Meitei intangible cultural heritage

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Meitei intangible cultural heritage
The tableau of Manipur passes through the Rajpath, on the occasion of the 69th Republic Day Parade 2018, in New Delhi on January 26, 2018.jpg
The tableau of Manipur passes through the Rajpath during the full dress rehearsal for the Republic Day Parade-2017, in New Delhi on January 23, 2017.jpg
Stamp of Armenia - 2018 - Colnect 806145 - Indian Dance Manipuri.jpeg
Pena Players.jpg
Pung Cholom Manipur.jpg
Clockwise from top: the depictions of events from the classical epic of Khamba Thoibi [lower-alpha 1] and Khamba Thoibi classical dance [lower-alpha 2] in the Delhi Republic Day parade, [3] the depiction of Lai Haraoba in the Delhi Republic Day parade, [4] the music of Pena (musical instrument), Pung Cholom (Meitei for 'classical drumming performance') of the Meitei Sankirtana, Armenian stamp illustrating Manipuri classical dance as the "national dance" of India [lower-alpha 3] [lower-alpha 4]
Cultural origins Meitei culture
Publishers

The intangible cultural heritage (ICH) of Meitei civilization is recognised, honoured, preserved as well as promoted by the UNESCO, the Ministry of Culture of the Union Government of India, the Government of Armenia, [lower-alpha 3] the State Government of Manipur, the State Government of Assam, the State Government of Tripura, among many other notable institutions.

Contents

UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage

Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur

Meitei Sankirtana (under the name of "Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur"), one of the most remarkable cultural heritage of the Meitei civilization, [10] [11] [12] was formally recognized as a UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage, declared in the eighth session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee in Baku, Azerbaijan, in December 2013. [13]

National List for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH)

Traditional Craftsmanship

Music of Pena

Pena (musical instrument) is single stringed. It has two parts. One part is a bamboo pole attached to a coconut shell. The other part is the pena cheijing ( Meitei for 'chorr'). It acts as a bow used to give friction on the string. A Pena Asheiba/Pena Khongba ( Meitei for 'pena player') sings songs while playing the musical instrument. Pena is an inseparable part of Meitei civilization. It is used in ritualistic functions like Lai Haraoba, Lai Ikouba, etc. [14]

Applique art

In Meitei culture, through the art of applique, decorative effects are achieved by superposing patches of coloured fabrics on a basic fabric, with the stitching of the edges of the patches. This unique art from is distinctively different from the modern day patchwork, in which small pieces of cut clothes are connected side by side, so as to make a bigger form of cloth, or for renovating a ragged cloth. In fact, it is the application of smaller ornaments or devices into bigger articles. It can be particularly seen in costumes of Meitei classical dance forms such as Khamba Thoibi classical dance, Maibi Jagoi ( Meitei for 'Priestesses' dance'), etc. [15]

Performing arts

Thok Leela

Thok Leela is a traditional Meitei satire, wit and comedy theatre of Manipur. It mocks the social conditions, the royal courtiers and the rulers. The talented actors with their repartee produce mocking, humorous, ironical, exaggerated, comic and rollicking effects. It has no written theatrical texts. It depends on the self generated exercise of the artist's skills, humour and intellect, focusing on the theme for the storyline. The Meitei language word "thok" means 'at random'. Thus, "Thok Leela" means a randomly performed satirical comedy play, with no written scripts and no directors. The only support of the actors is the advice of the elders and the teachers. It is a union of "the critical and the humourist". It produces a big humorous temperament. Its common character includes pastiche. It aims whatever is ridiculous or unseemly. [16]

Social practices, rituals and festive events

Sankirtan

Meitei Sankirtana (alias Manipuri Sankirtana) is the artistic manifestation of the worshipping culture of the Meitei people (Manipuri people). It is regarded as the visible form of God, in Meitei culture. [17] Regarding the art form, the Ministry of Culture (India) states the following:

“... Woven within the framework of sacrosanct rituals and ceremonies the art consists of narrative singing and dancing. Always performed in a Mandala (circular area) inside a Mandapa (hall) attached to a temple or erected in a courtyard. The rituals and formalities are strict and even the audience are seated according to set rules. It employs musical instruments like drums and cymbals. The artistes play these instruments and dance at the same time. An artiste spends a life-time specializing only in one aspect.”

