Meitei people in Assam: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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{{Short description|Meitei people in Assamnone}}

{{Contains special characters|Meitei}}

{{Infobox ethnic group

| group = Assam Meiteis <br /> (Meitei people in Assam)

| native_name = [[File:Meitei transliteration of the term "Meitei".jpg|50px|]]

| native_name_lang = mni

| flag = Flag of Kangleipak.svg

| flag_caption = Cultural flag of the Meiteis

| image = <!-- filename -->

| image = Colorful cultural performance by artistes, on the occasion of the 12th South Asian Games-2016, at Indira Gandhi Athletics Stadium, in Guwahati, Assam on February 05, 2016 (1).jpg <!-- filename -->

| image_caption =

| image_caption = Traditional Meitei dance, [[Pung Cholom]] performance in [[Guwahati]], Assam

| image_alt =

| image_uprigh =

| total = <!-- total population worldwide -->168,127

| total_year = <!-- year of total population -->2020

| total_source = <ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Assam |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020113828/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>

| total_source = <!-- source of total population; may be ''census'' or ''estimate'' -->

| total_ref = <ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Assam |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020113828/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>

| total_ref = <!-- references supporting total population -->

| total1 = <!-- up to | total3 = -->

| total1_year = <!-- up to | total3_year = -->

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| languages = [[File:Meetei Mayek letter I.svg|20px]] [[Meitei language]] <br /> {{small|(officially known as [[Manipuri language]])}}

| religions = '''Majority''':<br />[[File:Om.svg|15px]] [[Hinduism]]<br />'''Minority''':<br />{{hlist|[[File:The Symbol of Sanamahi.svg|30px]] [[Sanamahism]], [[File:Star and Crescent.svg|15px]] [[Meitei Muslims|Islam]], [[File:Christian cross.svg|12px]] [[Meitei Christians|Christianity]] and [[File:Dharma Wheel.svg|18px]] [[Buddhism]]}}

| related_groups = other [[Indian people]]

| footnotes =

}}

The [[Meitei people]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯩꯇꯩ ꯀꯥꯡꯂꯨꯞ}}|}}), also called [[Manipuri people]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯀꯥꯡꯂꯨꯞ}}|}}), areis one of the [[Demographics of Assam|minority ethnic groups in [[Assam]]. They are referred to as '''''Mekhlee''''', '''''Mekhelee''''', '''''Meckley''''', '''''Monipuri''''', '''''Monipuriya''''', '''''Magalu''''', '''''Mogolu''''', '''''Moglie''''', '''''Moglai''''', among many other names dedicated to them by the other [[people of Assam]].<ref>Historical and Cultural Relations Between Manipur, Assam, and Bengal. India: Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, 1986.</ref>

Meiteis call [[Assam]] as "Tekhao" or "Tekhau" or "Tekhaw" ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯇꯦꯈꯥꯎ}}|}}).<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref> In October 2020 their population was estimated 168,127 with its population, the Meitei tribe is a fairly large ethnic minority in Assam and Meitei culture can be found in everywhere places.<ref>{{cite web |title=C-16 Population By Mother Tongue - Assam |url=https://censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |website=census.gov.in |access-date=29 September 2020 |archive-date=20 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201020113828/https://www.censusindia.gov.in/2011census/C-16/DDW-C16-STMT-MDDS-1800.XLSX |url-status=live }}</ref>

== See alsoHistory ==▼

{{See|Meitei people in Bangladesh#History|History of Assam|History of Manipur}}

In the 16th century, the kings of Tekhao ([[Meitei language]] term for Assam) and Manipur had friendly relations. This friendship grew stronger after a route to Assam opened in 1536-37, leading to more social and cultural exchanges, as well as people moving between the regions. Meitei people started settling in Assam after a [[Political marriage|royal marriage]] in 1537.<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref>

When Burmese King [[Bayinnaung]] of the Toungo dynasty captured Manipur kingdom during the reign of Meitei King Mungyamba ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯃꯨꯡꯌꯥꯝꯕ}}|}}, 1562-1597), many people left Manipur. This movement continued until September 18, 1891.

