A glimpse of Manipuri Poetry in English

By L Basanta Singh *

The history of Manipur Poetry in English can be traced back to the coming of English education in Manipur.

As a matter of fact, that was during the period of British rule in Manipur in particular and in India in general that writing poetry in English was flourishing. Many a Manipuri were sent to many parts of India to acquire the knowledge of higher education in various fields, during this period.

When they came back, they became such type of persons whose minds were charged with the beauty and richness of the English language and literature.

Writing of poetry in English by the Manipuris actually appeared in the late 1960s in the works of Sanasam Gourhari Singh who had fortunately acquired English education and was the author of 'Manipur and World War-II' in two volumes in verse form. He was a romantic who wrote in romantic tone. This was the spouting stage of Manipuri Poetry in English.

There are Manipuri poets whose works portray a range of thoughts which are closely associated with the lives of the native people.

A range of thoughts are vividly expressed in their writings. A soft romantic temper and a Rash tone of realism which is an essential characteristic of modernism can be found in the works of modern Manipuri poets in English.

The writing styles and the way of using poetic diction are completely an eye-opener in the field of modern Manipuri poetry which add to the treasure house of Manipuri literature.

The writings being made by the Manipuri poets have a unique blend of its own which is moulded by the rich cultural heritage of the land. No doubt, English is a foreign language. However, it is handled effectively as a means to portray the inner feelings of experience of the Manipuri poets who have seen the vast land and city-scapes of the modern world.

The Manipuri poets in English who have produced poetic works, so far my investigation is concerned, are as the following.

• Arambam, Sarat. Come My Beloved Earth (Imphal: Smt. Hemabati Devi, 1980)
• Bridhawaja, Sanasam. Love Greetings (Imphal: IS Ibomcha and S. Satyaranjan Singh)
• Chanu, Arambam Sophia. Feelings (Ranchi: Writers Forum, 2000)
• Hauzel, Hoihnu. Moments of Time (New Delhi: Mittal Publications)
• Madhubir, R.K. The Timebomb and other Poems. (Imphal: Vagya publications, 1987)
• The Shadow of Darkness (Imphal: Vagya Publications, 1998)
• Me Moirang, Zane. Paroxysmal projections (Imphal: Handsome Bokk house, 1992)
• Numbers of Nansea (Imphal; Syndicates, 19940.
• Monoranjan, Karam. Lovers and Strangers (Imphal: Monorama Devi, 1974)
• Ngangom, Robin S. Words and Silence (Calcutta; Writers workshop, 1988)
• Time's Crossroads (Hydrabad: Orient Longman, 1994).
• Ratan, Thounaojam. Lapsus Calami (Imphal: Self, 1984)
• Shah, Benjamin M. Fever pitch (Manipur: Kh. Sofia Alam, 2002)
• Thongamcha, Gouro. The Scattered Ones (Yurembam: Nohaklol, 1996)
• Yumkham, Arun Reign of Terror (Imphal; M.C. Thoiba, 2001)