To what extent did ecological activities, such as resource exploitation and management, reflect the economic priorities of the society as depicted in the document?

Ecological activities like salt well digging at Chandrakhong and dam building at Khombitot highlight the society's focus on resource exploitation and management reflecting economic priorities. These activities denote attempts at sustaining vital resources, such as salt—essential for preservation and trade—and water management for agriculture, pivotal economic concerns. Furthermore, the systematic timber felling for construction showcases an ongoing commitment to economic infrastructure development. Resource management decisions were community or royalty-driven, aligning with priorities of sustainability, trade facilitation, and strategic resource utilization to support the kingdom's permanence and prosperity.

How were relationships between different social classes and roles represented in terms of responsibility sharing in the society as documented?

The document shows a clear division of labor and responsibility distribution along social lines. Different classes and roles, like the royals, Pundits, and members of various Panas, had defined duties. The Institute of Astrologers was tasked with educational improvements , while digging work and construction such as the Khombitot dam were assigned to specific family members . The performance of appeasement rites following environmental mishaps or unusual events, like the drying up of brine or an earthquake, by figures such as the Pundit , indicates a structured assignment of roles based on expertise or traditional roles. This also suggests that societal order depended heavily on individuals fulfilling specific, inherited roles within their class or family line, ensuring stability and continuity.

What does the presence of military activities and armament imply about the socio-political state of the region as per the document?

The inclusion of military activities and the movement of armaments reflected in the document indicates a region ready to assert or defend its power. The movement of a thousand guns brought by Khuntrakpam Cha suggests preparation for military readiness or defense. Additionally, the establishment and deportation of military majors imply active military engagement and frequent mobilization. These activities point towards a socio-political state characterized by territorial vigilance and militaristic concern, necessitating organized defense strategies reflecting underlying tensions or threats, either internal from dissent or external from regional conflicts or expansion desires.

In what ways does the cooperation between royal figures and external entities manifest within the documented events?

Cooperation between royal figures and external entities is evident in several documented events. For instance, cooperative hunts involved the Maharaj and Saheps , suggesting a sharing of power and resources with external actors, symbolizing political alliances or treaties. The presence of Saheps during strategic meetings, like those involving boundary demarcations , highlights the influence of external entities in local governance and territorial determinations. This cooperation indicates a complex relationship where external powers partake in regional decision-making, reflecting mutual interests and the socio-political landscape of an interconnected world.

What was the significance of the hunting activities in the described document, and how did they reflect the socio-political context of the time?

Hunting activities, such as those described where Yibungsi and the Jubraj went elephant hunting , were significant in the socio-political context as they demonstrated power and control over resources and wildlife. These hunts were not just for sport, but were also symbolic displays of dominance and control in the region. The act of presenting captured tigers or elephants to the king reinforces the hierarchical structure and loyalty to the monarchy. These events were also often communal in nature, involving various members of the royal entourage, thus reinforcing social ties and asserting the social hierarchy.

How did rituals and festivals reflect and reinforce social and political structures noted in the document?

Rituals and festivals in the document, such as the Sangkranti and the polo matches, served critical roles in reflecting and reinforcing social and political structures. For example, festivals like Sangkranti, marking the transition between months, were times of communal gathering, affirming social bonds and hierarchical roles . Royal participation in festivals, and the rewards given during these times, reinforced monarchical power and reinforced social cohesion. Additionally, rituals conducted by astrologers and Pundits, such as appeasement rites , illustrate the integration of religious authority with state governance, promoting a controlled, harmonious society embracing both cultural spirituality and political governance.

Can the documented events illustrate the role of women in the society, particularly focusing on responsibility and status?

The document provides glimpses of the role of women, indicating their involvement in familial and social structures. Women like Thourani Maibya who gave birth to royal children , highlight the importance of motherhood and lineage continuity. Their roles within royal lineage suggest high responsibility and status, albeit often indirectly political. Additionally, instances of extramarital accusations leading to penalties or social adjustments, such as conversion to Pangan , reveal strict moral expectations and enforcement of societal norms upon women. This dual aspect reveals their critical yet constrained roles within cultural and domestic spheres, mediating between personal agency and societal expectations.

How does the practice of deportation found throughout the document reflect the disciplinary mechanisms of the society at the time?

Deportation, as seen when individuals like Thoutem Cha were sent to Loi for disputes , served as a disciplinary mechanism reflecting the strict control maintained by the monarchy over social order. This practice of banishment indicates a system where state authority decided the social fate of individuals based on compliance with laws and customs. It was a tool to remove disruptive elements, thus maintaining social order, and also acted as a deterrent for others by showcasing the consequences of non-compliance with societal norms . Such practices highlight both the punitive aspect and the desire for social cohesion under authoritative governance.

How did the royal court utilize divination and astrology, and what does this say about governance during this period?

The royal court's use of divination and astrology, as reflected in mandated lessons for insufficient astrologers , indicates a governance style heavily reliant on celestial interpretations and divine consultation to guide decisions. Astrology was not merely a private belief but an institutional practice, suggesting that governance integrated these elements for public reassurance and legitimation of royal decisions. The court's reliance on astrologers for advice and clarification denotes a synthesis of religious authority with political governance, likely providing societal stability and perceived control over fate, aligning divine will with state affairs.

What role did natural phenomena and their interpretations play in the societal beliefs and actions described in the document?

Natural phenomena, such as the reported solar eclipse and the earthquake , played a crucial role in societal beliefs and actions. These events were often seen as omens or divine messages influencing decisions and behaviors. For instance, the earthquake coincided with the decision to construct memorials , reflecting a belief in appeasing or acknowledging supernatural forces following significant natural events. Similarly, lunar eclipses were marked by feasts or community gatherings, perceived as potent times influenced by celestial bodies, thus highlighting the intertwining of natural observations with cultural and religious practices.

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The Court Chronicle of the

Kings of Manipur

Published online by Cambridge University Press

Published online by Cambridge University Press
Royal Asiatic Society Books

Editorial Board
Professor Francis Robinson, Royal Holloway, University of London (Chair)
Professor Tim Barrett, SOAS, University of London
Dr Evrim Binbaş, Royal Holloway, University of London
Dr Crispin Branfoot, SOAS, University of London
Professor Anna Contadini, SOAS, University of London
Professor Michael Feener, National University of Singapore
Dr Gordon Johnson, University of Cambridge
Professor David Morgan, University of Wisconsin–Madison

The Royal Asiatic Society was founded in 1823 ‘for the investigation of subjects
connected with, and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts
in relation to, Asia’. Informed by these goals, the policy of the Society’s Editorial
Board is to make available in appropriate formats the results of original research
in the humanities and social sciences having to do with Asia, defined in the
broadest geographical and cultural sense and up to the present day.

1. The Man in the Panther’s Skin 2. Women, Religion and Culture in Iran
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Gerard Clauson. New Introduction Ahmed ibn Mohammed al-Makkari.
by C. Edmund Bosworth Translated from the Arabic
by Pascual de Gayangos.
New Introduction by Michael Brett

5. Society, Politics and Economics in 6. The Courts of Pre-Colonial South

Mazandaran, Iran 1848-1914 India:
Mohammad Ali Kazembeyki Material Culture and Kingship
Jennifer Howes

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7. Persian Literature: A Bio- 8. The Origins of Himalayan Studies:
bibliographical Survey: Brian Houghton Hodgson in Nepal and
Poetry of the Pre-Mongol Period Volume V Darjeeling 1820-1858
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9. The Cheitharol Kumpapa: 10. The Zen Arts: An Anthropological

The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Study of the Culture of Aesthetic Form in
Manipur: Original Text, Japan
Translation and Notes Vol. 1. 33-1763 CE Rupert Cox
Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt

11. Muslims in India since 1947: 12. The British Occupation of Indonesia
Islamic Perspectives on Inter-Faith 1945-1946: Britain, the Netherlands and
RelationsYoginder Sikand the Indonesian Revolution
Richard McMillan

13. The Theory of Citrasutras in Indian 14. Hindi Poetry in a Musical Genre:
Painting: A Critical Re-Evaluation of their Thumri Lyrics
Uses and Interpretations Lalita Du Perron
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Princely Patronage: Nawab Sultan Jahan Edited by Vanessa Martin
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Siobhan Lambert-Hurley

17. The Politics of Self-Expression: 18. Tribal Politics in Iran: Rural Conflict
The Urdu Middleclass Milieu in Mid- and the New State, 1921-1941
Twentieth Century India and Pakistan Stephanie Cronin
Markus Daechsel

19. State Violence and Punishment in 20. The Making of Western Indology:
India Henry Thomas Colebrooke and the East
Taylor C. Sherman India Company
Ludo Rocher and Rosane Rocher

21. The Development of Modern 22. The Rise of the Ottoman Empire:
Medicine in Non-Western Countries: Studies in the History of Turkey,
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The Court Chronicle of the
Kings of Manipur
The Cheitharon Kumpapa
Vol. 3, 1843–1892 CE
Original text, translation and notes

Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt

Published online by Cambridge University Press

Published online by Cambridge University Press
Published online by Cambridge University Press
Published online by Cambridge University Press
CONTENTS

Editor’s Note to Volume III xiii

PART ONE: TRANSLATION

Meetingu Nara Singh 1
(Sak. 1765–1771/1843–1849 CE)

Meetingu Devendra Singh 41

(Sak. 1771–1772/1849–1850 CE)

Meetingu Jaiman Chandra Kirti Singh 43

(Sak. 1772–1808/1850–1886 CE)

Meetingu Surchandra Singh 242

(Sak. 1808–1813/1886–1891 CE)

Meetingu Kulachandra Singh 262

(Sak. 1812–1813/1890–1891 CE)

Glossary 286

PART TWO: MEETEI MAYEK TEXT

Meetingu Nara Singh 492
Meetingu Devendra Singh 567
Meetingu Chandra Kirti Singh 571
Meetingu Surchandra Singh 1018
Meetingu Kulachandra Singh 1059

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EDITOR’S NOTE TO VOLUME III

The draft of this book, the third volume of the author’s annotated translation of
the Cheitharon Kumpapa, the Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur, was
completed a week before her death. In editing her draft I have tried to keep as
closely as possible to the methodology which she set out in the Introduction to
Volume 1, which readers of this volume will find it helpful to consult. The
guiding principle in her translation was to render the Meetei Mayek manuscript
as literally as possible into English, both to reflect as accurately as possible the
style of the original and also as an aid for those readers who are able to compare
it to the original text. This is not an easy task, given the complexity of the
Manipuri sentences, the multiplicity of subordinate clauses, and constructions
which, if rendered absolutely literally into English, would not be strictly
grammatical. Direct speech especially causes particular problems. Furthermore
the original (as in common in ancient documents) has no breaks between words
or sentences, or punctuation (apart from the marker at the end of paragraphs).
In a few places in this translation excessively long sentences have been broken
up for clarity, but on the whole the rendering tries to reflect the construction
patterns of the original.
An additional problem is that the manuscript is clearly not all the work of
the same scribe, and some sections are less well constructed and written in a
less expert hand than others. The spellings of names, titles, and sometimes
other nouns are not always consistent, nor does Manipuri necessarily follow
the normally accepted spellings for some Indian terms (Jubraj for Jubaraj is
but one example). In such cases, as in the previous volumes, the spellings
used in the translation reflect the scribal usage, even when this is not internally
consistent.
The scribes were not mere copyists. As has been pointed out in regard to
ancient Near Eastern literatures*, scribes also saw it as their task to make ancient
documents understandable to their contemporaries. There is no reason to doubt
that the maichous followed a similar practice and this would perhaps account
for the relative absence of obsolete Manipur words. However it is perhaps
significant that the earlier parts of the Ch. K. are markedly less discursive than
later sections, and that it was only after contact with Indian sanskritic culture
that new letters were invented to represent loan words which could not be
properly represented by the original eighteen Meetei Mayek characters.
The issue of chronology remains very problematic. The extended note on
Manipuri time reckoning in the first volume (pp. 154-5) explains the differences
between the Manipuri yuthak (time period) and pung (rendered here as hour,

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but actually about 22 minutes 30 seconds) and the western twenty-four hour
clock. More difficult is the reconciling of the solar year with the lunar year,
and in Manipuri dating intercalary months and days were required to reconcile
them. Sometimes, but apparently not always, intercalary insertions are noted
in the manuscript text. Frequently there seems to be a discrepancy between the
date and the day of the week (eg. from one Monday to the next is not always
eight days). This occurs so often that not all cases have been indicated in the
footnotes. It is not easy to account for these discrepancies (unless we make the
very unlikely assumption that the scribes could not count). It also needs to be
kept in mind that the Manipur year begins with the month Sajiphu (March/
April) and therefore does not correspond to the western year. Consequently,
for example, Sakabda 1812, while given in the translation as heading as 1890,
will actually be March/April 1890 to March/April 1891.
For the period covered by this volume there are a number of important
published British sources (in addition of course to archival materials). These
have been listed below. The year 1891 is an appropriate terminus for the
author’s translation, marking as it did the end of the kingship of the main
descent lines of Pamheiba (Garib Niwaz). It is true that the Ch.K. continued to
be kept during the reigns of Chura Chand and of his son Bodhchandra (and
indeed after the abolition of the kingship by India). Nevertheless Chura Chand,
who was appointed king by the British while still an infant and was from minor
collateral branch of the royal family, did not in the eyes of Manipuri nationalists
have a legitimate claim to the throne. Thus the year 1891 marks a fitting
conclusion to the author’s work. But hopefully the task of translating the period
from 1891 will be taken up by other Manipuri scholars in due course.
This translation of the Ch. K. would not have been possible without the
kindness of the late Head Maichou Kulachandra Ngariyanbam, who made
available the Palace copy in the original Meetei Mayek. I am personally deeply
grateful to the Royal Asiatic Society, particularly to Dr Alison Ohta. The
completion of this work would not have been possible without their continuing
support and the subvention for publication from the RAS. I am also grateful to
Cambridge University Press, Delhi, who made the task of editing this volume
and volume 2 so much easier by their professionalism and attention to detail. I
must also thank my son Tim for preparing the facsimile of the Meetei Mayek
text for publication, and my daughter Rachel and my son Chris for giving me
their very willing help on computer issues. I hope that this volume, which
brings to a close the massive work of scholarship which occupied the last
decade of my wife’s life, may further contribute to the study of Manipur within
the wider context of the cultural history of South and South East Asia.

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Note
* As W.F. Albright points out the ancient scribes ‘generally revised ancient
and other literary documents periodically …substituting current
grammatical forms and even contemporary phraseology …spelling was
also modernised’ (From Stone Age to Christianity Doubleday Anchor
Books, New York 1957, pp. 79-80).

John Parratt
Carlisle, 2012

British Sources for the period to 1891

B.C. Allen Assam District Gazetteers IX: Naga Hills and Manipur, Calcutta
1905.
R. Brown Statistical Account of Manipur and the Hill Territory under its Rule,
Calcutta 1874.
J. Johnstone My Experiences in Manipur and the Naga Hills, London 1896.
A. MacKenzie History of the Relations of the Government of India with the
Hill Tribes of the North East Frontier of Bengal, Calcutta 1884.
J. McCulloch An Account of the Valley of Munnipore and the Hill Tribes Calcutta
1859.
R.B. Pemberton Report of the Eastern Frontier of British India, Gauhati 1835.
R. Reid History of the Frontier Areas bordering Assam, Shillong 1942.

On the events of 1891

Ethel St. Clair Grimwood My Three Years in Manipur and Escape from the
Reecnt Mutiny, London 1891.
Manomahan Ghosha Did the Manipuri Princes Obtain a Fair Trial? London
1891.
John & Saroj Parratt Queen Empress vs Tikendrajit, Prince of Manipur: the
Anglo-Manipur Conflict of 1891, Delhi 1982.

Editor’s note

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PART ONE
THE CHEITHARON KUMPAPA
THE COURT CHRONICLE OF THE
MEETEI KINGS OF MANIPUR
(KANGLEIPAK): ENGLISH
TRANSLATION VOL. 3

MEETINGU NARA SINGH

SAKBADA 17657–1771 (1843–1849 CE)

[The year of Aahongsangpa Prem Singh, Sakabda 1765 (1843 CE). The
month of Poinu (November/December) began on Friday]. 19 Thursday, Shri
Narasing Jubraj at the age of fifty–one years became the king (1) at the
morning yuthak (2). Shri Govindaji, Shri Jaganath and Shri Brindabon
Chandra, these three images were also placed together in the temple.
Immediately there was blood spilt in front of the temple (3). 23 Sunday, the
Sangkranti of Phairen began. 27 Thursday, there was an earthquake. They
also built the Potsangba Sanglangmei Institute building. The month of Phairen
(January/February) began on Monday. They also began to build the
Sanglangmei Institute building (4). 3 Thursday, there was an earthquake.
Sanglangmei (building) was damaged. 10 Wednesday, there was an after
shock. 26 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Lamta began. The month of Lamta
(February/March) began on Wednesday. 24 Thursday was Pisu Sangkranti.

1 Nara Singh as Jubraj was the Regent during the minority of king Chandrakriti. His
becoming king indicates that the court and the people had approved him as the king.
2 Yuthak: See note on Meetei time reckoning in Vol. 1. pp. 154–155.
3 These three images were the personal deities of Nara Singh and now they have been
moved to the palace complex. Housing all three images in one temple is not
uncommon in the temples of Meetei Hindus and the same practice still prevails.
Spilling of blood immediately in front of the temple implies that this move was not
favoured by all the citizens of the land. It may also imply resentment at the making
of more Hindu images.
4 Scribal dittography.

Sakabda 1766 (1844 CE)

The year of Longchamba Patra Sing, Sakabda 1766 (1844 CE). 25 Friday
was the Cheiraopa, new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. The month of

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2 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Sachiphu (March/April) began on Thursday. They began to build the great

palace, Nonghumsang Institute building (1) and Mongpasang Institute
building, these three buildings were begun. They also lowered the height of
the earthen plinth for the great palace which was three lams in height by
scraping off the top layer. As his royal father the Maharaj was requested by
his royal son Bhubon Sing the Lakpa of Wangkhei, Moirangthempa of
Thangka was made to form a Pana (2). 2 Friday, they began to build the
temple of Shri Hari, the main royal palace and other buildings, a total of
eleven buildings. 16 Friday, the royal brother–in–law Aangom was appointed
Aangoupampa, the chief of Aangom. 19 Monday, Shri Pancha Chukta Jaiman
Nara Singh Maharaj moved up from Langthapan to the main royal palace.
20 Tuesday, a spear with two points was presented to the king. 21 Wednesday,
they began to build the Cheirap (court) building. 22 Thursday, they began to
build the mantop for Govinda. 23 Friday, Aayekpa Saikhupa the Hajari was
struck by the sword by the people of his own Institute and he died. 26 Monday,
the Sangkranti of Kalen began. They performed religious rites to Shri Gobintaji
(Gobindaji). The month of Kalen (April/May) began on Saturday. 6 Thursday,
a branch of the Chingnang khongnang tree broke (3). 7 Friday, they began
to beautify (the carving of) Shri Nityananda (4). 10 Monday, they began to
build the temple for Mahateba. They also began to build an armoury. They
also dragged down four chief large barges. 11 Tuesday, a meteorite was seen
(5). 13 Thursday, the cannons were returned to where they were formerly
placed. 17 Sunday, they began to build two figures of Nongsa (6) in the
front of the Utra (Wutra court). 25 Monday, they installed Shri Gabintaji.
They also performed a religious rite. 28 Thursday, the Sangkranti of Yinga
began. The month of Yinga (May/June) began on Monday. New moon
Sunday, (Lai) Pakhangpa manifested himself (7). The month of Yingen (June/
July) began on Monday. 2 Tuesday also (Pakhangpa) manifested himself (8).
5 Friday, they began to build the main gate (9). On that day (Pakhangpa)
manifested himself and did so for four days. 12 Thursday, the Maharaj caught
a tiger at the foot of the Chingnang Khongnang tree. 20 Friday, Puranno
Sing commissioned Yirengpa the Singsuhanpa (10) along with others,
including Thakur Gabinda Aathikari and Sampan Turampa the astrologer, to
accompany him to decide on an auspicious hour. On that day they also began
to make the throne. New moon Monday, a tiger was caught at Sekta and it
was presented (to the king). The month of Yingen (June/July) began on
Tuesday. 9 Wednesday, the Maharaj dedicated the figures of the beasts which
were in front of Utra building to Gobinda. Kotom (11) trees were also planted
from where the beasts stood up to the main gate. 27 Sunday, they began to
build the birth house for the queen. The Sangkranti of Yingen began from
Wednesday the new moon, the first day of the lunar month. 5 Sunday, they
began to dredge the part of the river’s course running through the Kyang
embassy compound. Three cannon shots were fired. They also commenced
to make the enthronement sword. 10 Friday, a big tree in the Mahabali (grove)

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Translation 3

fell. On that day the lai made a sound in the Paota watering place. Full moon
Wednesday, the river began to flow. The month of Thawan (July/August)
began on Friday. They commenced to weave the king’s ceremonial clothes
(12) and also commenced many other tasks and began to build many buildings.
2 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began. 5 Tuesday, there was an
earthquake. 12 Monday, one Hao was drowned in the river in the palace
compound. 16 Friday, they commenced to make the throne for Kangla (palace)
and three new tiered umbrellas (13). 22 Friday, Ningthem went down to
Khombitok to inspect the building of the dam across the river. The month of
Langpan (August/September) began on Saturday. 2 Monday, a big tree fell
in the Mahabali (grove). 3 Tuesday, Thangjam Cha Nandi the Aayangpuren
was relieved from the conscription to the army, which was compulsory for
every joint family in every residential lane, as he was found to be related to
king of the Mayangs. 5 Wednesday, Aangoupamba Loklenkhomba ascended
the throne (as the chief) of Aangom. The month of Mera (September/October)
began on Monday. 6 Friday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began. 8 Sunday,
there was an earthquake. Shri Maharaj went down to his wife’s family home.
11 Wednesday, Meetingu Lairen Nonglen Khomba went to Hoapam, his
wife’s family, to stay with them (14). 12 Thursday, Leisangthem Lairemma
was moved (from her shrine) to another place. On that day the Maharaj (15)
decreed that the family of Langpoklakpam should belong to Yumchao Nao,
(16) when it was discovered that he was from the lineage of Snahal
Khongchompa, the son of ancestor Khakempa (a former king). 13 Friday,
Lairen Nonglen Sentreng Manikkhompa and Meetei Leima Khayoiron
Liklairokpi the Haopam maiden ascended the throne within the 8th pung
hour after the noon yuthak. Tonpa from south Sekmai, who was a descendant
of the Chakma Reima, (17) carried the Chakpu Thang the sword, (18) at the
enthronement ceremony, which had never been done before. 15 Sunday,
there was a lunar eclipse. 17 Tuesday, Meeteileima Liklairokpi scattered sen
coins in Sna Keithen (the royal market). 21 Sunday, Thangjam Cha Nandi
Major caught a tiger from Sikong to commemorate the enthronement (19)
and presented it (to the king). The month of Hiyangkei (October/November)
began on Tuesday. 5 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Poinu began. 6 Sunday,
twin cows were presented to the king. 10 Thursday, the royal younger brother
Debendro and others left to wage war on the Tingsok Haos in the northern
area as a Phamban Lan (to commemorate the enthronement of the king). 13
Sunday, three tigers were caught in Poirou Khongjin and presented (to the
king); they were challenged and Loitam Cha the major broke the spine of
the tiger at the Keiyang thekpa sports. 17 Thursday, three Brajabasis (20)
who came from a foreign land went back to their own country. 19 Saturday,
Yipungsi the Jubraj, who went to wage the Phamban Lan, returned.
Haorongpa subidar (subitar), Aaramba jamandar, these two and others a total
of seven men, persuaded some men to surrender (21). A man from Lukam,
two men from Mahasingkou, these two and others, a total of seven men

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4 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

were captured. Their names were buried in Nungkoibi (22). These seven
men were (set free) and were sent back to their own villages. As for the
reward for the party which went to wage the phamban lan, a reward cloth
khamen chatpa (23), a flag, a leikham clasp (24) and a paddy field were
granted to each of them. 20 Monday, Chiton Sahib died (25). A forty–four
cannon salute and thirty gun salute were fired. On that day a comet appeared.
22 Tuesday, Yipungsi Khero, the Lakpa of the Pheita Institute was deported
to Loi to Langathen. The month of Poinu (November/December) began on
Thursday. 5 Monday, the Sangkranti of Wakching began. 8 Thursday,
Thoukaojam Cha Mareipa, Yelangpam Cha Murari and Thiyam Cha
Aabungoton subidar, these three arrived after herding the seven villages of
Tuyang Karong whose chief was Changsen. Meetingu Leiren Nunglen
Khomba sitting in the Utra received them at court. Three subidars were made
to establish Cheitynpur village in Kamu after having it dedicated to Cheityn
Nityai. They (subidars) were rewarded with free paddy which belonged to
the land (on a regular basis). 14 Wednesday, Chothepung, Khrangpung, Tuthup
and Lamtang, these four clans came and reported to the king that they, the
servants of the king, had settled by the river bank according to the royal
order given to them. The report was received favourably and they were
granted gifts of spades, daos, clothes, and salt. Full moon Thursday, they
began to establish the Aawang Keithen market in the north. 7 Saturday, two
elephants were taken to Jiri to be used to transport timber. New moon
Thursday, the chief of Changsen, who had been captured, arrived. The month
of Wakching (December/January) began on Friday. 3 Sunday, a child was
burnt when a house belonging to a Bamon family caught fire. On that day a
deer was caught in the palace (complex). 5 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Phairen
began. 6 Wednesday, the Haos from the north, from Laisan, Tora, Chawai,
Sumtan, Pheitang, Khunthak, Toinem, Kachai, Aokkhrun, Huining, Huntung,
Choitha, Haijum, Nungsong, Khunkoi, Santhak, Kasom, Khamlang, Nampui,
Sokpao, Chapang, Heemi, Laiyi, Kasong, Sakoklang, Khambi, Meebi, Tusom,
Chombi, Hangkou, Ngaprum, Nungman, Nungou, Pheijom, Tonngou, and
Sagapung, these thirty-two (26) villages were gathered, and on 13 Thursday
they dredged the course of the river within the Kyang (embassy) compound,
and they also raised the earth plinth of the Sna Keithen market. 16 Sunday,
seven chiefs from Changsen accompanied by forty-two Haos came with
mithun, goats, a brass-bossed gong, plates and phibong clothes (27) and
paid tribute to the Maharaj with all these articles. 17 Monday, eight Main
Institute buildings including the guard houses (28) for the king and the royal
ladies, and again on 18 Tuesday, the Institute building in charge of weaving
royal clothes, all these were burnt. Three cloths for the king’s garments were
burnt. Eight guns were also burnt. 25 Monday, the armoury was inaugurated
and they also began to build two Top Loisang Institute buildings (29). 29
Friday, a deer (30) was caught in the palace. The month of Phairen (January/
February) began on Sunday. 5 Thursday was the Sangkranti of Lamta.

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Translation 5

9 Monday, Yibungsi the Jubraj went to hunt at Wairikonchin. A tiger and

many other animals were also caught and they were presented (to the king).
A horse was burnt to death. 16 Monday, a tiger was caught in Langkon and
it was presented (to the king). On that day the Maharaj presented to Parumiya
Jouthari, who was a foreigner, one gold Ngangkoi (necklace), two strings of
beads, (31) a pair of gold bracelets, one embroidered loin cloth, and a big
shawl, a shirt made of Khamen Chatpa embroidered cloth, one pasot pheijom,
(32) two horses, twenty buffaloes, and one canopy with fringes, all these
were given for his former service (rendered to the king) in the land of the
Mayangs. 22 Sunday, after having given the royal command to the royal
younger brother the Jubraj and all the nobles of the Cheirap court, that all
the different types of (33) posts which had been appointed in the past – the
posts of the Keirungpa of Thum Aarangpa (34) and that of (state) management
– were to be listed by the astrologer, the astrologer listed them. The astrologer
was also made to be in charge of the royal treasure box. On that day they
performed the Hindu cleansing rites for the death of Bamon Thotpa’s small
calf which died while being tethered. 23 Monday, one Naorem maiden who
was Aakoichampa’s wife died by hanging as she refused to live (with her
husband). On that day Puthem Khapa and Sama Leirempa, these two contested
over the Pibaship. It was declared that Khapa was the rightful Piba. 24
Tuesday, Meetei village, Samting village, and Thonlang village, these three
main villages came and presented two ivory tusks, one shield and one spear
(to the king). 25 Wednesday, Yipungsi Prumba’s son died from (an accidental)
gunshot from his own gun while shooting a beast in Khabeesoi. A house of
the Aahanthem family and another of the Khuntrakpam family were struck
by a thunderbolt and both houses were burnt. 28 Friday, the Maharaj
inaugurated four main Institute buildings along with (the celebration) of the
Holi (festival). The month of Sachiphu (March/April) began on Monday. A
white buffalo gave birth to a female calf without any hair on the forehead
and it was presented (to the king). 4 Friday was Bisu Sangkranti.

1 Nonghumsang: the building was located to the east of Men where all the Meetei
kings were crowned. Function of the building is obscure.
2 Pana thokhanye: made to produce a Pana or form a Pana. Pana is a subdivision.
Alternative reading: Moirangthempa, a son from the family of Moirangthem, was
made to lead the Pana in a public gathering.
3 Chingnang khongnang: pipal tree (ficus religiosa). This tree is also known as
Kongnang hogaibi, meaning pipal tree with a hole in it. This tree has strong cultic
significance and is considered sacred as it was believed to give omens regarding the
country. According to oral tradition this tree witnessed the death of Meetingu
Charairongpa when he was struck by lightning, while resting under its shade on his
return from one of his military expeditions. The lightning split the tree trunk making
a large hole in the trunk and hence received the name Khongnang hogaibi. It is very
likely that this tree was associated with the oracular aspect of the Meetei lai
Laiwahaipa and anything that happened to the tree itself was regarded as an omen.

