Role of Assam Rifles in promoting the Manipuri Pony and Polo

RS Jassal *

Arambai exhibition on April 26th 2008 at Mapal Kangjeibung :: Pix - Jinendra Maibam

ARAMBAI or Sling Arrow, a ferocious instrument with its poisoned tip was feared by the enemies of Manipur, especially the Burmese. The art of using the nuances of the flicking wrist to throw the weapon in all directions amidst the enemy from the back of speeding pony reminds one of the martial skills of the ancient Manipuri Warriors.

The alliances of the ancient Manipuri Kingdom with Shan Dynasty and its aspirations saw its rise and expansion in the seventeenth and early eighteenth century. The Burmese revenge in mid eighteenth century led to its fall. The Manipuri pony played a vital role in these intricate dynastic and personal relationships within races and nations and their geopolitics of war as instruments of Nation making.

An interesting fallout from the temporary fall of the Manipur monarchy was the first beginning of the eastern Diaspora of the creative talents of Manipur people. Out of captives taken away after serious massacres, were the Manipur cavalry, who came to be known as KatheMyindat, who formed an important contingent amidst the regular forces in the Burmese Army.

The role played by the KatheMyindat also known as Cassay Cavalry (under Shan Dynasty) became powerful reminders to the strength and validity of the Manipur nation and its relationship with the indigenous Horse. Though the pedigree of the Sagol(Horse) is yet to be scientifically traced to the Central Asian animal migrations of the past, certain crossbreeding could have been possible alongwith the Burmese and Shan horses of the past.

However what is significant is the character, strength and stubbornness of this animal and its ability to endure hardships and immense capability to adapt to the vagaries of the geography and environment of the regions. This animal was not only to become props to the military and political establishment of the ancient kingdom of Manipur, but was also responsible for enhancing the power of the Burmese empire in their engagements with the Siamese kingdom.

The Manipuri pony therefore has a rich history, associated with the glorious rise and sad decline of the Manipur nationhood. The art of the polo that has survived is the reminder of the organic relationship with man and horse. The psyche and thought processes of the Sagol Lanmee (the Manipuri horse soldiers) manifests itself in the art of the play of Sagol Kangjei. Preparation for the inevitability of war, and ability to maneuver to outwit the rival player where the body of the horsemen and the body of the horse became one and the same in unity and dexterity, resistance and strength.

Being almost maintenance free, the pony provided the perfect sporting outlet and pastime on the village greens for the rural youths who have limited outlets for leisure and other thrills. That is why polo was still a mass game right upto the middle of the last century. Over thirty polo grounds are known to have existed in the valley region. Today these grounds have either vanished or are on the line as incremental population has settled on these spaces.

The pony population in Manipur is fast approaching extinction because of many reasons. A combination of many such factors has made the pony unwanted in the villages of Manipur. The pony population left in Manipur is only around a thousand now. Assam Rifles therefore has taken it upon itself to promote the Manipuri Pony related sports in a big way.

The Assam Rifles have not only rendered a yeoman service to the people of North East in maintenance of peace and harmony, but also have contributed immensely to the overall development of the region. In recognition of their distinguished service, the people of our country have befittingly and endearingly bestowed on the Assam Rifles the epithets- 'Friends of Manipur' and 'Sentinels of the North East'.The Headquarters of the Assam Rifles is located at Shillong and the force is currently headed by Lt Gen Ranbir Singh, AVSM, SM, Director General Assam Rifles.

The Director General Assam Rifles Cup, State Equestrian Championship and IGAR (South) Junior Championship is a radiant and eloquent testimony of the Assam Rifles' enthusiastic zeal and endeavour to encourage and promote Equestrian games and save the original and the rare breed of Manipuri Pony from the brink of extinction. In pursuance of this noble cause, the Assam Rifles instituted the Director General Assam Rifles Cup, State Equestrian Championship in 2002 and IGAR (South) Junior Championship, both of which have now turned into an annual mega event keenly contested by Equestrian enthusiasts from the length and breadth of Manipur.

The Manipur Equestrian Association has been pivotal in promoting this indigenous game at the national arena and have been organising various tournaments from time to time at one of the oldest polo ground in the world, Mapal Kangjeibung (Imphal Polo Ground).

With overwhelming joy and pride, the Assam Rifles is reaching out to the sports-loving and warm-hearted people of the state in promoting culture and sports. The Assam Rifles stands by the people of Manipur in its endeavour towards attaining lasting peace, harmony and development.