Shanglen #1 : Gallery
  • 'NRC in Assam sparked Manipur Conspiracy'
  • Stop violence, threats against peacemakers
  • Translation as career choice
  • Cleaning Drive at Polo Market
  • Green Consumer Day for Healthy Environment
  • Radio E-pao: Manipuri Film OST (130+ song)
  • Sounding Union Home Minister
  • Time to call out the bluff
  • Boong: Film by Lakshmipriya : Gallery
  • October Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Organic weed management
  • A warrior not mounted on a steed :: Poem
  • Saving Private Babloo
  • Climate change: Invasive species friendship
  • Scripting the tragedy of Sept 28
  • Apologies to "Pabung Biren"
  • SoO to what end, balkanization of Manipur ?
  • Architectural Flaws in Manipur's Schools
  • Feminism is bedrock for a socially just world
  • Mediation Induction Training Programme
  • World Heart Day 2024
  • The Power of Poppy - 49 :: Poem
  • Natambakta: by JNMDA artiste #1 : Gallery
  • Avatars of Truth :: Poem
  • 'Maral siriba matangda Wafam thamjari'
  • 27th September is World Tourism Day
  • Application for Phase-1 of MFA 2024-25
  • Necessity of a bank & ATM in Thanga
  • Price the ongoing clash has exacted
  • Intel leak and reaction
  • Marup Sannaba : Folktale #1
  • Urgent need for lasting peace amid conflict
  • Street Plays on Waste Mgmt at RGU
  • 'karigumba hiram amatada mari leinade'
  • Home remedies for teeth whitening
  • Outrage regarding assault on truck driver
  • Scripting a farce of a story
  • 100 percent surety
  • Easternlight Zimik's new collection
  • Haobam Paban Kumar : Manipuri Cinema
  • Status of Amur falcon under Amendment 2022
  • Laughing Buddha :: Poem
  • Digital campaigns in elections
  • Condemns filing of FIR
  • NPP lining up crucial meeting
  • The intent and intel report
  • World Bamboo Day @Chiangmai #1 : Gallery
  • Taking care of Alzheimer's patient at home
  • Andro Dreams selected for 13th Iran FICTS
  • Rejoice Singh: Award-Winning Makeup Artist
  • Public Statement : On levelling charges
  • 'No plans to organize any programs'
  • A cap on the number of students
  • Objection to Govt initiatives
  • 13 Aug: Heikat-Leikat #1 : Gallery
  • Middle-Income & Stock Investments in Manipur
  • 15th World Bamboo Day in Chiang Mai
  • Memo to PM during official visit to US
  • Zero Emissions Day for Human Survival
  • African Swine Fever- threat to piggery
  • Not diluting one's ethnicity
  • When Army veterans speak on Manipur
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #1
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • 3rd National Lok Adalat of Imphal West & East
  • CRISPR revolution in plant disease mgmt
  • Entailed :: Poem
  • Don't reject 'ONOE' outrightly
  • Free Dementia Care Giver Workshop
  • But who is guarding the border ?
  • Confirming the unconfirmed
  • 18 hour bandh @ Imphal [Sep 21]: Gallery
  • World Alzheimer's Day 2024
  • Kohima Resolution implies- CM Rio must quit
  • The Power of Poppy - 48 :: Poem
  • How to create young leader without political
  • Stay Your Age U-15 football tournament
  • Japan's Rupee & Cent Currencies!
  • Meira Paibi Can Restore Peace
  • Time to act on Dementia
  • Conference : Bioeconomy from Bioresources
  • PLANNER 2024 Inaugurated in RGU
  • Recovery of B'desh garment sector urgent
  • Welcomes NIA Probe into Arson Attack
  • Surviving from day to day
  • Will PM's visit make any difference now ?
  • Langban Heitha Leithaba : Gallery
  • Useful Education Abbreviations
  • Andro wins Best Tourism Village 2024
  • World Water Monitoring Day 2024
  • Urgent Need for Peace in Manipur
  • Nikita Ghosh- Femina Miss India Tripura 2024
  • Heal your heels
  • Case of a story pulled down
  • Symptomatic treatment
  • Independence Day of India #2 : Gallery
  • Who is in-charge of law & order ?