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6 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

4 Anga seba: Bengali meaning to beautify the body with cosmetics. First time the term
is used.
5 Meibi: ball of fire, another term for meteorite. Term used for the first time.
6 Nongsa: mythical beasts, guardians of the sacred places including the Kangla
Complex.
7 Pakhangpa thokye: literally Pakhangpa manifested itself. Since Pakhangpa is the
ancestral deity of the Ningthoucha clan this sentence indicates a form of asserting his
presence in the light of the installation of Govinda, a Hindu image.
8 The subject Pakhangpa is not repeated but from the construction of the sentence it is
understood. The scribal style of this form is found throughout the text up till now.
9 Thonglen: either the main inner gate or the main door of the palace. The former is
more likely.
10 Singsuhanpa: The exact post description is obscure.
11 Kotom: Keli Kodam: anthocephalus cadamba.
12 Ningthouphi: The king’s different ceremonial clothes were all woven by special
weavers in the palace complex.
13 Naba schatra or satra naba: Bengali for new or nine. Naba satra: Bengali for
umbrella. Tall multi–tiered umbrellas supported by a tall post are often seen by the
Manipuri temples. Term used for the first time.
14 Yaong inpa: meaning virilocal residence. In this case it refers to a short visit.
15 Maharaja or (Maharaah) variant spelling of Maharaj.
16 Yumchao Nao: Yumchao the great palace, Nao: descendants; descendants of the
great palace, the king’s family.
17 Chakma Reima: the Queen of Chakpa. Chakma scribal error for Chakpa, Reima:
queen. This supports the view that the authochtonous Chakpas of Manipur were
matrilineal, and probably also indicates the high status of women.
18 Chapu thang: scribal error for Chakpu Thang, the Chakpa Sword. Chak for Chakpa,
pu is the accusative particle in the sentence, the Chakpa sword. As the authochtonous
Chakpa took part in the enthronement ceremony carrying the Chakpa sword, Nara
Singh was openly claiming his suzerainty over the Chapkas. At the same time the
Chakpas who were not in the Meetei Hindu fold and kept to their own tradition
perhaps asserted their role in the kingdom. The Chakpas consist of the inhabitants of
Aantro (Andro), Sekmai, Kakching, Khurukhun, Thangka and other outlying
settlements. First time the the term Chakpa Thang is used.
19 Phamban kei: tiger caught to commemorate the enthronement. Since the phamban
lan also was still carried out as in the past, this was an added display to celebrate the
enthronement of the king. First time this term is used.
20 Brajabasi: one born in Braja, a district around Agra and Mathura.
21 Lan themye: literally to persuade one in a battle to surrender.
22 Nungkoibita lanming chanye: Nungkoibi. literally round stone, ta suffix: at. A place
marked with a round stone in the Kangla complex. Lanming: names of those captured
or taken as hostages. Chanba: to list or to bury. The phrase indicates the listing of the
names only of war prisoners and not the burying of heads taken at battle. Formerly
the severed heads of the victims of war or raids were buried here and the term used for
this is lanlu chanba. This was a common practice in all areas of Manipur. First time
this phrase is used.
23 Khamen chatpa: pattern of the coiled Pakhangpa snake printed in the dark or reddish
mauve colour of khamen or aubergine on either a cotton or silk cloth. It is a royal
cloth but also given as a reward for meritorious performance and conferred only on

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Translation 7

men. It is of a fixed width and length which men use as a loin cloth. Ladies also use
shawls with this pattern.
24 Leikham: a gold or silver clasp in the shape of the leaf of leikham, an indigenous
plant, given as a reward. The plant is regarded as having medicinal value.
25 Captain George Gordon was the first Political Agent in Manipur. He was buried in
1844 at the Langthaban palace complex where the present Manipur University is
situated.
26 Discrepancy on the number of villages; thirty–six villages are listed.
27 Phibong: for Phipong Chami normally used for tribute payment.
28 Ningthou sempa: scribal error for ningthou senpa, guard house for the king.
29 Top Loisang: the Supreme Adminstative Institute. The English term ‘Top’ has been
used to indicate ‘the Supreme’, ‘the highest.’ First time the term is used.
30 Taji: scribal error for saji, deer.
31 Mala: Bengali, string of beads used by monks.
32 Pasot pheijom: pheijom long ankle-length loin cloth worn by Meetei men, usually
white and very thin; pasot: obscure.
33 Bisoi: Bengali meaning category, sphere, with reference to. First time the term is
used.
34 Thum Aarangpa: Post in charge of salt production and salt wells.

Sakabda 1767 (1845 CE)

The year of Aaseipa Muhon Sing, Sakabda 1767 (1845 CE). 8 Tuesday, the
outhouse in Keirang compound in Wangkhei was burnt when it was struck
by a thunderbolt. Another thunderbolt also fell in a paddy field. 11 Friday, a
portent was observed during the hatching season of Sareng fish in
Yumjaongayan. It had a rancid odour and one day it was shining like a
flaming torch. 12 Saturday, the Borsahep (the Political Agent) presented two
hares (to the king) when he was visited. They began to build three buildings
for the Maiba Institute and one for Lainingthou Hanpa, these four buildings
were begun. 13 Sunday, Aakoijamba the Jamandar and Kakching Nimairam
the Senapati, these two gathered seventy–five Haos who were under Kanle
the chief, from the two villages of Wumangle and Josinram, and six mithuns,
and presented them to Ningthem. 16 Friday, the river–bank burst from near
Kyamkei, for a distance of seven lams. A white buffalo was offered as a
scapegoat (1) in Khommitot and they also rebuilt the dam at Thingen and
stopped the overflow of waters. 22 Monday, a tiger was caught in Samurou
and was presented (to the king). 28 Sunday, two Bamons from Kasi arrived
to go to the land of Aawa, (but) they went back to the land of the Mayangs.
New moon Tuesday, Lairenlakpa the astrologer was appointed the Lakpa of
the Institute (of Astrologers). A royal command was given to Paonam Cha
Pundit and Lairenlakpa the astrologer to defend the country with great care.
Each of them were rewarded with Snarik, (2) the gold chain of office. The
month of Kalen (April/May) began on Wednesday. 6 Monday the Sangkranti
of Kalen began. 8 Wednesday, they performed an appeasement rite as the
pond of Lai Puthipa was dry. Full moon Wednesday, there was a lunar eclipse.

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8 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

On that day Jalchatra (water festival) which had not taken place before (in
the land) was performed. They began to enact Jalakeli (3) in exactly the
same way as it was played in Shri Brandaban, between Ratha and Krishna,
after digging a pond in a garden for the performance. The month of Yinga
(May/June) began on Friday. 7 Thursday, was the Sangkranti of Yinga. While
the son of Yipungsi Wurungpuren went to Keiroi in Yairipok to collect the
compulsory payment which was due (4), he was arrested and brought to the
king on the charge that he was making an attempt on the throne. The Lakpa
of Keiroi and all the elder members of the Keiroi villages were all fined. 15
Thursday, Jalakeli performance ended. 20 Tuesday, the Haos of Kamu came
and presented two ivory tusks to the king. 22 Thursday, the king, saying that
the prince who was arrested would not dare make an attempt on the throne,
set him free. When the bridge in Khwairamban broke, one Hao died. The
month of Yingen (June/July) began on Saturday. 10 Monday, the Sangkranti
of Yingen began. 18 Tuesday, there was an earthquake. 22 Friday, there was
yet another tremor. 24 Sunday, a streak of fire (5) flew across the sky. Lai
Pakhangpa manifested himself in a brilliant white colour in the Garot (court).
29 Saturday, twenty guns which belonged to the princes (6) were stolen.
New moon Sunday, Thoutam Chandra Sing caught a hangkok (7) alive in
the south eastern location of the royal palace and it was three khutups long
(8). The month of Thawan (July/August) began on Monday. 3 Wednesday,
there was an earthquake and another lizard was also caught in the Champra
Army quarter. Both were set free after performing an appeasement rite. 6
Saturday, (the symbol of) Leisangthem Lairemma was stolen. 14 Saturday,
the Sangkranti of Thawan began. 15 Sunday, the sacred objects which
belonged to the Wahenpam lai Yumjao Leima were stolen. 16 Monday, the
sacred objects which belonged to Khoisnam Lairemma Petangnga and also
all the sacred objects which belonged to Maisnam Lairemma were stolen (9).
25 Wednesday, there was an earthquake. The month of Langpan (August/
September) began on Tuesday. 16 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began.
A python was caught at the southern side of the Thangkapat moat (by the
palace). 20 Saturday, most of the Bamons including Mani the Hanjaba of
the Bamons begged Ningthem and admitted that they, the servants of the
king, had committed wrong. At this the king gave the verdict, saying that if
the Thakurs had admitted their wrongs then they were once again permitted
to act, each according to his conscience. 17 Sunday, a man who was cutting
fodder came to know about five guns in the area of Kharampan Mukaching
hills. A tiger was also caught in Leisangkhong and it was presented (to the
king). On that day the town-crier proclaimed from an elephant’s back, telling
everyone to leave the market and return home early that day. 20 Wednesday,
the Sangkranti of Mera began. 27 Friday, as one Mayang and his wife made
a pact to die together, the husband killed his wife. But when the husband
failed to kill himself by cutting himself, he was brought to the king. 23
Thursday, a hidakphu used for pot-smoking was collected from Aachoipa

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Translation 9

the chief of Moirang, as it was said that it belonged to a former chief of

Moirang. When the Mayang who had kept this hidakphu was permitted to
become a citizen of Moirang, and when most of the members of his extended
family also made a request to the king that they also be allowed to become
Moirangs, they were forbidden and they were made to cut fodder. The month
of Mera (September/October) began on Friday. A representation of
Sarangthem Lairema was made (10). A kirtan was sung in the village where
the Mayang wife was killed. 13 Wednesday, Kalitomon play (11) was staged
by the southern opening of the Thangkapat moat. Sna Kam Singh the son of
the Maharani played the part of Krishna. (He) was injured when the house of
Thourani (12) Wangampi caught fire at dusk. 14 Thursday, Yipungsija Kam
Sing (13) died. He was given the last rites at Mangnao. There was a lunar
eclipse on that day. 15 Friday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began. 24 Sunday,
a six–barrelled gun and a mirror, which was three khudups wide, were
presented to the king by Loitongpa and Laiton, these two. The month of
Hiyangkei (October/November) began on Sunday. 4 Wednesday, there was
an earthquake. 8 Saturday, the lai which was stolen from Bamon Aadhikari
was recovered. A man from Thongkapam, another from the area of
Khumbong, and Wangkhei Rasmon, these three, were brought by the people
of Kontha (before the king) and they reported that those three men were
those who stole (the lai). They were put in iron chains. 10 Monday, the
daughter of Bamon Tantratha and a Gosai were married. 12 Wednesday, a
tiger was caught in Kongpa. 13 Thursday, Thourani Khoipi gave birth to a
prince. Tensubam, the maker of royal cane mats for the royal birth house
(was replaced), and Langpokthapam Balaram made the royal cane mat. 15
Saturday was the Sangkranti of Poinu. 18 Tuesday, a river was dredged. 22
Sunday, a prince was born. 25 Wednesday, there was thundering (14). 27
Friday, as a man from Wahengpam family brought the news that the Mayangs
were on the march to attack, five gun–shots were fired to summon and alert
the people. All the people of the land assembled. The month of Wakching
(December/January) (15) began on Monday. 8 Monday, those who marched
to attack the land retreated and left the country. 9 Tuesday, Mangsatapa
Keirungpa left (for pilgrimage) with the frontal bone of Yibungsi Kam Sing.
Two Haos who were arrested in Natumching hill for stealing cattle were also
brought (before the king). One of them was killed and the other had his foot
cut off. 10 Wednesday (16), a Phiringki left (with others) to open up roads.
12 Friday, Yipungsi the Mantri and others dismantled a temple in Langthapan.
Maisnam Cha Chakemba who was married to a princess left to fetch water
from Suknu (for rituals). Paonam Cha Puntit also accompanied him. Huitrom
Krati and Santha, these two were put in chains as they were found exporting
cattle. 14 Sunday, a Phiringki with his wife and child left to tour Aawa. 15
Monday, the Sangkranti of Wakching began. 17 Wednesday, Shri Govindaji
was moved to a temporary hut. 18 Thursday, they completed the
representation of Sarangthem Lairemma. 19 Friday, those who went to fetch

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10 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

water returned. On that day all the buffaloes of the land were used to transport
bricks from Langthapan. Cheichon Singh Maharaj (Nara Sing) who was the
royal younger brother of Meetingu Chinglen Nongtren Khomba Maharaj,
said that as his royal elder brother, who had commenced building a temple
for Govindaji to dedicate it (to Govinda) but had failed to do so (as he died),
he himself would both complete the building and dedicate it to Govinda in
the name of his royal elder brother; he began to build the temple on 19
Friday. It also rained when there were no clouds. The waters in the rivers
also increased. Thamandi Thakur, Guru Nandan Thakur, these two Thakurs
along with other Bamons and temple clerks, a total of nine people, and
Yibungsi the Jubraj transported the bricks, saying that it was in the service of
Shri Govindaji (17). 25 Thursday, twenty–five stolen buffaloes which were
being exported to the land of the Mayangs were captured and brought back.
27 Saturday, Ningthem and others looked for fish in the pool which was in
front of the palace building Punsiba. Ningthem asked the Lakpa of the Institute
of Astrologers how many fish would be caught in the net which was being
cast then. The reply was that fourteen fishes would be in the net. Indeed
there were (fourteen fishes) in the net. 29 Monday, there was an earthquake.
The watch maker from the Leipokpam family was struck with a sword by his
servant. The servant was put in chains. The month of Phairen (January/
February) began on Wednesday. 7 Monday, a tiger was caught in Kongpa
and was presented (to the king). 10 Thursday, yet another tiger was caught
in Kongpa and it was also presented (to the king). 15 Wednesday, the
Sangkranti of Phairen began. 19 Sunday, Poro Phantari (18), a senior official,
came to ask for the hand of a bride (19) for the son of his king and he
brought with him two red felt cloths, two drinking Tewan vessels, (20) two
shawls, and ten coconuts. 20 Monday, they began to build the birth house
for Thourani Thokchao. 26 Sunday, an owl entered the club building. 27
Monday, Thourani the Langmaithem maiden gave birth to a prince. New
moon Wednesday, there was a heavy fall of hail stones at Langkon and
Langmaiching hills. The month of Lamta (February/March) began on
Thursday. 7 Wednesday, a pig entered the palace. On that day a man died of
heart attack in a residential area. 10 Saturday, the temple building (21) was
inaugurated. 12 Monday, the tree in Lansonbi broke. 15 Friday, the Sangkranti
of Lamta began. 18 Monday, the market was not attended. 23 Friday, Konsam
Cha Major went to the Haos of Lampui and Sekpao requiring them to
complete the dredging of rivers. Yirom Cha Major went to the area of Laisan.
24 Saturday, Poro Phantari the Mayang emissary, went back. 27 Tuesday,
one live Sangngai (22) was sent to the Mayang (king). 29 Thursday, a person
who bought a cow (or cows) and sold it (or them), together with the purchaser,
was handed over to the leikai, as they did not inform the Cheirap court. The
month of Lamta (February/March) (23) began on Saturday. The Maharaj
performed a Hindu religious rite for the prosperity of the country. 2 Monday,
the right to sell cattle was taken away from the leikais. 8 Saturday, a tiger

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Translation 11

was caught by (the people in the choir) Panla, by the confluence of Thoupan
Yirong (river) and it was presented (to the king). 10 Monday, the Haos who
were pressed into service by the two majors began to dredge the river,
beginning from the Paonam watering place up to Sanjenthong bridge. They
also began to renovate the drainage ditches (24). 13 Thursday, there was a
very strong gale in the afternoon and the Cheirap court was blown down. 15
Saturday was Bisu Sankranti.

1 Yenhing thaba, yen: hen, hing from hingba to live, alive, thaba to send, to let it go
freely. A hen was offered as a scapegoat and then set free. Here a white buffalo was
used as the scapegoat.
2 Sarik pinaramye: sarik a scribal error for snarik, gold necklace; pinaramye: from
piba verb to give; formation of the verb implies that there were other gifts as well.
The necklace was a chain of office.
3 Jalakeli: Bengali, conflation for jal, water; keli sexual congress, sexual congress in
the water. First time the term is used.
4 Lamman senkhai: lamman, what was due, a debt; senkhai, compulsory payment or
contribution in sen currency; keiroi, granary hands. Probably refers to the income
from the state granary.
5 Meibi: a streak of fire, probably a comet. First time the term is used.
6 Ningthem macha: literally, children of Ningthem; Ningthem, another term for king;
macha, child of either gender. It is the family name for the children of kings who
themselves did not become kings. Same as Ningthoucha (see on Sakabda 440 / 518
CE).
7 Hangkok: big lizard.
8 Khutup: distance from elbow to the top of the middle finger of an adult. Body parts
were used in traditional measurements and this is still retained side by side with
international measurements. Term used for the first time.
9 This is a new phenomenon which had not taken place earlier on. So far in the process
of hindiusation traditional lais were simply destroyed.
10 Meetamye: past tense of meetamba, to make a mould of a human figure. It is not clear
if this was made of beeswax, which was the usual practice when figures were invloved
in appeasement rites when the lai’s sacred objects were descrated, or if this was the
hinduisation of the lai with an image. Term used for the first time.
11 Kalitomon for Kalidaman, Bengali, literally ‘the taming of Kali’ the goddess, a
Hindu religious play. Term used for the first time.
12 Thourani: term used for the wives of Manipuri Bamons. Probably derived from
Thakurani, wife of a Thakur; the use of this term as a prefix for the wives of kings
indicates the increased status of the Bamons.
13 Tam Sing: scribal error for Kam Singh.
14 Laina nongmei thai: the lai shot a gun. Earlier entries associated Koubru with
thundering, now used within a wider context of any lai.
15 The month of Poinu is missing.
16 Scribal error, 1 for 10.
17 Shri Go Govindaji: Go scribal dittography.
18 Poro Phantari: probably from Bengali Boro Bandari: senior obedient servant, senior
civil servant. Term used for the first time.

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12 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

19 Mou haiba: to ask for the hand of a bride in arranged marriage. Arranged marriage
existed in cases of alliance amongst royalty. First time the phrase mou haiba is used.
20 Tewangiri: Tewangi, Tewan with preposition gi, from or of; ri for li or lee, meaning
vessel or utensil from which one drinks. Tewan is either a place name or a substance
used to make the li.
21 Phura laisang: Phura temple building of a more durable structure, laisang (or Laiyum)
shrine which often was a temporary structure. In this period shrines began to have a
more solid structure and terms phura and laisang were used either singly or together
to indicate both the Hindu temples and Meetei shrines. Phura is probably of Burmese
derivation.
22 Sangngai: brow–antlered deer, a rare species found only in Manipur, now under
threat.
23 Lamta: probably an intercalary month.
24 The dredging of rivers and renovation of drainage ditches had been within the sphere
of compulsory community service of the Lanlup system since the time of King
Loiyumpa, and was levied on all the males of the country, including the Haos.

Sakabda 1768 (1846 CE)

The year of Kakching Phol Sing, Sakabda 1768 (1846 CE). 16 Sunday was
the Cheiraopa, the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. 17 Monday,
two Gosais left. 19 Wednesday, three Gosais arrived. On that day there was
a public scandal concerning the Mahanta of Shri Ramchnatra (sect). 28
Thursday, the chestnut-coloured horse died. The month of Sachiphu (March/
April) began on Sunday. On that day they began to mark out the demarcation
of the centre of the Kangla (1) complex. 4 Wednesday, a man from the
Sukham family was put in chains for using abusive words to Aahongsangpa
who was attached to the main boat house. 5 Thursday, Thourani Thokchao
gave birth to twins. 14 Sunday, Lukhoi from Aakhui presented to Ningthem
a red felt cloth and a brass boss gong. 15 Monday, a tree in the Mahabali
(grove) fell. 17 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Kalen began. 21 Saturday,
when Aarampa the Lakpa of Laipham (Pana) brought up the matter of Waikok
pung (2), and asked permission (from the king), to use it for the Pana, he
was told that it belonged to the Lairema and he went back to his place. 23
Monday, a banyan tree was planted in front of Utra. 25 Wednesday, the old
temple of Thakur Sithanta was repaired. Ningthem went down and inaugurated
it. 27 Friday, the Pakhang Lakpa (officer in charge of army cadets) (3) in the
Waikhom army contingent died of heart attack. 28 Saturday, the moat at
Menuthong bridge and the canal in the rice field which belonged to Lai
Puthiba (4) were both flooded. The month of Kalen (April/May) began on
Tuesday. 2 Wednesday, twelve Pangan domestic servants arrived from Mayang.
Balaba and Saba caught a tiger in Wangpan. Thoukanao the Lakpa of Laipham
(Pana) was also deported to Loi to Thingkrei. 5 Saturday, a man was drowned
in the river by the palace. 10 Thursday, a tiger was caught in Wuyan and
was presented (to the king). 15 Tuesday, a maidservant of Thourani Laisara,

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Translation 13

a woman from the household of Ningthem, was found hanged at Nungkoipi.

20 Sunday, the Sangkranti of Yinga began. Many fish were seen at the
northern section of the Thangkapat moat. 22 Tuesday, many boats which
were by the river, also made a sound (5). 24 Wednesday, Haobam the Mantri,
Keisa the Nongthonpa, Thoukanou the Lakpa of Laipham (Pana), and
Khunbong Major, these four who had been deported to Loi to Kakching,
were summoned. The month of Yingen (June/July) began on Wednesday
(6). The Bamons and the Gosai had a fistfight. 2 Thursday, the Kang (chariot)
festival began. The arm of Shri Jaganath (image) broke and the wheels also
caught fire. 4 Saturday, in the yard of Lai Aawangpa a monkey and a dog
mated. There was also an earthquake. 6 Tuesday, the Sanjenthong bridge
broke. Three people fell into (the river) but they were not drowned. On that
day a man from the Thokchom family died after being bitten by a rat. 8
Thursday, a tiger was caught at Waibagai and it was presented (to the king).
The royal son Pushkor also was married. Three princesses also were married
into the families of Aangom, Haobam and Thokchom respectively. On that
day it was also said that the Yimjao Leima (lai) had wept. 21 Tuesday, the
Sangkranti of Yingen began. 23 Thursday, in the family of Yimnam in
Wakching a child with seven legs and seven eyes was born. A Hao cattle
thief in Chandrakhong was arrested and he was brought before the king. The
month of Thawan (July/August) began on Friday. 7 Thursday, Kanthenu
lowed. 9 Saturday, Bamon Rakhop was deported to Loi to Heirok for assaulting
another Bamon. Another man from the family of Mutum was also deported
to Loi to Chairen as he also was involved in the assault. 15 Friday, there was
an earthquake. 24 Saturday was the Sangkranti of Thawan. The month of
Langpan (August/September) began on Saturday. 13 Thursday, Thourani
Wangambi gave birth to a princess (7). 14 Friday, Lai Pakhangba manifested
himself. 19 Wednesday, a boat race took place in the Thangampat (moat)
after an opening through the main (land) bridge was made. On that day there
was a fracas between the servants of Yibungsi the Jubraj and the servants of
Sna the Wangkhei Lakpa. 20 Thursday, when the daughter of Sija, the
daughter of the royal maternal uncle Ratan Sing who was married into the
family of Khaidem, was abducted by a servant of Yibungsi the Jubraj, who
was a goldsmith, and forced to become his wife, she, refusing to be his wife,
committed suicide. 22 Saturday, Menlei (8) bloomed in the shrine of (lai)
Nongkop Ningthou. 23 Sunday, Taoroinai (Pakhangpa in his snake form)
manifested himself in Waithou Tangcheng, exposing his horns and spine.
The three Institutes of the Maipas performed an appeasement and supplication
rite (9). The four Panas began to repair the inner Thangkapat moat (in the
palace complex). 25 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began. 26
Wednesday, both Bamon Rakhop and Mutum Cha who were deported to Loi
to Heirok were summoned. 28 Friday, Thiyam Cha Aovi, the Lakpa of
Sanglen, the main office, went to collect the Haos from the area of
Chandrakhong, which had been subjugated, (for them) to carry out their

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14 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

share in the Lanlup duty (to the state). The month of Mera (September/
October) began on Monday. On that day a tiger was caught in Chantakhong
and it was presented (to the king). 4 Thursday, twin buffalo calves were
presented to the king. 8 Monday, blood was spilt in the Peithob club house.
26 Friday, the Sangkranti of Mera began. On that day Yibungsi the Jubraj
and others left for Kanglatongbi to hunt elephants. New moon Tuesday, it
was said that there would be a solar eclipse but the sun was not seen. It was
reported to the Maharaj that the sun was observed in the land of the Mayangs.
The month of Hiyangkei (October/November) began on Wednesday. 2
Thursday, the Jubraj returned after catching an elephant. 9 Wednesday, there
was a controversy on account of a pair of shoes which were sent by Yibungsi
Netrajit from Aawa to his son. 10 Thursday, the royal younger brother the
Jubraj left to hunt elephants. But he returned as it was reported that the
elephants had escaped. 18 Friday, the brine in the Chandrakhong salt mine
dried up (10). Paonam Cha the Pundit and others performed the appeasement
rite with supplication. 26 Saturday, a tiger was caught in the foothills of
Laikhuram Chingchin. 27 Sunday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began. The
month of Poinu (November/December) began on Thursday. 4 Sunday, Thiyam
Cha Aovi the Lakpa of Sanglen, the main office, and others left to start the
digging of the salt well in Chandrakhong. 5 Monday, they began to build the
royal palace Punsiba. 6 Tuesday, a grand child of Ningthem Mayangampa
died. A tiger was caught in Wapakai and it was presented (to the king). 9
Friday, Ningthoukhong Cha the Poila (11) went to ask the Tangkhuns for
their tribute payment which was due. 17 Friday, Thangjam Cha Nandi the
Aayapuren Major left to attack the Phumnong Haos in Aawa. 18 Saturday, a
Sahib (with others) left to open up a track. 19 Monday, Bajirasikdas Mahanta
died. 22 Thursday, Aakhom Cha Yindrananda, Laitonjam Cha Toro, these
two and two Leikai soldiers left for Karimganj to build a memorial (12) for
the king’s royal grandmother. There was an earthquake that night. 27 Tuesday
the Sangkranti of Poinu began. 28 Wednesday, Maisnam Cha Major left to
establish a Khongchai village. New moon Friday, Thourani Maibya gave
birth to a prince. The month of Wakching (December/January) began on
Saturday. 3 Monday, the royal younger brother the Jubraj and others built
the Khombitot dam and blocked the waters. 5 Wednesday, as the Maharaj
commissioned his royal younger brother the Jubraj to look in the matter of
the (appointment of) junior and senior pibaship in the family of
Langpoktapam, after having searched the records (the Jubraj) found Joyo
who lived in Khurai to be the senior. The findings were reported to both the
Ningthem’s extended family and the Pacha court and a verdict was given
and the case was settled with the payment of a court fee (13). The next in
line for the pibaship was Purna. 9 Saturday, Yipungsi Kher Sing the Lakpa
of Institute of Eunuchs left for a pilgrimage to the Ganges. 15 Friday, two
tigers were caught in Khombitok. 16 Saturday, Soni (14) was worshipped.
On that day one tiger from Thangka and another from Kakching were caught

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Translation 15

and both were presented (to the king). 21 Thursday, two Gosais of the
Nityaibangsa group left. One Phiringki also arrived. A clock was presented
to Ningthem. 14 Monday, Yipungsi the Jubraj returned from his elephant
hunt as he did not find any elephants. 26 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of
Wakching began. 28 Friday, Moirangthem Cha the Keirungpa immediately
began to dig the Sikhong salt well again. New moon Sunday, Thangjam Cha
the Aayapuren returned after attacking the Haos of Phumnong. He subdued
and made five Hao villages become tribute-paying villages. The month of
Phairen (January/February) began on Monday. 5 Thursday, Konsam Cha
Major left to attack the Haos in the northern region. 10 Tuesday, the Haos
from Changsen were received in court. They presented a servant to the king.
The Maharaj presented that female servant to (Lai) Wangpuren (15). Hao
Oinam Phusaba from the Northern region came and presented the tribute
payment in ten pieces of clothes and two mounds of bees–wax. 13 Friday,
the Haos from (the villages of) Lampui, Sokpao, Hongtung Khunlen, Sumtan,
Phatang, and others, a total of twenty villages, raised the level of the road
beginning from the (land) bridge which was in the front of the royal palace
gate up to the market place (Sna Keithen). Thourani Laisra also gave birth to
a prince. 20 Friday, a man of the Thoutem family who was felling a tree in
Nungkham Warok, was pierced with a spear by a Mapao Hao, biting his lips
(16) in utter determination. The victim died. 24 Tuesday, the Haos from Tama
came and paid homage to Ningthem. There were two earth tremors during
the dusk yuthak. 27 Friday, the Sangkranti of Phairen began. 28 Saturday,
those who went to Karimganj to build the memorial returned. Konsaba the
Major also returned after attacking the Haos. 29 Sunday, Yirungpam Tanjou
the chief of Changkham died. The month of Lamta (February/March) began
on Tuesday. 2 Wednesday, as a message was received from the maker of
coins from the land of the Mayangs, that Yumlenpam Hemo and Napet
(barber) Saiton Ngampa, these two together with Konsapa (brass smith),
Maisnam Major, and Phoukei Sangpam Dewan, (17) with these three, were
involved (in an attempt on the throne), and when in response to this
information, they were taken and interrogated by beating in the Cheirap court,
it was found that all those mentioned were not involved. But only Yumlenpa
and the Napet were found to be involved in the attempt on the throne.
Yumlenpa was deported to Loi to Panlen and Napet to Langathen. 9 Tuesday,
Aangoupamba Loklenkhomba had a daughter born to him. 10 Saturday, a
double–pointed short sword (18) was presented (to the king) at three pung
hour during the dawn yuthak. Children of Thourani Khoibi, Aachoibi,
Aawangampi, and Thokchao Thourani, all four children of these four (ladies)
had their ears pierced. They also began to build the boat house, the
Leikhomsang building, and the building for Lainingthou Nongsapa, these
three buildings. 11 Thursday, Thingkom maiden the wife of Yipungsi the
Jubraj gave birth to a prince. 12 Friday, they worshipped Shri Brindaban
Chandra. 13 Saturday, a streak of fire flew over the palace. 14 Sunday, Shrijut

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16 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

(19) gave Cheityana Prabhu (image) one pari (20) of paddy field to Meitram
village. On that day the Ningthem family divided themselves into Black and
White teams and contested in a polo match and the White team won the
match. 16 Wednesday, the royal family and the citizens of the country
contested in a polo match and the citizens won the match. 24 Thursday, a
tiger was caught in Chingpu and it was presented (to the king). As it was
reported that while a trader from Mayang was relieving his bowels, he had a
dragonfly sitting on his lips, he was arrested and brought to the king (21). 26
Thursday, the Sangkranti of Lamta began. The month of Sachiphu (March/
April) began on Wednesday. 2 Thursday, a small star passed behind the moon
(22). 5 Sunday, Yirusang and Leikhomsang buildings were inaugurated. 6
Monday, as Aakoijam Krati went to Wahengbam Maichou, who lived in
Chingpu, went to collect the money which was owed to him for a boat,
Wahengpam Maichou, Chaoba his son, and two of their servants, these four
men, tied up Krati and threw him in the waters of Pukhrampam dam. The
servant of a skilled professional swimmer saw it as he was rowing a boat
(and helped him). He (Krati) was still alive. On questioning, Krati reported
that the act was committed by Wahengpa. Wahengpa was deported to Loi to
Chandrakhong and his two servants were put in chains. 9 Thursday, Thourani
Aakoisu gave birth to a princess. 10 Friday, they began to build the Court
building. 11 Saturday, a monk who held one of his arms stretched upwards
all the time, arrived. 15 Wednesday, there was a lunar eclipse. 17 Friday, the
small sen (coins) began to be used. On that day one Choitha Hao approached
a woman of Satang who was gathering firewood and after asking her to
cohabit with him, and when she refused, she was pierced with a spear. He
and those other Haos who were involved were caught and put in chains. A
tiger was caught in Waikok and it was presented (to the king). The court
building was also inaugurated. 19 Monday, a sangngai (brow–antlered deer)
was caught in the palace (complex). 20 Tuesday, all those who waited on the
princes were dismissed and they were handed over to the Leikais so that
they might join the Leikai armies. On that day Maisnam Cha Major and
Chongtham Cha Major, these two who went to set up an army camp in
Maklang, returned saying that the princes (who were making an attempt on
the throne) had not come. 24 Friday, one Bengali gentleman arrived. A man
from the Torangpam family who made the small sen illegally was deported
to Loi to Chandrakhong. 26 Sunday was Bisu Sangkranti.

