Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 18 2010:
An interaction programme hosted by International Peace and Social Advancement (IPSA) deliberated at length on identification and contours of flags used during the reigns of different kings in the erstwhile sovereign Manipur.
Citing references in books preserved since the past many decades, information and Public Relation secretary of IPSA Shanta Sagolsem said flags of different shapes, sizes and symbols were in use from times immemorial.
Pointing out that so far artifacts and documents recovered were from the period of rule of king Chandrakriti, he conceded that records prior to Chandrakriti's era could not be found or compiled.
Picking out 'Phiraan Puya' section from the oldest and most revered compilation of the ancient Manipuris, the IPSA functionary informed that documents preserved by a scholar namely Ngariyanbam Kullachandra of Chandrakriti's era testify use of flags for centuries.
Presenting a slide show as part of the programme, Shanta explained that flags used from 33 AD upto about 379 AD were more or less similar, while flags used from 1074 AD to 1652 AD had close resemblance to one another inspite of different rulers ruling the then Manipuri kingdom.
The flag underwent a significant transformation from the period of Chandrakriti's rule as the British crown was embossed in the flag signifying the treaty reached with the British regime, he said while informing the session that hard-found evidences/documents with regard to flags of respective Manipuri rulers would be preserved for future use and references.