285th anniversary of Puya Meithaba commemorated
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, January 24 2014 :
The main function of the 285th Puya Meithaba Commemoration Day was held today at Hanjing Meekollok, Heingang with the titular king of Manipur Leisemba Sanajaoba gracing the event as the chief guest.
Prior to the main programme, the commemorative function participants, comprising of senior citizens as well as students paid floral tributes to the Manipuri forefathers and scholars at Kangla uttra early in the morning.
The event marks the burning of the sacred chronicles of the Meetei community by a bengali scholar with the alleged patronage of the then ruler in the erstwhile kingdom of Manipur.
The commemoration function was jointly organised by International Observation Committee on Puya Meithaba (ICOP), Meetei national Front (MNF), Manipur State Shumang Leela Council, All Manipu Recognised Private Schools' Welfare Association and Hanjing Marjingkol Pakhangba Laisna Kanba Lup.
As part of the observance function simple gifts were presented to Thangkholun Haokip for his contribution in reviving the century old fraternal bond between the hill and valley people while this year's Maichou Ningshing award was conferred on Kangjamba.
Noting historical and religious significance of Hanjing Meekollok, Leisemba Sanajaoba said in case the annual Puya Meithaba function and other religious/customary events are organised atleast once a year at the said venue sanctity of the place could be preserved.
Strongly advocating doctrine of forgive and forget to revive and strengthen age-old relationships amongst the ethnic communities settled in Manipur, he expressed confidence that observance of Puya Meithaba will give renewed thrust in promoting love and peace in the region.
Presenting the key-note address at the occasion, ICOP convenor Hamom Dhani Meitei said on the 23rd day of Wakching month (Lunar calendar) in 1729 the then ruler of Manipur Pamheiba galvanised the royal soldiers for door-to-door collection of Puya written in the original Meetei script and consigned to flames at Kangla Uttra.
Consequent to destroying of the ancient and historical events compiled in the Puyas the people of Manipur gradually lost their connection with the customary and religious practices of the forefathers to such an extent that the valley settlers embraced Hinduism and those in the hills converted to Christianity.
Dhani also regretted that taking advantage of the historical ambiguity some writers have been publishing articles not conforming to the truth.
Manipur State Archives Director K Sushila in her address described Puya Meithaba as the darkest chapter in the history of Manipur.
Expressing hope that traditional and customary events practised by the Manipuri forefathers would be revived through the annual observance of Puya Meithaba, she said such unfortunate event was not only limited to Manipur but also happened in China, considered one of the most advanced ancient civilizations.
The difference, however, is that in Manipur's case retracing the invaluable records had been a difficult task whereas in China maintenance of Imperial Record Department since centuries back facilitates easier reconstruction process inspite of the fact that destruction of records by successive rulers were regular events.
Even though belated compared to other more advanced nations or States, Manipur State Archives has been able to collect and preserve historical evidences due to some committed researchers and dedicated scholars able to recovery copies of Puya, which the forefathers buried in the ground due to imminent threat posed by the ruler concerned.
As part of the commemorative function, artistes of Manipur Shumang Leela Council presented a play based on Puya Meithaba entitled 'Kangleipakta 1729' .
Comment