1 Kangla yaipung tingpa houye. Kangla yaipung: Various possible renderings:

a) taking tingpa as to make a lay–out, to draw a line with the help of a cord, the
centre or the chief area of Kangla;
b) taking pung as referring to the Meetei pung or drum, and tingba to stretch: they
began to stretch the skin for the special (yai) pung drum for the Kangla palace;
c) taking pung as the Meetei water clock and tingpa as to immerse, it could refer
to the revival of the Meetei time keeping. This method of time keeping continued
well after the British arrived in Manipur.

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Translation 17

2 Waikokki Laipung bu: literally, the Laipung which was in Waikok and which
belonged to the Lai; bu the accusative particle. Laipung could be understood as:
a) the court yard in front of any shrine of the Meetei lais. This courtyard normally
served as the central gathering place of the village community to which the lai
belonged. According to this reading the Lakpa of the Pana wanted to use this
courtyard as the central gathering place for the Pana.
b) as the pung drum which belonged to the lai; verb, pukhatlakpabu, meaning
that which had been brought up, supports this reading. But pung (drums) used
for the lais were not restricted to any particular lai as was the case with the
pena, the string instrument, though both were used at the shrines.
c) Lairemaki pungne haituna = hanthakhiye: literally, saying that the pung
belonged to Lairema (diety); hanthakhiye, from hanthaba, to return to where
one started from, meaning either he went back to his place (subject understood)
or it (the drum) was retuned to its place.
3 Pakhanglakpa: the Lakpa of Pakhangs, young unmarried men, in this case young
cadets in the army.
4 The Lais were allotted paddy fields which were looked after by the Lai attendants
who in return enjoyed the produce of the field in lieu of service to the Lai.
5 Khongye: past tense of khongba, to bark, to make a sound as with a musical instrument.
Probably the timber produced a sound while contracting or expanding due to the
weather.
6 Month of Yinga is missing.
7 Machi: scribal error for Macha, child.
8 Menlei: flowering vine, species not known. Term used for the first time.
9 Thouniye: conflation of thou touba: to perform a rite, and niye past indicative of
niba to beg; a rite to expiate the displeasure of the spirit. Thouniye here implies the
displeasure of the ancestral spirit of the ruling clan whose symbol is Taoroinai the
serpent.
10 Thumhi siye: literally, the brine died i.e. dried up.
11 Poila: Bengali for first, rank in the army just below the Major. Term used for the first
time.
12 Phura: A memorial in the shape of a miniature temple. Term used for the first time in
reference to a memorial.
13 Wakheiye: Wa, word or the matter; kheiye: past tense of kheipa/ba, to separate, to
clean up. Term normally used in reference to cleaning rice after husking, to separate
the grain from the chaff. The derived meaning of the term indicates that the issue had
been examined minutely and a verdict arrived at. When a case was settled, the winner
normally paid to the king and members of the court concerned, a fee instead of the
court fee or a settlement fee, wakheisen (sen currency). Term wakheiye is used for the
first time.
14 Soni: Hindu god Saturn who has an inauspicious attitude to those he does not favour
and thereby causes misfortune. Term used for the first time.
15 Nai nupi atu ‘that female servant’: atu meaning that, indicates that this was the same
servant who was mentioned in the previous sentence. As there was already the custom
of dedication of royal women to the lais’ service, this female servant probably was to
assist in Wangpuren’s service. Wangpuren is the important Tutelary Deity of the
South–east. It was not human sacrifice.
16 Sakha chiktuna: scribal error for makha chiktuna; literally, biting his lips, similar to
grinding his teeth.

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18 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

17 Dewan: Bengali for chief officer of a state or secretary. First time the term is used.
18 Thang chinaipa: literally, sword with horns. This two–pronged short sword is also
used at the Meetei Lai Haraoba religious festival. Term used for the first time.
19 Shrijut: (or Shrijukta) Sanskritic honorific title prefixed to Hindu male, meaning
power, might, beauty etc. (Shrijuktaa fem); another title for the king. Term used for
the first time.
20 This practice as applied to Hindu deities is mentioned for the first time.
21 Khambrangchak: a long-tailed fly with transparent wings, dragonfly. The sentence
is very obscure and perhaps refers to the Hindu ritual code of clean and unclean, or to
sorcery. Term used for the first time.
22 Changye: literally entered in and was not seen.

Sakabda 1769 (1847 CE)

The year of Kameng Khunjao, Sakbda 1769 (1847 CE). 27 Monday was
the Cheiraopa the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu (March/April).
Thursday new moon, the astrologers who were foreigners declared that there
would be an eclipse but the astrologers of Manipur said that there would not
be an eclipse. There was no eclipse. The month of Kalen (April/May) began
on Friday. 5 Tuesday, a tiger was caught in Thoupan and it was presented (to
the king). 7 Wednesday, the Maharaj sent barber (Napet) Mani, the temple
clerk, to Shri Jaganath Khetra. 10 Sunday, Aakoijam Kumda, who came up
from his house in Thoubal, prostrating all the way to Shri Govindaji, reached
(the temple) after ten days. 11 Monday, when a father and his child went to
a river, both were mauled by a tiger. The tigress and her four cubs were
caught and they were presented (to the king). Another tiger was also caught
in Lisamlok gorge and it was presented (to the king). 14 Thursday, Thangjabi,
a wife of the king’s royal father, died. 17 Sunday, Meetengu Leiren Nonglen
Sentren Manik Khompa gave the royal order to Muniram, the maker of shirts
– who was also the Dewan – after appointing him as ambassador between
the two countries of Manipur and Britain (1), to go as an envoy to the house
of the Phiringki Sahep. The king was pleased to exempt all his three brothers
from the compulsory duty to the country and this was recorded in the Puran.
20 Wednesday, they began to repair both the great palace and the royal
(residential) palace buildings. 22 Friday, when the court, following the royal
order, was making enquiries about some deserters from the Pana duties, the
reason for their absence was discovered and they were allowed to go free by
the Lakpas and the Keirungpas of the respective Institutes and by the Hanjapas
and the Hitangs of the Institute of guards. The Lakpas, the Keirungpas, the
Hanchapas and the Hitangs of the Institutes, all of them were put in chains.
But when Paonam Cha the Pundit and Loktongbam Cha Laiba, these two
advised the king while the king was celebrating the dedication of rice to his
own ancestors, (2) that such an act (of chaining the courtiers) was not
appropiate nor customary, they were set free. 23 Saturday, at noon the king
took his royal seat (3) in the Kangla. 26 Tuesday, Soipam Cha the Poila set

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Translation 19

out to attack the southern region. On that date there was an earthquake in the
night. 28 Wednesday, they began to build a shed for the cow Kamdhenu and
a birth house for Thourani. The month of Yinga (May/June) began on
Saturday. On that day, as a fish bone (4) was found in (the food offering) to
Shri Govindaj, Bamon Teboinu the Lakpa of temple buildings was dismissed
from his post. All the temple cooks and the Keirungpas of the dieties were
punished. 2 Sunday, two–hundred Haos from Mutung Khunlen, the main
village, in the southern region, arrived at the court. A royal order was given
to settle them in Takhen as a border defence to guard from any possible
attacks from the Haos in the northern region. 10 Monday, since the the main
Institute of the Laipham (Pana) summoned all those from the family of
Laisaram who were the guardians of the cow Kamdhenu for not taking part
in their compulsory duties (to the Pana), even though they had been exempted
from duty (by the king), the king deported the Lakpa, the Keirungpa, the
Hanchapa and the Hitang (5) of the Institute, all of them, to Loi. 12
Wednesday, a branch of the pipal tree in the sacred area of Thouroijam
Lairembi (6) broke. As it was reported that the Haos in Chandrakhong who
had been subdued were running away, Maisnam Cha the husband of Sicha,
and the Lakpa of Phungganai Institute went and made the Marings subjugate
those who had run away. 13 Friday, another big branch of the pipal tree on
the southern side (of the shrine) also broke. 20 Thursday, the Lakpa, the
Keirungpa and the Hichapa of Laipham (Pana) all three returned from their
deportation to Loi. 28 Wednesday, (7) Akoichampa the Hanjapa of the eunuchs
died. 27 Thursday, Soibam Cha the Poila returned from his attack on Sakpao
with eleven people whom he had captured in battle. Yinga was an intercalary
month. The month of Yinga (May/June) began on Monday. 6 Saturday, while
the river by the Paonam anchoring place was being dredged, in which the
Maharaj also participated, a child from the hills died at the Khwairampan
bridge. 10 Wednesday, a case was filed in the Cheirap Court against the
Khetra Morkantam family, that they were custodians (Lai manai) of Ramji
(deity). It was found out during the trial that they were not the custodians of
that deity, but that they (Khetra Morkantam’s family) owed money to
Yingkutum, and also that they had reported to the Lanlup (duty) only once
or twice. Yingkutum had bought (paid) Thokchao Khongjompa who lived in
Khongchi, and made him report for duty (to the Lanlup) in his place. Khetri
(Khetra Morkantam) was declared not guilty, and it was also found that in
the days of Meetingu Wairang Pamheipa he had reported to the Khetri Institute
(for Lanlup duties). But a verdict was passed that they were not the rightful
custodians of the deity and he had to pay a court fee. 14 Sunday, a Hao who
lived with Aoinam the Pukhranpa was drowned. 17 Wednesday, Taoroinai
manifested himself in the deep waters by the Paonam (watering place) and in
the swirling waters by the Mangnao (burial ground), in both these places.
Maipas from the Institute of Maipas went down (to the river) and performed
appeasement and supplication rites. 21 Sunday, Lairenlakpam Senchaipa who

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20 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

went to the southern area to fell a tree for a big pung (drum) for the Garot
court, returned. The tree trunk was one lam in length. 26 Thursday, Yibungsi
Khero who went to the Ganges returned. 29 Sunday, Taoroinai appeared in
the deep waters by Paota (watering-place) and the Maiba Institution went to
perform appeasement and supplication rites. The month of Yingen (June/
July) began on Tuesday. On that day the public reading of the Bhagabot (8)
before Shrijut Maharaj was completed after fifteen years. 4 Friday, the
Sangkranti of Yingen began. 10 Friday, Ningthem went down to (the house
of) Thamanti Thakur as he was dying. 12 Sunday, Thamanti Thakur died.
Shri Moirangthem Cha Chandra Singh was appointed the Selungba. 18 Friday,
Shri Maharaj made a monk who was a foreigner and who had been holding
up his arm continuously for fifteen years, to lower his hand, during a feast
which he had offered to Shri Govinda at which the Brahmans and Beishnaps
were also present. On that day a tiger was also caught in Thangka and was
presented (to the king). 2 Friday, (9) the bank of the moat burst by Chingchabu
bridge. The Institute buildings which dealt with Leikais (residential lanes)
and builders for state buildings, these two were flooded. 3 Saturday, a tiger
entered the house of one Heisnam in Kokchai and seven people were bitten.
5 Monday, the Sangkranti of Thawan began. On that day they began to
establish Aarai Leima (10). 7 Wednesday, the royal son went down to Kokchai
and caught the man–eating tiger and it was presented (to the king). 8 Thursday,
Thourani the Chingakham maiden gave birth to a princess. 10 Saturday,
Yipungsi the Jubraj had a prince born to him. 15 Thursday, Aaheibi, another
wife of Yibungsi the Jubraj, also gave birth to a princess. In the evening a
tiger attacked two cows by the inner Thangabat moat in the palace Complex.
24 Friday, a tiger and a stag were found dead in the sacred area of Lai
Nongpok (11) whose custodian was Khoirom. On that day a tiger was caught
in Sekta and it was presented (to the king). The month of Langpan (August/
September) began on Friday. All the new recruits in the army were made to
practice target shooting. 4 Monday, Yirom Cha the Major and Konsam Cha
the Major, these two along with others left to attack the Khongchais at Saya.
7 Thursday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began. 13 Tuesday, Shri Mahasoi
went back. 15 Friday, there was a lunar eclipse. 19 Tuesday, there was a
polo match between the princes … (12), the princes won the match. In the
night there was thundering at Lai Koubru. 24 Sunday, Aakoijam Purna Sing,
who went to Tarao in search of royal garments which were worn by previous
kings, returned with one (shirt) which was said to have been worn by the
ancestor, Garibniwaz Maharaj, two gapei singlangpa and one waphak (13),
these four garments. He was allowed to keep one of the garments. 25 Monday,
Yirom Cha Major returned after attacking the Khongchais. He captured in
battle Yangpi the chief, Sayareng the brave, and others, a total of 2,050
people. (14) He also brought with him one male and one female alive, the
Saphi–lanphi shawl (15) for gallantry which belonged to Saya the chief,
along with two guns, one sword and two spears which belonged to the chief,

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Translation 21

and presented all of them to Maharaj. 26 Tuesday, the barber Mani, the temple
clerk, who went to Jaganathkhetra, returned. 27 Wednesday, the Khaki Haos,
(16) including the chief of Chasat and along with (some) people from four
villages, were received at court. They presented two brass-bossed gongs to
the king. On that day a tiger was caught in Kongba. 28 Thursday, one Wuren
(17) fell in front of Shri Govinda and died. Saturday new moon, there was a
solar eclipse and the sun set while still in eclipse. A tiger was caught in the
garden of Chongtham by the river bank in Kongpa and it was presented (to
the king). The month of Mera (September/October) began on Sunday. 3
Tuesday, Konsam Cha Major who went to raid the Khongjais returned. He
captured in battle the Khongjai chief of the village and he was brought before
the king. A servant and one bossed gong was also presented to the king. 7
Saturday, the Sangkranti of Mera began. The king seated himself on the
throne in Kangla. 10 Tuesday, the Kwaktanba ritual took place. The Maharaj
occupied the palace Punsiba and danced the Thengkou ritual dance (18). On
that day the royal younger brother the Jubraj and others left for Kanglatongpi
in the north to hunt elephants. 12 Thursday, (the bodies) of two Sumtan
Haos from the area of Sinnam village, who had been killed by the people of
Kom for stealing cattle, were brought before the king. They were rewarded
with two Tulaiphi (19) cloths and a pair of measures of salt. 15 Tuesday, an
elephant whose tusks had not yet grown arrived within four pung hours after
the noon yuthak. The royal younger brother the Jubraj also arrived. 16
Wednesday, two more elephants which had tusks also arrived. 19 Saturday,
two elephants which had grown their tusks and two female elephants, these
four elephants, were presented to the royal younger brother the Jubraj. 20
Sunday, Aamu the Lakpa of Khwai died. 21 Monday, Nongthonpa the Poila
died. 22 Tuesday, the Maharaj offered a gun to the lai in Kakching Khunou
village. 23 Thursday, Ningngonpa the swordsman in Khurai lane was killed
by an elephant which had not yet grown its tusks as he was chasing it, after
the elephant had entered his garden. 28 Tuesday, the royal younger brother
the Jubraj and others left for Koubru to hunt elephants. Blood was also spilt
at Shri Govindaji (’s temple). Thursday new moon, a man from the
Mayanglampam family was eaten by a tiger. Soibya the Poila left to hunt
that tiger. The month of Wakching (December/January) began on Friday. 3
Sunday, Laipupam Bamon the temple steward died. 4 Monday, four man–
eating tigers were caught in Mayang Yimphan. 7 Thursday, the Sangkranti
of Wakching began. 10 Saturday, the royal younger brother the Jubraj who
went to hunt elephants returned as he did not find any. 12 Monday, a tiger
was caught in Khanpokpi and it was presented (to the king). 14 Wednesday,
Chongtham Cha the Selungpa returned after collecting the tribute payment
in bees–wax which was due from the people in the northern region. He
devastated the village of Ngaruphengma which had 700 families. He captured
in battle Ngaruthou, Ngarulang, and Ngaruthek, these three and others, a
total of twenty–five people and brought them before (the king). They were

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22 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

killed (20). He also captured nine people alive. They also found and repossesed
one cannon which had been left behind when Meetengu Chingthangkhompa
attacked Moran. The nine Hao prisoners who were alive were allowed to
return (to their places). Those Hao villages which were subdued and
conquered were Khebumee, Rekhomee, Tehamee, Kichammeetum, Kingmee,
Kommee, Chakhamee, Lisamee, Kantirammee, Terochemee, Cheromee,
Cheremee, Meremee, Neremee, Posamee, Tesamee, and Ngaruphengmee, a
total of sixteen Hao villages were subjugated and made tributary. The tribute
was paid with three ivory tusks, five spears, three mounds of beeswax, guns,
and one cannon. All these items were brought by the Haos who were subdued
and presented to the Maharaj in lieu of their tribute payments. 22 Thursday,
a striped buffalo from Takhen was presented to Shrijut. 23 Friday, a tiger
was caught in Tengkhan in Lammangtong and it was presented (to the king).
28 Thursday, the son of Thangjapa Wutom came and informed that Yipungsi
Chiba, a son (born) to the king of the land of Mayang, had come to claim
the throne (of Manipur). The month of Phairen (January/February) began on
Sunday. On that day, the houses for Thourani the Chingkhan maiden,
Thokchao, and the Nongmaithem maiden, all three houses were on fire. The
royal kitchen also was burnt. 6 Thursday, Maisnam Cha Major and Yirom
Cha Major these two along with 300 sepoys, marched to battle to Maklang
when it was reported a (Meetei) prince had marched from Mayang to attack
the land. 8 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Phairen began. 11 Tuesday, they saw
an image of Mahabali Thakur (Hanuman). 13 Thursday, Thangjam Cha Nanti
the Aayapuren Major (21) died. 20 Thursday, Shri Hanuman’s (Mahabali
Thakur) carving was beautified. 21 Friday, Maisnam Cha Muhon Major died
in the battle in Maklang. That night streaks of fire flew across the sky above
the palace and in Maklang. 22 Saturday, Loktonpam Cha Major left to replace
Maisnam Cha Major. 24 Monday, blood was spilt in front of the Top Garot
(the military headquarter in Kangla). 25 Tuesday, Ngaseppa Jamander came
and presented two guns (to the king) saying that Saheps (British) had captured
the Meetei prince (who had marched) from Mayang. The month of Lamta
(February/March) began on Monday. 2 Tuesday, the daughter of Ngangpa
the Senlungpa died by hanging. 3 Wednesday, guru Nandan Baneswar was
crowned as the guru. On that day all those who went to battle in Maklang
returned. During the battle in the south also three men were mauled by a
tiger. Even though the same tiger was lured into an enclosure, it escaped in
the night. 4 Thursday, the same tiger was again lured into an enclosure in
Heipok and was caught. 9 Monday, a tiger was caught in Moirang and was
presented (to the king). On that day the Sangkranti of Lamta also began. 15
Sunday, there was a lunar eclipse. 21 Sunday, Meetengu Nongpok Wairang
Pamheipa had the stone which had been erected in the Sna Keithen (Royal
market) moved and placed where it was originally, saying that this same
stone belonged to Nongsapa (22). Friday, Thakur Konok Komlakanta the
Hanjapa died. Keisam Cha the Nongthonpa also died of heart attack. The

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Translation 23

month of Sachiphu (March/April) began on Tuesday. 3 Thursday, an inhabitant

of Braja arrived. 8 Tuesday was Bisu Sangkranti.

1 Leipak animaki langtai paihantuna. Laipak animakki: of two countries, langtai

literally one who mediates, in this context an ambassador to another country. First
time the term for the post is used.
2 Naputhou cheng hongeita: Naputhou your male ancestors, cheng hongba, to dedicate
the rice. A common practice amongst traditional societies is to dedicate the first
harvest of the year to the ancestors. The main rice harvest takes place between February
and March. This dedication ceremony may also be connected with the ceremony in
which the king is involved and which was to take place on the following day.
3 Pham tongye: literally, assumed the post. Usually the term pham is used for a post
while phampan is used for the throne. Probably it refers to the king taking his seat on
the throne at the rice dedication rite, since the king’s enthronement had already
taken place.
4 Though only vegetarian dishes cooked in the temple kitchens are offered to Hindu
deities in Manipur, Brahmin temple attendants themselves were, and still are, not
strict vegetarians, and almost all of them ate fish even at that period.
5 Hanjapa, Hitang scribal dittograpy.
6 Thouroijam Lairembi: ancestral mother of the Thouroijam clan. It indicates displeasure
of the lai.
7 Misplacement of text.
8 Bhagabot taba: literally listening to the Bhagabot. Amongst the Meeteis any public
reading before an audience is done by a professional narrator in rhetorical style. At
the peak of hinduisation such recitation of the Bhagavat Purana became a popular
method of Vaishnanite proselytisation.
9 The name of the month of Thawan is missing.
10 Aarai Leima: probably another name for Yirai Leima, deity of waters.
11 Lai Nongpok: Nongpok means east and refers to an ancestral figure who led the
original settlers from the East. In a culture where ancestral veneration is practised he
is referred to as Lai, divine ancestor. In the Meetei oral history he is referred as
Nongpokk Ningthou (king) and is connected with Panthoibi the autochthonous lai
whom he met and fell in love with.
12 Incomplete sentence.
13 Gapei singlangpa and wanphak: not identifiable.
14 Refers to the subjugation of the Kongchais, confirmed in the following sentence in
which tribute payment is mentioned.
15 Saphi–lanphi: a shawl given as a reward with beautifully embroidered borders of
delicate and complicated patterns in colours of gold, red, white, and black on natural
silk of a brown colour. These clothes were presented by the king for merit and gallantry
to those who were the most expert in wielding spears.
16 Khaki Hao: a tribal group of eastern origin.
17 Wuren: a rare indigenous bird now extinct.
18 Thengkou: a ritual dance performed mostly by kings with sword and shield, following
prescribed steps in front of Pakhangpa for his favour and for success. First time the
term is used.
19 Tulaiphi: literally, cloth used in the palanquins; a multi–coloured woven cloth with
borders and block patterns woven into the cloth. It was used as a reward cloth. The

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24 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

expert weavers of this cloth were the Wahengbam and Kabacham families. First time
the term is used.
20 Hatye: killed. Not clear if they were killed in battle or executed after being taken
prisoners. But the following sentence indicates the former.
21 Aayapuren Major: the most senior of all the majors.
22 Presumably the scribe has missed out a sentence or there is textual dislocation, since
Nongpok Wairang Pamheipa reigned from 1813 to 1820 CE.

Sakabda 1770 (1848 CE)

The year of Yumnam Khema Sing Sakabda 1770 (1848 CE). 9 Wednesday
was the Cheiraopa the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. 16
Wednesday, (people of) the four Leikais including all the Lakpas and
Keirungpas of Institutes, and senior court officials, all of them dredged a
river together. On that day the king of Tekhao sent a message to Shrijut
Maharaj saying that no maipa from those countries which he had approached
to cure the sickness (1) from which he had been suffering had been
successful, but that he had heard that there were skilled maipas in Manipur,
and so he was making a request to the king that one of them be sent to him.
The Maharaj gave a royal order that Langkonjampa Hem Sing should go to
Tekhao to attend (him). The ailment from which the king of Tekhao suffered
was diagnosed, and after six months’ treatment, which was succesful, the
king of Tekhao himself presented to the Maharaj two ivory combs inlaid
with gold. As a farewell gift to Langkonjampa Hemo Sing, he was presented
with a gold filigree shirt, one gold necklace, gold and silver (in kind); he
was escorted back on an elephant’s back, and he arrived after travelling for
three days. (He brought) all these gifts given to him to the Maharaj and
presented them to him. But the king granted the shirt and the gold necklace
to him saying that he should wear them. 18 Friday, they began to build the
Garot building. Yipungsi the Lakpa of Khwai also left to barricade Maklang.
15 Friday, the Wurungpa Institute building (2) was set alight. The month of
Kalen (April/May) began on Thursday. A comet appeared. 2 Friday, the Garot
building was inaugurated and they also began to build a shrine for Pakhangpa.
3 Saturday, the (king) took his seat on the throne in Kangla. (3). 6 Tuesday,
Thourani the Langmaithem maiden gave birth to a princess. 11 Saturday, (4)
the Sangkranti of Kalen began. 12 Sunday, Yumnapa was flogged in the
royal market place as he was found to be the match–maker trying to get
Konchengpi, the wife of Huitrom Kriti Sing, to have an affair with the son of
Thumchaolungpa Aachoipa the conscript. Konjengpi was kept in the custody
of the Tolaipapa (5). Pannanda, and Aachoipa, who was the son of the chief
of Moirang, both of them were deported to Loi to Phoukakchao. Laisupa
was also deported to Loi to Panlen. 18 Sunday, a tiger was caught in Kokchai
and it was presented (to the king). Lairikyengpa Hitang was also deported to
Loi to Wakchingkei. 23 Friday, a Hao from Sumtan who was a cattle rustler
was beheaded by the people of Konsam Leikai and the head was brought (to

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Translation 25

the king). The head was buried in Soukrapan. The month of Yinga (May/
June) began on Friday. 2 Saturday, two gosais from the family of Nityai (6)
arrived. One hundred Khongchais from the southern region also arrived.
Ningthem established a village for them in Wairi. They were also allowed to
settle in Thamnong and Snahal Lokchao. 4 Monday, there was a contest for
the Naha and Aahan (junior and senior) positions (in the family) between
Sangkoipa the Hanjapa of Aoinam Khapam Yinpa and the Hitang of the
army, between these two. The Hitang of the army was found to be in the
right. Sangkoipa the Hanchapa was found to be in the wrong and thus nine
people, including Sangkoipa and his four sons, were deported to Loi to
Chandrakhong. 7 Thursday, Meetingu Leiren Nonglen Sentrang Manikkhompa
held a durbar and gave the order that all the Pangans who were Keicha and
Loicha, Yiram and Yipan (7) should resettle in their respective areas. 12
Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Yinga began. 18 Monday, all those who were
sepoys and were old and weak were given into the care of the Sanglen Institute.
The month of Yinga (May/June) began on Saturday. 2 Sunday, Bamon Thakur
Jagatham the Sanlung Puren brought one hundred Khutingkai Haos from
the Khaki area and a new village was established for them in Takhen Chirang.
8 Sunday, the Maharaj gave orders to the Institute of Astrologers that some
of them should take lessons as they were not up to standard. 9 Monday,
Yipungsi Sangkoi Tapa and Yipungsi Aangou, both of them, were married to
maidens from the Aoinam family and Khumanthem family respectively. 12
Thursday, the king’s personal horse died. 14 Saturday, the Sangkranti of
Yingen began. 16 Monday, Kratitthaja (the horse) was selected to be the
king’s personal horse. 20 Friday, there was a race. The polo (match) also
began. 24 Monday, a tiger was caught in Taknakha. 25 Tuesday, one of the
servants (8) of Sija from Sanoucham family was found hanged. 28 Friday,
the fast barge was pulled so that it might rain. There was no rain in both the
months of Yinga and Yingen. 29 Saturday, a tiger was caught in Khapeesoi.
Konlek Hao from Khaki also arrived. A village was established for them in
Kangngamung. New moon Sunday, the (paint work) on the image of Shri
Ramchantra turned reddish by itself (9). The month of Thawan (July/August)
began on Monday. 13 Saturday, the king took his seat on the throne in Kangla.
14 Sunday, there was a dispute concerning the allocation of clearing and
cleaning of certain areas (10) between Thoutem Cha the Hitang of Eunuchs
and Thangcham Cha the senior Keirungpa. The case was decided against the
Keirungpa and he was deported to Loi to Wakchingkei. 16 Tuesday, the
Sangkranti of Thawan began. 22 Monday, a baby which had no chin and
had a string tied round the hand was born in the family of Bamon
Gurumayum. Also the dead body of a man from the family of Ningthoujam
was discovered in the area of Charangpat. 27 Friday, a tiger was also caught.
29 Sunday, the son of the chief of Moirang, Panlananda Aachoipa, and
Laisangpa, these three men were (reprieved and) summoned from their
deportation (to Loi). The month of Langpan (August/September) began on

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26 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Tuesday. 15 Saturday, the river overflowed at Khombitot. 15 Wednesday, the

mist was rising up (from the ground) like smoke and mud rained down (from
above). 17 Friday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began. On that day Khetra
Kala of Nobamayum family had a quarrel with Khana Chaopam. The case
was decided in favour of Kala Nobamayum and against Khana Chaopam.
Khana Chaopa was deported to (Loi) to Ningen. 22 Tuesday, a tiger was
caught at the confluence of the Thouban river. 23 Wednesday, six majors
were deported to Loi. 26 Saturday, all of them were summoned back from
deportation. A tiger was also caught in a ditch in Hentak and it was presented
(to the king). The month of Mera (September/October) began on Thursday.
5 Monday, Nganglonpa the Hitang of palanquin attendants was deported to
Loi to Chandrakhong as he did not handle correctly the arranged marriage of
his daughter. 7 Wednesday, two tigers were caught in Phumlou and they
were presented (to the king). 11 Sunday, the royal younger brother the Jubraj
and others left for Kheithen Manbi to hunt elephants. 14 Wednesday, they
trapped an elephant in the song enclosure. 15 Thursday, a man from Huitrom
family, who was an attendant to the Institue of Builders died as a tree (fell
and) injured him. 17 Saturday, a big elephant with tusks broke down the
song enclosure and escaped. 19 Monday, the Sangkranti of Mera began. 26
Sunday, those who went to hunt elephants returned. They caught eight
elephants and presented them (to the king). It thundered greatly but there
was no rain. 27 Monday, a tiger was caught in Kumphi and it was presented
(to the king). Another tiger was also caught in Yairipok and it was presented
(to the king). Sebita the elephant calved. But the calf died soon after it was
born. The month of Hiyangkei (October/November) began on Saturday. 4
Tuesday, a tiger was caught in Khapisoi. 5 Wednesday, they began to build a
temple for Mahadeba. It was inaugurated right away. 15 Saturday, Thourani
the Khoipam maiden gave birth to a prince. Yelangpa subidar also left for
the land of Mayang to fetch gunpowder. The Maharaj gave an order to fix
the price of salt at one hundred sen per one measure (one hundred) of salt
discs. The women traders in salt refused the new price as they found that it
was below the cost price. They did not sell any salt. The price for one measure
of salt went up to five hundred Sen. It was announced that it was too costly
and so the women salt traders were once again requested to sell salt. 20
Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began. 25 Monday, most of the
heads of the salt wells were deported to Loi and their tasks were given to the
Phamthous. Chongtham Cha Senlungpa also left for Changoupung to dig
and prepare a song enclosure to trap elephants. Thiyam Cha Senlungpa also
left for Suknu to dig and prepare another song enclosure. 28 Thursday, three
Brajabasis went back. The month of Poinu (November/December) began on
Sunday. Fish and salt were very costly. 4 Wednesday, there was a polo
tornament which was named Mera Kangchei (11). The noble and the brave
men were also present. They were fined on the grounds that they were not
able to offer service to the king. (12). 6 Saturday, Yelangpa subidar also left

