"Pendraba Khunnaigi Meiri" tells Manipur women's bravery
Source: Chronicle News Service / Oinam Mission

Imphal, November 26 2021: "Pendraba Khunnaigi Meiri" is a play presented by The Western Cultural Association highlighting the courage and role played by women of Manipur in tackling the Various issues of the state, especially with regard to its identity and culture.

The play was presented on the second day of the 1st Nupi Shumang Leela Competition, which is being organised by Art and Culture Department as part of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav', at Iboyaima Shumang Leela Shanglen, Palace Compound here on Friday.

Based on the historical events of 'Nupi Lal' of 1939, the play has been written by Nabadweep Ningthouja and directed by Iboyaima Khuman.

The plot focuses on a pivotal event in Manipur's history, placing light on the rising discrimination and weakening of bonds between the hills and the valley following the arrival of Hinduism.

The growing influence of Brahma Sabha religion in the Palace grew stronger, while the voices of the people subdued and the weak forced to endure the suffering.

During this difficult period, the An-glo-Manipuri War broke out in 1891 and the once sovereign kingdom fell under British rule.

The British meted out atrocity after atrocity and levied heavy taxes upon the people.

They worked in collusion with the Marwaris (business persons) in exporting the kingdom's rice, while the people suffered from starvation but with no means of airing their grievances.

As the shortage of food grew, the womenfolk could no longer stay silent.

Lamyanba Irabot exhorted the women, who then stormed the Durbar Hall and protested against the export of rice.

During the chaos, many of the women suffered injuries at the hands of the soldiers.

Nonetheless, the women continued to agitate, which then led the British to jail 9 women leaders for 6 months or rigorous imprisonment on charges of treason.

The women's agitation was then known to the people of Manipur as "Nupi Lai", often regarded as the second "Nupi Lai".

Thus, the play "Pendraba Khunnaigi Meiri", is based on the aforementioned string of historical events.

The male characters in the play are played by Pramo (Jatra), Thambal (Sajou), Sushma (Gulamjat), Sonia (Bor Saheb), Bijaya (Soto Saheb), Usharani (Irabot/Daroga), Ranita (Bapu/Gandhar/Daroga) and Tondonbi (Urung/Gariwala/Daroga).

The female characters are played by Lolibala (Ketuki), Lilabati (Rajni), Sangita (Khongnang), Roji (Panthoi) and Puneshwori (Leibaklei) .

The Western Cultural Association attempted to showcase the courage of Manipuri women and how far they are willing to sacrifice for their motherland, in addition to emphasizing on the role played by the women in dealing with various issues of the state since historical times.

The artistes played their characters from their soul, bringing life to the story woven by the writer.

The director's attention to detail was also witnessed during the performance of the play, particularly in the performances of Lilabati (Rajni), Sangita (Khongnang) and Sushma (Gulamjat) .

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