TODAY -

Kabui Settlement at Heibokching : A historical perspective
- Part 2 -

Dr Budha Kamei *


According to Meitei Ningthourol, Bhagyachandra by disguising as Kabui who alone came back from Ahom and organised all the Khullakpas of Kabui villages inhabiting near the Tongjei Maril road to help him when he returned with the forces of Ahom to liberate his motherland from the Burmese forces. Later, Khellemba was murdered brutally by the emissaries of Bhagyachandra Singh at the Lousee Lake.

Even today, there are relics left by Bhagyachandra in the Kabui villages:- at A wangkhul (Longchum) there is a stone slab with Hanuman image along with ineligible inscription, Nungnang (Lungrang) there are stone bounders where he spent his days, and at Khebuching (Puching) he performed the khousaba, spear fighting and vowed to liberate his motherland.

He left his weapons at Akhui which were presented by the Akhui people to the Maharaja Churachand Singh in the twentieth century. He and many royal princes spent times at Wairangba and Tamenglong village. Construction of Tekhao road which is connected with Ahom (Assam) is an evidence of friendship and co-operation between the Meiteis and the Kabuis because the said road runs through the Kabui land without any hindrance from the side of the later.

In 1770 AD, Manipur was made another invasion by the Burmese forces under King Hsinbyushin 25. Chingthangkhomba was again driven out and he fled to Cachar. Jytimor Roy says, no sooner had the Burmese withdrawn than Jay Singh along with the forces of Ahom re-entered Manipur. Under his efficient rule prosperity gradually returned to the country. In absence of Jay Singh, Manipur was ruled by Erengba or Kukilananda Erengba, a scion of the royal family who was set up by the Burmese submitted after feeble resistance at Langathen.

R Brown writes, on hearing the news of coming of Jai Singh along with Ahom forces, Eringba immediately handed over the throne to him without objection. With the instigation of Manshenba, the son of slain chief of Moirang, Khellemba, the Burmese invaded Manipur again in the year 1772 AD. Bhagyachandra again fled to Ahom through Cachar on the 2nd day of Phairen(Oct.-Nov). The Burmese forces left Manipur soon after installing a puppet King called Pukhrambam Binodram whose Capital was at Wangkhei.

In the year 1775 AD, Bhagyachandra along with his hill supporters mostly Kabuis marched into Manipur but without a single battle he became king again because Binodram already left Manipur on hearing the news of comirtg of Bhagyachandra. In the same year (1775 AD), Bhagyachandra established his capital at Lamangdong on the day of Saturday, 19th day of Phairen(Jan­Feb)30.

In spite of his religious orthodoxy, the Kabui settlers in the valley were living peacefully without having interference from his administration. Cheitharol Kumbaba31 records, "a severe flood devastated the valley on the day of Saturday, 12th day of Kalen (April-May), 1775 AD. The shrine of Akoijam was collapsed. Many houses were flown away up to the Loktak Lake. People took shelter on roof of their houses. A large number of people died. Famine followed".

According to Meitei Ningthourol, "it was during the reign of Binodram, the valley was submerged with water after three days continuous rain (from the 9th to 11th day of Kalen) that happened on the day of Saturday, 11th day of Kalen, 1775 AD. The whole valley area looked like a lake. All roads were covered by water. People took shelter on the nearby hills".

This flood is still talked about among the elders of the Langthabal Khoupum village as oral tradition. The oral tradition says that due to severe flood of Wangkhei Duidai (Ichao), the villagers of Langthabal Meitei came on the Heibokching and took shelter in the Khoupum village until the flood water drained away from the valley. This flood is known as Wangkhei Hagtakki Ichao, because Manipur was under the rule of Binodram of Wangkhei.

According to Cheitharol Kumbaba, the royal chronicle of Manipur, "on the day of Wednesday, 17th day of Kalen (April-May), 1778 AD, the country went dark. It rained with dust particle". In connection with the dark incident, the oral tradition of the village tells that "as usual the womenfolk of Langthabal Khoupum went to collect firewood at the Heibokching. While collecting the firewood, suddenly, it went dark, nothing could be seen; seeing this occurrence, they hastily ran towards the village".

After the gloomy event, the Chronicle further states that on the day of Monday, 7th day of Enga (May-June), 1778 AD, an image of Sanamahi God was erected and on the same day, Kangjei game (hockey) for the Kabui settlers in the valley was organised. This historical sport occasion is also mentioned in the oral tradition that the three villages; Langthabal khoupum, Langthabal Chingthak and Langthabal Chingkha jointly as a team participated in the said Kangjei game organised by the king of Manipur.