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Translation 27

for Mayang to fetch gunpowder. 12 Thursday, Maisnam Cha Gourasyam the

chief of Luwang died. 14 Saturday, Thouklaucham Cha subidar and others
devastated the Chawai Haos as it was reported that it was not possible (on
account of them) to dig the song enclosure to trap elephants. 19 Thursday,
the Sangkranti of Poinu began. The Khongchais devastated the Haos in
Nunggatao. Singkam Cha the Dewan and Thouklaucham Cha subidar, these
two and others marched with 200 Sepoys to attack the Hoas and they killed
150 Haos. 20 Friday, Lairenlakpam Cha the Hajari and others left for Kameng
to dig a song enclosure to trap elephants. 22 Sunday, the royal younger
brother the Jubraj and others left to hunt elephants. 26 Thursday, the cannon
was displaced. New moon Monday, those who marched to Nukatang to repel
those who came to attack returned. The month of Wakching (December/
January) began on Tuesday. Thoukrojam Cha and Nongmaithem Cha subidars
along with others devastated the three Hao villages of Khamson, Leesan and
Song as they prevented them digging a song enclosure to trap elephants. 2
Wednesday, they returned from the elephant hunt as they did not find any. 4
Friday, the house of Yirom Cha Major caught fire. 5 Saturday, Oinam Cha
Sangkoipa the Hanjapa was summoned back from his deportation to Loi in
Chandrakhong. Ketrakhana Chaopa also was summoned back. 6 Sunday, all
the Bamons who were expelled to the rural areas were also summoned back.
After having been tried in the court they were all sent back to the villages
again as they failed to arrive at an amicable solution (13). 10 Thursday, the
Maharaj sang at the Kirtan of Thakur Kanto the Hanjapa of the Konoks. 11
Friday, the Haos who settled at Poirou caught a tiger and it was presented (to
the king). 17 Wednesday, Phoukei Sangpam Cha the Aayapuren Major and
others left to raid the Haos in order that the supply of rice and fish might
become abundant (14). 19 Friday, the Sangkranti of Wakching began. 21
Sunday, Tongbram Cha the Lakpa of the Naharup (Pana) left to repel the
Khongchais who had marched to attack. All those from Moirang to the
Samupan area were subdued and they became tribute payers. 28 Monday, all
the people from the villages of the four Leikais carried bricks to repair the
royal gate. 29 Tuesday, there was an earthquake. New moon Wednesday, a
white cloth was spread in Koubru (mountain) (15). A tiger which had eaten
an elephant was caught at Chaopok gorge and was presented (to the king).
The month of Phairen (January/February) began on Thursday. 3 Saturday,
Hotam Cha the Lakpa of the Institute of the male voice choirs died. 3 Saturday,
Yibungsi, a Jubraj whose mother was the Maharani (of Mayang) and who
was born of a man from Ningthoukhong, arrived from the land of Mayang.
He (the Mayang Jubraj) presented to the Maharaj the sacred objects which
belonged to the two ancestors Pakhangpa and Snamahi (16). 4 Sunday, a lai
manifested itself at the royal gate. The Maipa performed apeasement and
supplication rites. 5 Monday, they began to build the brick wall of the royal
gate (17). They also began to build Mongpa Sangmei (Institute) building. A
cow ran into the presence of Maharaj and let her calf suck milk (18). They

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28 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

also began to build a birth house for Thouranai the Thokchom maiden. 13
Monday, Bamon Thakur Mani, the Hanjapa who was deported to the rural
area, died. All those who attended his cremation were excommunicated by
the Maharaj (19). 14 Tuesday, one snake charmer from Mayang performed a
show in the Cheirap court (ground). 17 Friday, those who went to fight the
Kapos returned. They also began to block up Khompitot Thinglen dam. 19
Monday, the Sangkranti of Phairen began. 22 Wednesday, the son of Meetingu
Tamlen Khompa’s daughter, arrived with his mother, who was a (Meetei)
princess and also the Mayang Leima (queen of Mayang). A cloth was also
spread at Koubru. 27 Tuesday, there was a great flood. 28 Wednesday, a
thunderbolt fell at the Konthoucham family plot. New moon Friday, there
was a solar eclipse. The month of Lamta (February/March) began on Saturday.
6 Wednesday, all the sacred objects which belonged to Snamahi and
Pakhangpa which had been brought from the land of the Mayangs were
installed in their rightful places. 8 Friday, a tiger was caught when Lamthi
was on fire and it was presented (to the king). 11 Monday, Ningthem presented
a gold Ngangkoi necklace, (20) gold bracelets, a shirt made of cloth with the
khamen chatpa (21) design and Lamthang khulat cloth, (22) the full attire
(to the prince) (23). 15 Friday, there was a lunar eclipse and no one saw the
moon. 18 Monday, they began to build the great palace. 19 Tuesday, the
Sangkranti of Lamta began. Four people from Sekmai and one from Sikong,
these five people ran away to Kapo. 21 Thursday, the royal younger brother
and others left to hunt elephants. 25 Monday, they returned as they did not
find any. 26 Tuesday, the Kyamlei tree (24) which was growing in the
Thangkan (lai) sacred area fell as it was uprooted. 29 Friday, the lai made a
noise at the palace gate. The month of Sachiphu (March/April) began on
Sunday. There was a strong gale and the Nonghum building, (25) Kangla
(building), the Cheirap (court building) and Thonglen (main gate), these four,
were blown down. The Nonghum building was rebuilt right away. 2 Monday,
Konsam Cha Major and others left for Koubru to fell trees for buidings in the
Kangla complex. There was an earthquake in the night. 3 Tuesday, the great
palace was inaugurated. 5 Thursday, the royal younger brother Khunchaopa,
the Hanchapa of the elephant hands, put his servant in chains. As it was said
that it was not proper for the sons of kings to put any person in chains, the
victim was brought (before the king). 10 Monday, (26) the Mayang Leima
(queen) scattered coins in the Sna Keithen (the royal market place). 12
Tuesday, the princess who was the Mayang Leima, both mother and her son,
left. The Maharaj gave a horse, an elephant, buffaloes, cattle and many other
items without leaving out anything as a wedding gift (27). 14 Friday, the
royal younger brother the Jubraj and others left to pull down the timber
which was felled for the Kangla buildings. 16 Sunday, Nanda the servant of
Yipungsi Keipha was deported (to Loi) to Suknu as it was reported that he
had stolen cattle. 19 Wednesday was Bisu Sangkranti.

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Translation 29

1 Laithung: literally, something given by a lai (divinity); conflation of lai, divinity,

thungpa verb to hand over something as a share. Present day meaning of the term is
leprosy. But the term could also refer to any undiagnosed ailment. First time the term
is used.
2 Wurungpa Loisang: Wurungpa Institute dealt with forestry and anything
manufactured from trees or bamboos. Term used for the first time.
3 Pham Toye: scribal error for pham tongye, took his seat on the throne.
4 Discrepancy on the date.
5 Tolaipaba / Dolaipaba: police constable. Term used for the first time.
6 Nityai Bangsa: Bengali, bangsa the line or family. Nityai bangsa: if this is not a
family name it indicates the followers of Nityai, the founder of Chaitanyaite
Vaishnavism.
7 Keicha and Loicha: granary keepers and those from the Loi areas, Yiram and Yipan:
those who had their own areas and areas where their forefathers settled.
8 Sicha manai: servant of Sicha, gender not indicated.
9 Aonle: past tense of aonba to change, either by itself or deliberately. Since any new
renovation on an image is mentioned in ritual terms, here most likely the change
refers to the paint changing its colour by itself.
10 Lamsengpa: from lam land area, sengpa to clean or to clear, here the management and
upkeep of specific ground areas. Probably it was a dispute regarding task allocation
relating to the environment.
11 Mera Kangchei: a polo tournament which was to have taken place in the month of
Mera.
12 Meaning of the sentence is obscure.
13 The point of dispute is not mentioned but the disagreement was amongst the many
different groups of incoming alien Brahim residents.
14 Chak hong nga hongnapa: literally, in order to make rice and fish become less costly
and abundant. The phrase is always used in the religious festival of Lai Haroaba (the
Pleasing the Gods) where abundance of food is begged from the lais. In this case the
food supply was believed to be increased by raiding.
15 Koubru phingou phouye: Phingou means white cloth. Sometimes a white cloth is
also used to indicate a sacred area. Phouye past tense of phouba: to spread out.
Possible meanings: a) a Lai Haroaba festival on the sacred Koubru mountain. A four
sided white canopy is an essential requirement in the Lai Haraoba festival; or b) the
placing of a white cloth to mark the sacred area, or c) white clouds in the sky in the
direction of the Koubru mountain. Sometimes signs were read in the cloud formation.
The meaning of the sentence is obscure. First time this phrase is used.
16 Maputhou Pakhangpa Snamahi animaki khuphampu: literally, sacred objects
associated with ancestors Pakhangpa and Snamahi. Pakhangpa had always been
regarded as the ancestral deity of the Meetei royal house. But there is no allusion to
Snamahi being conceived as an ancestor, only as the supreme deity. With the
establishment of the Meetei supremacy in the confederacy it is likely that the supreme
God of the people began to be taken over as also a deity of the incoming Pakhangba
group. This is the first reference to Snamahi (Sanamahi) as ancestor. It is possible that
this phrase is a later scribal insertion. From the time of Chingthangkhompa (also
known as Jai Singh or Bhagyachandra) indigenous religious expressions and practices
began to be adapted to Hindu Vaisnavite practices.
17 Sahouye: began to build, for saba houye; sa short form of infinitive saba to build,
houye began. Alternatively, sahouye may be past continuous, as they were building.

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30 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Since there is no qualifying clause after sahouye, the second reading is unlikely.
There is a change in the scribal style from this point.
18 Taken as a good omen by the Meetei Hindus after the adoption of the sacred cow cult.
19 No indication if this was on caste basis or royal displeasure or internal faction between
migrant Brahmins settled in the land, but it was the beginning of the practice of
excommunication, which was the prerogative of the king. First time this practice is
mentioned.
20 Gold Ngangkoi necklace: a string of egg-shaped beads made of gold worn by both
men and women aristocrats.
21 Khamen chatpa: a cloth on which the curves of a snake, the emblem of the royal clan
is printed. The print is always in dark mauve, the colour of an egg plant and hence the
name khamenchatpa, khamen meaning egg plant, chatpa to wander, to go, referring
to the curve of the snake. Only the royal household and those to whom it was given
as a reward were permitted to wear clothes with this design.
22 Lamthang khulat (Khuthat): a very fine intricately designed silk cloth. Khuthat from
khut (hand) and hat from hatpa: to make a design by hand into the body of the woven
garment along with the borders in varied intricate patterns while weaving the cloth.
The shawl is used by ladies and a longer piece is used by men as a head dress (kokyet).
In the kokyet only the border is patterned.
23 Incomplete sentence, not clear to which of the two princes these presents were given.
24 Kyamlei: an indigenous flowering tree.
25 Nonghum sang: a building in the Kangla complex near the area where the king is
crowned. Its function is obscure.
26 Discrepancy by one day.
27 Lanwunpot: conflation of wunba, term used for a wedding gift to a daughter from her
parents, lan wealth. This is a delayed bridal gift given to a Meetei princess married
outside the country. Later Lanwunpot or Aawunpot came to be used for Hindu dowry.
Dowry was previously unknown in Manipur, though there is some evidence that
bride–price (bride wealth) may have been paid in pre–Hindu times. Traditionally,
only a Leirum, a hand woven thick shawl with distinctve design, is given as a wedding
gift. First time the term is used.

Sakabda 1771 (1849 CE)

The year of Leimapokpam Tanchou, Sakabda 1771 (1849 CE). 20 Thursday
was the Cheiraopa the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. While
Nanteipam Aakari was transporting paddy in Khoimom village, a wild boar
charged at him and wounded him and he died. Another man from the Thiyam
family also died. 21 Saturday, the foundation post for the Kangla building
arrived. 22 Sunday, Thourani the Thokchao maiden gave birth to a princess.
All the trees which were felled for the Kangla (building) were also delivered
to the front of the Utra. 26 Thursday, there was an earthquake. 28 Saturday,
two head of cattle were bitten by a tiger in the grove of Tarung Lairemma.
No one went in as it was said that it was a sacred and forbidden area for any
one to enter. The royal younger brother the Jubraj, who had gone to fell
trees for the Kangla building, also returned. One Phanchoupam maiden married
to the family of Khomdram, and who was said to be mentally disturbed, was

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Translation 31

found climbing half-way to the top of the Chingngang Khongnang pipal

tree. She was coaxed down with the ringing of handbells (1). A thunderbolt
also fell near the temple of one Ngangpam family. Takhelampam Doyanithi,
was arrested and then led by the people of Kakching to the Cheirap court
with a slave-collar round his neck, when they heard that he had taken and
used the royal sword to kill a cow and had eaten it in the village of Kakching;
he also arrived at the court. When he was asked who had planned the whole
incident, he confessed that it was all planned by Bamon Thakur Jagatham
the superintendant of cattle (Sanlung Puren). The Bamon was found guilty
and was deported (to Loi) to Wakchingkei. But Doyanithi was put in chains.
Two inhabitants of Kakching, Kapi and Sam Sing, these two were given a
flogging and then sent back to their villages. The month of Kalen (April/
May) began on Monday. After it was reported that five Khongchai Haos had
been killed on the road to Mayang, the people left to repel the attackers. 3
Wednesday, the Bamon, the superintendant of cattle, was summoned back. 4
Thursday, the father of Ningthoucham Rasikananda died when he was struck
by lightning at the foothills of Thoubantong village. 6 Saturday, two long
benches which were brought from the Haochong main village, to be placed
along the path to Kangla, also arrived. 7 Sunday, Wusam Cha the leader of
the coxswains (Hinao Hanpa) (2) died. 10 Wednesday, a bull which was
allowed to roam freely was brought from Lamangtong and it was presented
to the Maharaj. 11 Thursday, the person from Tourangpam family who was
deported to Loi was summoned to return. 15 Monday, the news of the victory
of the Phiringki (British) against the people of Lahore (3) was received. A
twenty–two gun salute was fired. 21 Sunday, the Sangkranti of Kalen began.
24 Wednesday, the elephant Wangkheirakpi gave birth to a male calf. 28
Sunday, the Khongchai Haos devastated Moirang village. The royal younger
brother the Jubraj and others left to repel them, and they captured five people
who were brought before (the king). They also captured guns. The prisoners
were recorded in Nungkoibi. (The Khongchais) also killed and took (the
heads of) two Moirangs and two guns. The month of Yinga (May/June) began
on Wednesday. 2 Thursday, the royal younger brother returned after repelling
the Khongchais. 3 Friday, the Major in charge of granary security guards,
and Thoiya subidar, these two, lost their posts for failing to reach the area
where they should have gone to repel the enemy. The Aawontar major, seven
people from the Wangkheimayum family, and two people from Lairenmayum
family were deported to Loi. 5 Saturday, they were summoned back. 8 Tuesday,
the queen planted a pipal tree in the Sna Keithen market. 12 Saturday, omens
were seen in Kuchu (in the Kangla complex). A branch of the Wuyun tree in
the Nungcheng area (in the Kangla complex) also broke (4). Another omen
was also seen in Phanton in Kangla. 13 Sunday, three hog deers ran into the
Aawangkeithen market and the Haos captured them. 14 Monday, one
Chingjagu tree was planted at Mangnao burial ground (5) to replace the
original tree which had died. 16 Thursday, a tiger was caught at the confluence

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32 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

in Thoupan and it was presented (to the king). 17 Friday, Chongtham Cha
Major and others left for Moirang to receive submission (of the people) (6).
19 Monday, the princess married into the Chingakham family died. The last
rites took place in the palace and in the Chingakham family (7). 23 Thursday,
the Sangkranti of Yinga began. The month of Yingen (June/July) began on
Thursday. 2 Friday, a tiger was caught in Wangpan and it was presented (to
the king). Tengkhan discovered (8) a big bell in the Aapong embassy ground.
The bell was presented to the Maharaj. 19 Monday, there was a landslide in
Langkon. Paddy plants were damaged on a large scale as an oily substance
came into contact with them (9). 23 Friday, a tiger was caught in Wurup and
it was presented (to the king). Menuthong bridge also broke. They also began
to build a birth house and prepare all the other essential tasks for Thourani
Aakoisu. 25 Sunday, the Sangkranti of Yingen began. The month of Thawan
(July/August) began on Friday. Omens were seen in the Sna Keithen royal
market. 12 Tuesday, when the Maharaj decided to cultivate paddy in the area
of south Tenkei, it did not take place because it was a sacred area and not
appropriate. 16 Sunday, there was an outrageous incident in the Langmaithem
(extended family). And Bhorot senlungpa, Daya Yintra subidar the husband
of a princess, Pamchoupa Thumchao Puren, and Kumut Sing, along with his
mother and his child, all of them were deported to each Loi area. Yintra
Subdar and Thumchao Puren the husband of the princess, these two, and
most of the people of the (Langmaithem) clan were pardoned and saved. 21
Friday, Huidrom Tolen the Hitang of the Eunuchs died. Nongthonpa the
courtier, who was the Hanjaba of the bridges, was flogged in the Sna Keithen
royal market as he did not use (the title) Shri, before Maharaj in his writing.
24 Sunday, while an image of Lainingthou Khoriphaba which was in
Phoiching was in the process of being cast by Pukhranpam Banop and
Likmapam Mantra, these two, they were told that the lai did not consent to it
and it was not appropriate. Both of them were stopped and only the sacred
area (of the lai) was prepared. 26 Tuesday, a man from the Pangnganpam
family caught a tiger in Lampun and it was presented (to the king). 28
Thursday, the Sangkranti of Thawan began. Three men who ran away from
felling trees for the Kangla building were (captured and) sent back by the
Haos of Changoupup and they were flogged at the Cheirap court. The month
of Langpan (August/September) began on Sunday. 2 Monday, the Maharaj
presented to his royal younger brother the Jubraj a shirt which had gold
work on it. (The Jubraj) also left to hunt elephants. 5 Thursday, the Jubraj
and all those who had gone to hunt elephants returned saying that there were
no elephants. 6 Friday, there was an outrageous incident concerning a Pamon
(Bamon) who was the cook of Shri Brinaban Chandra. 7 Saturday, the royal
younger brother the Jubraj who left to fell trees returned. 15 Sunday, there
was a lunar eclipse. 19 Thursday, Thourani Aakoisu gave birth to a princess.
A tiger was also caught in Chingpu and was presented (to the king). 24
Tuesday, three tigers were caught in Sakonmang and were presented (to the

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Translation 33

king). New moon Sunday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began. The month of
Mera (September/October) began on Monday. 7 Sunday, Yipungsi the
Jubaraj’s Thourani Laisara gave birth to a prince in the absence of the Jubraj.
8 Monday, there was an earthquake. 9 Tuesday, Menuthong bridge broke.
10 Thursday, Longchampa the Wurung Puren, (10) and others including all
the builders from the Leikais (lanes), Tengkhan (11) (gardeners to the king),
along with Aayokpa (those adopted by the king) left for Soisa Kameng to
look for elephants. 11 Friday, the royal younger brother the Jubraj and others
left for Kameng to hunt elephants. 12 Saturday, two men from the families
of Tongbram and Langmaithem were injured by an elephant. Neither of them
died. 15 Tuesday, they repaired the tunnel in the Kangla (12). When
Lairenlakpam Cha the Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers pointed out that,
the line (of the tunnel they were to dig) was not correct, Paonam Cha the
Pundit said that it was not incorrect. Yampem Cha Nongthonpa the head of
all Institutes, Konsam Cha the Lakpa of Aahanlup (Pana), and Tongbram
Cha the Lakpa of Naharup (Pana), all these noblemen of the country agreed
with what was said by the Pundit, that the intended line of digging was not
incorrect, and thus they dug the tunnel. The head of the Institute of Astrologers
told them that if they dug in that line (which they had approved) the digging
would touch the middle portion of Taoroinai (the snake symbol of ancestral
Pakhangpa of the royal clan) and omens would also follow. In the course of
digging, bleeding occurred, (13) and bones were also discovered. What was
said by the Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers, that omens would be found,
was fulfilled. The Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers said that the bones
and the stones, which were sacred and which it was strictly forbidden to
disturb, had been disturbed. At this both Paonam Cha Pundit and Yumnam
Cha Pundit agreed, and confirmed what was said was correct, and thus they
put back (what had been dug up) (14). 16 Wednesday, they began to build
Kangla (at an auspicious hour) when the star Wutar Bhatra was in the
ascendant. The royal younger brother the Jubraj also returned from his
elephant hunt as he did not find any. That night a white cloud in the shape of
a rainbow spread over the Kangla area. 20 Saturday, a snake also entered the
(Kangla) tunnel. A frog was seen riding on the snake. 28 Sunday, the royal
younger brother Debentra Singh the Jubraj left for Koubru to hunt elephants.
That night a thunderbolt fell. Tuesday new moon, many crickets jumped in
the water. The Sangkranti of Mera also began on that day. The month of
Hiyangkei (October/November) began on Wednesday. As it was reported
that the king’s personal elephant, which was let loose in Kokchai, ran wild in
the area of Heikumpokpi in Yangkangpanli, the market was disrupted. The
four Panas left to catch the king’s personal elephant. The elephant Lakhongsa
which was taken by the royal younger brother the Jubraj on his elephant
hunt, which also ran wild, reached the palace after having run away. 4
Saturday, all those who left to catch the king’s personal elephant returned. 5
Sunday, the royal younger brother the Jubraj also returned from his elephant

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34 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

hunt after catching an elephant. Also Meiyengpam Keingam in Wabagwai

found a sareng fish which had two tails had entered his bamboo fish trap.
After he had killed the fish and when it was put in his fishing basket the fish
began to speak, and it said that Keingam had desired to eat him (the fish) but
he was Yoimongpa Taothingmang (15). At this, as the man replied saying
that he who was his servant had hit the fish (16) with a stick (to kill it) as he
was unaware of the true identity of the fish; the fish had replied and assured
the fisherman that nothing would happen to him, but he had to go and give
a message to his lord the king, that the king was to appease him that he
might prosper. After having said this, the fish jumped into the water. The
man came and reported all these to the Maharaj. Bees also swarmed in through
Chiraithong door (17). 7 Tuesday, Lairenlakpam Cha the Lakpa of the Institute
of Astrologers reported to the Maharaj that once again another sign had
appeared within the Kangla (complex). He appealed (to the king) that the
foundation post for the Kangla building which had been erected ritually should
be pulled up. The king asked him what he had found after consulting his
books. The Lakpa replied and said that on the third day after the inauguration
of the building, the king and the country would be outside (the Kangla
complex). The king gave a royal order and summoned Paonam Cha the
Pundit, Yampem Cha the Nongthonpa, Konsam Cha the Lakpa of Aahanlup
(Pana), and Tongpram Cha the Lakpa of Naharup (Pana) and all the noblemen,
to assemble before the royal presence. In the presence of the king, in this
assembly, Lairenlakpa Astrologer the Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers
said directly to Paona Pundit: ‘When I said earlier that the line suggested by
you to be taken for the digging was not correct, you, Paona, denied this,
saying that the line suggested by you was not incorrect, and you thus carried
on digging (18) (the Kangla tunnel), and now all these signs have been
manifested. Bleeding has taken place, and if you (Paona) were ignorant,
then it was necessary for you to consult those in the country who were more
knowledgable.’ At this, the Nongthonpa intervened saying to the Lakpa of
the Institute of Astrologers that to say such a thing was not the custom in the
presence of the king. The Maharaj gave word that the case should be taken
to the Cheirap court (19) for a trial. The Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers
pleaded in the presence of the royal younger brother the Jubraj, two ministers,
and all the noblemen of the country (the members of the Cheirap court) that
what he, the royal servant, had said was simply a report that the king and all
the country would be ruined. If the finding turned out to be wrong then he,
the royal servant, should be punished with death. As the Cheirap court could
not come to any verdict, the two Pundits were summoned to be brought in
the presence of the king with their books that the case might be heard. The
Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers was asked to find out according to his
records the number of khutups (20) to the thengku (hump) (21) in the layout
of the tunnel, beyond which the hump would be encroached upon. The reply
was that it covered a distance of nine khutups, beyond which the forbidden

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Translation 35

area belonging to your Ancestor Pakhangpa would be encroached upon’.

When the Pundit was asked the same question the reply was that after a
distance of seven lams (22) the hump would be encroached upon. The Maharaj
then asked the whole country concerning of the number of lams on which
the hump (or the sacred area of Pakhangpa) was found in the time of Ningthen
Mayang Ngampa (23). The whole country agreed that what the Pundit had
said was correct. Then, as the royal verdict the king asked the Lakpa of the
Institute of Astrologers if he had said that the distance to the hump was three
lams. Then he was once again asked if he had opened up the stones and dug
for a depth of seven lams. To this the Lakpa of the Institute of Astrogers
replied: ‘(Yes), your highness’ (24). At this the king said: ‘You are in the
wrong, there is no stone at a depth of seven lams, if the correct depth is
seven lams.’ At this, when the Lakpa of Astrologers said that he, the king’s
royal servant, was in the wrong. Then the Maharaj said to the Pundit: ‘If
good results follow it will be upon him, or if death results, it will be upon
him.’ The Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers was found to be in the wrong
and was taken out of the court and handed over to the king’s guards and was
imprisoned. When the country requested the king to pass a severe punishment,
the Maharaj forbade it on the ground that what the Lakpa had said was not
for his own sake but for the welfare of the king and the whole country. His
record was correct. But he (the king) declared him to be in the wrong as it
would be too much work for the country to pull out all the big wooden posts
and bamboo posts which had been erected for the Kangla building. Thus the
king forbade any form of punishment on the Lakpa of the Institute of
Astrologers. 14 Tuesday, Laisram Cha the Pana Hajari died. 16 Thursday,
the royal younger brother the Jubraj and others left for the foothills of
Nongphou in the Koubru mountain range, to hunt elephants. 17 Friday, the
elephant Meirapa which had escaped was captured in Sekta and it was
presented (to the king). An elephant which had not yet grown tusks also ran
wild in the stable and attacked the groom, who was from Keithenlakpam
family. He did not die. 21 Tuesday, Thourani the Ngangpam maiden died.
As she had taken the vek (25) the house (where she died) was not declared
ritually unclean (26). 27 Sunday, the royal younger brother Debentra Sing
the Jubraj and others joined hands and encircled an elephant which had
tusks and caught it at the Nongphou foothills. As they dragged it out, a
sepoy from Aathokpam family died as the elephant attacked him. The month
of Poinu (November/December) began on Thursday. On that day the
Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began. 2 Friday, the royal younger brother the Jubraj
returned from the elephant hunt. An elephant with tusks was caught and it
was presented (to the king). 13 Wednesday, all the noble and the brave men,
including the Lakpas of Institutes and State Granaries, were given elephant
rides and the Institute of Elephants was in charge of it. In Banram village
also one female Khongjai Hao was found to have been killed. 18 Sunday, in
a fight between a tiger and a wild boar in south Sekmai, the wild boar killed

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36 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

the tiger. The tiger was brought up and it was presented (to the king). 24
Saturday, Longchampa the Wurung Puren and others reported to Maharaj
that as he was roofing the Kangla building the house shook by itself. The
month of Poinu (27) (November/December) began on Saturday. The
Sangkranti of Poinu also began on that day. The royal younger brother the
Jubraj, most of the sons of the house of Ningthem (28), and many noble
men of the country had a polo match. The sons of the house of Ningthem
won the match. The noblemen hosted a meal as a forfeit. 3 Monday, there
was another polo match. The Phiringki along with twenty sepoys also went
to Chaikoi stockade to clear the overgrowth. 5 Wednesday, when the buffaloes
belonging to Kapo Tingkri which had been stolen were found in Yichai after
a search, five Haos were killed and they were brought (to the king). The
right tusk of the elephant Mukunda Banhop was seen as bright as a flaming
torch in the night. 7 Saturday, the Laipham (Pana) and Ningthem’s party had
a polo match. 8 Sunday, there was a hockey match (29) between the Aayokpa
and Aakhanpa (30). Aayokpa won the match. 14 Friday, the royal younger
brother the Jubraj and others had a polo match against the Khapham (Pana).
Ningthemmacha (sons of the house of Ningthem) won the match. Those
who lost the match paid in quilts as a forfeit. 16 Sunday, there was a polo
match between Ningthemmacha and the Aahanlup (Pana). Ningthemmacha
won the match. Those who lost the match paid in quilts as a forfeit. 17
Monday, the Maharani provided some refreshment with singju (31) to all
those who had laboured hard and became exhausted in constructing the Kangla
building. 18 Tuesday, a tiger was caught in Sinam village and it was presented
(to the king). 19 Wednesday, another tiger was also caught in Kiyam in
Thoupan and it was presented (to the king). 20 Thursday, Kangla Yaipung
(32) arrived. 21 Friday, Yumnam Cha the Hanjapa of target shooting was
deported to Loi. 23 Sunday, two buffalos, which belonged to the granary
hands of Louku and which had been stolen by the Haos, were recovered in
Andro. The Haos were arrested and were brought (before the king). Also the
son of Uchiwa Beisnab was deported to Loi to Thumloi as he was found to
have stolen a buffalo which belonged to the sepoys in Wutlou. 24 Monday,
the Phiringki who led (a party) to clear the area of Chaikoi returned but the
sepoys stayed behind. 25 Tuesday, news arrived that the Khongchai Haos
had marched to attack the land. Yirom Cha Major and Komsam Cha Major,
these two along with others and 600 sepoys, marched to battle to the area of
Moirang. 28 Friday, three Maiba Institutes offered appeasement to (the lai
in) the Kangla complex. 29 Saturday, news was received that the Khongchais
had devastated the Mukti Haos. It was also reported that they were not many
in number. Chongtham Cha Major along with others left with 200 sepoys to
confront them. New moon Sunday, the first day of the month, the Keirungpa
of Thingkom, the Keirungpa of Moirang, two Keirungpas from Leimanai
and also the Phourungpa, all of them were deported to Loi as they were
found incompetent in their work of supplying rice to the Phiringkis. The

