Cheitharol Kumbaba
| Translators | Saroj Nalini Arambam Parratt, Mamacharan, Rajkumar Somorjit Sana |
|---|---|
| Country | Manipur, India |
| Language | Manipuri |
| Subjects | informations about Meitei kings, events during each king's time, etc |
| Genre | Royal Chronicle |
Published in English | 1891, 2005 (+ 2009 and 2015-16) , 2010 |
| It is the royal and the court chronicle of Meitei kings of Manipur. | |
The Cheitharol Kumbaba, originally spelt as the Cheithalol Kumpapa, is a Meitei language royal court chronicle of the rulers of the Ningthouja dynasty of Manipur kingdom.[1][2] It records various historical events happened in different reigns of the succeeding rulers right from the reign of Nongta Lailen Pakhangpa in 33 CE.[1][3][4][5]
Importance
The Cheitharol Kumbaba is valued for its wide coverage of time and for its detailed record of events in social, political, economic, and religious life. It provides a continuous history of the Meitei rulers, regardless of how a king came to the throne or what his origin was.[6]
For the people of Manipur, this chronicle is as important as the Buranji is to the Assamese people, the Bakhliar to the Marathas, the Twarikhi to the Moguls, and the Yazawin to the Burmese people.[6]
Origin and compilation
According to the text itself, the compilation of the Cheitharol Kumbaba started during the rule of King Kyamba (1467–1508). It was based on the Saka era calendar. The earlier part of the chronicle gives accounts of earlier kings, starting with Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, who became king in 33 CE. These earlier records were likely written from memory and older manuscripts.[6]
The opening lines of the chronicle read:
"Praying to the Lord of the Universe, the Cheitharol Kumbaba will be written; let there be no hindrance... On the 45th year of Pakhangba's reign the 1st Saka year was introduced."[6]
Historical records
One event recorded is the visit of Samlong, younger brother of Sukhampha, the king of Pong, in Saka 620. Samlong stayed in Manipur for ten years. The place where he stayed is still called Apong Eengkhol. This visit is also mentioned in the Shan chronicle, which was quoted by R.B. Pemberton in his 1835 book The Eastern Frontier of British India.[6]
During Saka 1407, King Kyamba introduced the practice of Cheithaba, where a person volunteers each year to take on the sufferings of the people. That person’s name is given to the year. This tradition is still followed in modern days.[6]
Style of record
From the time King Paikhomba took the throne on 5th Wakching (Pousha-Magh in Hindu calendar) of Saka 1589, historical events began to be recorded with exact days of the week, dates, and months. Before this, only the month and year were noted.[6]
The language of the Cheitharol Kumbaba was rewritten in the 18th century in simple prose. The writing is fast-paced and vivid, fitting for the rapid sequence of events. While parts of the text may be repetitive, they are often interrupted by emotional and powerful passages.[6]
Battle of Khongjom (1891)
One of the moving parts of the chronicle is the account of the battle between the Meiteis and the British forces at Khongjom in 1891.[6] The chronicle describes the bravery of Major Paona:
"Then Major Paona said, 'My countrymen, the enemy's shell can land in our camp, whereas ours cannot in theirs. The field-guns too have not arrived. There is now sure death for us; however, we will never retreat.'"[6]
He then charged the enemy with two unsheathed swords. The battle began early in the morning on Thursday, the 14th of Sajibu (Chaitra-Baisakh in Hindu calendar), Saka 1813. The Meitei forces were surrounded by British cavalry. Major Paona, Major Chongtha, and others fought hand-to-hand. Many died in the battle.[6]
The British troops continued to advance. Most of the Meiteis at the front were killed. Only about one hundred men at the back survived. Many British soldiers were also killed or wounded. By sunset, both sides returned to their camps.[6]
Bibliography
- Saroj N Arambam Parratt (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur - Cheitharon Kumpapa: Original Text, Translation and Notes Vol. 1. 33-1763 CE. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-0-203-44427-6.
- Bihari, Nepram (2012). The Cheitharol Kumbaba. Spectrum Publications. ISBN 978-81-8344-026-4.
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Bengal, Past & Present: Journal of the Calcutta Historical Society. The Society. 1999.
- ↑ Welman, Frans (2007). Out of Isolation: Exploring a Forgotten World, Uncovering a Culture in Conflict. HPC Imprints. ISBN 978-81-905217-0-3.
- ↑ Syiemlieh, David Reid; Dutta, Anuradha; Baruah, Srinath (2006). Challenges of Development in North-East India. Regency Publications. ISBN 978-81-89233-34-1.
- ↑ George, K.M. (1997). Masterpieces of Indian Literature: Manipuri, Marathi, Nepali, Oriya, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Sindhi, Tamil, Telugu & Urdu. National Book Trust. ISBN 978-81-237-1978-8.
- ↑ Devi, L. Kunjeswori (2003). Archaeology in Manipur. Rajesh Publications. ISBN 978-81-85891-18-7.
- ↑ 6.00 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 6.07 6.08 6.09 6.10 6.11 Singh, Ch. Manihar. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996. p. 71, 72
Other websites
- Internationales Asien Forum: International quarterly for Asian studies. Weltform Verlag. 1989.
- Bhattacharjee, Jayanta Bhusan (1994). Studies in the Economic History of North East India. Har-Anand Publications. ISBN 978-81-241-0086-8.