  • Rongmei Cultural Meet held at Nongthymmai
  • If Naga talks fail- "We should be concerned"
  • Transforming India's food processing sector
  • National Cinema Day : Movies For Rs 99
  • No major incidence quip of Delhi
  • Peace claim & continuing violence
  • AMWJU Golden Jubilee #1 : Gallery
  • NEUFC state players bat for proper guidance
  • Beyond the Curve of a Smile :: Poem
  • Cleanliness Campaign launched at IBSD
  • 12th convention of PLANNER
  • AI: Digital companion for mental health care?
  • Infiltration root cause: Amit Shah
  • Waking up to the threat of foreign hands
  • Harmony between Assam & Manipur #2
  • Joseph's Son: Special Jury Mention @Kazan
  • Sitaram Yechury : A titan of the Left
  • Rocking chair syndrome gripping TB response
  • Lies in religious texts & legal repercussions
  • Demands Justice on attacks against Thadou
  • The unrelenting violence against Meitei Hindus
  • Bala Hijam wins The Empty Space Short Film
  • World Suicide Prevention Day, 2024
  • Lal Salaam Comrade Yechury
  • What will do with its 'Twitter' Naga Minister ?
  • State polls may be teary
  • In a state of crisis for over 500 days
  • Internet ban and school closure
  • International Dance Day #3 : Gallery
  • Yumnam Akash compete in Malaysia League
  • The Power of Poppy - 47 :: Poem
  • 3rd National Lok Adalat at Districts
  • 'Class' and 'objectification'
  • Blue Revolution under PMMSY in Manipur
  • Importance of Chakhao & its health benefits
  • Fancy Bazaar, the commercial hub of NE
  • Use of drones by Kuki-Zo militants
  • Workshop on Integrating Social & Behaviour
  • National Sports Day & our Environment
  • Restriction of movement of public lifted
  • Eyes of Manipur fixed on Sep 15
  • Debate over Unified Command
  • 2nd Annual Art Exhibition #2: Gallery
  • Understanding the violence in Manipur
  • Boong : Debut film by Lakshmipriya Devi
  • Parboiled rice : The nutritional goldmine
  • Closure of Schools in Manipur
  • Adong Jamatia in Mr International Philippines
  • Protest, but do it responsibly call
  • Tiger in the valley, lamb in the hills
  • Harmony between Assam & Manipur #1
  • Recipe for making civil war a reality, Manipur
  • Where drones dare India
  • 1 step towards making world free of TB
  • Capacity Building for NEP SAARTHIs
  • Demands Justice for Michael Haokip
  • Internet ban not the solution
  • Failure to look beyond net suspension
  • Student protest, injured [Sep 10]: Gallery
  • Students protest rally [Sep 09]: Gallery
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #4: Gallery
  • Meira Rally @Tiddim Rd [Sep 08]: Gallery
  • State Level Teacher's Day : Gallery
  • Landscape of Kamjong District : Gallery
  • Sanamahi Cheng Hongba #2 : Gallery
  • Manipur Official Phone Directory : Search
  • 59th Hunger Marchers' Day #2 : Gallery
  • Collective Hues @Washington DC : Gallery
  • High Yielding Variety of Chakhao developed
  • Collective Hues, art exhibit @Washington, DC
  • Krishna Jarma @ISKCON : Gallery
  • RSS feeds are working now :: e-pao Tools
  • Patriots' Day @Hicham Yaicham #2 : Gallery
  • Manipur's Status During 1947-49
  • Patriots' Day @Christ Jyoti School : Gallery
  • Indo-Meetei conflict: Civilizational #1
  • Ibudhou Cheng Hongba #2 : Gallery
  • Panthoibi Phijol Hongba @Mandalay : Gallery
  • HSLC (Class X) 2024 : Full Result
  • HSLC 2024 : Important Info & Grading System
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Private Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Aided Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Pass % : Govt Schools
  • HSLC 2024 : Statistical Abstract
  • HSLC 2024 : Comparative Statement
  • Malemnganbi Laishram : Science Topper
  • Thokchom Sheityajit : Arts Topper
  • Aiena Naorem : Commerce Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Science Topper
  • HSE 2024 : Subject Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : District Pass Percentage
  • HSE 2024 : Candidates with Highest Marks
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Science Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Arts Full Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024: Commerce Result
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Arts Topper
  • Hr Secondary Exam 2024 : Commerce Topper
  • GHOST of PEACE :: Download Booklet
  • List of Kings of Manipur: 33 - 1984 AD