Meitei traditional weapons

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Traditional Meitei spear and shield used in Thang-Ta performance Thang-Ta.jpg
Traditional Meitei spear and shield used in Thang-Ta performance

The Meitei people of Manipur as well as of Assam and Tripura, in northeastern India, besides those of Bangladesh and Myanmar, use different traditional weapons for hunting, defense, and fighting. They use swords for close combat. Spears are thrown or used in battle. Shields protect warriors during fights. Arrows are shot from bows for hunting and battle. Darts are small weapons in wars. These weapons are made from materials like wood, bamboo, and animal body parts, showing the Meitei people's skill and connection to nature. Many of these weapons are used in various classical Meitei martial art forms, such as Thang Ta, Cheibi, etc. [1]

Contents

Mythology

Many traditional Meitei weapons are believed to be originated from the different body parts of god Pakhangba, which is why the weapons are considered holy and sacred. Thengkoulol + Khousalol + Chaina Ta + Lan Thang + Thang Leiteng of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Many traditional Meitei weapons are believed to be originated from the different body parts of god Pakhangba, which is why the weapons are considered holy and sacred.

The lore of an old Meitei text named Pudin tells how the Thang (sword) and Ta (spear) were created from the body parts and bones of Tin Sidaba (also known as Pakhangba). According to the story, different parts of his body turned into weapons. The long blades of the sword, called Thangsang Kabak Thang, came from his body. The Tarung-Thang, an ancient sword, came from his right shoulder. His ribs turned into another sword called Thang Kairempa Khutphangton. His hands and fingers became smaller blades called Singtup Sangai, and a bone called Naklu Maiphangton Apik became a kitchen knife called Heijrang. His teeth turned into an iron axe. [2] [1]

During a dance called Thengou (a dance with martial arts moves), Pakhangba held a sword called Tubi Cheirong-Hainaba Thang-Kaklen Yashaba, which made the sword a symbol of Pakhangba for the Meitei people. [2] [1]

In another story, from the Thanglon Thangchat Puya, Tin Sidaba’s teeth became an axe called Chakhapa. Tin Sidaba’s grandson, Ngaite ngamba, was caught and died in a fish trap called Sara Lu. Various parts of his body turned into different weapons. For example, Chakot became a Thangchou, a common dao (knife). His limbs, called Yupang, created the Ta, also known as Khangsu-Ta (spear). [2] [1]

Arambai

A Classical Meitei sculpture of an ancient Meitei cavalry soldier, trying to throw an Arambai weapon backwards (traditionally towards the pursuing enemies) A Classical Meitei sculpture of an ancient Meitei cavalry soldier, trying to throw an Arambai weapon backwards (traditionally towards the pursuing enemies), while riding on a galloping Meitei horse (Manipuri pony) 03.jpg
A Classical Meitei sculpture of an ancient Meitei cavalry soldier, trying to throw an Arambai weapon backwards (traditionally towards the pursuing enemies)

The Arambai was a key weapon used by the Meitei cavalry in battles. It is a dart with a sharp iron tip, like an arrowhead, and peacock feathers tied together to form a hole for a bamboo handle. There are two types: one made of wood and cane, and the other made of bamboo. The Arambai is about 2 feet long with the handle and 1.5 feet without it. It can be thrown in any direction, allowing the user to attack or retreat. It can travel 30 to 40 feet when thrown backward while retreating, and it can fly far when thrown forward. The dart’s feathers are made from 9 to 12 peacock quills, and warriors carried around 50 in quivers on their ponies. The sharp tip is often poisoned with snake venom, bee venom, or chili extract. The poison made the weapon even more deadly. The Arambai can be thrown up to 70 to 80 yards, and a throwing stick was sometimes used to increase the distance. It could be thrown one by one or in groups, depending on the situation. The Arambai was an important weapon for both defense and attack. [3] [4] [5]

Arrows

A special arrow was mentioned in ancient Meitei texts for defeating the Kakyen. Kakyen Mingamba - Tyrannical monstrous gigantic colossal cannibalistic bird - swallowing Meitei Elder Prince Yoimongba in front of Younger Prince Taothingmang - Classical Meitei mythology & folklore of ancient Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
A special arrow was mentioned in ancient Meitei texts for defeating the Kakyen.