The emigrants from Manipur had to choose one of the routes through the hills, either Tongjei Maril ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯇꯣꯡꯖꯩ ꯃꯔꯤꯜ}}|}}) or Akhui routes. The lower plains of the [[Barak valley|Surma valley]] (also known as [[Barak valley]]) were good places for the [[Meitei people]] to settle because of their favorable geography, politics, and economy.<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref>

In Assam’s history, a Meitei princess named [[Kuranganayani]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯩꯃ ꯀꯨꯔꯪꯒꯅꯌꯅꯤ}}|}}), the queen of Assamese King [[Suremphaa|Swargadeo Rajeshwor Singh]], became a heroine when she killed a rebel named Raghav Moran with a sword in 1769. Historian S.K. Bhuyan says she is honored among Assam’s heroic women. Another royal marriage happened after the death of [[Suremphaa|Swargadeo Rajeshwor Singh]], when his brother [[Lakshmi Singha|Swargadeo Lakshmi Singh]] married a Meitei princess. These events led to more Meitei people settling in Tekhao (Assam).<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref>

One reason for the Meitei settlement in the Barak Valley is a conflict in 1604 between King [[Khagemba]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯈꯥꯒꯦꯝꯕ}}|}}) and his youngest brother Sanongba ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯁꯥꯅꯣꯡꯕ}}|}}) over a minor issue involving a broken boat. [[Khagemba]] fled to Cachar with two generals, Yakharek ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯌꯥꯈꯥꯔꯦꯛ}}|}}) and Bhimbol ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯚꯤꯝꯕꯣꯜ}}|}}). This event led to the Meiteis settling in [[Cachar]], also known as the Barak Valley.<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref>

Another reason is a matrimonial alliance recorded in 1720. Raja Ram Chandra Narayan, the ruler of Cachar, married Rani Projabati Devi ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯔꯥꯅꯤ ꯄ꯭ꯔꯣꯖꯥꯕꯇꯤ ꯗꯦꯕꯤ}}|}}), a Meitei princess. During Ram Chandra’s reign, the capital of Cachar was Khaspur. The Meitei attendants of Princess Meitei Chanu Projabati Devi began to settle permanently in Cachar.<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref>

During the rule of Meitei King [[Chitsai]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯆꯤꯠꯁꯥꯏ}}|}}), some Meitei people had to move to Cachar because of political exile. King Chitsai and his followers were forced to live in Cachar from 1752, after the assassination of Meitei King [[Pamheiba]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯄꯥꯝꯍꯩꯕ}}|}}), also known as Garibnawaz.<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref>

Meitei King [[Rajarshi Bhagyachandra|Bheigyachandra]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯚꯩꯒ꯭ꯌꯆꯟꯗ꯭ꯔ}}|}}, 1759-1758) lost and regained his power four times. After each Burmese invasion, he had to flee with his followers. Because of his frequent need for political asylum, the emigrants formed a network.<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref>

Meitei King Modhuchandra ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯃꯣꯙꯨꯆꯟꯗ꯭ꯔ}}|}}) ruled from 1800 to 1803. In 1803, his brother [[Chourjit Singh]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯆꯧꯔꯖꯤꯠ}}|}}) overthrew him. Modhuchandra then sought refuge in Cachar with his family and followers. In 1806, he arranged for his daughter to marry King Krishnachandra ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧ ꯀ꯭ꯔꯤꯁ꯭ꯅꯆꯟꯗ꯭ꯔ}}|}}) of Cachar.<ref>Manipur, Past and Present: The Heritage and Ordeals of a Civilization. India: Mittal Publications, 1988. p. 20-22, 115</ref>

== Language and scripts ==

{{Main|Meitei language in Assam|Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Assam|Department of Manipuri, Assam University|Meitei associate official language movement}}

[[Meitei language]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯩꯇꯩꯂꯣꯟ}}|}}), also known as [[Manipuri language]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯅꯤꯄꯨꯔꯤ ꯂꯣꯟ}}|}}), is one of the [[official language]]s of the state government of [[Assam]]. It serves as the additional official language in all the three districts of the [[Barak Valley]] ([[Cachar district]], [[Hailakandi district]] and [[Karimganj district]]) as well as in the [[Hojai district]] of the [[Brahmaputra Valley]] of Assam.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-02-24|title=Assam recognises Manipuri as associate official language in four districts|url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/assam-recognises-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-four-districts-101708770769105.html|website=Hindustan Times|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|last=PTI|date=2024-02-24|title=Assam Cabinet gives nod to recognise Manipuri as associate official language in four districts|language=en-IN|work=The Hindu|url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/assam-cabinet-gives-nod-to-recognise-manipuri-as-associate-official-language-in-four-districts/article67881260.ece|issn=0971-751X}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Today|first=North East|date=2024-02-24|title=Manipuri Language Approved As Associate Official Language For Four Assam Districts|url=https://www.northeasttoday.in/2024/02/24/manipuri-language-approved-as-associate-official-language-for-four-assam-districts/|website=Northeast Today|language=en-US}}</ref>

