How far we, the Manipuri women of the 21st century, have come along?

Introspecting this is not that easy, and I would say it is rather a very vulnerable issue. Now for many of us, our morality has been questioned again and again.

How morally corrupted have we become?
Or shall we say, how open-minded and rebellious have we become?
In coping up with the latest fashoin trends, have we slogged way behind in terms of our contribution towards our society?
Or finally, are we to consider ourselves as liberated from the feudal set-up - mentally, emotionally and sexually?
Or else, does not one has to find a gap between the changes that have taken place?

On one hand, of a society 'arrested' in terms of material development, thereby stunting the seepage of new ideas and changes in mode of thinking. And on the other hand, of a mind touched by waves of changes, stimulating its growth but located in a space of 'refused development', of which the 'arrested' society refuses to be an anchor or provide the platform?

If this premise is accepted, then there should be no scope for cultural relativism, or to paint the changes we are experiencing as mere acts of aping a foreign culture. If one looks at the steady increase of Manipuri women doing awesome work in academics, corporate and other fields, it cannot be denied that Manipuri women has never been so beautiful and intelligent.

What exactly is happening then, when we are told that we are beautiful and intelligent, yet, morally corrupt? Have we disappointed our male-counterparts who have thrusted upon us the responsibilities of safeguarding the image of our society?

If so, how? The answer lies in understanding how we as a woman perceive beauty and sexuality in our own ways and how confortable we are in our own skins.

Someone has been very kind to me when he sent me a copy of Ethel Grimwood's My three years expercience in Manipur. Reading through the book, one would realise that Manipuri women sported beautiful long silky hair, were of pale complexion (the paler the better), mostly of round facial structure, average in heights, and yes, they had BIG BIG waists! We still do!

Beauty has indeed been a ritualistic part of a Manipuri woman in the entire span of her life. We take care of our hair and skin using numerous natural therapeutic remedies available in our garden or in the wild. Beauty and essence of Manipuri women has somehow been related with her gentle and reserved nature.

Also, a combination of soft-spokeness and an inner strength seen in times of crises have been significant attributes to being a Manipuri women. Wearing of Phaneks does not give us the liberty to walk fast, and prevents us to make big steps.

This has enhanced our walking gait into a more subtle and more feminine way, which, even a practising geisha would certainly envy! Phanek as a garment was worn covering a woman just below her shoulder till the tip of her toe. To complete the whole picture, we have the Enaphee as a wrap on our head and arms. The ultimate picture is that of a graceful feminine enigma.

Watching a Manipuri classical/folk dance would bring out the aesthetic sense of beauty and sexuality inherent in a Manipuri woman, though conditioned by the nuances of art. One would notice that, the dancers (mostly women) rarely raise their hands above the shoulder level and do not stretch their arms farther than the breadth of their own chest.

Eyes are low cast and feet movements are characterised by small steps, revolving in a diameter of less than a metre. Their facial expressions can hardly be deciphered of any emotional quotient, and yes, we do not cheaply show our teeth when we dance!

All the underlying codes of the dances are depicted or expressed through subtle yet meaningful body movements. Mimicry is done to the highest level primarily with the help of our hands and secondarily with our body movements. Of course, the background music and lyrics has a major contribution towards conveying the complete message of the dance.

Such a dance form is contrary to classicals such as Bharatnatyam, Kathak or Kathakali, where powerful facial expressions and energetic body movements are the mainstay. One of my non-Manipuri friends mentioned that watching a Manipuri dance is just like watching the sea waves erupting from a tranquil sea - very graceful and serene! I would add, it is like a fully bloom lotus swaying softly to the rhythm of a lazy wave.