—  Ministry of Culture (India) [18]

Death rites of Phayeng

The Chapka Phayeng people of Manipur are a part of the Meitei people itself. [19] But they have a unique culture of burying the death. Shikaplon is a tradition of “requiem and a funeral march”, along with Khousaba ( Meitei for 'martial movement'). According to their beliefs, in the afterlife, people go to the Khamnung Sawa ( Meitei for 'netherworld') to unite with their ancestors. Among the mourning people during the time of burial, one of them should sing the Shikaplon, which gives instructions to the journey of the dead person to the underworld. The pena (musical instrument) should be played by the singer while singing the Shikaplon. [20]

Another funeral tradition is the accompanying of a very rare martial art form known as Yenpha Khousa. Yenpha Khousa is a form of Ta Khousaba. It is performed by young, close relative of the departed. It is performed with spear and shield. [21]

National Inventory of ICH

The National Inventory of the intangible cultural heritage of India includes some Meitei intangible cultural heritage too, which are Lai Haraoba, folklore of Moirang, Meitei Sankirtana, Shikalpan and Khousaba (ritual ceremony of the dead people of Phayeng caste), and the making of Pena (musical instrument). [22]

See also

Notes

  1. ↑ The romantic epic of Khamba and Thoibi is a classic in Meitei literature. [1]
  2. ↑ The ritualistic and theatrical dances of the Lai Haraoba, in general and one of its primary forms, the Khamba Thoibi Jagoi (Meitei for 'Khamba Thoibi dance') in particular, are also considered to be classical dances. [2]
  3. 1 2 3 Manipuri dance form, along with the Armenian Hov Arek, are referred to as the "National Dances" (of India and Armenia respectively) during the Armenia-India joint issue of postage stamps. [5] [6] [7]
  4. ↑ It is the highest spiritual expression of the worship of Hindu deity Krishna, [8] as well as a cultural heritage of the Meitei civilization. [9]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meitei language</span> Tibeto-Burman language of India

Meitei also known as Manipuri, is a Tibeto-Burman language of northeast India. It is the official language and the lingua franca of Manipur and an additional official language in four districts of Assam. It is one of the constitutionally scheduled official languages of the Indian Republic. Meitei is the most widely-spoken Tibeto-Burman language of India and the third most widely spoken language of northeast India after Assamese and Bengali. There are 1.76 million Meitei native speakers in India according to the 2011 census, 1.52 million of whom are found in the state of Manipur, where they represent the majority of its population. There are smaller communities in neighbouring Indian states, such as Assam (168,000), Tripura (24,000), Nagaland (9,500), and elsewhere in the country (37,500). The language is also spoken by smaller groups in neighbouring Myanmar and Bangladesh.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meitei people</span> Ethnic group of South Asia

The Meitei people, also known as Meetei, Manipuri people, is an ethnic group native to Manipur. They form the largest and dominant ethnic group of Manipur in Northeast India. They speak the Meitei language, one of the 22 official languages of the Republic of India and the sole official language of Government of Manipur. The Meiteis primarily settled in the Imphal Valley region in modern-day Manipur, though a sizeable population has settled in the other Indian states of Assam, Tripura, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Mizoram. There is also a notable presence of Meitei people in the neighbouring countries of Myanmar and Bangladesh. The Meitei ethnic group represents about 53% of Manipur's population.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Moirang</span> Town in Manipur, India

Moirang is a town in the Indian state of Manipur, best known for the tentatively listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the Keibul Lamjao Conservation Area (KLCA), covering Keibul Lamjao National Park (KLNP), the world's only floating national park, the buffer of Loktak Lake and Pumlen Pat. It is best known for the being the place of origin of the ancient epic legend of Khamba and Thoibi, one of the seven epic cycles of incarnations of Meitei mythology and folklore. Nationwide, it is also famous for the INA War Museum in the INA Martyrs' Memorial Complex, where Colonel Shaukat Malik of the Indian National Army hoisted the Tricolour for the first time on Indian soil on 14 April 1944. It is situated approximately 45 km (28 mi) south of the state capital Imphal. It has an area of 269 km2 (104 sq mi) with a population of 62,187 in 67 villages. There are 12 Panchayats in this block.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of Manipur</span>