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Translation 37

Sangkranti of Wakching also began on that day. The month of Wakching

(December/January) began on Monday. Most of the pigeons which were kept
by the banks of Nongcheng (pool) (33) flew away. 2 Tuesday, it was reported
that twenty people had been surrounded by the Phiringki in the Chaikoi
stockade. The Phiringki also left for Mayang. They also began to build the
Utra building. The elephant Mukunta Panhop Luwangpa, which was caught
at the Nongphu foothills of the Koubru mountain range by the royal younger
brother the Jubraj and others, after encircling it by joining hands, was chosen
to be the king’s personal elephant. 5 Friday, Kangla (building) was
inaugurated. 6 Saturday, Yirom Cha Major and Chungkham Cha Major, these
two who had marched to battle, returned. 7 Sunday, Konsam Cha Major
returned. 12 Friday, the Maipa went down to Kongpa and Takyen, to these
two places and appeased (the lai) by offering the konyai (34) so that the
waters might be replenished. 19 Thursday, a tiger was caught in Yumnam
Khunou and it was presented (to the king). 20 Friday, there was a polo match
between Ningthemmacha and the Naharup Pana. The Naharup (Pana) won
the match. The Phiringki who left for Mayang also returned. 25 Wednesday,
a message arrived that Yipungsi Menleikhompa, Yipungsi Jipa, and Yipungsi
Aakoicham Tapa, these three and others, had come from Mayang to contest
the throne. The royal younger brother the Jubraj and others including Loitam
Cha Major, Yirom Cha Major, and Konsam Cha Major, these four set out for
Maklang. Five gunshots were fired to summon and alert the people. The
whole country assembled. 28 Sunday, Satpam Khema Sing was chained as
he was found bringing in the son of Yipungsi Pheirapa from Mayang disguised
as a son of a Bamon. The Keirungpa of Moirang and the Keirungpa of
Thingngom, both were summoned back from deportation. 29 Monday the
Sangkranti of Phairen began. On that day nine cannons were taken out and
placed in the Kangla (complex) to defend and protect the Maharaj. The month
of Phairen (January/February) began on Wednesday. On the night following
that very day a man of the Thangcham family, who was serving at the Top
(35) court and who was a guard of the elephant house, died as he was throttled
by a lai (36). 3 Friday, a man of Haobicham family had a heart attack by
Leirengpham pool but he did not die. A man from the Yenkhom family, who
was apprentice water-carier for a Hindu temple, was drowned while he was
bathing at the river bank by the Kyang embassy ground. 4 Saturday, a man
from Pheiroicham family was in a critical condition as he was beaten by the
lai while relieving himself in the opening of the Kangla tunnel, but he did
not die. The daughter of Yipungsi the Jubraj who was married to Laisom
family, also died in childbirth due to a haemorrhage caused by placenta
retention. 5 Sunday, both the sons of Thourani Aachoibi and the Thokchom
maiden took the sacred thread. As the Maharaj moved the troops from the
Kangla complex, the nine cannons also were moved to the front of the Utra
building. In the night following that same day, Aasem Cha a sepoy was also
grabbed by the arm and thrown down by the lai but he did not die. 6 Monday,

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38 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Yipemma Leimakhubi the Haobam maiden began her vocation. Loitam Cha
Major and Ningthoukhongcham Cha Poilya, these two and others, climbed a
mountain. Yirom Cha Major and Phoukeisangpam Cha Major, these two also
marched as far in as Sencham Khunou. 7 Tuesday, a meteorite was observed
just before dawn. 9 Thursday, the royal younger brother the Jubraj moved
the army camp to Khorikhun. 11 Friday, Loitam Cha Major fought on the
peak of Laimaton mountain in the village of Langga Hao. They took the
head of a man and presented it (to the king). Yipungsi Keipha also had a
heart attack in Langkhong but he did not die. Both (the army camps in)
Lakkhong and Lakton were also dismantled. There was an earthquake that
night. 13 Sunday, Punsi from the Sanlam family along with a man from the
Aangom family, who were from Yipungsi Menleikhomp’s group, were captured
and brought to the king. 15 Tuesday, six Pangans from the paddy fields of
Langkon and four Meeteis from Maklang were captured and they were
brought (before the king). 16 Wednesday, Yipungsi Jipati fled to the direction
of Woksuram. He was pursued by men armed with guns. As for Yenkhoipa,
he was killed in Haotan. 18 Friday, Yipungsi Menleikhompa and others,
altogether three men, were captured in Langpok and they were brought (before
the king). Yipungsi Menleikhompa died in the waters in Mongsangkei (37).
Yipungsi Aakoicham Tapa was pursued by men armed with guns in Phumlou.
They captured him along with seventeen men who were brought (before the
king). 20 Sunday, there was an earthquake. 22 Tuesday, a tiger was caught
in Aandro. 23 Wednesday, two men were captured at Konthoucham Lairema.
Altogether six men were captured. 29 Tuesday, Maisna Hajari’s son who was
the husband of a princess, Thokchom Cha Brajabasi, and Maisnam Cha,
these three were deported to Loi. But most of the members of their extended
families were pardoned. New moon Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Lamta
began. The month of Lamta (February/March) began on Thursday. 2 Friday,
the royal son Bhubon Sing the Lakpa of Wangkhei caught a tiger in Tangkham.
4 Sunday, the stone which was at Kuchu and which in the reign of Ningthem
Lourung Puren (38) … (39) by Pukhranpam Cha Pundit, was restored to its
original place, after Paonam Cha the Pundit had said that it was the stone
(seat) in the Kuchu (court) (40). 6 Tuesday, they performed an open air
kirtan. A star passed behind the moon. There was a cholera epidemic. Many
people died. 20 Monday, Baji Kunjatas died. 21 Wednesday, Paonam Cha
Pundit died. 22 Thursday, the Maharaj felt unwell. 25 Sunday, the royal son
Bhuban Sing the Lakpa of Wangkhei also fled to the land of the Mayangs.
28 Wednesday, Meetingu Leiren Nonglen Sentreng Manikkhompa ascended
to heaven three pung hours before daybreak yuthak. He reigned on the throne
for six years and was fifty–five years of age. He was given the last rites at
Manglen, the main graveyard.

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Translation 39

1 Sarik yaona: literally with the hand bell. Hand bells are used by Maibis, the religious
functionaries, in religious rites of the lai. Possession by a lai (lai’s spirit) was also
regarded as being mentally troubled. Spirit possession is the first sign of a person
being called to be a maibi.
2 Hinao hanpa: hinao: coxswain of boats, hanpa: leader or senior. Term used for the
first time.
3 The annexation of the Punjab after the defeat of the Sikhs in March 1849.
4 Wuyung: an indigenous flowering tree associated with the Luwang yek. Nungcheng
is also regarded as a sacred area.
5 Mungnaota ta: at Mungano, second ta scribal dittography.
6 Moirangta Loitongye: the phrase loi tongba normally indicates submission. But
since Moirang had already been established as part of Manipur this step was
presumably to foil any possible attempt on the part of Moirangs to break away, as it
did during the seven years’ devastation by the Aawaas. Moirangta: ta, post–position,
loitongye, past tense of verb loitongba to subjugate.
7 Konungta chingakhamta potloiye: last rites took place in the palace and in the
Chingkham family. If the body was cremated, since only one actual cremation of the
body could take place, the second was presumably a ritual connected with the disposal
of the frontal bone.
8 Khangye: knew, for phangye found; scribal error.
9 Marek taduna phou yamna sokye: literally, as Marek fell many paddy plants were
damaged. Marek: term used for oil on the surface of the water.
10 Wurung Puren: Head of Forestry, minister of forestry. First time the term is used.
11 Tengkhan, those who were in the service of the king as cultivators and gardeners.
12 This tunnel in the Kangla complex is regarded as sacred and every legitimate Meetei
king is enthroned at the mouth of this tunnel. A king not enthroned at this place is not
regarded as the rightful king. This spot has been and still is protected as sacred even
during the occupation of the Kangla by the British after 1891 and by Indian forces
after 1949.
13 Yi thokye: literally, it bled, meaning obscure.
14 It is very likely that this was an ancestral burial chamber.
15 Yoimongpa Taothingmang: Taothingmang was the first Meetei king to be crowned.
But Yoimongpa and Taothingmang were also the names of two brothers born to
Khuyoi Tompok; not clear if the terms refer to one name or two. Tradition connects
these two brothers to the dredging of many canals and rivers.
16 Sareng fish became a substitute for animal blood sacrifice; sa ren chanba, meaning
offering of the best beast; not clear if the recording of the whole scene was a simple
superstition or an attempt to bring back traditional religious rites.
17 Chiraithong: a door in the Kangla building. Thong could also mean a bridge.
Traditionally when bees make a nest under the eves of a house or in gardens in a
housing area it is regarded as a bad omen.
18 Digging the Kangla tunnel: according to an enlarged sketch of the Kangla complex,
taken from an old copy dating from pre–Garibniwaz’s time, the tunnel is situated
straight from north to south and is in the middle of the Kangla complex; it has a bulge
(hump) probably representing the curve of a snake.
19 Cheirap: scribal dittography.
20 Khutup: measurement from elbow to the tip of the middle finger of an adult.
21 Thengku sokpa: literally, to touch the thengku. The term thengku means either a
hump, as of a tortoise, or the head of a wooden mallet (from which name for the

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40 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

wooden mallet is also derived). Here it refers to the bulge of the coil of the snake
which is depicted in the diagram of the tunnel.
22 Lam: the ratio of one khudup to the lam of the same person is 75/3: 76 inches
approximately.
23 Chit Sai who reigned from Sakabda 1670–1673 (1748–1751CE).
24 Aeigya: for Bengali aagya, meaning your command, your highness, or sir. A corrupt
form aeiga is still used amongst the ultra–conservative Meeteis, even within the
family, by the younger members to their elders. Term used for the first time.
25 Vek louba: Vek: Bengali term referring to the Vaishnava ascetic garment. According
to Manipuri Vaishnavism either male or female can become ascetic and continue to
live in the family house but follow a strict vegetarian diet, beg from house to house,
cook for himself or herself, and become completely detatched from any kind of
personal responsibility from his or her family. But for a person on the verge of death
or actually dying, vek could be imposed by the family with or without the prior
consent of the person concerned. This simplifies the complicated and expensive
Hindu shradha ceremony which has to be carried out by the family. First time the
term is used.
26 Mangte: not ritually unclean. Mangpa: noun meaning excrement, an object which is
ritually unclean; verb, to perform ablutions. Amongst the Hindu Meeteis if a person
dies in the house it is regarded as ritually unclean and must be pulled down. First
time the term is used in relation to a dead person.
27 Poinu: probably an intercalary month.
28 Ningthem Macha: literally, children of Ningthem or king. It refers to males only as
women did not play polo at this period. It could also include children whose fathers
are the descendants of the kings’ sons. Another name used as a surname is Ningthem–
Mayum, or house or family of Ningthem, which includes both male and female.
29 Khong Kangchei: literally, polo on foot, hockey.
30 Aakhanba: those who were followers or associated with individuals such as princes,
nobles, teachers, singers or officials.
31 Singju; an indigenous savoury salad dish made with various raw vegetables and
edible leaves of trees grown locally, cut up very small and tossed lightly with either
a paste made with fermented small fish, chillies, salt and garnished with ground fish
dried over the fire, or with roasted dry sesame and chick–pea flour, and spices with
very hot chilli powder and salt. This dish is still cherished as a delicate snack by most
Manipuris, taken with yu, local rice beer, or tea. Sometimes it is also incorporated
into the main meal. Singju is also one of the items offered to the lais in the Manipuri
rite of passage and the Meetei Lai Harouba ceremony. Term used for the first time but
the tradition and dish predates this period.
32 Kangla Yipung: literally, centre of Kangla; meaning is obscure.
33 Nungcheng: an area in the Kangla complex which is regarded as the sacred site of
Pakhangpa. The pool is in the north western location.
34 Konyai: gold and silver pieces offered in the water to a lai.
35 Jtop for Top: scribal error.
36 Laina lakhattuna siye: he died as he was throttled by a lai. When the subject of a
suspicious act is not known, the lai is often credited with such actions.
37 Died in the waters: attempts on the throne were usually punished by drowning. The
person was usually put in a sack which was weighted.
38 Ningthem Lourungpuren: term Ningthem is a designation for king and was first used
in Sakabda 1476 (1554 CE.) But Lourungpuren does not appear in the list of kings.

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Translation 41

Possibly an alternative name of one of the kings, who while still a prince held the
post of Lourungpuren.
39 The verb is missing and the sentence incomplete; scribal error. Din. Ms. has the same
reading as P.Ms.
40 Kuchuki nungne: literally, stone which belonged to Kuchu, stone seat in the Kuchu:
Kuchu is the shortened name of Kuchu Wayensang, the ancient Kuchu Court of
Administration. The stone refers to the judgement seat in the court.

MEETINGU DEVENDRA SINGH

SAKABDA 1771–1772 (1849–1850 CE)

[The year of Leimapokpam Tanchou, Sakabda 1771 (1850 CE )]. 28

Wednesday, Lamta (February/March), the royal younger brother Debendra
the Jubraj became king at the age of forty–seven years. (1). The royal son
Sangkor Sing became the Jubraj. The eldest Thourani Aapanpi the
Wahengpam maiden also died. She was given the last rites in the Mangnao
graveyard. 29 Thursday was the Cheiraopa, the new year’s day in the month
of Sachiphu. That day was also the Bisu Sangkranti.

1 Scribal marking at the bottom of the Ms. Page, Debendra Singh became king.

Sakabda 1772 (1850 CE)

The year of Puyachupa Sing, Sakabda 1772 (1850 CE). Friday new moon
was the Cheiraopa the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. Sachiphu
was an intercalary month and Saturday was the first day of the lunar month
of Sachiphu (March/April). The hourly announcement of time by the beating
of pung drum was ordered to be stopped (by the king). Bamon Panhabi also
died of cholera. 2 Sunday, Yenkhom Cha Dewan, the Hanjapa of the
drummers who kept the time, also died. 5 Wednesday, the princess whose
mother was Thourani Wakambi also died. 11 Monday, (1) a star passed behind
the moon. 12 Tuesday, Langmaithem Cha Thumjao Puren who was married
to a princess died. Loukrapam Cha Tewan (Dewan) also died. 15 Friday,
Yiroipa Major also died. 17 Sunday, Loitam Cha Major, Wahengpam Cha
Major and Loktonpam Cha Major, these three gave up their posts. Ngangom
Cha Subidar, Chingchupam Cha Subidar and Lisam Cha Subidar, these three
along with Anilongpa were deported to many Loi areas. But Nongmaithem
summoned them back from Loi, including all those who had been deported
to Loi in the reign of the previous king. 26 Wednesday, both Thingpaicham
Cha Hajari and Sija Tampak Leima, these two died. The cholera epidemic
lasted for four months. Many people died. 28 Friday, one civet cat (2) was
caught in the temple of Shri Govinda. Many vultures (3) gathered in the polo
ground. The month of Kalen (April/May) began on Sunday. On that day
Luke, a commoner of the land, (4) reported to the king that Yipungsi

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PART ONE
THE CHEITHARON KUMPAPA
THE COURT CHRONICLE OF THE
MEETEI KINGS OF MANIPUR
(KANGLEIPAK): ENGLISH
TRANSLATION VOL. 3

MEETINGU NARA SINGH

SAKBADA 17657–1771 (1843–1849 CE)

Sakabda 1766 (1844 CE)

The year of Longchamba Patra Sing, Sakabda 1766 (1844 CE). 25 Friday
was the Cheiraopa, new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. The month of

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2 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Sachiphu (March/April) began on Thursday. They began to build the great

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Translation 3

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4 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 5

9 Monday, Yibungsi the Jubraj went to hunt at Wairikonchin. A tiger and

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6 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 7

Sakabda 1767 (1845 CE)

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8 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 9

the chief of Moirang, as it was said that it belonged to a former chief of

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10 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 11

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12 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Sakabda 1768 (1846 CE)

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Translation 13

a woman from the household of Ningthem, was found hanged at Nungkoipi.

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14 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 15

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16 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

1 Kangla yaipung tingpa houye. Kangla yaipung: Various possible renderings:

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Translation 17

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18 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Sakabda 1769 (1847 CE)

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Translation 19

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20 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 21

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22 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 23

month of Sachiphu (March/April) began on Tuesday. 3 Thursday, an inhabitant

of Braja arrived. 8 Tuesday was Bisu Sangkranti.

1 Leipak animaki langtai paihantuna. Laipak animakki: of two countries, langtai

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24 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Sakabda 1770 (1848 CE)

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Translation 25

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26 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Tuesday. 15 Saturday, the river overflowed at Khombitot. 15 Wednesday, the

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Translation 27

for Mayang to fetch gunpowder. 12 Thursday, Maisnam Cha Gourasyam the

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28 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 29

1 Laithung: literally, something given by a lai (divinity); conflation of lai, divinity,

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30 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Sakabda 1771 (1849 CE)

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Translation 31

found climbing half-way to the top of the Chingngang Khongnang pipal

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32 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 33

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34 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

hunt after catching an elephant. Also Meiyengpam Keingam in Wabagwai

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Translation 35

area belonging to your Ancestor Pakhangpa would be encroached upon’.

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36 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 37

Sangkranti of Wakching also began on that day. The month of Wakching

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38 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 39

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40 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

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Translation 41

MEETINGU DEVENDRA SINGH

SAKABDA 1771–1772 (1849–1850 CE)

[The year of Leimapokpam Tanchou, Sakabda 1771 (1850 CE )]. 28

1 Scribal marking at the bottom of the Ms. Page, Debendra Singh became king.

Sakabda 1772 (1850 CE)

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Translation 41

MEETINGU DEVENDRA SINGH

SAKABDA 1771–1772 (1849–1850 CE)

[The year of Leimapokpam Tanchou, Sakabda 1771 (1850 CE )]. 28

1 Scribal marking at the bottom of the Ms. Page, Debendra Singh became king.

Sakabda 1772 (1850 CE)

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42 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Khunjaopa wanted to be the king and when it was investigated it was found
that Thoukrao had given the message. It was found to be untrue. So Thoukrao
was punished for spreading lies. 2 Monday, the Sangkranti of Kalen began.
7 Saturday, Maharaj also forbade the gathering together of all the pibas (male
heads of families) of an extended clan. It was also announced by the crier
(riding) on the back of the elephant that for every paddy field two measures
of paddy (5) were to be returned (to the state) by the farmer. 8 Sunday, as it
was reported that the Haos of Thonlong had killed some Makhui army cadets,
Phoukeisangbam Cha Major left to attack Thonlang. 9 Monday, the king
made his royal wish known to Thakur Konok Hanjapa, and Lairenlakpa the
Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers, to these two to consult their almanac
and appoint a pundit for the welfare of the king and the whole country.
Pebam Cha was appointed the pundit as he was found to be the favoured
one after consulting the almanac. 12 Thursday, Yipungsicha Sangkoitapa,
Loitam Cha Major, Laisram Cha Major and Ningthoucham Cha Poila, these
four people and about twenty others fled to the land of Mayang. 13 Friday,
they began to build a birthhouse for the queen. 15 Sunday, Phoukheisangbam
Cha Major returned after attacking the Thonlang Haos. He captured a prisoner
and two cows. 17 Tuesday, as a woman married to Chongtham family was
seized and had her breast fondled in the market place by a Hao who was a
servant in the family of Laisram, he was punished. 27 Friday, the royal birth
house was inaugurated and Aangoupanpa Loklenpa also ascended the throne
(of Aangom). The month of Yinga (May/June) began on Tuesday. 2
Wednesday, when the star Purnapusu was in the ascendant, at five pung
hour after day break yuthak, Meetingu Manik Nunglen Khompa and Meetei
Reima Tamlen Khombi the Thiyam maiden were crowned. They ascended
the throne at noon. 5 Friday, the Sangkranti of Yinga also began. 6 Saturday,
five gun shots were fired to summon and alert the people as it was reported
that Ningthem (Chandra Kriti) had arrived from Mayang. The whole country
assembled. 7 Sunday, the personal elephant of the king which had been
selected, died. 8 Monday, the prince who was the Jubraj left for Keinou. The
prince who was the Senapati set out for Samupal and Phoukeishangpam Cha
Major set out for Maklang. 12 Friday, many frogs jumped in the Kangla. 19
Friday, Wangkheirakpam Cha Major set out for Keinou. 23 Wednesday, there
was fighting on the top of the mountain at Samupan. Konsam Cha Major
died. 24 Thursday, the Maharaj set out from the royal palace. He halted at
Kangla. 27 Saturday, the royal prince the Jubraj and others fought in Aatom
village by the bank of Waisen but they were defeated. Langthapan palace
was occupied. 19 (6) Monday, Phoukoupa rite (7) was performed to appease
ancestor Pakhangpa. New moon Tuesday, Ningthouchampa Jamadar and
Nandeipa were attacked by a lai at Kuchu but they did not die. The month
of Yigen (June/July) began on Wednesday. There was fighting for three nights.
After having lost the battle, Meetingu Manik Nunglen Khompa fled to
Mayang. He reigned for three months on the throne. He had 96 wives.

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Translation 43

1 Discrepancy by one day.

2 Leirangsathibi scribal error for moirangsathibi, civet cat.
3 Langtya: scribal error for langja, vulture.
4 Luke Lammapa: a person belonging to the land, a commoner; Luke, accent on the last
e, which is pronounced.
5 Phoupot = approximately 60 kg. In the past, paddy which was harvested and kept in
granaries belonged to the land. Normally it was distributed to the public, but at times
of famine additional distribution was also made by the king, especially to the old
and vulnerable. A levy on paddy was probably, system of taxation.
6 Scribal error for 29.
7 Phougoupa rite: worship of Pakhangpa for the forgiveness of those who had stolen
paddy from the field. In fact this rite is normally associated with the worship of the
Phouoibi Lairembi (the lai for paddy/rice) and why it is performed here to Pakhangpa
is unclear unless this was an effort to receive blessings from Pakhangpa the royal
ancestral deity by the new king.

MEETINGU JAIMAN CHANDRA KIRTI SINGH

SAKABDA 1772–1808 (1850–1886 CE)

[The year of Puyachupa Sing, Sakabda 1772 (1850 CE).] (1) The Month of
Yingen (June/July) began on Wednesday. 3 Friday, just before day break
(Chandra Kriti) occupied the palace. While the star Aaslesa was in the
ascendant Meetingu Jaiman Chandrakirti Singh became king at the age of
nineteen years. The royal palace, the mantop and many other buildings were
burnt. But two great palaces in the Kangla complex were not burnt. 4 Saturday,
the royal son of Nongpok Wairang Pamheipa died. 5 Sunday, a star entered
(went behind) the moon. 6 Monday, the Sangkranti of Yingen began. 9
Wednesday, Surja of Moirang was appointed the chief of Moirang. 11 Friday,
(the building in) Kangla was dismantled. 13 Monday, a monkey entered in
Kangla. 15 Wednesday, in the night Yipungsi Aangou the Senapati, along
with others including all his brothers and cousins (2) whom he had gathered
together, entered into the palace trying to claim the throne and there was
shooting all night at Chiraithong gate. But they were not successful and at
four pung hours before the day–break yuthak they fled to Mayang, including
Yipungsi the Jubraj. Bamon Gobinat was hit by a bullet and he died. Seven
other men also were hit by bullets but they did not die. As the morning light
was beginning to break through, Langkoncham Chaba and Nahakpam Cha
Chal Sing, these two had a fierce combat in the southern area of the market
and killed each other. 21 Tuesday, Leitam Cha Major died. 22 Wednesday,
Wahengpam Cha Major Thoukraucham Cha the Lakpa of Khapham (Pana),
Potsangpam the Hanchapa, and Krishnachandra, these three were deported
to Loi to Kakching. The month of Thawan (July/August) began on Thursday.
2 Friday, they began to build the royal palace. They also performed an
appeasement rite for the land in the Kangla complex. 5 Monday, they offered
yu (rice beer) to Pakhangpa in the great palace. 9 Friday, the Sangkranti of

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Translation 43

1 Discrepancy by one day.

MEETINGU JAIMAN CHANDRA KIRTI SINGH

SAKABDA 1772–1808 (1850–1886 CE)

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44 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Thawan began. 10 Saturday, Chongtham Cha hajari left for Mayang to meet
the queen mother. The Menuthong bridge also broke. There was also a
landslide at Nongmaiching mountain. 12 Monday, a tiger was caught in
Kairang homestead. 18 Monday, (3) a tiger was caught in Poirou Kongchin.
Yibungsi Bitambar Sing also arrived from Mayang. 20 Wednesday, the stone
which had been brought in from the market place earlier was erected by the
river bank in front of lai Nongsaba. As it was said that it was a forbidden
thing to take away any (discarded) tree trunk or bamboo from the Kangla
(complex), they were burnt in a ritual fire. The looking-glass which was by
the throne (4) was placed on the large fast barge. 24 Saturday, (5) Chingakham
Cha the royal brother–in–law the Senlungpa, left to fetch water from Suknu
(for ritual purposes). 27 Tuesday, Yipungsi Maipak, along with some people
from the land of Mayang, fled. Chongtham Cha Major, Soipam Cha Major,
Laisram Cha Major, and Bamon Jagatham the Sanlung Puren, these four and
many others were put in iron chains. Those who left to fetch (the ritual)
water also arrived. 29 Thursday, they began to make the palanquin for the
Maharaj. The month of Langpan (August/September) began on Saturday.
The Lakpa of Khapham (Pana), Wahengpa, and Potsangpa Hanchapas, these
three were summoned from the Loi. 5 Tuesday, they began to build the mantop
for Shri Govinda. 10 Monday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began. 14 Friday,
the sword was sharpened at the flat stone of Nongsapa (6). A piece of brick
was also thrown by the lai into the Lakkhong canal. 15 Saturday, Wahengpam
Cha subidar and an advance party (7) of twenty men left to meet the queen
mother. 18 Tuesday, while the Maharaj was inspecting an elephant which
had not yet grown its tusks in front of the Utra building, one Mayang elephant
attendant was killed (by the elephant). A civet cat was caught in the temple
of Shri Govinda. 21 Friday, a monk who did not eat rice arrived. One Pangan
mendicant (8) also arrived. He was allowed to stay in Aawang Keithen in
Kangpokpi. 24 Monday, there was an earthquake after midnight. Thakur
Gurunantan Paneshwar and Thakur Tamra, these two, were refused entry
into the country. 28 Thursday, Yipungsi Gopan Sing the Lakpa of Khurai
died in Mayang. 29 Friday, they began to make the royal clothes. The month
of Mera (September/October) began on Sunday. A play staged on the river
was performed (9). They also played the big pung drum which belonged to
the Aahanlup (Pana). 4 Wednesday, (10) a tiger was caught in Sekmaichin
and was presented (to the king). 5 Thursday, a person from one of the
Yenkokpam families was taken to the Cheirap Court and flogged for having
performed an abortion. 11 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Mera began. All
the Bamon cooks attached to Shri Govinda were replaced. 12 Thursday,
Thourani the Aoinam maiden, and her royal sister–in–law, married to the
Chingakham family, both of them returned from Mayang. Sen (coins) were
scattered in the Sna Keithen (the royal market). 15 Monday, five gun shots
were fired to summon and alert the people as it was reported that Ningthem
Manik Nunglen (11) Khompa had come from Mayang. 16 Tuesday,

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Translation 45

Kangngapa Thangkan hachari (hajari), and others including Aarongpa and

Aakhanpa, these two, left to repel them. 17 Wednesday, there was an
earthquake. Yampem Cha the Nongthonpa and all the noble and brave men
were deported to all the Loi areas. 18 Thursday, Aangom Cha the Lakpa of
the Institute of Astrologers arrived from Mayang. Aarupam Cha subidar and
others proceeded for Lammangtong with fifty sepoys. Nongmaithem Cha
subidar and others proceeded for Maklang with fifty sepoys. 23 Monday,
there was thundering (12) at Thangching and Kouparu, (the abode of) these
two lais. There was a great flood. Both Sansenthong and Keisamthong bridges
broke. The people of all the four Leikais did not attend the market. Both the
areas of Khurai and Wangkhei were under water. Paddy was very scarce that
year. Wild ducks ate rice plants. Fish and salt were very expensive. The price
of one measure of salt reached five sen. 24 Tuesday, Sakonsenpa Major
along with others left with 150 sepoys. 27 Friday, a meteorite was observed.
The month of Hiyangkei (October/November) began Tuesday. 2 Wednesday,
the Kangla building was inaugurated. The throne was also brought into the
building. The king’s principal pung drum also produced a sound by itself
(13). 3 Thursday, Kerani Kaptan (Captain) arrived. 4 Friday, at five pung
hours of the dusk yuthak, they began to build the royal palace for Ningthem.
An appeasement was also performed as it was reported that the highest of
the peaks in Thanga hill had suffered a landslide. 7 Monday, there was a
very heavy rainfall. The sun could not be seen for two whole days. There
was a famine. 9 Wednesday, the image of Shri Brindabon Chandra was
escorted to the house of the royal elder sister, married into the Chingngakham
family. 10 Thursday, Nameirakpa Major and others marched to battle with
200 sepoys. 11 Friday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began. 17 Thursday,
there was a combat in the area of Nungka Hao with the Ningthem (Meetingu
Debendra) who was escaping. About ten people were wounded. 25 Thursday,
as the Maharaj was coming to play polo, he saw a kalen (14) flying in the
Khakeithen market and he shot it with a gun. 26 Friday, Yipungsi Pritambar
Sing was appointed to the post of Chandrasithanda. 29 Monday, the royal
father–in–law the Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers was also appointed to
the post of Aangoupampa, the chief of Aangom. A civet cat was caught in
the temple of Shri Govinda. Konsam Cha and Nameirakpam Cha Majors,
and Thangkan hajari, these three along with all the sepoys who went to
repel the enemies, returned. They captured three men including one gold–
smith who was an Aahondar, and they were brought (before the king). They
also collected one flint–lock musket, four hunting guns and four pistols,
these nine items were collected and they were presented (to the king). The
month of Poinu (November/December) began on Wednesday. They found a
gun (15) at Sansenthong bridge. 2 Thursday, they began to build Lakkhong.
Laisram Cha Major and others left to meet the royal queen mother. They also
began to build a palace for the royal mother. 10 Saturday, all the houses and
buldings which belonged to Ningthem Nunglen Khompa and all those who

