Toreirol Lambuba

Not to be confused with Tutenglol.

The Toreirol Lambuba (Meitei: ꯇꯣꯔꯩꯔꯣꯜ ꯂꯝꯕꯨꯕ) is an ancient Meitei language account (puya) of toponyms and descriptions of nomenclature of the places, particularly located on the river banks.[1][2][3] Beginning with the epic adventure of Yoimongba and Taothingmang, the two Meitei princes in the 3rd century CE and place names formed thereon, the work diverges to recount the background of other places historically associated with different communities or clan dynasties till the reign of Poirei Khunjaoba in the 17th century CE.[1]

Toreirol Lambuba is a historical text that gives information about place names (toponyms) and how different locations got their names. It mainly focuses on places along rivers with winding or changing paths. The text begins with the story of two Meitei princes, Yoimongba and Taothingmang, who lived in the 3rd century CE. It continues through to the time of Poirei Khunjaoba, a ruler in the 17th century.[1]

The work also records the origin of place names linked to several communities and clan dynasties. Some places that were once important have now disappeared. This happened either because the power of the people who lived there declined, or because the rivers changed their courses over time.[1]

Notable stories and place origins

Chensio and Mumaitao

Ngangoi Yoimongpa went out secretly at night to find the hiding place of a large bird or a roc, called Kakyen. But the bird quickly carried him away as if he were a small chicken. His younger brother, Taothingmang, who was good at throwing nets, had been waiting nearby and chased the bird.[1]

Because of this event, the place became known as Chensio. When the bird's wings were cut, it fell to the ground with its face turned dark. So, the area where it fell was named Mumaitao.[1]

Hiyangthang

The name Hiyangthang comes from a story involving Lampu Thongngai Yengkhupa, an official working under Ura Ngangoipa, the king of Moirang. He was sent to collect tribute from the Lokkha and Haokha tribes.[1]

While visiting the chief’s house, the chief’s wife offered him drinks that were both bitter and sweet. Before tasting them, Lampu realized they were poisoned, so he refused. Later, the chief returned home and drank them by accident. He died instantly.[1]

The wife then cried out loudly, blaming the Moirang official for the death. Members of the Haokha and Lokkha tribes started chasing Lampu. While escaping, a large python in the river helped him cross to the other side by carrying him on its back.[1]

From the other bank, he shouted back, saying that he did not kill the chief, and that it was a trick planned by the chief’s own wife. Because the python acted like a boat in the river, the place got the name Hiyangthang, meaning "boat python" or "python ferry".[1]

Phiphou

The Angom king, named Liktha Moimaykang Saphaba, ran away with a Meitei princess called Keithenthanbi. She was known for her beauty. They traveled together in a boat on a river.[1]

At one point, part of the princess's fine clothing fell into the water. The boat stopped near the bank so the wet cloth could be dried. Because of this, the place came to be called Phiphou.[1]

Style and language

The writing style of Toreirol Lambuba uses fewer old-fashioned words, but the language is still very proper and pure. The sentences are shorter, and the storytelling shows a mix of historical narrative and poetic beauty. Although some references in the text are hard to understand, the work is valued for its quality and charm.[1]

Bibliography

References

  1. ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 1.12 Singh, Ch. Manihar. A History of Manipuri Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi, 1996. p. 99, 100
  2. ↑ "Toreirol Lambuba". 1984.
  3. ↑ Indian Literature. India: Sahitya Akademi., 1986. p. 96
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