Manipur is a region of North-East India. Some varieties of folk music from the area include the rural love songs Khullang Eshei, the rhythmic Lai Haraoba eshei, which contain lyrics with veiled references to erotic mysticism and pena eshei, which is accompanied by a pena, an instrument made from a bamboo rod and the shell of a gourd or coconut. The pena is an ancient instrument that is a sort of national symbol for Manipuris.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manipuri dance</span> Classical dance of India

Manipuri dance, also referred to as the Manipuri Raas Leela, is a jagoi and is one of the major Indian classical dance forms, originating from the state of Manipur. It is one of the greatest cultural achievements of the traditional Vaishnavism adhering Meitei people of Manipur. Owing to the Meitei civilization, the classical dance form, first formally developed by Meitei Hindu king Ching Thang Khomba of the Kingdom of Manipur, is considered to be the highest spiritual expression of the worship of Hindu deity Krishna. Owing to its huge influences on the diverse cultural heritages across the Indian subcontinent, it is recognised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi of the Ministry of Culture of the Government of India as one of the few primary classical dance forms of the Republic of India, and is honoured with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for Manipuri annually. It is referred to as the "national dance" during the Armenia-India joint issue of postage stamps, as a part of the Armenia-India international relations.

Phayeng is a small village in Imphal West district of Manipur, India.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lai Haraoba</span> Traditional Meitei festival

Lai Haraoba is a traditional Meitei religious festival of ritual dance and musical theatre, celebrated annually in honour of Umang Lais, the forest deities of Sanamahism.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Manipuri Vaishnavism</span> Regional variant of Vaishnavism tradition, India

Manipuri Vaishnavism, also known as Meitei Vaishnavism is a regional variant of Gaudiya Vaishnavism with a culture-forming role in the north-eastern Indian state of Manipur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Elam Endira Devi</span> Indian classical dancer and teacher

Elam Endira Devi, is an Indian classical dancer and teacher, known for her expertise and scholarship in the classical dance form of Manipuri, especially in the genres of Lai Haraoba and Raas. The Government of India honored her, in 2014, with the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for her services to the field of art and culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meitei Sankirtana</span>

Meitei Sankirtan, also known as Meitei Sankirtana or Manipuri Sankirtan or Manipuri Sankirtana, is a Meitei cultural form of performing art involving ritual singing, drumming and dancing performed in the temples and domestic spaces in Manipur in India. Through the performances which exhibit unparalleled religious devotion and energy, the performers narrate the many stories of Krishna often moving the spectators to tears. It is practiced primarily by the Meitei Hindus in Manipur and by the Vaishnava Manipuri population settled in the neighbouring States of Tripura and Assam. "Sankirtana: Ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur" was inscribed on the Representative List of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity during the eighth session of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Committee meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, held in December 2013.

The Khamba Thoibi Sheireng, also spelled as the Khamba Thoibi Seireng, is a Classical Meitei language epic poem based on the ancient love story of Khuman prince Khamba and Moirang princess Thoibi of Ancient Moirang kingdom of Ancient Kangleipak. It is the magnum opus of Hijam Anganghal, the "Bard of Samurou". It is regarded as the national epic of the Manipuris. It is regarded as the greatest of all the epic poems in Meitei literature, with 39,000 verses, thereby being the third longest Indian epic poem, next to the Mahabharata and the Ramayana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dances of Manipur</span> Dances performed in Manipur, India

There are many different dance styles from Manipur, a state in northeastern India bordering with Myanmar (Burma), Assam, Nagaland and Mizoram. Manipuri dances encompasses both classical and folk dance forms. The Raas Leela is one of the major Indian classical dance forms. The folk dance forms are mainly attributed to ancient Meitei deities such as Umang Lai and performed during Lai Haraoba, and also the dances of the different tribal communities of Manipur.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Loyalakpa</span> God in Meitei mythology

Loyalakpa is a God in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is best known for wrestling with Khoriphaba during the Lai Haraoba festival. He is the consort of goddess Thoudu Nungthel Leima. He is one of the ten kingly gods in Meitei religion.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pureiromba</span> Meitei Giver God of rain and agricultural prosperity

