Chingkhu Telheiba
| Chingkhu Telheiba | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of Moirang | |||||
King Iwang Puriklai Chingkhu Telheiba & his younger brother, Chingkhu Akhuba (alias Chingkhuba), with their attendees | |||||
| Monarch | 1083 C.E – 1138 C.E | ||||
| Predecessor | Atellakki Loicha Ngamba | ||||
| Successor | Laijing Punshiba | ||||
| Died | 1138 C.E | ||||
| Spouse | Iwangron Yoiren Tompokpi | ||||
| Issue | None | ||||
| |||||
| House | Moirang dynasty | ||||
| Religion | Sanamahism | ||||
| Occupation | Monarch | ||||
Iwang Puriklai Chingkhu Telheiba, or simply Chingkhu Telheiba (Old Manipuri: ꯆꯤꯡꯈꯨ ꯇꯦꯜꯍꯩꯄ, romanised: Chingkhu Telheipa), was the 25th historically attested king of the Moirang kingdom of Ancient Kangleipak (present-day Manipur). He ruled from 1083 to 1138 CE.[1] His reign marked one of the most important cultural and administrative phases in Moirang’s history, witnessing both expansionist campaigns and the birth of epic folklore traditions.[2][3][4]
Political and military achievements
During his reign, Chingkhu Telheiba launched several successful military expeditions to consolidate the territorial influence of the kingdom of Moirang. One notable campaign was against the hill communities of Kharam Tussem, who refused to pay the annual Loipot tax levied by Moirang.[5] In response, Chingkhu Telheiba personally led a punitive expedition, ultimately defeating the resisting hill chiefs and enforcing Moirang's authority over the region.[2][6]
Chingkhu Telheiba also invaded the eastern Chakpa region, where he defeated the local chief, Ame Thangsaba.[5] The Moirang army sacked several villages during this campaign, reinforcing the kingdom’s supremacy in the eastern territories.[2][6]
Response to natural disasters
Chingkhu Telheiba’s rule was also marked by a period of drought and famine.[5] In response, he initiated large-scale rituals led by royal priests known as Amaibas.[7] These rituals invoked the rain gods from sacred hills including Thangching Chingjao, Senloi Chingmaba, Langmai, and Namungba.[5]
Cultural legacy
The celebrated epic of Khuman Khamba and Moirang Thoibi, one of the seven cycles of Moirang legends (Moirang Shayon), is traditionally set during the reign of Chingkhu Telheiba.[6][5] He is often mentioned in literature and oral traditions as a wise and culturally visionary king who helped nurture Moirang’s unique identity.[8][5]
Under his patronage, the classical dance form Khamba Thoibi Jagoi, performed in honor of the deity Thangjing, began to flourish.[9][5] His era also saw advancements in:
- Agriculture and irrigation techniques
- Traditional sports such as racing, wrestling, and hockey[10]
- Legal reforms, including the formalization of written laws like the Loiyumpa Silyel around 1110 CE[11]
Family and succession
Chingkhu Telheiba had no surviving children.[12] He was succeeded by Laijing Punshiba, often regarded as the next significant ruler in the Moirang dynasty.[1] Telheiba's niece, Thoibi, daughter of Crown Prince Chingkhu Akhuba, became a central heroine in the Khamba-Thoibi legend.[6][12]
Legacy
Historians often refer to Chingkhu Telheiba as a key architect in the state-building process of Ancient Moirang.[5] His legacy lives on in ritual practices, folk dances, and the epic narratives that continue to define Manipuri identity and history.[4][6]
Related pages
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Moirang and Ebuthou Thangjing Part 6". E-Pao.net. Moirang Thangjing Yageirel Marup. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Event and Achievement Part 3 – Moirang and Ebuthou Thangjing". E‑Pao.net. Moirang Thangjing Yageirel Marup. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ↑ "Salwons and Langwons – Moirang and Ebuthou Thangjing Part 9". E‑Pao.net. Moirang Thangjing Yageirel Marup. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Singh, N. Tombi (1976). Khamba and Thoibi: The Unscaled Height of Love. Chitrebirentombichand Khorjeirup.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 5.4 5.5 5.6 5.7 "manipur channel > Moirang Kangleirol ~ E-Pao! News About Manipur". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-06-18.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Moirang Kangleirol Part 3". E-Pao.net. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ↑ Salam Shantibala Devi (30 June 2018). "The Role of the Amaibi in the Lai Haraoba of Manipur". International Journal of Research - Granthaalayah. 6 (6): 38–44. doi:10.29121/granthaalayah.v6.i6.2018.1332. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ↑ "History of Manipur". Manipur Tourism. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ↑ Kamei, Gangmumei (2004). Meitei Literature and Culture. Akansha Publishing House. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ↑ Singh, N. Ibomcha (2018). Traditional Sports and Games of Manipur. Notion Press. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ↑ Loiyumpa Silyel. Manipur State Archives. 2010. Retrieved 18 June 2025.
- ↑ 12.0 12.1 "Moirang Thoibi". epao.net.