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46 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

fled with him were pulled down and the material was used to build Lakkhong
and many other bridges. 11 Sunday, the Sangkranti of Poinu began. Yipungsi
the Senapati and others, including all the Lakpas and Keirungpas of Institutes,
left to receive the royal queen mother. 18 Wednesday, the royal queen mother
reached Lamangtong. The Maharaj fired a four cannon salute. 16 Friday, she
reached Phoiching. She also scattered sen coins. 17 Saturday, the king’s
personal principal horse died. The queen mother also entered the Langthapan
palace. She also scattered sen coins. 19 Sunday, Kamthenu (cow) died. It
was buried in the western part of the Awang Keithen market. 20 Monday, the
queen mother entered the palace through the Keithen Aawompa market (16).
She scattered two lakhs of sen coins in the Snakeithen market. The Maharaj
fired five cannon salute. Nongmaithem Cha Nungnangkhompa Rajkhwa died.
25 Saturday, news was received that Yipungo Khomsangpa the Jubraj had
died in Tekhao. 27 Monday, Mora the youngest thakur was appointed the
guru (by the king) and all the Bamon groups (17) also were ordered to be
united. New moon Thursday, the king performed a sangkriton (18) in memory
of his royal father Chinglen Nongtren Khompa. The month of Wakching
(December/January) began on Friday. The Haos in Phunan caught a tiger
and it was presented (to the king). 2 Saturday, in Wapakai also a tiger was
caught and it was presented (to the king). On that day Poiroupat (an area)
which had belonged to Laiyingthou Pakhangpa in the days when Laisram
Cha Somma Sing the Hanchapa was the Lai attendant, was taken away by
the Maharaj from the guru and given back to ancestor Pakhangpa (the lai).
The guru was given (the area of) Laphupat. 5 Tuesday, Haopam maiden the
queen left for a pilgrimage to the Ganges with the frontal bone of her royal
father–in–law Leiren Nonglen Sentreng Manikkhompa. 8 Friday, Loitongpam
Cha Khompaton was killed when he entered the house of Yenlangpam,
breaking through the mud wall, to steal. 11 Monday, the Sangkranti of
Wakching began. 13 Wednesday, the royal palace was inaugurated. On that
day, they also began to build the elephant house. 14 Thursday, the Phiringki
Sahep left for Mayang. 15 Friday, there was a lunar eclipse. 16 Saturday, all
the weapons from Yipungsi the Senapati were confiscated and he was
forbidden to enter the palace. 26 Monday, one Hao killed a child who was
also a Hao, during a raid in the southern region. The month of Phairen
(January/February) began on Sunday. 2 Monday, the elephant house was
inaugurated. 3 Tuesday, a horse died as it was strangled (by the reins) while
it was jumping over a stepping stone. 10 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Phairen
began. 12 Thursday, Chingngakham Cha the Nongthonpa and Maisnam Cha
the Luwang Chief, these two, returned after negotiating with the Haos in the
southern region. 16 Monday, the Senapati was received back with a seven
gun salute. 21 Friday, a tiger was caught in Pangan Phuntrei and it was
presented (to the king). 22 Saturday, they left for the area of Loiching to fell
trees for the Kangla building. 27 Thursday, Haopam subidar and others,
who had gone to the area of Aoinam Phusaba to demand the tribute payment

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Translation 47

which was overdue, were scattered by the Haos of Phunlong, and they took
as prisoners a man from the Ningngompam the family, one of Khetrimayum
and another of the Laithangpam family and three sepoys, (they took) all of
them and also pots and pans, clothes and five guns. The month of Lamta
(February/March) began on Tuesday. When Aaheipam Cha subidar’s wife
was coming to the market she fell at the north of the Khwairampan bridge.
She was frail and died. A tiger was also caught in Konna and was presented
(to the king). 2 Wednesday, the Maharaj married two Chongtham maidens
and one Longcham maiden, all three at the same ceremony. 6 Sunday, Maharaj
went to Chingkon Langkon and caught a tiger. 10 Thursday, the Sangkranti
of Lamta began. The king of Samsok came and presented five horses (to the
king) and they were handed over to the horse–grooms. 12 Friday, after the
weaving of the king’s cloths had begun, as it was reported that the nachan
(comb) was processing by itself in the loom, the Maipa performed an
appeasement and supplication rite. 13 Saturday, Konchengpam Cha Major
and others left to attack Nungbi Nunghara, and also to attack Oinam Phunleng.
28 Thursday, the stable was inaugurated. The month of Sachiphu (March/
April) began on Wednesday. 3 Friday, Konsam Cha Major returned after
attacking the Phulong Haos. He brought back the heads of the three sepoys
who had been killed (by the Haos) and also all those items including the
pots and pans, the guns and all the other items which they had taken. The
Maharaj sitting at the courtyard of the great palace also (authorised) the
making of the sen (coins) at the firing of a one gun salute. 5 Sunday,
Konchengpam Cha Major returned from attacking the northern area. He
captured in the battle ten people from both the areas of Nungbi and Nunghara,
and 100 people in the battle at Phulong. He also subdued the villages of
Tonaloisu, Haikhisu, Paoyisu, Kalasu, Marengsu and Khamlisu, all these seven
villages were subjugated and incorporated (under the king). They paid their
tribute with two buffaloes and 150 pieces of cloth. 11 Saturday was Bisu
Sangkranti.

1 Scribal note on the side margin in Bengali script, Chandra Kriti Singh became king.
2 Machim–manao: siblings and cousins of both genders.
3, 5 Discrepancy on the dates.
4 Sintasan for Singhasan: Bengali for throne. Term used for the first time.
6 This refers to the ritual sharpening of the sword, which is also mentioned in the
Anoirol lyric in the traditional Meetei Lai Harouba festival.
7 Aagari: Hindi for advance party. Term used for the first time.
8 Phukir for Fakir: Bengali, for Muslim mendicant. Term used for the first time.
9 Noukalinla: Bengali, for a play staged on a river; linla for lila, stage performance.
Term used for the first time.
10 Scribal dittography.
11 Nunglen: scribal use of the final form of letter ng above the letter n, in place of full
letter for ng, in Nunglen. This scribal convention is used for the first time. Ningthem
Manik Nunglen Khompa is the Meetei name for Debendra Maharaj.
12 Literally, shot guns; meaning obscure.

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48 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

13 Obscure.
14 Kalen: presumably kakyen, an extinct bird.
15 Nongmei kamara khangye: nongmei kamara: a gun made of iron; kamara, for kamar,
Bengali for iron; khangye: scribal error for phangye, meaning found.
16 Keithen Aawompa: the oldest market which is situated to the west of the main Kangla
palace on the road leading to Cachar. The road divides the market into north and
south markets. It is also called Sna Keithen, the Royal Market.
17 Bamon spha: for Bamon sabha; sabha, Bengali for association. Groupings of the
Indian immigrant Hindus, many of whom claimed to be Brahmins, were formed
according to their original caste and sect after their migration into Manipur.
18 Sangkriton: for sangkitan, Bengali same as kirtan. Term used for the first time.

Sakabda 1773 (1851 CE)

The year of Kumphi Khunchao Sakabda 1773 (1851 CE). 11 Saturday was
the Cheiraopa, the new year’s day, in the month of Sachiphu. 18 Friday,
saying that it was the royal command, Tenkhang brought all the servants of
Tarung Lairemma along with all the belongings of the Lai and presented
them to (the king). Then the Maipas of all the three Institutes of Maipas had
made a request to the king, saying that it was forbidden to remove anything,
especially when the opening of the lai’s mound remained closed. At this the
royal verdict was given saying that, if that were the case, then they were to
establish a sacred area for the lai. When the Yenkhurakpa lai was returning
to his abode (1) (at the end of the Lai Haraoba ceremony) the Maibi found a
precious and auspicious (yai) object which she brought and presented to the
Maharaj. 19 Saturday, Nepram Cha Senlungpa reported that the Muslim ascetic
who was living in Kangpokpi set his own house on fire saying that he had
his own house, and fled to Linlong (Lilong) (2). 25 Friday, when an egg of
a wild swan was found as to have been laid at the spot where the Mahadeva
(stone) was kept in the courtyard of one Khomtram Maipi in Lamtong
Tengkhan, and after the maipis and the maipas (3) had consulted the oracle
from the lai, they also discovered four precious objects, which they brought
and presented to the Maharaj. They also began to build the Chiraithong gate
and two kitchens for the Hindu gods, a total of five buildings. 26 Saturday,
Konsam Chaikoi left to clear the undergrowth. 27 Monday, Thokchao
subidar’s wife was punished as she was found smuggling in small sen from
Mayang. The coins were hung up (and displayed) in the market place. 28
Tuesday, the royal son the Senapati and his royal father–in–law Maisna the
chief of Luwang, these two, had a scuffle at the Cheirap Court pulling each
other’s hair. New moon Thursday, a five cannon salute was fired to summon
and alert the people, announcing that Sna Khouton the Jubraj, Sna Bhuban
Sing, Yipungsi Leimram Tapa, Yipungsi Khunchaopa, Yipungsi Puskar, and
Yipungsi Sangkoitapa, these six along with many others who were from the
extended families of Ningthem, had come from Mayang. The month of Kalen
(April/May) began on Friday. A wild cat was found dead at the main

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Translation 49

Chingthang khonglen canal in Ningngen. As a man of the Moirangthem and

another one from the Laisram family were found running away, both were
taken and were exposed in the Snakeithen market place on a raised platform.
2 Saturday, the Maharaj exempted Tulasiram, Gourang, and Mathop, these
three and their sons and grandsons, who were the blood relatives of barber
Balaram and descendants of Krishna Das, from compulsory duty to the state
saying that they were from the same blood of Mongcham Yarai, and he also
made them belong to Mongcham Pana (4). Thakur Sibananda from the
Gurumayum family was appointed the king’s family priest (5). The king was
given the sacred thread (by the guru) (6). On the same day Konsam Cha
Gangka Major and Ningthoukhongcham Cha Premma Major the Lakpa of
Laipham (Pana), these two and others, set off for Keinou. 4 Monday, a
wooden house in Mahabali (grove) was broken. 9 Friday, the royal son the
Senapati with an advance party of sepoys, marched up to Keinou to battle.
11 Sunday, they beautified the image of Shri Govinda. 12 Sunday, there was
fighting with Yipungsi the Senapati at the foothills of Phupanwa. Yipungsi
Khouton the Jubraj and Yipungsi Leikram Tapa, both were killed on the
battle field. Yumlenpam Cha Chauton was also killed. Mud and dust rained
down. 14 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Kalen began. The Senapati returned
from the battle field. 17 Saturday, Yipungsi Puskar and others, a total of
twenty people were captured at Phupanwa and they were brought (before
the king). The month of Yinga (May/June) began on Saturday. 5 Wednesday,
a Gouranga Pravu (image) from Mayang was received. There was a smallpox
epidemic. Many people died. 8 Saturday, the Maharaj went to Yenkoupung,
the ring for cock–fighting, and held a cock fight. 10 Monday, Aaheipam Cha
Cheityananda was appointed the chief of Moirang. 16 Saturday, the Sangkranti
of Yinga began. Locusts also attacked the paddy crops. 28 Friday, they began
to build the birth house for Thourani the Oinam maiden. The month of Yingen
(June/July) began on Monday. 10 Tuesday, as it was said that the Yirengbam
(family) in Phukakchao had a sword which was said to have a special quality,
it was taken and presented to (the king). As it was also said that another
sword was with the Chanampam (family), this was also taken and presented
to (the king). 15 Sunday, they drained the northern section of the
Thangkampat (Thangngapat moat) (7) and looked for fish. 18 Wednesday,
the Sangkranti of Yingen began. They performed an appeasement and
supplication rite to the lai as it was reported that a spring at the Thouroicham
Lairema had begun to flow. 19 Thursday, blood was spilt at the place of both
Laiyingthou Snamahi and Pakhangpa. 21 Saturday, the Maharaj forbade all
the people who belonged to the clan of Khetri, who as a group were employed
in a company (8) and were in charge of guns, from using guns. 22 Sunday,
all the males of the Khetri clan were made to become water-carriers for Shri
Govindaji. Sija Kala Leima, queen of Tekhao who was escorted by Naoroiram
Cha, also arrived. She scattered sen coins in the Snakeithen, the royal market.
23 Monday, the stone post on the path to Kangla broke as it collapsed. 26

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50 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Thursday, many sparrows died in Sakonpan. 27 Friday, the Maharaj went

down to near Waisen and caught three tigers. The month of Thawan (July/
August) began on Tuesday. 8 Friday, three guns (9) which belonged to Moicha
subidar’s company, were stolen. The Maharaj ordered that (all the guns) (10)
be kept in one place so that all the people might view them. It was said that
the king’s cloth which was in the process of being woven, was woven by the
lai in the night, and to confirm it a snake had sloughed its skin on the cloth
on the loom. 10 Wednesday, the Maharaj caught four tigers in front of the
area of Yenlangpam Khangpokpi. Pukhranpam Cha Nabadewan, a public
reciter of sacred books, also died. A tiger was also caught in Pungtongpam
and it was presented to (the king). 11 Thursday, the elephant Wangkheirakpi
gave birth to a female calf. 15 Monday, the Maharaj presented a horse to
Ancestor Snamahi. 17 Wednesday, as there had been no rain, both the Maharaj
and the chief of Aangom performed a (rain-making) ceremony by riding in a
boat. On that same night, a man was attacked by a tiger at the outskirts of
Lamphen. The man survived. 18 Friday, a tiger was caught in Sekmaichin
and it was presented to (the king). 19 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Thawan
began. Khuntrakpa, who came with those who made the attempt on the
throne, was deported to Loi to Suknu. Pathi a craftsman was deported to Loi
to Thangga. In Komtonpokpi, when a man from the Ngangom family and
another from the Sarotkhaipam family, these two, were having a wrestling
contest, the Sarotkhiapam died after a kamu (11) had pierced his body. 26
Saturday, as a man from the Snasam family and another from the Lairenmayum
family, these two men were chasing … (12) from the area of Aayanglampen,
they pledged to each other, but the man from the Lairenmayum family died.
A tiger was also caught in Phoiching and it was presented to (the king). A
man from the Konsam family, who also came with the party which made the
attempt on the throne, was deported to Loi to Sekmai. Swordsmith Syam the
Aayapuren was deported to Loi to Sakonmang. Sanla Bhadra was deported
to Loi to Panlel. Most of the people who assisted him were escorted back (to
their own land) and were set free. 28 Monday, the market was disrupted.
Aaheipam Cha Cheityananda the chief of Moirang was sent back to the land
of Mayang as he had caused a (public) scandal with the queen mother. The
month of Langpan (August/September) began on Wednesday. 6 Monday, a
tiger was caught in Langpok by the Haos and was presented to (the king).
That night a civet cat entered the Kangla and left its excreta. 9 Thursday, a
tiger was caught in Thangga and it was presented to (the king). 14 Monday,
all those men who took part in the attempt on the throne and who were still
single were handed over to the company of Kang Sepoys. 14 Tuesday, (13)
a notice was put up in the market place telling the people that they were to
change the small sen to large sen (coins) at the rate of one hundred lakhs
(small coins) to eleven lakhs (large coins). Two servants from the Tourangpam
family were attacked by a tiger while collecting firewood in Langkon. The
woman died. 21 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began. 22 Wednesday,

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Translation 51

a frog entered the club house. At the boat race gala the royal ladies rode on
elephants and watched the race from the elephants’ backs. On their return
Thourani the Chongtham maiden fell off the elephant in front of the mound
where cock fights were normally held. Her hands were injured. There was a
small pox epidemic for two whole years and many people died. The month
of Mera (September/October) began on Friday. 5 Monday, a tiger was caught
in Pere Kangtapi. 10 Saturday, the Kwak Tanpa ritual was stopped (and in its
place) they introduced a worship ritual to goddess Turga (Durga) after making
an image of her, whose worship had never taken place in the past. Neimitok
was made to ride the fast barge and a play on the boat was staged on the
water. There was also a twenty cannon salute. 11 Sunday, a man was eaten
by a tiger in Mayang Yumphan. 13 Friday, there was an earthquake. 14
Thursday, Thourani the Aoinam maiden gave birth to a princess. 19 Tuesday,
a Hao from Pheijing was brought (before the king) as it was said that he had
killed his own child. 20 Wednesday, the elephant Langkhongsa was taken to
Mayang. 21 Wednesday, while a man, who was working for the eunuch who
was from the Konchengpam family, was looking after the cattle in
Kangngamung, he was eaten by a tiger. 22 Friday, the Sangkranti of Mera
began. On that same night, the son of Yipungsi Wurungpuren and the son of
Thanggangsapa Maipi, these two, were captured after their hands were struck
by the sword as they forced the door and tried to go in to the wife of Yumnam
the choir master. Both of them were brought (before the king) and were
punished. 24 Sunday, a tiger was caught in Maklang and was presented to
(the king). 28 Wednesday, they also caught a tiger in Langkon after making
a soukap (encirclement with a fence and trench). 29 Thursday, as it was said
that Yirengpa, who was in the custody of the army, had escaped, Leisangthem
Cha hajari and Chongtham Cha hajari were both put in chains. Many of the
noblemen were also excommunicated. The month of Hiyangkei (October/
November) began on Saturday. Those noblemen who were excommunicated
were now pardoned and accepted by the Maharaj. 3 Monday, they began to
build the royal bathroom. As the sen (coins) which were minted by the royal
maternal uncle of the Maharaj were found to be too tiny, larger sen were
minted; and the royal order was given to use both the larger sen along with
the sen which had been minted and used during the reign of his royal father
Mayang Ngampa. The royal order was announced by the town-crier (riding)
on an elephant’s back, after the firing of a four cannon salute. 5 Wednesday,
the Maharaj went down to Chingkon and caught a tiger. Two men were
injured from gun shots. The tiger injured three men and Wahengpam Cha
the Hanchapa of the army died from the injury. 6 Thursday, Yirengpa who
had escaped from the custody of the army was recaptured and was brought
in. He was put in a box and dragged about in the market place. The two
hajaris were set free from their chains. A kite also flew in the Cheirap court.
16 Monday, Konsam Cha Major and others left to wage war in the northern
area. Lakhongsa, a second elephant, was also taken to Mayang. 17 Tuesday,

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52 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

there was an earthquake. 21 Friday, a woman from the area of Chakpa

Leimram was found hanged. 23 Sunday was the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei.
They also discovered intruders in Nongmaiching mountain, who pretended
to have lost their way, (but) had set up an army camp. On inspection a hut
was also discovered. They had felled two trees and even a garden of herbs
and spices had also been established. But they found the place extremely
quiet and deserted. The month of Wakching (14) (December/January) began
Tuesday. 3 Thursday, the Maharaj along with all those from the king’s clan
had a polo match against the Maipas along with Yipungo the Nongthonpa
and all those married to princesses. Ningthem’s side won the match. They
presented quilts to each other. 4 Friday, there was a repeat of the polo match.
7 Monday, the Maharaj and the royal son the Senapati gave up salt (as a
protest) when the noblemen of the country failed to solve the problem (15)
concerning salt. 8 Tuesday, a man from the Leichonpam family in
Moirangkhom was eaten by a tiger while he was looking for a place where
he could fish, and he died. 12 Sunday, the foundation post for the Kangla
building arrived. 14 Friday, Bamon Major returned after attacking Paoyi. He
presented twenty buffaloes, ten swords and ten spears to the Maharaj. 22
Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Wakching began. 25 Friday, the Maharajah went
to Leisangkhong to worship ancestor Snamahi (lai). 26 Saturday, the four
Panas left for the area in the north to fell trees for making racing barges. The
month of Phairen (January/February) began on Thursday. 12 Monday, the
Maharaj went to Koiremkei to feast on a fish dish which had become jelly.
Full moon Thursday, as it was said that the image of Vishnu, which had been
kept in the past along with the sovereign lai Snamahi in his shrine, was
declared as ritually unclean, another image of Maha Bishnu was cast. The
Maharaj selected 150 sepoys from all the four groups of sepoys and
established an Institute of Sepoys. 19 Monday, there was a very strong
earthquake (16) after the noon yuthak. The temple of Bamon Sithanta broke
where it was joined to the tiered roof. The (symbol of) Nongkop Ningthou
also fell. 22 Thursday the Sangkranti of Phairen began. 23 Friday, the royal
son the Senapati and others, along with 1,000 sepoys, left to repel the Chasat
Haos in the southern region as it was reported that they had killed each and
every inhabitant and completely wiped out the villages of Heikang and
Lamkang. 26 Sunday, as two men from the families of Laisram and Suraisam
in Nampon stole cattle, which were then discovered in their cattle shed, they
were struck with a sword and were brought before (the king). New moon
Thursday, the Maharaj went down to Pungtongpam and caught a tiger. The
month of Lamta (February/March) began on Saturday. 2 Sunday, a tiger
which was inside a mat which was rolled up, was caught. 3 Monday, the
pipal tree in Lamlang also flowed with blood. 5 Wednesday, the chief of
Lamlang village came. 6 Thursday, many ants were found dead at (the shrine
of) Soraren. The sacred ground of Khoisnam Laremma also cracked. The
public were warned by hanging up besoms that anyone who refused to accept

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Translation 53

the (new) senyai (small coins) would be publicly shamed in the market place.
14 Friday, Ningthem went down to the river gorge which was in front of the
shrine of Thongngak Lairemma in Langkon and caught four tigers including
cubs. 22 Friday, Konthoucham Cha the Lakpa of Laipham (Pana) was deported
to Loi to Wangngu. 23 Saturday was the Sangkranti of Lamta. 24 Sunday,
Yipungsi the Senapati who had gone to wage war on Chasat returned. He
also captured four people including Mathangki the chief of Chasat, Chamet,
Lanthouyang, and Nongthei Nasingpa. They presented one bell metal bossed
gong and three mithuns to the Maharaj while he was in state at the Utra. 29
Friday, they practised target shooting. The month of Sachiphu (March/April)
began on Sunday. 3 Tuesday, as it was said that 500 sepoys had deserted
without waiting for the Senapati when they had marched to attack Chachat,
on the ground that they were not given porters, (17) the Aawontar, Aamontar
and some others who were the commanders of the army, a total of 103 of
them, were deported to Loi to all the Loi areas. As the chief of Luwang and
Khunpong Major, these two, were held responsible for failing to organise the
porters, the chief of Luwang was deported to Loi to Leisangkhong and
Khumpong Major was dismissed from his post. The Lakpa of Laipham (Pana)
also returned from his deportation to Loi. 5 Friday, the rite of taking solid
food the first time by the princess born to Thourani the Aoinam maiden was
performed. They also inaugurated (the building) for Ancestor Pakhanpa. 26
Wednesday, two stone images of Ramchandra which belonged to the sepoys
were found to have been stolen. 27 Thursday, the cry of a civet cat was
heard in Langching. 28 Friday, the Maharaj and the Phiringki Sahep held a
durbar (18) at the Polo ground. A twenty-nine cannon salute was fired. The
month of Poinu (November/December) began on Monday. 8 Monday,
Phamthou officials sold salt at the market at a fixed price of 200 sen for one
measure. Fish was also very costly. 13 Saturday, as there was (still) a
controversy about sen, another sen coin was minted with brass and issued to
the market so that the coin might be seen (there) and used. 25 Monday, (19)
Thoukrao the Lakpa of Khapham (Pana) returned from felling trees for boats.
18 Thursday, Laisram Cha Major died. 19 Friday, Bamon Kantha Major and
others with 700 sepoys left to attack the Paoyi Haos. 22 Monday the
Sangkranti of Poinu began. Maisnam sold a measure of salt at 200 Sen
Pheikak (20) in the market. 23 Tuesday, the younger brother of Yipungsi the
Senapati died of small pox. 25 Thursday, an elephant which had not yet
grown tusks died. A man from the Leiraorungpam family also died as he
was hit by the ball while playing polo near Takyen. 28 Saturday, there was
an earthquake. One star covered another (21). The birth house for the first
Thourani, the Aangom maiden, was inaugurated. The Maharaj, along with
Maisnam Cha Major and others, sang the village kirtan as the Bamons were
abusing each other. 9 Tuesday, Maisnam Cha Major and Aaya Puren Major
left for the land of Kapo. Those who went and devastated six villages
including both the villages of Aawon and Haimi also returned. 10 Friday,

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54 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Haopam maiden the Maharani who went to the Ganges for pilgrimage also
returned. Lairikyengpa Hanchapa Ghaneshwar, Moirangthempa the Jamandar
of Khoupum stockade, (22) and Maisna Aahontar (Aahondar) Major, these
three were put in chains as they were found stealing (and exporting) buffaloes
to Mayang. 14 Saturday, the chief of Luwang and Khunpong Major, both of
them were received back (by the king). Full moon Sunday, a Gosai who was
from the same home village as Maharaj’s guru also arrived. 19 Thursday, a
sepoy who was a foreigner and who was also called Pakhan (23) was put in
chains as it was said that he had struck a Pangan Major’s nose with a sword.
20 Friday, all the sepoys who were deported to Loi were summoned back.
22 Sunday was Pisu (Bisu) Sankranti.

1 Laikabata: literally, as the Lai was going up to the heavens. At the end of the festival
the maibi prays to the lais to return to their abode. A similar ceremony is also performed
for ancestral spirits and guardian spirits of specific areas.
2 Kangpokpi was not a Muslim settlement, whereas Lilong (Linlong) was.
3 Maipi Maipa: Maipi is the female religious functionary, who acts as a diviner and
gives the oracles of the lai. Lais speak only through the maipi. Traditionally the male
equivalent, the maipa, had to cross–dress and is addressed as maipi when he carried
out this ritual role. The terms maibi and maiba are also used for midwife and herbalist.
4 Mongcham Pana: first time this Pana is mentioned.
5 Purit: for Purohit, Bengali for family priest or domestic chaplain.
6 Nukun thangpiye: Nukun sacred thread, thangpiye was granted, verb ending indicates
that the recipient is less in status than the person administering it. It is very likely that
this act was the renewal of the thread and not receiving it the first time.
7 Thangampat; scribal error for Thangngapat, the moat by the palace.
8 Khetri Kampu: Khetri for kshatriya caste; Kampu name of company, the regiment.
First time this company is mentioned.
9 Nung: scribal error for nungmei or nongmei, gun.
10 Incomplete sentence.
11 Kamu: obscure.
12 Incomplete sentence.
13 Scribal error or an intercalary day. There are many similar recordings in this year.
14 Month of Poinu is missing.
15 Chicha: scribal error for bichar, Bengali for settlement.
16 Bhumikampa: Bengali for earthquake. Term used for the first time.
17 Begari: Hindi for porter.
18 Tarpa: for darbar, durbar Hindi for holding a court. Term used for the first time.
19 Discrepancy on the date.
20 Sen Pheikak: square sen currency coin. First time the term is used.
21 Thawan michak ani chikneiye: literally, two stars bit each other, from verb chikpa to
bite.
22 Thana: Hindi for police station. Here it refers to a military stockade. Term used for the
first time.
23 Pakhan: for Pathan people of Afganisthan.