In 2024, the State Cabinet of the [[Government of Assam]] approved the [[Meitei script]] to be used in the education of [[Meitei language]] across all the academic institutions of Assam,<ref>{{Cite news|date=2024-03-12|title=Cabinet nod to Meitei script in educational institutions|work=The Times of India|url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/cabinet-nod-to-meitei-script-in-educational-institutions/articleshow/108431069.cms|issn=0971-8257}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Service|first=Statesman News|date=2024-03-11|title=Assam govt's nod for inclusion of Meitei script in schools of state|url=https://www.thestatesman.com/india/assam-govts-nod-for-inclusion-of-meitei-script-in-schools-of-state-1503278318.html|website=The Statesman|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=Tribune|first=The Assam|date=2024-03-11|title=Meitei script to be introduced in educational institutions of Assam|url=https://assamtribune.com/assam/meitei-script-to-be-introduced-in-educational-institutions-of-assam-1524916|website=assamtribune.com|language=en}}</ref> to help the students interested in the [[Meitei literature]] (also known as [[Manipuri literature]]) to know better about the subject.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-03-11|title=Assam government mulls to introduce Meitei script in educational institutions of the state|url=http://www.indiatodayne.in/assam/story/assam-government-mulls-to-introduce-meitei-script-in-educational-institutions-of-the-state-928558-2024-03-11|website=India Today NE|language=hi}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=2024-03-11 |title=Assam: Government Considers Introducing Meitei Script in Educational Institutions |url=https://www.sentinelassam.com/north-east-india-news/assam-news/assam-government-considers-introducing-metei-script-in-educational-institutions |website=Sentinel Assam |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=NEWS|first=NE NOW|date=2024-03-11|title=Assam government approves introducing Meitei script in educational institutes|url=http://nenow.in/north-east-news/assam/assam-mulls-introducing-meitei-script-educational-institutes.html|website=NORTHEAST NOW|language=en-US}}</ref>

A unique form of writing system called "[[Naoriya Phulo script|Meetei Yelhou Mayek]]" ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯃꯤꯇꯩ ꯌꯦꯜꯍꯧ ꯃꯌꯦꯛ}}|}}), better known as [[Naoriya Phulo script]], totally different from the general [[Meitei script]], was developed by [[Laininghan Naoriya Phulo|Naoriya Phulo]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯅꯥꯎꯔꯤꯌꯥ ꯐꯨꯂꯣ}}|}}) in [[Cachar]], [[Assam]], to write [[Meitei language]] in particular cases.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meetei Yelhou Mayek / Naoriya Phulo script|url=https://www.omniglot.com/writing/meeteiyelhoumayek.htm|website=www.omniglot.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2024-01-19|title=Atlas of Endangered Alphabets: Indigenous and minority writing systems, and the people who are trying to save them.|url=https://www.endangeredalphabets.net/meetei-yelhou-mayek/|language=en-US}}</ref>

== Culture ==

{{See|Meitei culture}}

[[File:Mohd. Hamid Ansari presenting the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award-2010 to Shri Phanjoubam Iboton Singh, Assam, for his outstanding contribution to Manipuri Dance.jpg|thumb|Phanjoubam Iboton Singh receiving the prestigious [[Sangeet Natak Akademi Award]]-2010 from [[Mohammad Hamid Ansari]].]]

