Khunjaoba
| Khunjaoba | |
|---|---|
| Meitei Ningthou | |
| Monarchy | 1652 CE - 1666 CE |
| Coronation | 1652 CE |
| Predecessor | Khagemba |
| Successor | Paikhomba |
| Born | Khunchaopa |
| Died | 1666 CE |
| House | Ningthouja dynasty |
| Father | Khagemba |
| Religion | Sanamahism |
| Occupation | Monarch of the Kangleipak kingdom |
Khunjaoba was a Meitei king of the Ningthouja dynasty in Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur). He ruled from 1652 CE to 1666 CE.[1] From the time of his father Khagemba, there were frequent events of Muslim migration and settlement. It continued till his time.[2] He built canals and embankments around the Khwairamban marketplace.[3]
He defeated the chief of the Kabaw Valley in 1657. When he and his brother Tonaba went to face the Samjok king in 1652, the Kuyong tribes invaded the Meitei kingdom. So, Khunjaoba's queen Takhembi, her Thang Ta master Sarangcha and Khunjaoba's brother, Khongjomba's wife Sanakhombi prepared themselves for the war and defeated and pushed away the Kuyong tribes.[4]
Khunjaoba defeated the Samjok king twice in 1653 and 1659.[5]
During his time, the chief of the Maram tribes did not give the annual tribute. So, he sent his younger brother Tonaba (the father of Paikhomba) and the elder brother of Paikhomba to collect the tribute. However, the Maram chief killed both Tonaba and Paikhomba's elder brother as a revenge for his father's death by Khagemba.[4][6]
Death
Due to false information of planning against the king, he ended his marriage from Queen Takhembi in 1666 CE. All five of her companions were killed. Therefore, all of their relatives stood against the king and killed Khunjaoba and his relatives. The kingdom was left without a monarch for about a month until Paikhomba, the nephew of Khunjaoba became the king in 1666 CE.[4]
References
- ↑ Kabui, Gangmumei; Kamei, Gangmumei (2004). The History of the Zeliangrong Nagas: From Makhel to Rani Gaidinliu. Spectrum Publications. ISBN 978-81-87502-76-0.
- ↑ Nag, Sajal (2023-07-17). The Mughals and the North-East: Encounter and Assimilation in Medieval India. Taylor & Francis. ISBN 978-1-000-90525-0.
- ↑ Meitei, Sanjenbam Yaiphaba; Chaudhuri, Sarit K.; Arunkumar, M. C. (2020-11-25). The Cultural Heritage of Manipur. Routledge. ISBN 978-1-000-29637-2.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Lisam, Khomdan Singh (2011). Encyclopaedia Of Manipur (3 Vol.). Gyan Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-7835-864-2.
- ↑ Sanajaoba, Naorem (1988). Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. Mittal Publications. ISBN 978-81-7099-853-2.
- ↑ "Rulers of Kangla and Ethnic Tribes of Manipur Part 4 By Naoroibam Indramani". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-07-27.