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Translation 55

Sakabda 1774 (1852 CE)

The year of Andro Govindra, Sakabda 1774 (1852 CE). 23 Monday was
the Cheiraopa, the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. Shrijut Maharaj
Chandrakriti Singh, after having made known his wish to follow the
Chandrapda almanac which was used by his royal grandfather Meetingu
Chingthangkhompa, and after having consulted with his royal maternal uncle
Chandra Sidhanta the Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers, adopted the
almanac. The Chandrabda year was 164. 23 Monday, it (the almanac) was
discontinued. 25 Wednesday, the Talaipapa (1) was stationed in the market
and in the shelters in the market to enforce the acceptance of the senyai sen
(coin). 27 Friday, they began to build the great palace. The month of Kalen
(April/May) began on Tuesday. 4 Friday, the great palace was inaugurated. 5
Saturday, Thiyam maiden the wife of Ningthem (Devendra Singh) who had
fled, also left for Mayang. The Nongleisang hut, which was in the sacred
area of Lansonpi Lairembi, broke. 11 Friday, the Potsangpa Sanglang
(building) was on fire. 12 Monday, the wife of one Tongpram, who was a
minion at the Kangla palace and who was a guest resident in the Chakpa
village, was found hanged. 14 Monday, a British lady (2) who was the wife
of the Sahep arrived. 22 Monday, a gun shot was fired to warn those who
refused to accept the senyai sen (coin) that they would be punished. 23
Tuesday, as it was reported that mercury was found in the area of Hiyangthang
Lairembi, (3) the Maharaj went down and performed a Hindu religious rite.
25 Thursday was the Sangkranti of Kalen. 27 Saturday, they began to compile
a horoscope for all the aeons to come to protect themselves. 28 Sunday, the
Maharaj inspected the area of Koiremkei. The royal son the Senapati also set
off to inspect the salt well in Karong. The month of Yinga (May/June) began
on Thursday. 5 Monday, a tree in the Mahabali grove broke. 7 Wednesday,
Tampha the royal elder sister, who was the Jubraj and who was married into
the Chingngakham family, died while she was still in the office of the Juparaj
(Jubaraj) (4). 11 Saturday, Yumnam Cha subidar went to Khepumee to plant
the flag. Full moon Wednesday, a man who was a minion of one of the
builders was found to have been killed by an assailant in the gate house of
Heisnam Lairemma. 18 Saturday, a meotorite was seen. 22 Wednesday,
Thourani the Aangom maiden gave birth to a prince. He was appointed the
Jubraj immediately. 26 Friday, matted hair (5) fell on Ningthem’s royal palace.
28 Sunday, the Sangkranti of Yinga began. The month Yingen (June/July)
began on Friday. 3 Sunday, Aananda Mohon Gosai died. 9 Saturday, a tiger
was caught in Kakching and it was presented (to the king). Another tiger
was also caught in Samupan and was presented (to the king). 10 Sunday,
Yumnam Cha subidar, who went to plant the flag, returned. New moon
Thursday, there was a solar eclipse. 16 Friday, blood was spilt in the place of
(Lai) Snamahi. 17 Saturday, a tiger was caught in Khurai and it was presented
to (the king). 18 Sunday, the Maharaj went (6) to worship Khoisnam

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56 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Lairemma. 21 Wednesday, the Maharaj went down to where the Ancestor

Snamahi was enshrined to listen to the oracle (7) of the lai. 24 Sunday,
Maharaj went to worship Khoisnam Lairemma. On that day the Purums caught
a tiger and it was presented to (the king). 25 Monday, a tiger was caught
while attacking in the southern region and it was presented to (the king). 27
Wednesday, Keisam Cha Bhimram Sing who was appointed to be the
scapegoat (8) for Shrijut was given five paris of paddy field in exchange for
his becoming the expiation (9). He was also exempted from all the compulsory
duties to the state. 28 Thursday the Sangkranti of Yingen began. New moon
Saturday, the cannon became dislodged. The month of Thawan (July/August)
began on Sunday. There was a great flood and the river bank by Mangnau
burst. The river banks by the Kona and Chekai granary also burst. Paddy
plants in the southern area were destroyed. 5 Wednesday, Wuyen mushroom
(10) was found growing (on a tree) in Ancestor Pakhangpa’s sacred area
which was by the Institute building of (the Royal) Weavers. 13 Thursday, a
tree fell in the Mahabali grove. 17 Monday, sareng fishes were found dead
in the area of Yinamung. 19 Wednesday, blood was spilt at the swinging bar
(11) which was used by monkeys at the Mongpa (grove) and also at Shri
Govinda’s (temple). 24 Monday, the colour of the waters in the (Yumphal)
river, Yiril river, and Thouban river, in these three rivers also changed. Blood
was also spilt at the Khumphi Institute Building. 25 Tuesday, the royal son
the Senapati died. 26 Wednesday, the racing barges for the Aahanlup and the
Laipham (Panas) also arrived. New moon Sunday, the Sangkranti of Thawan
began. A tree fell in Mahabali grove. The month of Langpan (August/
September) began on Monday. 2 Tuesday, Bamon Jagadham returned after
escorting back Yitham maiden, the Maharani. 5 Friday, two men from the
families of Aayam and Chapungapam were deported to Loi to Langngathen
and Palen respectively as both were found committing an offence while they
were guarding the palace. 13 Friday, sareng fishes died in the area of
Yinamung. 16 Monday, it was declared that any person who belonged to the
Sanglen (Institute) was forbidden to abscond to the sepoys. 18 Wednesday,
blood was split at the royal gate. Thokchom Cha subidar was deported to
Loi to Wakchingkei. 20 Friday, blood was spilt at Shri Govindaji (’s temple).
21 Saturday, the Nonghum building was blown down. Blood was spilt in the
Kumphi Institute building. Wutom, the swordsmith’s daughter married into
the family of Tongpram, was found performing sorcery, as she cooked rice
in the head of a person that was cut off with the sword by her husband. As
she was deported to Loi to Mayang for her actions, which were forbidden
and unheard of, she died in Maklang (as she was travelling). 25 Thursday,
the racing barges for Naharup and Khapham (Panas) arrived. Thokchao
subidar was summoned from Waktak. 26 Friday, they began to build the
Nonghum building. They also opened up the Marong water course. 29
Monday, the Maharaj went down to Thangmeipan and caught a tiger. Paonam
Cha Aahontar was wounded by a tiger and he died. New moon Tuesday,

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Translation 57

Kongchengpa reprimanded a sepoy by twisting his arms as all his belongings

were being seized, for he was reported to have eaten the paddy which
belonged to another sepoy who was in charge of announcing the hourly
time. The month of Thawan was an intercalary month (12). The month of
Mera (September/October) began on Wednesday. It was the second day of
the lunar month. That day the Sangkranti of Langpan began. 5 Saturday, a
tiger was caught in Moirang. 7 Monday, the royal son the Jubraj had the
naming ceremony and he was named Surchandra Singh. 10 Thursday, a
serpent from the sky (13) fell into the garden of Thounaocham who lived by
Kakwa. The month Hiyangkei (October/November) began on Thursday. 3
Saturday, the Sangkranti of Mera began. 5 Monday, the royal elder brother
Tharma Setu was appointed the Senapati. 10 Friday, (14) they performed the
religious ceremony of Kwaktanba, and they also presented to the (king) the
royal ceremonial cloth. A person from the Leimapokpam family who came
from Aawa also began to weave clothes with the Aawa designs (15). 13
Monday, Singthanira from Heirok was killed by his servant. 23 Friday, (16)
the Maharaj went down and caught a tiger at Phaknung. (17).
Ningthoukhongcham Cha Major killed the tiger by breaking its spine at the
Keiyangthekpa display. The month of Poinu (November/December) began
on Friday. 4 Monday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began. 10 Sunday, Snahan
the Jubaraj had Chakwumpa, the rite of taking solid food the first time. 11
Monday, lai Kouparu (mountain) thundered. 12 Tuesday, five cannon shots
were fired to summon and alert the people that Sna Nawon Sing with his
younger brothers, (18) along with Sna Kanhai Sangkoi, four of them and
others, had come to claim the throne. 13 Wednesday, they fought at
Laitoncham village on the slope of Laiyingthou Khoriphaba mountain.
Yipungo Nawol Sing and Pheirapa, these two, were captured. These two
princes were defeated on the battle field. Some people lost their lives and
some received gunshot wounds. Some were captured. Yipungsi Kanhai fled
to Mayang with some people. 14 Thursday, a Sahep with 150 sepoys returned
after repelling those who came to attack. 18 Monday, the Sahep who had
gone to supervise the upgrading of roads also returned. 21 Thursday, an
elephant groom was killed by the elephant Yatonpok in Kokchai when it
became wild. Three men were also injured. They captured the elephant by
building a song enclosure (with a trench round it). 22 Friday, a Sahep and
the Maharaj together caught two tigers in Yirom Meechrao. 26 Tuesday, the
Sahep left to repel invaders. 27 Wednesday, the son of Bamon Chandrahas
killed the Yangampam maiden, who was with child, by stabbing her with a
knife near the temple which belonged to the Senapati, saying that the child
she was carrying was not his. He was deported to Aawa. 29 Friday, Yumnam
Cha subidar left to demand bees–wax which was part of tribute payment.
New moon Saturday, there was a solar eclipse. The month of Wakching
(December/January) began on Sunday. 2 Monday, two Saheps arrived. Those
who were reluctant to accept sen (coins) were punished with public shaming

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58 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

(khunkoinapa) in the market place. 4 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Poinu

began. Nameirakpa Major also left for Mayang to fetch gunpowder. A woman
also was drowned by the Menu bridge. 7 Friday, (the king) left for
Leisangkhong to worship ancestor Pakhangpa and Snamahi. 8 Sunday, two
Saheps left for Mayang. 11 Wednesday, the Maharaj had a polo match against
those who were married to the princesses. Maharaj’s team won the match. 12
Thursday, Konsam Cha Major and others, with all the sepoys from Woksu,
left to fell trees for the armoury building. 13 Friday, when Yumnam Cha Lila
Sing went to demand the tribute payment in bees–wax, Pungton of Mao
killed four men including the subidar. 15 Sunday, there was a quarrel when
Leisangthem piba Sugra Sing was challenged concerning his pibaship by
both the Major and the hajari, saying that he was not the rightful piba, but
that there was already a piba; and that on that ground even the lai (in whose
service he was engaged) would be confiscated from his custody. As they
looked up the genealogy it was found that the former piba was the rightful
piba. There was a lunar eclipse that night. 20 Friday, there was an earthquake.
The month of Phairen (January/February) began on Monday. 4 Thursday,
the Sangkranti of Wakching began. 8 Monday, they began to make bricks.
10 Thursday, all the high officials were dismissed. Then the Maharaj pardoned
them all immediately. 19 Friday, Nameirakpa Major, who went to fetch
gunpowder, returned. 27 Saturday, when it was reported that the stockade in
Aoinamlong had been attacked, Konchengpa Major and others left to repel
the attackers. 28 Sunday, the Lakpa of Laipham (Pana) and the Lakpa of
Narahup (Pana) these two and others left to fell trees for firewood to be used
to fire bricks. The month of Lamta (February/March) began on Wednesday.
3 Friday, the Sangkranti of Phairen began. 7 Tuesday, a tiger was caught in
Moitangpok by a man while he was collecting firewood and it was presented
(to the king). 18 Tuesday, a tiger was caught in Mayang Yumphan and it was
presented (to the king). 19 Sunday, Yipungsi Pheirakpa’s son arrived from
Mayang. 28 Monday, the Maharaj went down to Hiyangthang Lairembi and
performed a Hindu religious rite. There was scarcity of water in the central
area of the country where there was no river. The month of Sachiphu (March/
April) began on Thursday. 2 Friday, a Sangai doe (19) was caught in Lakhong.
3 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Lamta began. Yipungsi Nawol also died. 10
Sunday, many ngakha fish (20) died in the Nungcheng pool. 12 Tuesday,
Konchengpam Cha Major returned after repelling enemies. Six Lusai Hoas
were taken in battle and they were brought (before the king). One had been
killed. As it was said that it was not customary to mutilate (a corpse), the
dead body was sent to Waikok. Konsam Cha Major and others once again
left to repel enemies. 13 Wednesday, the Maharaj went to Lamangtong. 17
Sunday, four Pangan entertainers arrived. The Maharaj made them perform
in Kangcheipung Polo ground in his royal presence. 24 Saturday, the chief
of Chasat was received in court. 27 Tuesday, many ngakha fish died in
Nungcheng (pool). The month of Sachiphu (21) (March/April) began on

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Translation 59

Saturday. 3 Monday was the Bisu Sankranti. That night the Institute building
for weaving clothes was burnt.

1 Talaipapa: law enforcing official. Probably derived from and a modified form of
Bengali term tali or talui, from the root tal meaning, push. In this case one who keeps
order or directs. First time the term is used.
2 Bipi: for Bibi, Bengali for European or Muslim lady, respectable woman. First time
the term is used.
3 Hiyangthang Lairembi is an indigenous lai related to boats and rowing and the place
name is derived from the lai. After hinduisation a hole was dug to represent Durga’s
yoni and that spot became the central focus in her worship.
4 Mention of a princess as a Jubraj is problematic: it may have been an interim measure
until the birth of a son to the principal queen on 22nd of the month.
5 Chota for Jota: Bengali for matted or clotted hair; meaning obscure.
6 Lengye from lengba verb meaning to move; polite form for verb to walk or to go.
7 Laihui: bell. Here it refers to the hand–bell which is used by the Maibi while she is
being possessed by the Lai and receives the oracle.
8 Wusin: scapegoat. Normally at the new year every person in the family was represented
by a trout which is set free in the family ponds with the prayer that it was to take all
the evil which might happen in the coming year to the person it represents. This was
done by the eldest lady of the family. But this case is different in that a man is
substituted for the king. Term and practice of a human scapegoat is mentioned for the
first time. Shakespear also recorded this practice.
9 Pasika oina: as a pasika. Pasika: from the Bengali term pariskara, noun, meaning
cleansing.
10 Wuyen: literally chicken of the tree; mushroom with a tasty flavour.
11 Mongpa yoi sakai: Mongpa grove where the stone carving of a Hindu image of
Hanuman was placed; yoi, scribal error for yong, monkey referring to both the carving
of Hanuman and the monkeys which were introduced and inhabited the grove; sakai,
a shelf usually made of lengths of bamboo and suspended from the roof, and generally
in the kitchen, on which dry food is stored. In this case the swing bars placed for the
monkeys. First time the term is used.
12 Textual dislocation.
13 Thakki napi: serpent from the sky. First time the term is used.
14 Discrepancy on the date.
15 Aawa phi mayeknaipa: clothes with Aawa designs. Term mayeknaipa is also used for
the Meetei ladies’ long embroidered skirts.
16 Discrepancy on the date.
17 Phaknung: alternative rendering, inside a rolled-up mat.
18 Sna Nawonl Sing machi manao: scribal error for Sna Nawol Sing, machin manao,
Sna Nawol Sing and his younger brothers.
19 Sangai: brow–antlered deer of a species found only in Manipur.
20 Ngakha: tiny flat white fish, barbus conchonius, now almost extinct.
21 Probably an intercalary month.

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60 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Sakabda 1775 (1853 CE)

The year of Thingkuchampa Chingsompa, Sakabda 1775 (1853 CE). 4
Tuesday was the Cheiraopa, the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. 8
Saturday, the Maharaj presented (1) a man from the Snapam family in Yairipok
to be the servant to Lai Nongpok. 17 Monday, it was reported that when
Pukhranpam opened the door to enter the house of Potsangpam in Lairenkabi,
he was killed by three men who were from the families of Nongmeikappam,
Khaitem and Potsangpam. All three of them were deported to Loi to Suknu.
21 Friday, the Maipas of the three Maipa Institutes propitiated Nungsit (Wind)
as there was a drought. There was dew that night. 27 Thursday, it was reported
that the wife of Maipa Syampa Cha, who was pregnant, had been killed on
the outskirts of Lamphen in Konok Thingen by two men from the families of
Pukhranpam and Kanghucham, who then had buried the body under floating
reeds; it then was discovered. There was fighting in the Khwairampan market,
resulting in the death of these two assailants. Their bodies were ripped open
and then were hung up in the marketplace. 28 Friday, the royal maternal
uncle Chandrasidhanta, the Lakpa of the Institute of Astrologers, performed
a religious rite in order that it might rain. After seven months of drought, it
began to rain. 29 Saturday, a person from Kakching was punished with
Khunkoinapa (public shaming) for being selective in accepting the sen (coins).
As it was reported that the Khanlong (iron post) on the top of Nongmaiching
mountain had been lost, a Maipa went and put another at the shrine. The
month of Kalen (April/May) began on Monday. 5 Friday, the Sangkranti of
Kalen began. 15 Monday, when Snasapa Awondar, while returning from
collecting the tribute payment from the Aoinamlong stockade, left a sepoy
whom he had brought with him in a Hao village because he was sick, he
(Snasapa) was whipped in the presence of the Maharaj during a parade. 20
Friday, the Maharaj made the officials of the Garot and Cheirap courts have
a polo match. 24 Tuesday, Pukhranpa Pundit, who had helped the king to
come to power, died. The month of Yinga (May/June) began on Tuesday. 6
Sunday, a man from the Moirangthem family died of sudden adult death
syndrome as he was sleeping in the mandop of Shri Govinda. 7 Monday, the
Sangkranti of Yinga began. 11 Friday, the whole country was very scared as
it was said that secret spies (2) were roaming around on duty, terrorising (the
public). 15 Tuesday, the market was disrupted and was out of control. 16
Wednesday, it was reported to the king that the salt well in Waykhong had
made a barking sound. 17 Thursday, Nepram Cha Senlungpa was deported
to Loi to Wakching. He was summoned immediately. 27 Sunday, Thangcham
Cha Thonlangngampa of Khurai Leikai was put in chains as it was said that
he had beaten up a man from the Lairikyengpam family. 28 Monday, they
hunted tigers in Chingkon. A man from the Yenlangpam family died as he
was attacked by a tiger. But the tiger was not caught. New moon Wednesday,
Yipungsi the Lakpa of Khwai left for Leisangkhong to worship the lai there.
As the males of Ningthemmayum (except the reigning king) were not

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Translation 61

permitted to worship Snamahi or Pakhangpa, the worship (by the Lakpa)

was regarded as tantamount to an attempt on the throne. He was deported to
Loi to Langngathen. Yumnam Luchon was deported to Loi to Ningngen. The
month of Yingen (June/July) began on Thursday. A tiger was caught in Andro
and it was presented (to the king). 2 Friday, the (Hindu) cart festival took
place. The wheel of the cart broke and Longchampa the Wurungpuren was
punished for it. 6 Tuesday, Longcham Cha Lama the Potsangpa Hanjapa
went to the Sahep for a meeting. 7 Wednesday, the Lusei Haos who were
kept in the custody of the sepoys, escaped. 9 Friday, the Sangkranti of Yingen
began. 13 Monday, those Lusei Hoas who had escaped were captured and
killed by the Khongchi Hoas. Many people from all the four Leikai residential
areas also died of influenza. 29 Wednesday, all those who came and were
involved in the attempt on the throne with Yipungsi Cha Naol Sing were sent
to their respective brothers–in–law, relatives and members of extended
families. New moon Friday, Yipungsija the Lakpa of Khwai was summoned.
The month of Thawan (July/August) began on Saturday. 5 Tuesday, a tree in
Mahabali (grove) broke. 12 Tuesday the Sangkranti of Thawan began. 13
Wednesday, a comet appeared. The month of Langpan (August/September)
began on Sunday. A tree broke in Mahabali (grove). 4 Wednesday, three
tigers were caught in Mayang Yumphal. 6 Friday, there was a great flood.
The river broke its bank by Mangnao (the royal cremation ground). The
palace was under water. (The shrine of) Pakhangpa was also under water.
Paddy crops were destroyed in the southern area. 14 Friday, the Sangkranti
of Langpan began. 17 Monday, there was a controversy relating to Lairemma
Hoitom Pokpi. The sepoy from Yoirenpam reported to the Maharaj that since
the Khuraicham family had settled in Taopungkhok and had become the
custodian of Lairemma Hoitom Pokpi, death and sickness amongst the people
had been frequent. The number of widows and widowers had become many.
The Maharaj related this to his royal father–in–law the chief of Luwang and
his royal brother–in–law the Nongthonpa, to these two. The Maipa Institute
summoned most of the pundits and also the five households from the
Khuraicham family. They also summoned all the elders who were the early
settlers in that area, and began to investigate the matter. They discovered that
there were two lais in the past. The lai which had been separated and which
they had, (3) had been taken by the Khuraicham family when they left and
settled in Taopungkhok. The original Lairemma Hoitom Pokpi was reinstalled
by Haopa, the Lakpa of the shrine in Yoirenpam, (as they) said that the
Khuraicham family which had settled in Yoirenpam had been in the service
of that lai from the distant past. The Khuraicham (family) which had settled
in Taopungkhok was not involved (in the service of Hoitom Pokpi in
Yoirenpam). 18 Tuesday, there was a fracas between the Naharup and
Aahanlup (Panas) during a boat race. A fine was paid to the Maharaj by the
Aahanlup (Pana) as they were found to be in the wrong. 19 Wednesday, two
men from the families of Satpam and Thoutam who lived in Leisangkhong

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62 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

were mauled by a tiger. They failed to catch the tiger. 27 Friday, many people
including four Keirungpas left to fell trees to build a two-storied house.
Yumnampa Haobi subidar left to negotiate with the Chasat Haos, as it was
reported that when some people went to fell trees for boats in the southern
region, these Haos were acting in an insane manner. Yenkhom Cha poilya
also left to summon the chief of Khuchingkha. The month of Mera
(September/October) began on Monday. 2 Tuesday, a tree fell at Laiyingthou
Khoriphapa. Houwaipam Cha, Hitang of horse grooms, died of sudden adult
death syndrome. 6 Wednesday, when an elephant went wild Chirom Cha the
Lakpa of Naharup (Pana) fell off the elephant and injured his leg(s). 14
Sunday, the Sangkranti of Mera began. The month of Hiyangkei (October/
November) began on Wednesday. Yenkhom Cha poilya who had gone to
summon the chief of Khuchingkha returned with the (chief’s) son. The father
did not come, and after being asked why he had brought the son instead,
Yumnam Cha poilya had to go back to summon the chief of Khuchingkha. 3
Friday, the moon was seen partially covering a star (4). 4 Saturday, a star
was covered by the moon (5). 13 Sunday, the Haos brought the head of
Yumnam Cha Linla Sing. 15 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began.
20 Monday, while performing a Ras play at Bamon Kantha Major’s compound
in Kyamkgei, when a gun shot was fired, Oinam Cha Aawondar died as the
gun misfired. Bamon Major was punished. The Maharaj’s grandmother, who
was the mother of the chief of Luwang, died. 28 Tuesday, Chingakham Cha
the Nongthonpa the royal brother–in–law and others left to arrest the chief
of Khuchingkha. The month of Poinu (November/December) began on
Thursday. 10 Saturday, Laisrapa Govinda subidar and others left to take
back the gunpowder which was sent by a Sahep as it was found to be less
efficient (6) in performance. 10 Tuesday, Thourani the Aangom maiden, the
principal queen gave birth to a prince. 14 Wednesday, Leisangthem Cha the
hajari of Khapam (Pana) died. 15 Thursday, the Sangkranti of Poinu began.
Gananta, a foreigner, forecast an eclipse. The pundits of Manipur said there
would not be an eclipse. There was no eclipse. Yipungsija the Hanchapa of
elephants, who had set off for the Ganges, returned without reaching the
place. 17 Saturday, the Sahep left to see to the repair of the roads. 18 Sunday,
Tongpram Cha the Lakpa of Sanglen died. 27 Tuesday, the royal brother–in–
law the Nongthonpa (7) returned after handing over to the Sahep the chief of
Khuchingkha whom he had arrested. The month of Wakching (December/
January) began on Saturday. A child with four legs and four hands was born
in Thangmeipan. It died immediately. 3 Monday, Laisrapa Govinda, who
went to return the gun powder, returned. On that day stars appeared in the
afternoon. 14 Friday, the Sangkranti of Wakching began. 15 Saturday,
Sanchira was flogged in the market place as he was found to be in league
with the Haos in stealing cattle. 19 Wednesday, the royal son Yipungo Aatonpa
(born of) the Aangom maiden died. 27 Thursday, the Sahep who left to
supervise the repair of the road to Mayang returned. The month of Phairen

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Translation 63

(January/February) began on Sunday. 8 Sunday, the royal elder brother the

Senapati (8) and others, with 1,000 sepoys, left to attack the village of
Mongchu in the northern region. 13 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Phairen
began. 15 Monday, Potsangpa Rama the Hanchapa, who went to have a
meeting with the Sahep, returned. 25 Wednesday, the Koireng Haos caught a
tiger and it was presented (to the king). An elephant was also caught in the
area of Heirok and it was presented (to the king). New moon Monday, it was
kept (9) in the Mangnao area. The month of Lamta (February/March) began
on Tuesday. 8 Tuesday, the Senapati Major who went to attack the Hao village
(of Mongchu) returned. They brought with them one ivory tusk, two servants,
three guns, three spears, red felt clothes, gold and silver as the tribute payment,
which were presented (to the king). On their return trip they also devastated
the villages of Makhal and Makhan and captured many people. Yumnam
Cha the Aahontar died. 10 Thursday, when the repair work on the leakage
of the storied temple of Shri Govindaji, which was first built by the royal
maternal uncle and which had been taken up by the Maharaj, was completed
it was inaugurated. The wife of Ningthem’s guru, the Thourani his wife,
arrived. 12 Saturday, when six men from the families of Haobam, Wangkhei,
Dobanamoi, Soirensangpam, Nongthonpam, and Laisrapa tried to break into
the house of one Bramahon Barikha through a hole they had dug in the mud
wall, they were caught. They were displayed on a raised platform built for
that purpose in the marketplace and they were also flogged. Then they were
exiled to the land of Aawa. 14 Monday, the Sangkranti of Lamta began. Full
moon Tuesday, while performing the Yaosang play (10) a person died in
Chairen. 16 Wednesday, Ningthem left for Kokchai to hunt tigers. The Maharaj
shot and caught a tiger. 18 Friday, the Maharaj played polo and allowed the
Bengali Mahasai and his wife the Thourani to watch the game. 21 Monday,
a man from the Sarotkhaipam family in the area of Chakpa Keiroi died as he
was speared while he was making a hole through the (mud) wall to enter the
house to steal. The month of Sachiphu (March/April) began on Wednesday.
5 Sunday, the queen mother left for Nongmaiching mountain to worship a
lai. A comet also appeared. 9 Thursday, Bamon Major and Nameirakpa Major,
these two along with others and 600 sepoys, left for battle. 11 Sunday, the
Maharaj left for the Nongmaiching mountain to worship a lai. He spent the
night there and performed Hindu religious rites. 14 Wednesday was Bisu
Sankranti.

1 Katle: to offer, to present. Term is also used for an object of sacrifice as well as giving
a present to one of a higher social status. Appointing a person to be a servant to a lai
was a normal practice. This was not human sacrifice.
2 Churanthapa: these were king’s secret spies who spread terror among the general
public. Tradition has it that they used to roam in the night and eavesdrop by the mud
walls of people’s houses, and if any person was found to be speaking against the king
they were dealt with. First time the term is used.

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64 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

3 Aahappa laiti: literally, that lai which was appointed or added on. When a family
branches off to settle in a different area, leaving the original parental place of
settlement, it was a normal practice to take a portion of the ancestral relics with them
to ensure them of their ancestral ties. Huitom Pokpi literaly means the ancestral
mother of the Huitoms.
4 Thaki machita napye: literally clung at the side of the moon.
5 Probably the same star mentioned in the previous sentence.
6 Khutkap phate: alternative meaning, less by one hand span’s depth in the cubic
volume of the gunpowder (in a marked container). However when referring to
measurement the short form kap is often used in place of khutkap.
7 Scribal dittography.
8 Mayangmung samipati: scribal error for Mayampung Senapati, the royal elder brother
the Senapati.
9 Thumye: scribal error for thamye, from verb thamba to put it down, to keep, or to
leave.
10 Yaosang play: Hinduisation of the traditional first ploughing of the season Harao
Lou. Ploughing of the Harao lou began in the reign of Paikhompa in 1675 CE (Sak.
1597) in the early spring. This was accompanied by communal rejoicing with dancing
and singing in the promise of another year’s crop. To this traditional rejoicing the
worship of Chaitanya’s image (the Bengali founder of the Chaityanite Viasnavism)
was appended; a new name yaosang was given and it became a Hindu religious
festival. First time the term Yaosang is used.

Sakabda 1776 (1854 CE)

The year of Khorikhun Chaopa, Sakabda 1776 (1854 CE ) 15 Thursday
was the Cheiraopa, the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. 24 Friday,
the Bengali Mahasoi and his wife Thourani left. The month of Kalen (April/
May) began on Friday. Shri Meetei Leima Ponglen Khombi the queen mother,
after having discussed with Shrijut Maharaj, declared to him that the
chronology which was kept by his great–grandfather during the seven years’
devastation of Meetei Leipak (the land of the Meeteis) was full of mistakes,
and thus they began to compile (a corrected chronology) (1) in the presence
of Ancestor Nongsapa. 2 Saturday, Bamon Major and Nameirakpa Major,
these two, who went to attack the Tangkhuns in the northern region returned,
and they captured twenty prisoners. 7 Thursday, Rani the wife of the Gosai
left. Full moon Friday, there was a lunar eclipse. 16 Saturday, the Sangkranti
of Kalen began. 24 Saturday, there was a contest on the Pibaship in the
Naorem (extended family) between the then Piba and the man next in line to
him. The man who was the sepoy was found to be in the right. 25 Sunday,
there was an earthquake. The Yirengpam family in Phugakchao also had a
contest over the office of Mapenleima (2) and the clan was split into two.
They also composed separate genealogy. There was also a contest for the
pibaship between Aachoipa the son of the chief of Moirang and his brothers.
The elder brother was found to be in the right. Aachoipa Yirapanta separated
himself to form another family. In the family of Loukrakpam also there was

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Translation 65

a contest for the Pibaship between those whose mother was of royal descent
and those whose mother was a commoner. The descendants of the woman
who was of royal descent were found to be in the right. New moon Friday, a
cow and her calf were killed by lightning in Khakempa Panli. The area of
Laiyingthou Snamahi was also struck by lightning. The month of Yinga (May/
June) began on Saturday. 2 Sunday, there was an earthquake and the market
was disrupted. 4 Wednesday, an aftershock took place. 6 Friday, a case was
conducted in the royal presence of Shrijut and the queen mother over a
contest concerning the pibaship. The contest was on the ground that the
rightful Piba of Sakontongpa (extended family) was living in Aawa, and the
contestants were Laisrapa Sangkoipa Hitang, who was the next in line to the
absentee Piba, and the one next in line to the Hitang for the Pibaship.
Sangkoipa Hitang was found to be in the right. The Chantam family also
contested for the pibaship. The Piba who used to be an apprentice to a
Maipa was found to be in the right as he said he was the grandson of a lady
from the royal lineage. In one Laisram family also there was a contest over
the pibaship between the son born from a lady of royal lineage and the
hajari of a Pana. The family was split into two. But the chief family position
was conferred on the family which claimed to have had royal lineage (3).
There was also a contest over the pibaship in the family of Meepam, between
those who settled in Kakwa and those who settled in Loklaopung, between
these two. The man who lived in Kakwa was declared to be in the right. In
the extended family of Narengpam also there was a contest for pibaship
between the families of Ningthousenpa and the Sakontongpa. The family of
Ningthousenpa was declared to be in the right. The market was disrupted.
The family of the Chief of Aangom said that the family of Aangom Pacha
Hanpa had (moved away and) settled as a separate family. But they denied it
saying that they had not been split up. When the records of the ancestors,
both from the female and the male lines, were consulted it was discovered
that the Pacha Hanpa’s family had not separated from the original family.
Concerning the family of Paonam also, when it was said by the family of the
Piba that there was a Jogi in the family of the Pundit, and when it was
looked into, it was discovered that there was no Jogi. The Piba was fined as
he was found to be in the wrong. 19 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Yinga
began. Waikhom also was from the family line of the subidar. They belonged
to the line of the younger and the elder (males) of the family. When they
were contesting (for the first time) over the pibaship, both the contestants
were residing in the land of the Mayangs. But when both of them contested
subsequently it was shown to them that a royal verdict had been given then
that both were to take an ordeal by water at the Nungcheng pool. The subidar
was found to be the rightful Piba. Concerning the family of Thoutam, there
was a contest over the Pibaship between the families of Ningthousenpa and
the family of the minion of Maroi the Keirungpa. Ningthousenpa was declared
to be the rightful Piba. And the next in line for the Piba was declared to be

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66 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Pacha Chatpa. 20 Thursday, a monkey jumped onto the plinth around a house.
Thangcham Yaosem also contested over the Pibaship. Nanda was declared
to be the rightful Piba. There was also a contest over the Pibaship in the
Khuraicham family between those who had settled in Taobungkhok and those
who had settled in Yoirenpam. Those who had settled in Yoirenpam were
declared to be in the right. The family of Chungkham was also split into two.
Two pibaships were created. (The articles belonging to) their family lai were
also shared out. 24 Monday, the Maharaj went down to Sangngaiprou and
caught a tiger. The month of Yingen (June/July) began on Monday. There
was a contest over the pibaship in the Thouroicham family. Sakontongpa
was declared to be in the right. As it was said that a thief who was exiled to
the land of Aawa had fled from Aawa, he was allowed to become a resident
in Panlen. Wangkhei Meerap, who had fled to the land of Mayang, was
captured along with his seven servants by the Mongtai Haos in Makuron,
and they were brought before (the king). 2 Tuesday, they began (to build)
the granary. While two Bamons were pulling the Kang chariots (for Hindu
chariot festival) in Singchamei their carts collided and they ended in a scuffle.
Both of these Bamons were deported to Loi, one to Leisangkhong and the
other to Thangching. As for those Meeteis (who were involved), they were
whipped and then let them go. 4 Thursday, Ramanada the Hanjapa of Bamons
died. 6 Saturday, blood was spilt in the great palace. 11 Thursday, many
frogs jumped in Lakhong. 13 Saturday, the Maharaj went down to Haotan
and caught a tiger. 15 Monday, it was reported that as Aongnam Tharoi had
stolen a gun which belonged to Aathokpa Aapanpa the Lakpa of Institute
Buildings, he was offered (as a servant) to (lai) Wangparen and requested
the lai to bless (him) with abundance of fish. 17 Wednesday, pibaship was
contested in the extended family of Yirengpam, between the youngest (male)
who had made a pilgrimage to the Ganges and the family of the Lakpa of
granary hands. The person who had made the pilgrimage to the Ganges was
declared to be in the right. 21 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Yingen began. 22
Sunday, the Maharaj deported all the horse grooms to Loi to Sanglen as the
horses were found to be thin. 25 Wednesday, a court case took place in the
presence of the king, concerning Aatom who lived in Phupanwa, as it was
said that he was a drummer in Takhen. But it turned out that Aatom was not
(the drummer), but the person with whom Aatom came turned out to be the
drummer; he belonged to the family of Basaram, and also came from Takhen;
and Purna was their Piba. The month of Thawan (July/August) began on
Wednesday. 2 Thursday, the stone pillar which was erected in the market
place, which then was dug up and taken into (the palace complex) and erected
by lai Nongsaba, was dug up and erected once again in the market place, as
it was said that fish were very scarce (since the stone was removed). 3 Friday,
there was a controversy between Lairikyengpam Lanhampa the Hanchapa
and Laphoipa the Hanchapa, these two on the issue of gotra (4). Laphoipa
said that (they adopted) Anima gotra (5). Lanhampa replied and said that