=== Agriculture ===

There is a Meitei agricultural institution named Loungak Marup ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯧꯉꯥꯛ ꯃꯔꯨꯞ}}|}}), having the primary aim to save agricultural lands and depreciate selling of land to other people.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meitei Diaspora In Assam Stick To Traditions, Cultures, Roots : 26th apr13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=4..260413.apr13|access-date=2024-09-27|website=www.e-pao.net}}</ref>

=== Cinema ===

{{Main|Meitei language in Assam#Cinema}}

=== Literature ===

{{Main|Meitei language in Assam#Literature|Manipur Sahitya Parishad, Assam|Department of Manipuri, Assam University}}

=== Religion {{anchor|Religions}} ===

{{Main|Traditional Meitei religion|Apokpa Marup|Laininghal Naoriya Phulo}}

[[File:Panthoibi at Hojai, Assam 02.jpg|thumb|[[Panthoibi Iratpa]] festival dedicated to goddess [[Panthoibi]] celebrated in Hojai, Assam]]

[[Lai Haraoba]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯂꯥꯏ ꯍꯔꯥꯎꯕ}}|}}) dedicated to the [[Umang Lai]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯎꯃꯪ ꯂꯥꯏ}}|}}) deities is common among the Assam Meiteis. Goddess [[Panthoibi]] ({{lang-mni|{{Script|Mtei|ꯄꯥꯟꯊꯣꯏꯕꯤ}}|}}) is also commonly worshipped by them.<ref>{{Cite web|title=AMUCO interacts with Meiteis and Meitei Pangals in Assam|url=https://www.ifp.co.in/manipur/amuco-interacts-with-meiteis-and-meitei-pangals-in-assam|access-date=2024-09-27|website=Imphal Free Press|language=en}}</ref>

A modern Meitei social and religious institution named [[Apokpa Marup]] was founded by [[Laininghal Naoriya Phulo]] in [[Cachar]].<ref>Singh, N. Joykumar (2005). Revolutionary Movements in Manipur. Akansha Publishing House. ISBN 978-81-87606-92-5.</ref><ref>Singh, Moirangthem Kirti (1998). Recent Researches in Oriental Indological Studies: Including Meiteilogy. Parimal Publications.</ref><ref>Raha, Manis Kumar (1995). The People of the Himalayas: Bio-cultural and Ecological Aspects. Anthropological Survey of India, Ministry of Human Resource Development, Department of Culture, Government of India. ISBN 978-81-85579-30-6.</ref><ref>Dena, Lal (1991). History of Modern Manipur, 1826-1949. Orbit Publishers-Distributors.</ref><ref>Danda, Ajit K. (1999). Ethnicity, Nationalism, and Integration. Asiatic Society.</ref>

== Groups ==

=== Development council ===

Inspired by the development of the [[Autonomous District Lok Sabha constituency|autonomous councils]] for [[Karbi people]] and [[Bodo people]], the Meiteis living in [[Hojai]] developed the ''"Manipuri Development Council"'' with the approval of the [[Government of Assam]], after two rounds of protests against the government in front of [[Assam Legislative Assembly|Assam State Assembly]].

During the 2012 financial year, the Government of Assam gave Rs 1.50 lakh to the Manipuri Development Council.

For the 2013 financial year, they gave Rs 2.30 crores for the same.

The development council is run as an [[Ad hoc]] committee. Many Meitei candidates were elected in [[Panchayati raj|Panchayat]] elections.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Meitei Diaspora In Assam Stick To Traditions, Cultures, Roots : 26th apr13 ~ E-Pao! Headlines|url=https://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=4..260413.apr13|access-date=2024-09-27|website=www.e-pao.net}}</ref>

== Related articles ==

* [[Meitei people in Bangladesh]]

* [[Meitei people in Myanmar]]

▲== See also ==

== Notes ==

{{Notelist}}

== Bibliography ==

* Historical and Cultural Relations Between Manipur, Assam, and Bengal. India: Manipuri Sahitya Parishad, 1986.

* Vaghaiwalla, R. B.. Assam, Manipur and Tripura. India: India Office House, 1953.

* Encyclopaedia of Indian Tribes: Assam & Manipur. India: Anmol Publications, 1994.

* Tribes of Assam and Manipur. India: Anmol Publ., 1997.

* Kshetri, Rajendra. The Emergence of Meetei Nationalism: A Study of Two Movements Among the Meeteis. India: Mittal Publications, 2006.

== References ==

{{Reflist}}

== ExternalOther linkswebsites ==

{{Authority control}}

[[:Category:Meitei people]]

[[:Category:Assam]]