The said Kangjei game refers to the traditional Meitei Mukna-Kangjei, meaning wrestling-cum-hockey, is an outdoor game. It is popularly known as Khong-Kangjei or Kangjei and played on" a field by two teams of seven players each, with curve cane sticks and a small hard ball in the style of Mukna or wrestling. The valley Kabui tribals also enjoyed Mukna-Kangjei in early times. And in the year 1779, AD he shifted his capital to Langthabal from Lamangdong.

Now, it is clearly proved that the migrant Kabui people mostly from Chingkhoupum had settled down at the Heibokching in advance before the above historical events with a new name of their village called Jang Khoupum which literally means valley khoupum (Jang=valley). According to Gangmumei Kamei, it was during the reign of Bhagyachandra many Kabui people engaged in his war against the Burmese to turn out from the soil of Manipur in 18th ,century. Many Kabuis (who came to know the Maharaja) came down to the valley and started such migrant villages of Langthabal and Khoupum in the Heibokching hills. The settlers of Khoupum were mostly from Chingkhoupum in south Tamenglong.

Here, it may be noted that Chinkhoupumg became the exile place for the rebellion princes; because of this reason, it was finally stormed by Gambhir Singh in 1827 after seven years of devastation (1819 - 1826) which was never conquered earlier by any ruler of the Meiteis.

Since there is no written record, oral tradition of the village is the only source for the reconstruction of the past history of Khoupum village of Heibokching. Gangmumei Kamei says, History to the Zeliangrong people is the oral tradition which is handed down from one generation to another. In regard to the settlement of Kabuis at the Heibokching, the oral tradition of the village narrates that Gonbung and Namshadai of Longmei and Goijaichang­Gangmei clans from Chingkhoupum were the two males along with their families who first settled at the Heibokching.

According to custom and tradition of the Zeliangrong (Kabui), a new village demands to have two or more exogamous clans or lineages for purpose of marriage and reproduction; under this obligation, they both established a new village at Heibokching called JangKhoupum (later known as Langthabal Khoupum) with Gonbung and Namshadai as Khullakpa and Khunbu respectively of the new village.

The Kabui village polity is a democratic gerontocracy. The village has a definite territory, with a population consisting of two or more exogamous clans with a village Government to look after the secular and religious affairs of the village, and maintain almost an independent relationship with other villages.

Tradition says, the founder of the village who is also known as Nampou becomes the khullakpa and after his death, the eldest son inherits the office of Khullakpa. In case of Langthabal khoupum, this tradition or custom was not practised after the death of Gonbung since he had no male issue. After Gonbung, the eldest male of any clan of the village becomes the Khullakpa and this custom is still in practice.

Hence, in conclusion, it can be stated that the present Langthabal Khoupum village came into existence at the Heibokching during the second half of 18th century probably in the year 1770 - 71 AD on the basis of available historical records, and evidences supplemented by oral traditions of the village.

Shortly, afterwards they (Gonbung and Namshadai) were followed by other clans namely; Kamei, Pamei, Gondaimei, Gangmei and Maringmei. Pamei (Kamei), Gondaimei, Feiga-Gangmei and Jangchangliang-Gangmei who came from Subung, Makhom, Mukti and Chingkhoupum villages of Tamenglong district, and Kamei (Montha Kamei) and Maringmei clans from Lilongpang and Langthabal Chingkha villages of present Imphal west District and settled together in the village, Langthabal Khoupum.

At present, there are only four clans in the village. Unfortunately, one of the founding clans is out of picture of the village because Gonbung had no male issue. After his death, the chapter of Longmei clan is closed from the village.

Now, the village has got the strength of one hundred households with a population of about one thousand and two hundred souls.


