Methods to rule:

One of the Chinese proverbs says: “Kill one in front of hundred and thousands will be feared.” King or chieftain, ruler or elected, on some basis of a rule and convention based on humility and logic the march of the society must have proceeded.

Talking on Biblical ground, the handling over of the Ten Commandments to Moses (Deuteronomy 9:10) can be considered as one of the most long lasting procedure to humanize the society under some guidance which was considered “from God”. The holy Lord our lord, gave not only Golden rules to the followers of a Semitic religions but the seeds of humanity were handed over for mankind.

In par to this beautiful anecdote in the history of mankind, we can visualize the Viswaroopa darshan (cosmic figure) given to a sad and weary Arjuna. On similar lines we cannot conclude that the cosmic figure was meant for only Arjuna but for all mankind.

Coming nearer, similarly the vision given to Ningthou Kaangba while beholding a bunch of flowers on a tree at the foothill of Koubru Mountain, realizing him the form of “Eyu” is another remarkable incidence which is alike to the above. Knowledge of certain concept and belief was realized by mankind. The is some one/thing who is beyond the limits of mundane logic, emotions and knowledge.

Man like any social animal requires a binding rope to keep in equilibrium all the inhabitants together. To bind them a very simple method is there, a method which is intrinsic to every one: Fear.

So in every civilizations/culture/ society / tribe / clan, this psychological frame work is created so that man could be controlled and ruled. It was either inculcated to every one so that an attitude of approach or loyalty could be prepared.

Consequently various signs and figures, totems and symbols, garments and attires with the label – “Royal” must have come down. The worst method is the culmination of fear with the tactics of superstition. Superstitions, the writer feels, sprang out of the fear of chance and probability.

No wonder this is one of the force that drags the mind of a man into the web lock negativity. In Meitei language perhaps “Touheide” must be one among the mostly used words,. Once this word is used it is an indication of an ending of an argument/curiosity thus blocking and shutting down an inquisitive mind. The mind and logic of man is conquered then with this word. There is no chance that similar words are not found in other languages.

In olden days to make the authority of a ruler more rigid, divine attribution and superstition are embalmed to a ruler so that the masses can be guided using the people’s psychology. Blood lines were linked with divine persons so that ego and self confidence could be boost up among his fellow people.

In most of the European societies, families trace to knights and warriors, in Indian Aryan context, family (kula) trace from a sage (Rishi), even among the Muslim settled in India, family descending from Prophet enjoy a better place in society.

In Meitei context, persons like, Nongda lai Pakhangba, Poireiton, Fang Fang Ponglenhanba, Pureilomba, etc are considered as Pukok (source of blood line) of a salai.

Perhaps this may be the reason; why in “Loyamba Shinyen” – a 12th century constitution starts with:

“Pray you the Almighty, before this edict is proclaimed. By taking a ride on the back of Nungmu, Pakhangba rose to the universe from beneath the Terra firma with the shinning glow of Nunggangum.”