Tutenglon

Not to be confused with Toreirol Lambuba.

The Tutenglon (Meitei: ꯇꯨꯇꯦꯡꯂꯣꯟ) is an ancient Meitei language Meitei text, based on the saga of the two Meitei princes, Yoimongba and Taothingmang, who took upon themselves the superhuman task of dredging the channels of the biggest and the longest rivers in Manipur, the Iril and the Imphal.[1] It also describes about the flood that happened during the time of Ngangoi Yoimongba in Ancient Manipur (Kangleipak).[2] The text also mentions that Yoimongba and Taothingmang are the two sons and Lairoklembi is a daughter of Meitei king Khuyoi Tompok. Princess Lairoklembi was married to the chief of Koubru.[3]

Tutenglon is a traditional Meitei story about two royal brothers, Yoimongba and Taothingmang. It tells of their great mission to clean the riverbeds of the two main rivers in Manipur — the Iril and the Imphal — from their sources in the hills down to the southern end of the valley.[1]

Clearing the rivers

According to old records, Meitei kings regularly cleaned out the silt and debris that the rivers brought down during the rainy season. This helped keep the rivers flowing and prevented flooding.[1]

In the story, the elder brother Yoimongba gave the Iril River to Taothingmang, as it was easier to manage. The Iril had cleaner banks, fewer long grasses, and no large pieces of wood. Yoimongba himself took charge of the more difficult Imphal River.[1]

To stay cheerful during the hard work, Yoimongba brought along different kinds of chirping domestic birds. Their lively sounds helped him move faster, and he soon got far ahead of his younger brother.[1]

Eventually, both brothers met again at a distant place that is now called Iril Long. From there, they continued working together.[1]

Giant Bird

Main article: Kakyen

While moving south, they reached a lonely village with about a hundred families. An old woman there told them that a giant bird had been attacking the villagers. The bird fed on human flesh and lived in a nearby cave. Because of it, nobody dared to leave their homes. She warned that the princes could be taken just like newborn chicks in its claws.[1]

The brothers first tried to make a large nest to trap the bird. But the woman told them this would not work. Instead, they had to pray to Leimaren Sidabi, the motherly female deity, and ask for her sword and arrow.[1]

These divine weapons were too strong for ordinary people. In fact, they were so powerful that they split the very boat carrying them into two. On the advice of the goddess, Taothingmang performed strict religious practices and fasted for one month. After this, they were finally allowed to use the weapons.[1]

Battle with the bird

The brothers then traveled further south to find the bird’s hiding place. As they moved, the giant bird suddenly attacked and carried away Yoimongba.[1]

In response, Taothingmang shot the bird with the divine arrow. The bird, wounded and with its wings broken, spun down to the ground. Then, Taothingmang killed it completely with the sword.[1]

Ending

The later part of the story includes a humorous event involving a fake engagement between Yoimongba’s sister and a character named Soraren.[1]

Language and style

The story in Tutenglon is fast-moving and never becomes dull. While its language is simpler and less poetic compared to some earlier texts, it still contains many inspiring parts.[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. 25, 26
  2. ↑ Society, Indian Musicological (1971). Journal of the Indian Musicological Society. Indian Musicological Society.
  3. ↑ Tensuba, Keerti Chand (1993). Genesis of Indian Tribes: An Approach to the History of Meiteis and Thais. Inter-India Publications. ISBN 978-81-210-0308-7.
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