Pureiromba is a God in Meitei mythology and religion. He is the giver of rain and agricultural prosperity. He is one of the major Umang Lai deities. He is the Ancestor God of the Angom clan of the Meitei ethnicity.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thangching</span>

Thangching or Thangjing is a primordial deity in Sanamahism, the indigenous religion of Manipur. He is the ruling deity of the Moirang dynasty. He rules supreme on the banks of the landlocked sea, Loktak lake. He is one of the four cardinal Umang Lais. The guardianship of the south western direction is alluded to Thangjing and the other directions to Koubru, Marjing and Wangbren.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khamba and Thoibi</span> Old Meitei legend

The ancient legend of Khamba and Thoibi is a classic, as well as one of the epic cycles of incarnations of Meitei mythology and folklore, that is originated from Ancient Moirang kingdom of Ancient Kangleipak . It is referred to as the "national romantic legend of Manipur" by Indian scholar Suniti Kumar Chatterjee.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Khamba Thoibi Jagoi</span>

Khamba Thoibi Jagoi, also known as Khamba Thoibi classical dance or Khamba Thoibi ballet, is a traditional Meitei ritualistic and theatrical classical dance form, which is usually enacted as a part and parcel of the Lai Haraoba performances, dedicated to God Thangching, the national deity of Ancient Moirang realm. Notably, it is one of the cultural elements, giving inspirations to the development of the Manipuri Raas Leela classical dance drama form.

<i>Jagoi</i> Meitei language word for traditional Meitei dance forms

Jagoi refers to the arts of dance in Meitei culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Classicism in Meitei culture</span> Art and cultural movement

The cultural heritages of Meitei civilization has classicism in diverse traditions of cinemas, dances, language, literature, music, theatre, etc.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Meitei people in Bangladesh</span> Meitei people in the Bangladesh

Meitei people, also known as Manipuri people, is one of the minority ethnic groups of Bangladesh. They live mostly in the Sylhet division of the country. The Meitei of Bangladesh's population reached 15,000 in 2020