In ancient Meitei language, the bow and arrow is called Waira. The use of arrows goes back a long time, as seen in old Puya (Meitei texts). One story, called Numit Kappa (shooting of the sun), tells how Khwai Nongchengba made a bow and arrow and used it to shoot down the elder sun, Taohuireng Ahanba. Later, Chaoba Meleiba Sangton Sanouba killed Khwai Nungjengba with an arrow at Kangla. [4]

Although arrows were mostly used in war, they were also used for other things. For example, there were arrows used in rituals, like Naowa Khoijuten (an arrow for a child’s birth ritual), Kasan Yongkap Ten (an arrow for shooting monkeys), Hangoi Taokapli (an arrow for shooting floating frogs), and Leinung Hikap Yaikap Ten (an arrow for black magic). These examples show that arrows had many uses beyond just being weapons. [4]

Spears

In old Meitei language, the spear is called Timen. It is one of the oldest traditional weapons of the Meitei people. The spear is used in war and hunting. When in battle, the spearman uses a shield for protection, but for hunting, the spear alone is easier to use. The spear has two sharp iron tips at both ends of the handle. Different parts of the spear have special names, like Tjin (shoukhet), Mashong, Maya, Khang (Ta Machi), Takhok, Taning, and Tadon. [4]

Spears were widely used by the Ancient Meiteis for hunting wild animals, including tigers. The classical Meitei epic of "Khamba and Thoibi" - The tiger hunt.jpg
Spears were widely used by the Ancient Meiteis for hunting wild animals, including tigers.

There are different types of spears for different purposes. For example:

  1. Lambu Ta is a large spear used to fight tigers. [4]
  2. Langshoi is the smallest but longest spear, used to guide elephants. [4]
  3. Khangnangta has a sharp arrow-like tip and is used for hunting pigs. [4]
  4. Sagol Ta (or Thougal Ta) is a lance used by cavalrymen. [4]
  5. Taronta (or Hunnata) is another spear used by cavalrymen. [4]
  6. Tapak has a wide tip and is used in battle against both people and animals. [4]

Each type of spear is made for a specific job, showing how skilled the Meitei people were in using these weapons. [4]

Spears were frequently used by the Ancient Meiteis for controlling elephants. KHAMBA THOIBI EPIC - THE TORTURE BY THE ELEPHANT.jpg
Spears were frequently used by the Ancient Meiteis for controlling elephants.

Swords

Swords resembling natural objects

In ancient times, swords were made to look like things in nature, such as tree leaves, grasses, birds, fish, and flowers. Old Meitei books like Miyat, Cheitharol Kumbaba, and Thanglon Thangchat mention these shapes. For example, Cheishuthang looked like a rainbow, Tarungthang was shaped like a Pongtha leaf, and Chaklai Thang looked like the leaf of the Leikham herb. Kapakthang resembled a Kabo Leiteng, and Pikanba looked like the Copella bird (Cheklaobi). Sairem Thang was shaped like the Labeo fish, and Laithang Nungthanba looked like the tip of the Leikham herb. Finally, Nungshamba resembled the Anguilla eel. These shapes show how the Meitei people connected their swords to nature. [4]

Swords of royalties and nobles

Pukak Thang - a traditional Meitei sword exclusively used for beheading of guilty people by executioners (Sanglingba), after being permitted by Meitei kings Pukak Thang - a traditional Meitei sword exclusively used for beheading of guilty people by executioners (Sanglingba), after being permitted by Meitei kings of ancient Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Pukak Thang - a traditional Meitei sword exclusively used for beheading of guilty people by executioners (Sanglingba), after being permitted by Meitei kings

