Kang Shanaba
- An Indigenous Game of Manipur -
- Part 2 -

E. Binoykumar *

The present rules and style of Kang play is an improvement on the old one, played during the time of the Maharajas. To understand the rules, it is necessary to get acquainted with the traditional terms like "Shiba" and "Changba".

According to our belief, the court in which the Kang is played presents the field of life. The 7(seven) players on each side represents, the 7(seven) days of the week.

For the seven players, there are eigth Chekphei and seven Lamtha Kangkhils. As such, there are 15 Kangkhuls on one side and both sides represent 30 days forming a complete lunar month. In the field of life, over the period of days, months, years etc.

Each player has to show the routine nature of life in their own way. To make one score, two 'Chekpheis" are required.

The first Chekphei means "Darkness" and second Chekphei represents the "Day". With the start of the day, the Lamtha should be pushed by each player in his/her own tract(Kangkhul) in the proper direction.

If the Kang i.e. the flat instrument used in the Kang crosses the last boundary, it crosses the boundary of life i.e. the player who plays such a game causing the Kang to cross the last boundary line is considered "Dead" or "Shiba" for his innings.

There are two lines outer and inner on either side of the rectangular court, 42 ft. in length and 16 1/2 ft. in breadth. The outer line is called Lamtha Kangkhul having 7 (seven) target points, while the inner line known as Chekphei Kangkhul will have 8(eight) target points.

The duration of the game will be 4 1/2 hours with an interval of 5 minutes only. After the first half of two hours fifteen minutes the teams will change the sides. The size of the Kang 'flat implement" should be 5 1/2" to 6" in length and 3 1/2" to 3 3/4" in breadth. It should be made of lac and should have a fixed face.

Each player should have his own Kang. No two players can use one and the same Kang. It under circumstances, the same Kang is used by two players, it should be done only with the consent of Referee. No player is allowed to use a Kang which exceeds sixteen tolas in weight.

lst and 2nd player will start mode of Chekphei and 3rd player Lamtha. Hitting the Kangkhil (target point) by two Chekpheis and one Lamtha continually make a score point. Each player is given only one chance in the manner mentioned above whether he is throwing for the Chekphei or pushing for the Lamtha.

Role of Women in Kang

Kang play was normally played will boys and girls in the olden days. In such plays the boy will normally in playing the outer 4 positions and the three positions namely Chekphei and Langjei position would be occupied by the women.

Such matches which organised either in community or on at an auspicious occasions. However, in 1980 an all Women Kang Tournament was conducted at the temple of Lord Ramji Prabhu, Imphal. This tournament is annually held now and organised by the All Manipur Women Kang Association, established in 1982.

In Manipur, there are three organisations for conducting tournaments and control of this game namely the All Manipur Kang Association (set up in 1952), the All Manipur Kang Control Board (set up in 1972) and the All Manipur Women Kang Association (set up in 1982).

The All Manipur Kang Association modified their rules in 1960 and the new Kanglon 1960 was introduced uniformly throughout the state. In 1972 the Manipur Kang Control Board was set up with a slightly different rules.

However, in order to have a common uniform Kanglon (Rules of Kang), Manipur Kang Federation was formed in 1989 and the rules of All Manipur Kang Association and All Manipur Kang Control Board were modified and the agreed Kanglon is now commonly known as Federation Rules, 1989.

References:

l. Meitei Kang Shanaba and Kanglon
By-Mani Nahakpam

2. Kang - its Rules and Origin
By- Kh. Tolhal Singh

3. "Ya" Kanglon
By- Mani Nahakpam

4. 'Kang' tin indigenous game of Manipur
By All Manipui Kang Control Broad.

5. Manipur Kanglon – 1960(as amended in 1982)
Published by : AII Manipur Kang Assn.

Concluded ....