References

  1. ↑ —KanglaOnline (2011-04-04). "The great Meitei Reconciliation Process: Revisiting the classical folklore on "Emoinu Chakhong Ngahongbi" by Late Shri Ningomabam Angouton Meetei – KanglaOnline". ... The folklore of Emoinu Celebration from the story "Washak Ngakpa" meaning Keeping the Promise, written by Late Shri Ningombam Angouton Meetei and the classical love story "Khamba -Thoibi" are classical examples of successful reconciliation process of the old Meitei factions...
    — Delhi, All India Radio (AIR), New (1968-03-17). "Some Classics of Manipur". AKASHVANI: Vol. XXXIII, No.12 ( 17 MARCH, 1968 ). India: All India Radio (AIR), New Delhi. pp. 7, 8.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
    — Bond, Ruskin (2000-10-14). "The Story of Khamba and Thoibi". The Penguin Book of Classical Indian Love Stories and Lyrics. Penguin UK. pp. 3, 4. ISBN   978-93-5118-814-8.
  2. ↑ — Pathway Volume 41. Vol. 41. University of Michigan; Marg Foundation (Mumbai, India), Modern Architectural Research Group, Modern Artists and Architects Research Group, National Centre for the Performing Arts (India). 1988. pp. XV. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances.{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    —Doshi, Saryu (1989). Dances of Manipur: The Classical Tradition. University of Michigan. Marg Publications. pp. XIX. ISBN   978-81-85026-09-1. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya (histrionic representation)...
    — DM Silveira's India Book. University of Michigan. Classic Publishers. 1994. p. 230. ISBN   978-81-900218-2-1. ...Lai Haraoba is the ritual folk-cum-classical dance of Manipur and tells the story of creation according to the Manipuris. Khamba Thoibi is a popular Manipuri dance which tells the story of princess Thoibi and poor boy Khamba...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    — Mãrg. Vol. 41. Pennsylvania State University; National Centre for the Performing Arts (India). p. 109. First and foremost are the surviving ritual dances which have been absorbed into the repertoire. The Lai-haraoba and the Khamba Thoibi may be counted amongst these. Their historical and mythical theme makes them as classical as any of the later Vaishnavite dances. They have an element of abhinaya histrionic representation)...{{cite book}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
    —Khuraijam, Bobo (2011-03-13). "Three Cheers – KanglaOnline". ... Would it not be like asking for a Hip-Hop dance from a classical Khamba-Thoibi jagoi performance if we expect street aggression from our teachers? ...
  3. ↑ "India's diversity displayed at R-Day parade". Manipur tableau narrated the tale of Khamba and Thoibi - a story of youthful love while
  4. ↑ "Seventeen States and Six Central Ministries to showcase their tableaux in Republic Day Parade – 2017". pib.gov.in. Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (India). Lai Haraoba is one of the oldest ritualistic theatres of the world jealously preserved by the Meitei community of Manipur with utmost awe and sanctity. The entire community participates in it with complete devotion. Lai Haraoba, translated as 'Happiness of the Gods' is celebrated to worship local deities to bring prosperity and well-being of the land and its inhabitants. These divinities are referred to as Umag Lais or Sylvan Gods as their abodes are located in a wooded area. The sacred ceremonies are conducted by Maibis or priestesses who are adept in dance and sacred rituals. The common people also dance as an act of worship to the accompaniment of the traditional stringed instruments (pena) and drums (langdeng pung). The Manipur tableau is an effort to recreate the ambience of this quaint and rich cultural tradition with a replica of the deities, elaborate traditional paraphernalia and live dancing by the devotees as well as a Maibi (priestess) performing the sacred dance to awaken the God from his slumber.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  5. ↑ "Two new postage stamps celebrate Armenian, Indian national dances". panarmenian.net.
  6. ↑ "Two new postage stamps dedicated to "Armenia-India joint issue. National dances" theme | Lragir".
  7. ↑ "Two new postage stamps celebrate Armenian, Indian national dances". www.newsinfo.am.
  8. ↑ Sarwal, Amit (2022-05-15). The Celestial Dancers: Manipuri Dance on Australian Stage. Routledge. p. 25. ISBN   978-1-000-62550-9.
  9. ↑ "Dance | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". www.indiaculture.gov.in.
  10. ↑ "A unique manuscript tradition records the civilisation of the Meiteis of Manipur". The Hindu. 2021-06-26. ISSN   0971-751X . Retrieved 2023-12-23. The myths in the puya might be relatively unknown as written stories, but their oral counterparts are likely to be more familiar, since Manipuri civilisation — with its cultural high notes as embodied in nat sankirtan music, declared part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage, or Manipuri dance, one of the classical dances of India — is predominantly performative. But manuscripts constitute the core of the patrimony of the essentially non-material civilisation of the Meiteis, who established the feudal kingdom of Manipur.
  11. ↑ "Indian Dance of Manipur - The University of Chicago Library News - The University of Chicago Library". www.lib.uchicago.edu.
  12. ↑ "Manipuri Vaishnava Music and the Sattriya Ojapali Music of Assam: A Fresh Look – Part 1".
  13. ↑ "UNESCO - Sankirtana, ritual singing, drumming and dancing of Manipur". ich.unesco.org.
  14. ↑ "National List for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". indiaculture.gov.in. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  15. ↑ "National List for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". indiaculture.gov.in. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  16. ↑ "National List for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". indiaculture.gov.in. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  17. ↑ "National List for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". indiaculture.gov.in. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  18. ↑ "National List for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". indiaculture.gov.in. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  19. ↑ "An Archaeological Study on the Chakpa Phayeng Haraoba" (PDF). www.ijcrt.org. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CREATIVE RESEARCH THOUGHTS (IJCRT). ... The Chakpa people belong to the major ethnic group the Meitei of Manipur. ... The Chakpa villages of Manipur are Phayeng, Andro, Koutruk, Sekmai, Khurkhul, Tairenpokpi and Chairen....
  20. ↑ "National List for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". indiaculture.gov.in. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  21. ↑ "National List for Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) | Ministry of Culture, Government of India". indiaculture.gov.in. Ministry of Culture, Government of India. Retrieved 2023-12-23.
  22. ↑ "National Inventory | Intangible Cultural Heritage of India". Sangeet Natak Akademi . Ministry of Culture, Government of India.

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