Kings, nobles, courtiers, and high-ranking military commanders used two types of swords: Langthang (war sword) and Leiteng Thang (decorative sword). Langthang was used in battle and was heavier, longer, and thicker than the Leiteng Thang, which was used in martial shows and competitions. The Langthang had a sharp edge on the blade and at the tip of the slightly curved back. [4]

Old books like Ningthourolgi Thang, Ningthourol Lambuba, and others mention that kings had their swords specially made and gave them unique names. [4] Some of the kings' swords and their names are:

  1. King Urakonthouba had two swords named Soisen and Leirukhomba. [4]
  2. King Naothingkhong’s sword was called Ipuphaba. [4]
  3. King Charairongba had two swords named Khumomba and Pukanba. [4]
  4. King Kiyamba’s sword was named Lairenbang. [4]
  5. King Khagemba had four swords: Khunkhomba, Khoubomba, Loknung Lakaba, and Nongthang Yeklaba. [4]
  6. King Garibaniwaj’s sword was called Yakhu Yekteiba. [4]
  7. King Chingthangkhomba had a sword named Changlei Meiraba. [4]
  8. King Gambhir Singh had two swords named Khellei Meiraba and Yelei Meiraba. [4]
  9. King Chandrakirti’s sword was called Chenglei Meiraba. [4]

These names show how important swords were to the kings and their special value. [4]

Swords of seven clans

Illustrations of the swordsNames of the swordsRomanisationAssociated Meitei clansRomanisationMaximum breadth (cm) [2] Maximum length (cm) [2] Note(s)
Mangang Dynasty Sword.jpg
ꯆꯛꯊꯥꯡChak Thaangꯅꯤꯡꯊꯧꯖꯥ (ꯃꯉꯥꯡ) Ningthouja (Mangang)6.259.6 [7] [8]
Luwang Dynasty Sword.jpg
ꯇꯣꯟꯗꯨꯝꯕTondumbaꯂꯨꯋꯥꯡ Luwang 5.758.7
Khuman Dynasty Sword.jpg
ꯇꯣꯟꯀꯛꯄTonkakpaꯈꯨꯃꯟ Khuman 6.657.2
Angom Dynasty Sword.jpg
ꯄꯨꯀꯛ ꯊꯥꯡPukak Thaangꯑꯉꯣꯝ Angom 6.350.1
Moilang Dynasty Sword.jpg
ꯌꯦꯟꯕꯥ ꯃꯇꯣꯛ ꯁꯥꯕYenbaa Matok Saabaꯃꯣꯢꯔꯥꯡ ꯁꯂꯥꯢ (ꯃꯣꯢꯂꯥꯡ) Moirang (Moilang)7.254.2
Kha Nganpa Dynasty Sword.jpg
ꯂꯥꯏꯊꯥꯡ ꯆꯤꯅꯥꯏꯕLaithaang Chinaaibaꯈꯥ ꯉꯥꯟꯄ Kha Nganpa 5.958.6
Salang Leishangthem Dynasty Sword.jpg
ꯈꯨꯟꯊꯣꯡ ꯊꯥꯡKhunthong Thaangꯁꯂꯥꯡ ꯂꯩꯁꯥꯡꯊꯦꯝ (ꯁꯂꯥꯏ ꯂꯩꯁꯥꯡꯊꯦꯝ) Sarang Leishangthem (Salang / Salai Leishangthem / Chenglei)5.959.1

Weapons of deities

Names of the weaponsRomanisationAssociated deitiesPurposes (if any)Note(s)
ꯆꯩꯁꯨ ꯊꯥꯡCheisu Thang Marjing walking stick/sword [2]
ꯊꯥꯡ ꯀꯣꯏꯔꯦꯝꯕThang Koiremba Koupalu (Koubru)sword
ꯊꯥꯡ ꯀꯥꯏꯔꯦꯝꯕ(a) Thang-Kairemba Sanamahi (Asheeba)swords
ꯂꯨꯀꯞ ꯊꯥꯡ(b) Lukap-Thang
ꯆꯞ ꯊꯥꯡChapThang Atingkok (Atiya)sword
ꯈꯥꯡꯁꯨ ꯇꯥKhangsu-Ta Poireiton spear