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Translation 67

previously they had been using (rules) of that (gotra), but since the days of
the head of the temple clerks (Maharaton), they adopted the Goutum gotra.
(6) Lanhanpa won the case. They offered gold to Shri Govindaji. Court fees
were paid to both the Maharaj and the Brahon Sapha (sabha). 7 Tuesday,
Nameirakpa Balaram Sing disowned his son Tugra Sing saying that he was
not his real son. When it was investigated it turned out that he was the real
father. Turga Sing won the case. 8 Wednesday, saying that there was a
drought, they displayed (the images of) Govindaji and Shri Radha, these
two, in the polo ground. sen coins were scattered in the marketplace. 10
Friday, a tiger was caught in Wuchekkon. Puksri (7) destroyed paddy crops.
11 Saturday, in all the 108 areas which were designated to the lais, they
staged the Sulon play (8). That was the only time when the lais were involved
and continued to be invloved in the jhulon play. 16 Wednesday, a wild cow
appeared and it was caught. 19 Saturday, two men ran away to the land of
the Mayangs. As it was reported that after the Sahep had captured them and
brought them back, both had been allowed to escape by Wahengpa subidar
of Aoinamlong stockade and Leipokpam Pumara, these two, both of them
were whipped in the presence of the Maharaj and then were publicly shamed
in the marketplace (9). 20 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Thawan began. 24
Thursday, Khwairampan collapsed (10). 26 Saturday, three tigers were caught
in Aathokpam. New moon Thursday, as it was reported that the Lusei Haos
had devastated Suknu, some people left to repel them. Ningthoukhong Cha
Major’s horse died during a polo match. The month of Langpan (August/
September) began on Thursday. 5 Monday, there was an earthquake. 6
Tuesday, the extended family of Aakoicham the Lakpa of Naharup (Pana)
was split into two families. 13 Tuesday, Khoisnam Maiba’s wife in Wuchekkon
was killed by the elephant Bharani in the night, as it trampled down the
house. 17 Friday, Yumnam Cha Habi left to attack Thonglang. 20 Monday,
there was a boat race. There was a controversy concerning the (polo) ball
and all four Senlungpas were deported to Loi. The Maharaj made the Haos
from the Aayokpa and those from the Sangsaroi (Institutes) compete in a
boat race. 25 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began. There was an
earthquake aftershock. 27 Tuesday, there was a contest over the pibaship in
the (extended) family of Ningthoucham in Yumnam. Aangang Aaton and
Jipananda these two were appointed to become two pibas. A tiger was caught
in Khompitok. The month of Mera (September/October) began on Saturday.
10 Sunday, cranes were seen on the roof of Kwaksang, (the shed for crows).
17 Sunday, the Lakpa of Khwai who was the son of the Jubraj the son of
Ningthem Mayangngampa, and his younger brother, the three sons of
Yipungsi Pheirapa, and Yipungsi the Hanchapa of elephants, these seven
were expelled to the land of the Mayangs as it was said that they tried to
make an attempt on the throne. Yipungsi Pheirapa died in Mayang. 21
Thursday, a man from the Huirem family was eaten by a tiger in
Leisangkhong. Four tigers were caught. 25 Monday, the Sangkranti of Mera

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68 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

began. The water in Nungjeng pool was as red as blood. 28 Thursday, the
Lusei Haos devastated the village of Mantak on the outskirts of Moirang.
The Maharaj left to repel them. He stayed there one night and also worshipped
Sovereign (Lai) Thanggoching before he left. The month of Hiyangkei
(October/November) began on Sunday. 2 Monday, the four Panas made bricks
across the area of Nahamang. All four Panas were involved. They also went
to Koutruk to fell trees for fire, wood to fire the bricks. 8 Sunday, Aakham
Cha the Lakpa of Sanglen Institute died. New moon Saturday, there was a
lunar eclipse. A sahep also left for the land of Mayang to play polo (11). 21
Friday, Maisnam Cha the Lakpa of Aahanlup (Pana) left on a pilgrimage to
the Ganges. There was also a contest over the pibaship between the elder
and the younger brothers in the Huidrom family who were potters and made
nganthak pottery (12). There was an argument with the principal wife (13).
The elder brother was declared to be in the right. 25 Wednesday, the Sangkranti
of Hiyangkei began. The month of Poinu (November/ December) began on
Tuesday. The Maharaj, taking his seat along with all the Maipas and Maipis
and all the people of the land, made appeasement to all the heavenly divinities
of the land and the (lais) of the four cardinal points, after erecting the
appropriate posts and canopies, in order that Khwairampan (market) might
be built. 10 Wednesday, Shrijut Maharaj along with the people began to
build a brick bridge. Langcham Cha Tharma Sing the Wurung Puren and
others, including the people of the Leikais, the army of the land, and those
from the Sangsaroi, these three groups, were commissioned to build the bridge
together as a team. They also scattered a large quantity of sen (coins) at the
foot of the bridge and at the marketplace. 12 Friday, there was thundering on
lai Kouparu. 20 Saturday, there was an earthquake. 25 Friday, the Sangkranti
of Poinu began. The month of Wakching (December/January) began on
Wednesday. Yipungsi the Senapati, the royal brother–in–law the Nongthonpa,
and Haopam Cha Major, these three and others marched to repel the Lusei
Haos as it was reported that they had plundered Chasat. 8 Wednesday, they
returned having repelled the Lusei Haos. 14 Tuesday, those who had gone to
play polo in the land of Mayang, returned. 16 Thursday, Thangkangsapa
Kumar, who was also a prince and occupied the post of the Lakpa of Khwai,
and was living in Wangkhei Leikai, was discovered to be making an attempt
on the throne. He was killed and his corpse was hung up at Wangthonpi.
Those Brahmons and others who were involved in the plot were punished.
One Meetei who was a Khetri, and one from the family of Aayekpa, these
two were deported to Loi to Suknu. 25 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Wakching
began. The month of Phairen (January/February) began on Friday. 12
Monday, the Victoria (team) and Tuli Naha (team) had a Polo match. Nepram
Cha Jamandar injured his head. 13 Tuesday, three tigers were caught in
Lairensajik and presented (to the king). 25 Monday, the Sangkranti of Phairen
began. The Lusei Haos were received at court. The month of Lamta (February/
March) began on Saturday. A servant working in the family of Chingngakham

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Translation 69

who lived in Moirangkhom was found to have been murdered. 2 Sunday, a

tiger was caught in the Wangkhei Leikai and it was presented (to the king).
10 Monday, the Thourani the Chongtham maiden gave birth to a prince. 13
Thursday, a tiger was caught in Chairen and it was presented (to the king).
21 Friday, the princess born to the Thourani the Aangom maiden, had her
ears pierced. 25 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Lamta began. 27 Thursday, lai
Aapekpa of the Chungkham family was divided. New moon Sunday, as they
were digging up (the foundation) of the magazine in the Langthapan palace,
a man who was minion to the Yumnam Leikai (Institute) was killed. The
month of Sachiphu (March/April) (14) began on Monday. 6 Saturday, the
Purum Haos caught a tiger in Sakonmang and it was presented (to the king).
8 Monday, they stretched (the skin for) the Kangla yaipung (the personal
royal drum). 10 Wednesday, Shrijut Maharaj innaugurated the brick bridge
with all the people of the Leikais, after having taken the image of Shri Govinda
there. He also gave gifts of gold and silver to all the Bamons and Bheishnabs.
A large quantity of sen (coins) was also scattered. 13 Tuesday, (15) Thourani,
the Aangom maiden gave birth to a prince. 25 Thursday was Bisu Sankranti.

Note.

1 Regular palace recording was disrupted during the seven years’ devastation by the
Aawas.
2 Mapenleima: literally, the lady or queen who was the grandmother of the clan. Before
the patriarchal system became dominant with the incoming Pakhangpa group, a
martriarchal system prevailed amongst the autochthones of Manipur. The Mapenleima
is not the wife of the Piba (the male head of the clan). Even at the present day, the
importance of the female is evident in that in any marriage between Manipuri Meeteis,
the line of descent from the grandmothers’ side is taken into account in order to
prevent relationships between which marriage is forbidden.
3 Pibaship was normally held by the rightful male head or genitor of any extended
family. But those of royal lineage seem to have been given precedence over the
traditional custom.
4 Godra: for Sanskrit gotra original meaning ‘a cowshed, ‘a herd of cows,’ ‘a clan’, an
exogamous sept, especially of Brahmans. First time the term is used.
5 Aanima gotra: Anima was the first of the eight Siddhis of the Hindus. First time the
term is used.
6 Goutum gotra: The originator of this Gotra was one of the five Kyasthas who came to
Bengal with five Brahmins from Kanyakubja (Kanauj) in northern India in 920 CE.
7 Puksri: probably an insect.
8 Sulon for Bengali term Jhulon meaning ‘act of swinging’. Hindu festival where
Krishna is depicted on a swing with his lover Radha. First time the term is used.
9 Khungkoinaba: literally, to walk round the village, public shaming.
10 Obscure. Khwairampan was an open–roofed market.
11 First time polo being taken and played in Mayang (Cachar) is mentioned. From there
the British officers introduced the game to Britian (inventing their own rules). The
polo team returned to Manipur in the middle of Wakching (entry below) after spending
a long enough time to teach the game to the new players. Manipur still plays both the

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70 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Pana Polo and the International Polo. Pana polo is rougher and permits a player to
hook the opponent off the horse with his polo stick.
12 Nganthak: the earthen container which holds the tobacco paste and the live charcoal
used in pot smoking. This container is placed tightly on a narrow hollow bamboo
reed or wooden pipe which is attached to the top of the pot from where the smoke is
inhaled through the mouth. First time the term is used.
13 Mama aahan: the principal wife in a polygamous family, who is addressed as mama
ahan meaning elder mother. Contest was between two half brothers.
14 Sachiphu; scribal emendation, both for this month and for the month of Kalen of the
following year.
15 Discrepancy on the date.

Sakabda 1777 (1855 CE)

The year of Sekmai Devanta, Sakabda 1777 (1855 CE). 26 Friday was the
Cheiraopa, the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. The month of
Kalen (April/May) began on Tuesday. A stag was caught in Khakhong gorge.
4 Friday, the Maharaj left for Moibi hills to inspect the tea plants (1). 13
Monday, they began to make the palanquin Muksungampa. Full moon
Wednesday, Nadiya Chand the son of Ningthemton arrived from Mayang.
16 Thursday, the Saram family which was from the lineage of Meetingu
Thangbi Lanthapa was accepted as descendants of the great palace. 24
Thursday, a milk cow which belonged to Shri Brinaban Chandra gave birth
to a calf which had no tail but had bow legs. A man from the Khwairakpam
family was also killed in Keinou by a buffalo. 28 Monday, the Sangkranti of
Kalen began. The month of Kalen (April/May) began on Thursday. 2 Friday,
all the records of the genealogies were put together. 6 Tuesday, a tree in the
Mahabali grove broke. 8 Thursday, the chup post (2) at Santhong was found
to have been washed away. 14 Wednesday, the prince born to the Thourani
the Aangom maiden died. Full moon Thursday, the Lusei Haos were received
at court. 26 Sunday, a person from the Saikhom family died as he was hit by
a mud ball which was thrown by a man from the Chingakham family. 28
Tuesday, the house of Puthiraja Punsipa in Kakching was pulled down by
the people of his village, saying that he was an evil person. He was given
permission to go and settle in another village. New moon Thursday, the
Sangkranti of Yinga began. The month of Yinga (May/June) began on Friday.
On that day, one Yoirenpam Goura Sing whose mother had taken him about
during a famine (in search for food), and who was thought to be missing,
was found living in Soisa Kameng, along with his son and his family, the
three of them. After finding out his origin and tracing his relatives, and after
the Maharaj intimated these facts to his royal brother–in–law the Nongthonpa,
the family was brought back from the Loi area. 26 Saturday, there was a
contest for the post of Ngamthang (a deputy) between Potsangbam Major’s
family and Leimanai Hitang’s family. Hitang’s family was appointed. As it
was reported that one of the branches of a tree in the sacred area of Ningthem

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Translation 71

Pokpa which was in Lansonpi Keipham had broken, Maipa and Maipi went
down and performed appeasement rites with supplications. 27 Friday, …
died due to manu (3) in the area adjacent to ancestor Pakhangpa’s sacred
area, on the bank of the Nungjeng pool. The month of Yingen (June/July)
began on Sunday. 2 Monday the Sangkranti of Yingen began. Yingen was
an intercalary month (4). 6 Friday, the Maharaj took one Konkham maiden
to the palace and married her. There was also an ordeal by water in the
Thangkampat moat between two Kapui Haos as they contested the ownership
of Makhun village, to which both belonged. 7 Saturday, Yipungsi Wupentra
the Pachahanpa died. When it was reported that the Haos of Khuchingkha
had killed some inhabitants of Aatangkhun village and the matter was
investigated, it was found that Yumnapa the Poilya had committed the crime,
and he was dismissed from his post. The many Haos (who were involved)
were flogged in the Sna Keithen marketplace. 8 Sunday, it was reported to
the king that Chothe Nungchongpa was born in the area of Chakpa Leimram
(5). 11 Wednesday, the club house was set on fire. 23 Sunday, there was
thundering on Kouparu (mountain). Blood was also spilt at (the shrine of)
Nongsapa. The month of Thawan (July/August) began on Tuesday. 3
Thursday, the Sangkranti of Thawan began. 9 Wednesday, Shrijut gave a
royal order to his royal brother–in–law Chingakham Cha the Nongthonpa,
after consulting his royal father–in–law Aangoupampa, and all the nobles in
the Cheirap court, to (announce) and record that the families of Thingkucham
Liklai, Phamtou, Rasak, and Bhatra who were from the lineage of Jai Sing,
all these four families who lived in the area of Konsapa Khutnaipa (6) along
with their descendants, should be granted exemption from compulsory duties
to the state, after they had offered gold and silver to Shri Radha and Govindaji.
This act of grace was entered in the royal records which were also engraved
in copper. 22 Monday, (the image of) Shri Brindabon Chandra was collected
from the Chingakham family. The month of Langpan (August/September)
began on Wednesday. A Kapui Hao was flogged in the marketplace as it was
said that he had slaughtered a cow. 3 Friday, Ningthem went down to
Wuchekkon and caught a tiger. 5 Sunday, the Sangkranti of Langpan began.
21 Monday, Heisnam Aaphi and Kumud, these two contested over the
pibaship. Aaphi was found to be the rightful Piba. The month of Mera
(September/October) began on Friday. 6 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Mera
began. 11 Monday, blood was spilt in the temple in Mongpa grove. The king
of Chasat was also killed. 13 Tuesday, the Thourani the Oinam maiden gave
birth to a prince. 14 Wednesday, the racing barges for the Aahanlup and
Laipham (Panas) arrived. 19 Monday, Tampakleima the mother of the Jubraj
arrived from Tekhao. 22 Thursday, in Heinoupok Tampakkei a man from the
Mutum family died as he was pierced in his elbow by a man from the
Thangcham family, who claimed that the man had stolen a bamboo fishing
trap. 23 Friday, the family of Nameirakpa Major and the family of a minion
of Pacha (Institute), contested over the pibaship. The minion of the Pacha
(Institute) was found to be the rightful Piba. The month of Hiyangkei

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72 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

(October/November) began on Friday. There was an earthquake. 3 Monday,

two men from the family of Meeyengpam who lived in Kakwa and
Loklaopung contested over the pibaship and the one who lived in Loklaopung
was found to be the rightful piba. He took Yaoreepi (7) (the family lai). 7
Friday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei began. 11 Tuesday, a tiger was caught
in Sakonmang and it was presented (to the king). 12 Wednesday, the Lusei
Haos came and presented to the Maharaj one elephant tusk. 14 Friday, a
soldier from the Yirom family was drowned in Waithou. 19 Tuesday, a tiger
was caught in Sekta and it was presented (to the king). 20 Wednesday, there
was a boat race. 28 Friday, a Sahep arrived. 29 Saturday, the Lusei Haos
arrived. The wife of the Hao who was in custody also came. The Hao who
was in custody was set free by the Maharaj. New moon Sunday, fifteen cannon
shots were fired to celebrate the victory of the saheps over Rahar (Lahore).
The month of Poinu (November/December) began on Monday. 6 Friday, the
Sangkranti of Poinu began. The Maharaj accompanied by the Sahep left for
Kokchai to feast on fish. 10 Tuesday, the servants left for Khuchingkha to
collect the tribute payment. 13 Friday, as it was reported that one tiger was
eaten by three tigers in Lairen Sachik, the Maharaj and the Sahep left and
caught the three tigers. 17 Tuesday, there was an earthquake. 18 Wednesday,
Chingngakham Cha the Pukhranpa, and Maisnam Cha the Thumchaopuren,
with others, left to dig Chandrakhong canal. 20 Friday, a fire was spotted on
the top of Kouparu mountain. 21 Saturday, the Thourani the Chongtham
maiden gave birth to a prince. 22 Sunday, they performed a Hindu religious
rite at Hiyangthang Lairemma offering milk from 108 cows. 28 Sunday, as
Maisnam Major and Konthou the Lakpa of Laipham (Pana), these two, were
involved in a controversy in gambling at cards both were deported to Loi.
But they were summoned back soon. The month of Wakching (December/
January) began Saturday. Pakhangpa manifested himself in Lenglen. 6 Sunday,
the Sangkranti of Wakching began. 8 Tuesday, the Haos of Khoirupok caught
a tiger and it was presented (to the king). 9 Wednesday, as Barachandra, a
conscript, came from his home with the intention of supporting an attempt
on the throne and of finding supporters; he was arrested. A man from the
Mongcham family and another from the Nongthonpam family fought and
killed each other at the Aaheipam Khongnang Pheitekpi. Moirang subidar
was deported to Loi to Sagkonmang. 14 Friday, the Maharaj exempted the
Kanghucham clan from the compulsory duty in the Leikai army for a century,
after they had joined in a family gathering for a common meal with him (as
they were of royal blood). 24 Monday, the Maharaj hosted 108 old ladies to
a meal and begged that they might bless him that he might live long. A
(mayang) barber who occupied the post of Hanchapa and to whom the Meetei
surname of Mongpicham had been given, was made to take the Hindu sacred
thread (8). The month of Phairen (January/February) began on Thursday. 7
Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Phairen began. 10 Friday, the queen mother left
to inspect (9) Chandrakhong canal. 23 Friday, Ningthem went to north Sekmai
and returned on the same day. 28 Wednesday, as it was reported that

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Translation 73

Ningthoukhong Cha Major was beaten by Maipa Syam Cha, (Maipa) was
taken to the Cheirap court and was reprimanded. Haopam Major and two
Phiringki Saheps and others returned from attacking the Haos in the Kapo
area. As a horse which belonged to a Pangan was found in the possession of
a man from the Nongthonpam family, he was exposed on a platform in the
marketplace and then was flogged. The month of Lamta (February/March)
began on Friday. 3 Sunday, the queen mother and many others, after gathering
all the people of the land of Kangleipak, (10) left to dig the canal. 6
Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Lamta began. 13 Wednesday, a tree broke in
Lansombi Ningthem Pokpi. It fell on a shrine. A post also broke in the sacred
area of Marampa kei (granary). 17 Sunday, those who went to Chandrakhong
canal returned on the same day. 20 Wednesday, the Maharaj left to dig the
mouth of the canal. Two canals, one named Punglen Khong canal and the
other named Chandrabanhop canal, were both dug and opened up. Ningthem
returned on the same day. 2 Monday, the Maharaj went down to Yitam and
caught two tigers. One was offered to Chingkhei Ningthou (lai). Ningthem
spent a night there. 6 Thursday, the queen mother and others including Lakpas
of Institutes, Keirungpas, Pukhranpas and Nongthonpa, all of them returned
after digging the canals. 7 Friday was Bisu Sangkranti.

1 Tea grew wild in Manipur; the seeds were exported and the income was kept by the
king until the British added it to land revenue. However, no tea–plantation was
established, and even during British rule after 1891 the durbar objected to any tea
plantation project.
2 Chup: a ritual act in which a small symbolic construction is built to prevent unpleasant
episodes from reoccurring.
3 Manu thungtuna: due to a sickness named manu; obscure. The subject of the sentence
is not mentioned.
4 Sentence repeated.
5 Obscure. But the Chothe (Purums) were probably an autochthonous group like the
Chakpa Leimram people.
6 Konsapa khutnaipa ta leiba: who lived in areas where smiths of brass utensils and
other such smiths were settled.
7 Yaoreepi: the female ancestor of Meeyengpam clan. Normally the piba is the custodian
of the belongings of the founder ancestors. When some of the families in the clan
separate and move away from the original area of settlement the ancestral relics are
also shared out.
8 Barbers were considered low caste by virtue of their birth in mainland India. But in
Manipur a barber was allowed not only to become twice born but also to hold
positions of status and recognition in the society.
9 Pa: incomplete word; scribal error for yengpa meaning to inspect.
10 Kangleipak; probably a scribal emendation of Leipak to Kangleipak. A long vertical
line between Chingna and Kang in the Ms. could be taken as a scribal correction for
a pause; the letter k is superimposed over the two vertical lines, and the sign for ng
inserted, thus representing kang: joining with the next word leipak produces
Kangleipak, the ancient name of Manipur before hinduisation.

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74 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

Sakabda 1778 (1856 CE)

The year of Kakching Chadrasam, Sakabda 1778 (1856 CE). 8 Saturday
was the Cheiraopa, the new year’s day in the month of Sachiphu. 11
Wednesday, a tame female elephant to be used to pacify other (wild) elephants
arrived from Tekhao. 13 Friday, they saw evidence that the tunnel of
Pakhangpa had reached the Institute building of Aahanlup (Pana). The three
Institutes of Maipas performed the rite of offering yu (rice beer) to Pakhangpa.
The Purums were settled in Sakonmang. 18 Wednesday, the princess born to
the Thourani the Aoinam maiden had her ears pierced. Three families from
Kapo Samsok (1) also fled to (Manipur). 29 Saturday, a python was captured
in Khakeithen market. The month of Kalen (April/May) began on Monday.
8 Monday, Thourani Hongnemsumbi, wife of Ningthem Chingthang Khompa,
died. 9 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Kalen began. The month of Yinga (May/
June) began on Wednesday. 10 Friday, the Sangkranti of Yinga began. The
month of Yingen (June/July) began on Thursday. 12 Tuesday, the Sangkranti
of Yingen began. An omen was observed on the shoulder joint of the image
of Shri Ramchandra Pravu. 16 Friday, the younger brother of Sna the Lakpa
of Khurai died of cholera. Many people died of cholera. 18 Sunday, the
Maharaj left for Sakonpan to hunt wild pigs. He did not catch any. 23 Friday,
the tunnel of Pakhangba reached the Pacha Institute building. The month of
Thawan (July/August) began on Friday. 3 Monday, a tiger was caught in
Sakonmang and it was presented (to the king). 14 Friday, the Sangkranti of
Thawan began. 17 Monday, the king of Aawa sent a golden saddle as a
present to the Maharaj. 18 Tuesday, there was an earthquake. 23 Saturday,
the sepoys who were posted in the area of Laiyingthou Khoriphapa and
those who were posted in the area of Lairemma Channing Leima, these two
(groups), had a controversy over the performance of a haraoba festival.
When it was investigated by royal order the sepoys in Khoriphapa (2) were
found to be on the right. Concerning the land (area belonging to the lai), it
covered all the area of Sakat Jiri (3). 24 Sunday, the wife of Jubraj
Khongsangpa arrived from Tekhao. 27 Monday, Ningthem went down to
Kongpa Yiranpam and caught a tiger. Wayenpam Cha Gunachandra was
attacked by a tiger and he died. The month of Langpan (August/September)
began on Sunday. 2 Monday, there was a landslide at Kantrapokpi in the
area of Waikhurok gorge in Sikhong. The Yingourok river became blocked.
The Maipas from the Maipa Institute performed an appeasement rite with
supplications. 5 Thursday, there was a boat race. The chief oarsman Loitongpa
Chatra died. 23 Friday, when a wild sow ran in to the middle of the Kangla
complex from the northern direction, it was caught by the entrance to the
canal in the south. 16 Monday the Sangkranti of Langpan began. 20 Friday,
six puppies were born in the Nonghum building. Also a litter of pigs was
born in the elephant house. The month of Mera (September/October) began
on Tuesday. 2 Wednesday, six men, including Aoina Kunta who had escaped

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Translation 75

to the land of Mayang, were captured and they were brought before (the
king). 3 Thursday, all the royal ladies including the queen mother, along
with the Maharaj went down to Linlong and caught two tigers. 13 Sunday,
the Thourani Luwongsu gave birth to a princess. 14 Monday, there was a
lunar eclipse. 18 Thursday, the Sangkranti of Mera began. The Maharaj caught
a tiger in Wurup village. The month of Hiyangkei (October/November) began
on Wednesday. 2 Wednesday (4) there was an earthquake. 12 Sunday, while
Thangcham Yupanpam Laknat was shooting a cannon shell which he had
made (to test it) at Chingkon, it exploded. Four Wairis also arrived (5). 16
Thursday, there was an earthquake. 18 Saturday, the Sangkranti of Hiyangkei
began. A tiger was caught in Thoupan and it was presented (to the king). 28
Tuesday, Thangchapa Loknat made another cannon shell and it was fired in
the presence of the Maharaj in Sangaibrou. The month of Poinu (November/
December) began on Friday. 7 Thursday, they began to build the mantop for
Shri Govinda. 16 Friday, the Maharaj set out to attack the Kam Haos. 18
Sunday, the Sangkranti of Poinu began. 19 Sunday, the Maharaj marched to
attack the Kam Haos. 26 Tuesday, Ningthem climbed the mountain. The
month of Wakching (December/January) began on Sunday. 6 Friday, there
was thundering at (lai) Wangbren. 7 Saturday, Ningthem attacked (the Kam
Haos). Nineteen sepoys received gun shot injuries and eleven of them died.
Eight men including Chongtham Cha hajari survived. As the Haos rushed to
crush the enemy and while the Meeteis were crossing the river (as they were
retreating), they lost 202 guns, the palanquin Muksu Ngampa, the Wokphrun
Ngampa sword, (6) the royal canopy, and the royal sekpin; other items
including brass utensils, clothes, and food rations and water were all lost.
About fifty Haos who were porters also died. Some ran away without taking
any food. 10 Monday, the people of Sekmai caught a tiger and it was presented
(to the king). 18 Tuesday, the Sangkranti of Wakching began. 24 Monday,
the Maharaj returned from his attack of the Kam Haos. Thirty–nine people
lost their lives in the battle. The Maharaj performed the sorat rite (shradha)
for all of them. Regarding the guns and weapons of war which were left
behind, a sum of twenty three Indian Rupees was levied as a fine for each
gun from all those who were held responsible. Chirom Cha Pathi the Lakpa
of Naharup (Pana) and Haopam Cha Binad Major these two who had the
good fortune to serve their king were rewarded with Thangpan (7). Longcham
Cha Loma the Hanchapa of Security Guards and Laitoncham Cha Chandra
Sing, these two and all the others who had the good fortune to serve the
king, were rewarded befitting their courage and valour with royal reward
cloth, gold bracelets and gold necklace. The month of Phairen (January/
February) began on Monday. 11 Thursday, a Phiringki Sahep left for Mayang
to escort his child. 17 Wednesday, the Sangkranti of Phairen began. Rasmani
the former chief of Aangom died. 20 Saturday, Thongam Cha subidar began
to cast a bell-metal cannon shell. 29 Monday, as the Maharaj gave an order
to hold back the waters of Takyen, a barricade was built. New moon Tuesday,

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76 The Cheitharon Kumpapa

they inaugurated Shri Govinda’s mantop. The month of Lamta (February/

March) began on Wednesday. The people of Antro caught a white horse in
Woksu and immediately it was presented to the Maharaj. 3 Friday, the royal
son the Jubraj had his ears pierced. 18 Friday, Konchengpam Cha Major and
others left to devastate Wokphrun. The month of Sachiphu (March/April)
began on Thursday. 2 Friday, the Hoas from the northern area began to raise
the level of the earthen plinth on both the north and western sides of the
market. Konchengpam Cha Major also returned after devastating the Haos in
Wokphrun. 3 Saturday, the prince who held the post of Katwan died. 5
Monday, the genealogical record which was written down was securely kept
in a royal box and this was marked with a gun salute. A gift of red felt cloth
for seats (8) and paddy fields was granted to all those who took part in
composing the record. 7 Wednesday, the image of Shri Ram Chandra Pravu
which was stationed in the Khwairampan (market place) was moved back to
its previous place at Ningthem Pukhri. When there was a controversy over
the number of paddy fields dedicated to Konthoucham Lairemma, and it was
found that the number of paddy fields was too great, and that they were
virgin fields which had not been cultivated before; and as the royal decree
had been given, Yumnam Cha pundit and Lourempam Cha Hitang of the
Maipa (Institute), these two went down and moved the iron chain which was
suspended at Mayang Langkhong to mark the boundary of the lai’s paddy
fields, to Heikrupung (mound), where the iron chain was lifted up and
suspended to indicate the new land boundary. 13 Tuesday, Longjampa Randi
and Langkoncham Cha Hem Sing the Phourungpa, these two who had gone
as envoys with a message from Shrijut to the king of Aawa, returned. They
returned with Chingakhampa the (Manipuri) ambassador to Aawa. The king
of Aawa sent a present to the Maharaj. 17 Saturday was Bisu Sankranti.

1 Kapo Samsok: the portion of Samsok which was within Kapo (Kabaw).
2 Khoriphapata pa: the last syllable ta of Khoriphapata is to be read as repeated with
the next syllable pa, tapa meaning those who had settled.
3 Sakat jiiki makheine: the letters j and r are written jointly and the vowel i read as
repeated. Alternative reading: the Bengali letters may be used carelessly and jiri
should be read as ching, reading chingki, the Sakat hill range.
4 Either an intercalary day or scribal error.
5 Wairi: obscure.
6 Palanquin Muksu Ngampa, Thang Wokphrun Ngampa: palanquin used at the victory
over Muksu, sword used at the victory over Wokphrun (present Ukhrul).
7 Thangpan: the highest reward, consisting of multiple gifts and certain specific
privileges, for saving the person of the king or for services rendered to the security of
the throne.
8 Phirangji phita: Phiranji, red felt cloth, phita: