Loiyumpa Silyel

Loiyumpa Silyel
(Modern Meitei: "Loiyumpa Sinyen")

First page of the "Loiyumpa Silyel", stored in the Manipur University Library, digitalised by the Digital Library of India
Language	ancient Meitei language (old Manipuri language)
Subjects	law, rules and regulations, social system
Genre	Constitution
Published	1110 CE
Publisher	King Loiyumba (Ancient Meitei: Loiyumpa)
Publication place	Ancient Kangleipak - Medieval Kangleipak
It is an 11th-12th century written constitution of the Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur).

The Loiyumpa Silyel (Modern Meitei: "Loiyumba Sinyen"), also termed as the Loyumpa Silyel (Modern Meitei: "Loyumba Sinyen") or the Loiyumpa Shilyel (Modern Meitei: "Loiyumba Shinyen") or the Loyumpa Shilyel (Modern Meitei: "Loyumba Shinyen") or the Loyumba Sinyen (Old Manipuri : Loyampa Sinyen), is an 11th-12th century ancient Meitei language written constitution, regulated in the Ancient Kangleipak (early Manipur) during the rule of King Loiyumba (1074-1122 CE). In 1110 CE, its format was finalised from a promulgation of the proto-constitution, drafted in 429 CE by King Naophangba. ^{[1] [1] : 304} Historically, it is the first written constitution, ^[2] and one of the well recorded Ancient Meitei language texts of the kingdom. ^[3] It was replaced by the Manipur State Constitution Act 1947, that was functional until Manipur was merged into Republic of India on October 15, 1949. ^[4]

It includes the accounts of the distribution of the duties to the subjects of the king. ^{[3] : 306  [5]} Its rules and regulations remains to be an authoritative work in the Meitei social system till the present day Manipur. ^[6] The Loiyumpa Silyel also describes Meitei royal etiquette. ^{[7] [8] [9]}

The Loiyumpa Silyel also mentions about the Meitei royal etiquette. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

Families accustomed to worship deities

Further information: Meitei traditional religion and Meitei deities

According to the Loiyumpa Silyel Constitution, ^{[10] [8] [9]}

1. Heirom family worships Meireima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

2. Irom family worships Khanglangba. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

3. Sorelsangbam family worships Shorarel (heaven). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

4. Sharang Leishangthem family worships Lammabee. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

5. Sharotkhaibam family worships Phouoibi (goddess for paddy). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

6. Potshangbam family worships Shanglang-mei (Kangla). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

7. Moirang Pukhrambam family worships Kutchu (Wayenshang). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

8. Shoubam family worships Mawao Leima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

9. Heishnam family worships Panthoibi (most adored Meetei goddess). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

10. Khoisanam family worships Pet-angnga. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

11. Taibangjam family worships Laikhurembee. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

12. Konthoujam family worships Huimureima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

13. Ashangbam family worships Lainaotabi. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

14. Chingkhwam family worships Nungthelleima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

15. Arambam family worships Shoubonleima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

16. Yenkhom Phisabam family worships Awangba (deity Lai-wangba). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

17. Luwangshangbam family worships Luwaang Ching. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

18. Sinam Laishangbam family worships Lainingthou. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

19. Moirangthem Puthem family worships Puthiba. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

20. Mangsatabam family worships Pureiromba. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

21. Langmaithem family worships Tenlongba. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

22. Ngarangyanpam family worships Thongak. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

23. Nakalbam family worships Chingkol-Ningthou. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

24. Khuraijam family worships Chingbal Leima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

25. Meiyengbam family worships Yaoreibi. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

26. Leishangthem family worships Koubarel. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

27. Ningthoujam family worships Numitleima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

28. Pukkalabam family worships Koubru. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

29. Chenglei-Laishangbam family worships Marjing. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

30. Moirangthem family worships Moirang Phaktom Ariba. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

31. Kangpucham family worships Hongnemyoi Khunjao. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

32. Chingkhalbam family worships Chinga. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

33. Longjam Pheiroijam family worships Langjing. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

34. Tekcham family worships Langgol. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

35. Nongmaithem family worships Langmaicheeng (Nongmaijing). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

36. Ningthoujam family worships Chinga Leima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

37. Heithou and Khongtekcham families worship Langching Hiyangthou Leima. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

38. Thaopicham family worships Yumjao Lairemma. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

Family wise obligations of the Maiba priesthood

According to the Loiyumpa Silyel Constitution, ^{[10] [8] [9]}

1. Asheibam family is responsible for attending to the cleansing of the monarch. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

2. Aram-bam family is responsible for taking care of the bathe. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

3. Toibicham family is responsible for playing the Tharaochi (Meetei musical instrument). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

4. Arupam (Arubam) family is responsible for maintaining cleanliness and purity. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

5. Aheibam family is responsible for making the Pukhamnati (plate with decorated rim). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

6. Loukham family is responsible for drawing the Meiba (Meetei device to produce fire). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

7. Maibathiyam family is responsible for throwing the Shingkhai (Meetei prognostication-device) and entering the trance of dream. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

8. Meihoubam family is responsible for igniting the fire. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

9. Meiphuwam family is responsible for blowing in the fire. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

10. Tokpam family is responsible for digging in the soil. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

11. Tokpuram (Tokpram) and Thangsabam families are responsible for piling up the earth. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

12. Naoroibam family is responsible for taking the baby in custody. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

13. Ngathem family is responsible for calling the Ngami (beckoning the fishes). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

14. Shingkhangpam family is responsible for fetching the dry wood fuels. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

15. Haomukpam family is responsible for making the phak (mattress for sitting). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

16. Khoirisungbam family is responsible for weaving the Khoiriphi (Meetei cloth). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

17. Khoiriyanpam family is responsible for severing the umbilical cord. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

18. Lairencham family is responsible for washing the black clothes. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

19. Thoupicham family is responsible for managing the plantain leaves. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

20. Leishaonbam family is responsible for making the boats. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

21. Yelwam family is responsible for taking in the hen. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

22. Nganukappam family is responsible for looking after the Nganu (duck). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

23. Khugolthem family is responsible for carrying back the hameng (goats). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

24. Okrambam family is responsible for taking back the Ok (pig). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

25. Waleppam (Wareppam) family is responsible for adoring the bamboo. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

26. Maibam family is responsible for invoking the Chupshaba (priest’s invocation for cessation of recurrent deaths). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

27. Ngangom family is responsible for throwing the Konyai (gold and silver device used by the priest). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

28. Yenkokpam family is responsible for descending the yerum (egg) to the earth (forecast device). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

29. Khumukcham family is responsible for taming the tiger. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

30. Khaidem family is responsible for supervising the body under cremation. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

31. Amakcham family is responsible for taking hold of the bow and arrow. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

32. Mangshatabam family is responsible for supervising the grave. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

33. Wanglenbam family is responsible for beating the drum. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

34. Kabrambam family is responsible for managing the Leishoupung (mount of aerated soil). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

35. Kontenakathang priest family is responsible for preparing the Chup for the deity. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

36. Shoukrakpam family is responsible for making the chaphuwalong (pot). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

37. Ngaseppam family is responsible for slicing the fishes. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

38. Thingnongchaorong priest family is responsible for worshipping the Lainingthouhanba. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

Duties of the Tampak Maiba groups (people's priests)

According to the Loiyumpa Silyel Constitution, ^{[10] [8] [9]}

1. Khabalangthangchakaba Wamaiba group is responsible for idolizing the Naohal Ahalba (sylvan deity). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

2. Jagoiwa priest group is responsible for deifying the Koubarel. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

3. Langmei priest (Luwang Maiba) group is responsible for worshipping the Chakhaba. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

4. Thongnangkaipiya priest group is responsible for deifying the Muwaningthou. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

