The Indoor Game of Kang
- Part 1 -

Dr. L. Sharatchandra Singh *

Besides the outdoor games of Manipur like Sagol Kangjei, Khongkhangjei, Lamjel, Hiyang Lamjel and many others, an indigenous indoor game of a unique character popularly known as kang was played by the Meiteis.

Actually, the word kang is an object which can be thrown smoothly on the surface of the ground. Here the game, Kang, is played with the seed of the creeper (Costus Specosus) Kangkhil or Urikang, meaning target. Still the seed is available in the plain and hill areas of Manipur.

It is nearly circular in shape, one and half inches in diameter and three by four of an inch in thickness. The colour of the big seed dark red. The seed whose skin is very smooth when thrown on the tell paved floor or the surface in the play moves smoothly without much friction.

In Manipur, this game was played since the time immemorial as a seasonal game from the month of Sachibu (March/April), the spring season till the month of Ingen (June/July.)

This kind of game, known as Kang, was seen playing in some of the Laiharaoba, very important ritual festival of the Meitei performed annually. It is evident from the fact that during the Laiharaoba of Ayangleima of Moirang, the game was held as one of the important events.

In the past, it was a game for women and children. They played it at the road-sides, at Sumang (Cout-yard), at Mangol (vestibule) and at Sangoi (out-house) for their leisure time.

The hill tribes of Manipur also played this game. Kang with the same seed in a little different style since the time immemorial.

Among the tribes, Kang was variously known as

• Gahilung Tarimei by Kabuis,
• Southela by Tangkhuls,
• Thilli by Maos,
• Aga Ngahoktoo by Maram and so on

1. Throwing of Kang with one hand or with both the hands.
2. Throwing of the Kang simply to roll.
3. Holding of Kang in between the toes and then hopping one step to begin the play.
4. Throwing of Kang with the head,
5. Throwing of Kang from near the eyes, ears and lips,
6. Throwing of the Kang holding it with the flexion of the knee.
7. Releasing Kang making it down roll from the arm,
8. Lamtha (to push) and
9. Chekphei (to throw), etc [2].