Yoimongba
| Yoimongba | |
|---|---|
| Ancient Prince of Manipur | |
| Father | Khuyoi Tompok |
| Religion | Sanamahism |
| Occupation | Crown Prince |
Yoimongba (Old Manipuri: ꯌꯣꯢꯃꯣꯡꯄ, romanised: Yoimongba) was a prince in the old kingdom of Kangleipak (now Manipur). He was from the Ningthouja dynasty.[1] His father was King Khuyoi Tompok. His younger brother was King Taothingmang.[a][2][3]
Life
Yoimongba is mentioned in the ancient Meitei text Tutenglon. The story says he and his brother helped their kingdom by working hard to dredge rivers.[4][5]
River cleaning
Yoimongba and his brother Taothingmang cleaned two rivers to reduce floods and help farming. He cleaned the Imphal River, while Taothingmang cleaned the Iril River.[4][5]
After competing this work, they heard of a village being attacked by a huge monster bird named Kakyen Mingamba and they decided to kill the bird.[6] During the fight, the bird swallowed Yoimongba, but he cut the bird's body and freed himself out using a magic sword.[7] Then they killed the bird together with a divine bow and arrows.[8][7]
Importance
- The river-cleaning project shows early state-building and public service.[8][2]
- Defeating Kakyen is remembered in Meitei folklore and literature.[8][2]
References
- ↑ This indicates that there was no system of primogeniture in Manipur, where the eldest son has to become the king after their father
- ↑ Parratt, Saroj Nalini (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: 33-1763 CE. Routledge. ISBN 978-0-415-34430-2.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. ISBN 978-81-260-0086-9.
- ↑ 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.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Tutenglon (1980 edition)". Digital Library of India. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Manaoyaima Singh, Nongmaithem (1980). Tutenglon.
- ↑ Luhar, Sahdev (2023-02-25). Folklore Studies in India: Critical Regional Responses. N. S. Patel (Autonomous) Arts College, Anand. ISBN 978-81-955008-4-0.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Manaoyaima Singh, Nongmaithem (1980). Tutenglon.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 Hareshwar Goshwami. Hareshwar Goshwami History Of The PEOPLE OF MANIPUR.