* Dr Budha Kamei wrote this article for The Sangai Express. This article was webcasted on January 10th, 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
  • Sagol Kangjei Esei @Kangla #2 : Gallery
  • Violence in Manipur 2023-2024 : Timeline
  • Mushroom cultivation training at Bishnupur
  • Turning a blind eye to mayhem in Manipur
  • Enforced disappearance by Armed Forces
  • Memo to PM : Restore peace in Manipur
  • Remembering Dr Rajendra Prasad
  • Can you understand the truth of life ?
  • Many continue to eye indifferent Delhi
  • Bid to wake up quiescent PM
  • Maring dance @ Mera Houchongba : Gallery
  • Thandumlung, Chingpai, Hriiziia : eMing
  • A Traveler's Musings by Imphal River :: Poem
  • Why such divisive thoughts ?
  • 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival begins
  • Medifacials for inner glow
  • Case of Kamalbabu since Nov 25
  • Securing highways must for MST bus service
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #3 : Gallery
  • NE forests are vulnerable to non-native tree
  • Still, I Wondered Upon :: Poem
  • Reaching the unreached to find missing TB
  • Naga Solution- Salvation route for PM Modi
  • The siren's song: A story of worldly temptation
  • Dissenting voices from within
  • Futile search for missing person
  • Indo-Naga Talks (From 2012) :: Timeline
  • Ningol Chakkouba Shopping #2 : Gallery
  • Price people have to pay for conflict
  • Wildlife conservation is for human existence
  • When embracing a sense of oneness
  • Viksit Bharat Young Leader Dialogue at MU
  • 'One Nation One Subscription' will strengthen
  • Defiling the understanding of ILP
  • Poppy plantations in the hills
  • Pot Lannaba : Mera Houchongba #1: Gallery
  • Wild edible plants for sustainable livelihood
  • Challenges to education amid agitation
  • Medicines save lives but not when they stop
  • Guwahati audition: Mega Miss North East
  • Amul way: Journey of India's dairy revolution
  • Innate goodness of mankind : Kindness
  • Gunfights among peace deal signatories
  • International Dance Day #5: Gallery
  • Whispers of the Tarangmalangpal :: Poem
  • Winners: Dr A Surjalal Memorial Grant
  • Solar Mamas from Manipur graduate
  • Fencing & Constitutional solution
  • The silent language of signs
  • Changing Toys
  • Debunking the false narrative
  • Central forces under scanner
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #4
  • 40 Years & 04 Stations - Part I
  • Responsibility of the Cabinet in Parliament
  • Economy & employment in Manipur
  • The Power of Poppy - 58 :: Poem
  • 70th Wildlife Week Celebration #2 : Gallery
  • December Calendar for Year 2024 : Tools
  • Is Manipur turning into an African State ?
  • NIT Manipur signs MoA with NIT Warangal
  • India's multi-alignment diplomacy
  • Ed Sheeran to perform Shillong
  • Change your skin care routine
  • Poking into internal affairs of Manipur
  • Fictive campaign of unfriendly neighbour
  • Thang Ta @ Kwak Tanba : Gallery
  • Decades of failure to end TB & tobacco
  • Dread Life :: Poem
  • Manipur crisis: Constitutional call for justice
  • Training on Mushroom Cultivation
  • Integrated Badminton Academy launched
  • Pathetic show of Govt for over 576 days
  • Unrest situation battering education sector
  • Public Review on the Eight Point Resolution
  • Empowering Youth & Transforming Manipur
  • Inoculation for regional destabilization
  • Boro film 'Bibo Binanao' premieres at IFFI
  • How childhood abuse impacts mental health
  • Cementing UNO's role in global crises
  • Story of missing man from Army camp
  • Man gone missing from military garrison!
  • Chakkouba Annual Fish Fair #2 : Gallery
  • Discordant thought of Meiteis
  • 75th Constitution Day observed
  • AMR is not a silent pandemic
  • Killing of innocent minor Children & Women
  • Social significance of countering misinformation
  • Formula from Mizoram MP: Dangerous
  • Hostile neighbour
  • 133rd Manipur Police raising day #2 : Gallery
  • The return to monarchy from democracy
  • AMH: Fertility in women of late age
  • Carpet :: Poem
  • Bio fertilizers: Use & importance
  • Unfolding script under War on Drugs drive
  • Desperate bid to shield Kuki militants
  • False claim for Kukiland
  • Intl Day: Eliminate Violence Against Women
  • The Three 'Great Living Chola Temples
  • Violence against women
  • Sholay, Basanti & Chidambaram
  • Debut of 'Sarkari Investigator'
  • Menace of illegal immigrant, poppy plantation
  • Resign call from Khemchand to CM
  • National Press Day @DIPR : Gallery
  • An act of barbarism
  • Candle Light Solidarity Vigil at Mumbai
  • Rejoinder to 10 Non-Naga Tribal MLAs
  • Delhi : Rio must do 'better homework' with IM
  • The Power of Poppy - 57 :: Poem
  • World Antimicrobial Resistance Week