5. Khayoipariyang priest group is responsible for worshipping the Marjing. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

6. Loiyamsanggai priest group is responsible for glorifying the Koubru. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

7. Asheibam group is responsible for chanting sanalamok (hymn for deities). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

8. Ashem Ngakhakhoi group is responsible for chanting the Yakei Eshei (Yakairol). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

9. Paobam group is responsible for listening to the message of god at Paodahidel. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

10. Laishram group is responsible for paying service to the Santhong. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

11. Lantham group is responsible for singing the Lalpha song (song regarding victory in war). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

12. Khraijam group is responsible for looking after the Khraithong (gate). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

13. Akhongbam group is responsible for beating the Khong (musical instrument used in Chakpa sylvan festival). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

14. Mutum group is responsible for idolizing the Lalhampung (Lalambung). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

15. Thingnam group is responsible for deifying the Ukrong. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

16. Shingkham group is responsible for singing the Langmairol. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

17. Thongam group is responsible for singing the Ahonglon (song for the god Sanamahi). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

18. Shoraisham group is responsible for singing the Khoichulamok lamkok (song in the sylvan festival). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

19. Chandam group is responsible for singing the Khongchinglon (for the festival of Moirang Thangjing). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

20. Thiyam group is responsible for adoring the boat. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

21. Apucham group is responsible for paying homage to Pukshri (a paddy-eating worm in the field). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

22. Nongpokpam group is responsible for invoking the rain god. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

23. Waikhom group is responsible for gathering the husk. ^{[10] [8] [9]}

24. Akoijam group is responsible for singing the hymn of Mikol (a song that harmonizes the soul and spirit). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

25. Salam group is responsible for idolizing the Langmaiching (Nongmaijing mountain) and acting the role of Tangkhul Sharam Pakhangba (Nongpokningthou-king of the east). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

26. Hidam group is responsible for making the Sanaliphak (royal mattress). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

27. Khamnam group is responsible for offering the Khamnungcheiyom (offering at the royal grave). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

28. Amaipi group is responsible for offering the Leiraiyu (offering to the local deity). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

29. Nongton Amaibi group is responsible for dipping in the Laija Phuhing (offering of Khayomlapkpa by use of unburnt earthen pot). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

30. Phura Amaibi group is responsible for entering the trance of Phura Laiyum and listening to the Mang (Meetei way of receiving oracle through the Maibis, white robed). ^{[10] [8] [9]}

See also

• Cyrus the Great
• Hammurabi
• Magna Carta

References

1. Sanajaoba, Naorem (1993). Manipur: Treatise & Documents. Mittal Publications. p. 2. ISBN   978-81-7099-399-5.
2. Gangte, Priyadarshni M. (2008). Customary Laws of Meitei and Mizo Societies of Manipur. Akansha Publishing House. pp. 275, 338. ISBN   978-81-8370-130-3.
3. Singh, Ch Manihar (1996). A History of Manipuri Literature. Sahitya Akademi. pp. 18, 21. ISBN   978-81-260-0086-9.
4. Sanajaoba, Naorem (1991). Law and Society: Strategy for Public Choice, 2001. Mittal Publications. p. 304. ISBN   978-81-7099-271-4.
5. Paniker, K. Ayyappa (1997). Medieval Indian Literature: Surveys and selections. Sahitya Akademi. p. 326. ISBN   978-81-260-0365-5.
6. Khan, Rasheeduddin; Study, Indian Institute of Advanced (1987). Composite Culture of India and National Integration. Indian Institute of Advanced Study. p. 143.
7. Manipur: Treaties & Documents. India: Mittal Publications, 1993. p. 7–11
8. Manikchand Singh, konsam (2012). Loiyumpa Silyel The Ancient Constitution Of Manipur.
9. "Historical evidence | Meeyamgi Ningtam Lanmee". 2022-02-25. Retrieved 2025-05-23.
10. Manipur: Treaties & Documents. India: Mittal Publications, 1993. p. 7–11