Manipur has 4,000 yrs old civilization: MUC VC
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, November 11 2023:
Citing scientific facts and evidences about Manipur having 4,000/5,000 years old civilization, Manipur University of Culture vice-chancellor professor Paonam Gunindro has said that Manipur's history is one of the oldest in the globe.
He disclosed this during the inaugural session of the 15-day workshop on 'Rite-de-Passage' of Sanamahism (Sanamahi Laining-gi Pokpa, Luhongba Amasung Korou Nongganbagi Thouramsing) jointly organised by Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board (LSTB) and Manipur University of Culture (MUC) .
As chief guest of the inaugural session held at Haying Khong-bal, professor Gunindro said it is not a mere claim that Manipur's history is one of the oldest of the globe.
Artefacts available in Manipur dates back to 4,000/5,000 years when conducted Thermoluminescence dating on broken earthen pots available in the land.
It is also clearly written on the book 'Loiyumba Silyel' about Manipur having its own constitution in the 11th-12th century AD.
Of the more than 6,000 languages spoken throughout the globe, only around 100 have script and Manipuri language figures among these 100 languages.
From the very early period, Meetei society had its own language, script, culture, religion and historical impact for establishing a developed society.
However, the present generation fails to acknowledge the rich culture, tradition and religion left behind by forefathers of the land and this indeed is very unfortunate, lamented the vice chancellor.
According to professor Gunindro, a man who does not know history will not love his nation but those having culture, tradition and know history of their land will surely love their nations.
Sanamahi has every characteristic of major religions of the globe, he said adding that Sanamahi religion has its own almighty god, philosophy, myth, rituals relating to birth, marriage and death and even festivals relating to the religion.
Understanding the importance of knowing 'Rite-de-Passage' of Sanamahism and keeping religious rituals of birth, marriage and death in the right perspective, the MUC conducted the workshop in coordination with Lainingthou Sanamahi Temple Board, he added.
The inaugural session of the workshop was also attended by LSTB vice president Bidyapati Senjam, director (tourism) Ibohal Waikhom and LSTB member secretary Shivdutta Luwang.
According to Shivdutta, the workshop is being organised with the main objective of protecting and preserving Sanamahi religion and to make the religion at par with major religions of the globe.
He said that demonstration on religious rituals of the Kabuis following Sahamahi religion like Meiba Ching, Yenkhong Tamba, Ipan Thaba, etc., will be demonstrated during the workshop.
Materials for the workshop were distributed to around 200 delegates taking part the workshop during the inaugural session.