Weapons used in Thang Ta

Illustration(s) [9] Names of the weapon(s)/performance(s) in Thang Ta [9] Note(s)
Chaina Ta + Khousalol (Khousarol) + Lan Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Chaina Ta + Khousalol (Khousarol) + Lan Thang [9]
Chaina Ta + Leiteng Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Chaina Ta + Leiteng Thang
Chaina Ta of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Chaina Ta
Khousalol (AKA Khousarol) + Chaina Ta of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Khousalol (AKA Khousarol) + Chaina Ta
Khousalol (AKA Khousarol) + Thang Leiteng of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Khousalol (AKA Khousarol) + Thang Leiteng
Khousalol (Khousarol) + Lan Thang + Leiteng Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Khousalol (Khousarol) + Lan Thang + Leiteng Thang
Khousalol (Khousarol) + Thengkoulol (Thengkourol) of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Khousalol (Khousarol) + Thengkoulol (Thengkourol)
Khousalol + Chaina Ta + Lan Thang + Leiteng Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Khousalol + Chaina Ta + Lan Thang + Leiteng Thang
Lan Thang & Thang Leiteng of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Lan Thang & Thang Leiteng
Lan Thang + Leiteng Thang (Fig. 1) & Lan Thang + Chaina Ta (Fig. 2) of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Lan Thang + Leiteng Thang (Fig. 1) & Lan Thang + Chaina Ta (Fig. 2)
Ta Khousaba (Ta Khoushaba) of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Ta Khousaba (Ta Khoushaba)
Ta Khousalol (Ta Khousarol) + Chaina Ta + Leiteng Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Ta Khousalol (Ta Khousarol) + Chaina Ta + Leiteng Thang
Thengkoulol (Thengkourol) + Khousalol (Khousarol) + Leiteng Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Thengkoulol (Thengkourol) + Khousalol (Khousarol) + Leiteng Thang
Thengkoulol (Thengkourol) + Ta Khousalol (Ta Khousarol) + Lan Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Thengkoulol (Thengkourol) + Ta Khousalol (Ta Khousarol) + Lan Thang
Thengkoulol + Khousalol + Chaina Ta + Lan Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Thengkoulol + Khousalol + Chaina Ta + Lan Thang
Thengkoulol + Khousalol + Lan Thang + Leiteng Thang of Thang Ta - Ancient Meitei classical martial art - Intangible cultural heritage of Kangleipak civilisation.jpg
Thengkoulol + Khousalol + Lan Thang + Leiteng Thang

See also

References

    1. 1 2 3 4 5 Green, Thomas A.., Svinth, Joseph R.. Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation. United States: ABC-CLIO, 2010. p. 294-297
    2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Singh N. A. , Bezbaruah D., Gourachandra M. / Antrocom Online Journal of Anthropology, vol. 18, n. 2a (2022) 349-356" (PDF).
    3. "Arambai: A Weapon for Guerrilla Warfare" (PDF). abhidhajournal.
    4. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 "Weapon Tradition of Manipur" (PDF). International Journal of Research in Social Sciences.
    5. "Arambai Meitei weapon that kept medieval Burmese at bay By Phanjoubam Chingkheinganba". e-pao.net. Retrieved 2025-02-12.
    6. Sana Sharma, gurumayum (2008). Safa Lanfa Thengkourol (in Manipuri). India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India. pp. 39–40.
    7. Monihar, N. (2000). Sagei Salai Apoklon (in Manipuri). India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India.
    8. Neelbir, Sairem (2004). Erat Thouram Thounirol Lairik (in Manipuri). India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India. p. 140.
    9. 1 2 3 Awangcha Mangang, Saikhom (2005-02-12). Thang Tagee Liklam Lichat (in Manipuri). India: Internet Archive; Digital Library of India.