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #3
  • Discord over Reserved Forest in Manipur
  • Program to increase Tribal Participation
  • Are we on wrong side of the #endTB track?
  • No roadmap for peace restoration in Manipur
  • Agragami, to release debut album
  • Profound observation of PRCM
  • Unbreakable silence of PM Modi
  • Angakpa Mawongi Atithi Seva : Folktale
  • Dear children of Manipur
  • Fuelwood consumption in Manipur
  • Face Yoga for healthy glow
  • 9th Brahmaputra Valley Film Festival
  • Wildlife cannot be manufactured
  • Barriers to implementing primary health care
  • Radio E-pao: 1000+ songs from Manipur
  • Drugs waging a war on Manipur
  • Impressing the centre more important
  • Usman Gani: Meitei Pangal Radio Playwright
  • Crisis: Failed governance, blind Centre
  • HIV tools; is it expanding choices for people?
  • Sausage as a value-added product
  • Blessed Be a Woman :: Poem
  • Raise your voice when you have evidence
  • Davaindia Targets Expansion Drive in NE
  • Net ban continues, so does curfew
  • Slugfest over PC's post imminent
  • Kwak Tanba @Sana Konung #3: Gallery
  • Restoring Peace & Unity in Manipur
  • Address Gross Human Rights Violations
  • PIB, the silent service provider
  • The Hidden Jewel :: Poem
  • Endoscopic Spine Surgery
  • Resolutions to urge Centre
  • Entrusting NIA to deliver justice
  • Mobs attack MLAs house [Nov 16] : Gallery
  • Candlelight Protest @Blore [Nov 17] : Gallery
  • 9th General Elections: NE Students Jalandhar
  • Candlelight Protest Against Brutal Killing
  • Social context of people's movement
  • Media Conclave at Barak Festival
  • Disturbing the disturbed area
  • Why is Delhi still indifferent?
  • Looting spree a blot on public movement
  • Curfew enforced in Imphal [Nov 17] : Gallery
  • Protest @Seoul condemn murder : Gallery
  • Condemn brutal murder of 6 innocent Meiteis
  • Licypriya urged world leaders to act
  • AFSPA reimposition: A setback in Manipur
  • Vision for Vikshit Bharat in Gurgaon
  • World Diabetes Day 2024
  • Dastardly killing of 3 women, 3 kids
  • Internet ban, again
  • Massive protests in Imphal [Nov 16] : Gallery
  • Condemns Killing Children [Nov 16] : Gallery
  • Condemnation of Brutality, Rape, Murder
  • The Power of Poppy - 56 :: Poem
  • Appeal for Immediate Action
  • Appeals for calm, peace & justice
  • Condemns Killings of Innocent Children
  • Marup Mari #2 : Folktale
  • 1833 Jeree Treaty made Manipur's boundary
  • Commendation Ceremony of Legal Services
  • Condemnation of Human Rights Violations
  • Release Abducted Meitei Family Members
  • Hold a Funeral :: Poem
  • Pollution affects beauty
  • Return of the Army Act in some areas
  • AFSPA amidst communal conflict
  • Yelhou Yangkok Art Exhibit #1 : Gallery
  • Techniques for historical denial & negation
  • Firewall gender equality from threats
  • World Diabetes Day 2024
  • Addressing concerns of unrest situations
  • Implication of election of Trump as President
  • Pattern behind fresh wave of rampage
  • Preposterous claims
  • 24 hour shutdown [November 12] : Gallery
  • Introduction to the 'Science of Soul'
  • Appeal for Safe Release of Abducted Families
  • World Diabetes Day - 2024
  • Magnificent Tradition :: Poem
  • Escalating prices of essential items
  • Confirming involvement of militant groups
  • 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly #1: Gallery
  • The Voices of Innocence :: Poem
  • Farcical management of district councils
  • Licypriya Kangujam departs for G20 Summit
  • Border: Balancing security & community
  • Air pollution problem in Indian cities
  • Completely losing the plot: Dangerous cocktail
  • Service weapons in slain militants' hands
  • Alangtakhou waterfall #2: Gallery
  • Manipur is caught between Act East & BRI
  • Trump is good for Bharat & Manipur
  • Citrus Greening Disease: The silent killer
  • Seeking Patterns :: Poem
  • A pathway to deeper connections
  • Ooba Video : is now relaunched !
  • Emerging pattern behind fresh offensives
  • Dissent over fencing project
  • Kwak Tanba @Sana Konung #2: Gallery
  • 'Travelling Book Fair' @ MSFDS : Gallery
  • Meitei Mayek Tamba : Online Classroom #2
  • Jananeta Irawat Birth Anniv @THAU : Gallery
  • Ningols to Mapam Lamdam #2 : Gallery
  • Ningols to Mapam Lamdam #1 : Gallery
  • Thadou Convention 2024 : Declarations
  • Downloadable Manipuri Calendar :: 2025
  • Featured Front Page Photo 2024 #5: Gallery
  • Mera Houchongba @Konung #1 : Gallery
  • Mera Chaorel Houba #2 : Gallery
  • Case for Manipuri as a classical language
  • Bor @Hiyangthang Lairembi: Gallery
  • Ema Panthoibi @ Mandalay, Myanmar
  • Manipur Official Phone Directory : Search
  • 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