Thawanthaba

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Meidingu Thawanthaba
Ningthou of Manipur
"Thawanthapa" (Ancient Meitei name) and "Thawanthaba" (Modern Meitei name) of the Meitei king, the ruler of Kangleipak kingdom (Manipur kingdom).png
"Thawanthapa" (Ancient Meitei name) and "Thawanthaba" (Modern Meitei name) of the Meitei king, the ruler of Kangleipak kingdom (Manipur kingdom)
Reign1195 CE – 1231 CE
Predecessor Hemtou Iwanthaba
Successor Chingthang Lanthaba
Issue Chingthang Lanthaba
Dynasty Ningthouja dynasty
Father Hemtou Iwanthaba
Religion Sanamahism

Meidingu Ayangba Sharichongba Thawanthaba, shortly known as Thawanthaba was a king of the Ningthouja dynasty of Manipur Kingdom, as recorded in the royal chronicle, the Cheitharol Kumbaba . [1] His reign is noted for several military expeditions that expanded the kingdom's influence over neighboring tribes and regions. [2] [1]

Contents

Military campaigns

Shortly after ascending the throne in 1195 CE, Thawanthaba led an expedition against the Chingsong tribes. His forces defeated them, captured the region of Leimuyangtak, and set fire to Chingsong village. [1] During another raid on Koiching Koimahou, a figure named ThawaLanchengsoi was captured. [3] Following these victories, the king became known as Thawanthapa. [1] [3] [4]

He then launched a northern campaign against Yirong, where his forces captured several individuals including a maiden named Naokhong and two men named Naokhongchamba and Konthou. [2] Further military action took place near LoichingYiyei in Aarong, a village inhabited by the Haos, where he emerged victorious and captured approximately twenty people, including Thongthoppa, Phupampa, Phouoisang, Haopathikba the LantaThourangba, and Huirongtaoba. [1]

His campaign against the people of Langmeithet was also successful. In this battle, several individuals were taken as captives, including TharalintuMacha, Kaklen the ironsmith, KhuraiMente, TachopKhongwai, and KakchakSamkhomnapi. [1]

Alliance and conflict with Khuman

Thawanthaba was initially allied with Punsiba, the chief of the Khuman kingdom. [4] When Punsipa requested military assistance, Thawanthaba sent troops—including soldiers aboard the kingdom’s fastest barges—to support him in a campaign against the villagers of Heirem. The campaign was victorious, and they captured several individuals, including a lame man named Khonga and another man known for causing civil disturbances. [5]

However, relations between Thawanthaba and Punsipa deteriorated due to a conflict involving Punsiba’s daughter, Chingkhei Thanpi. This led to open warfare between the two rulers. Thawanthaba again emerged victorious, capturing several individuals in battle: NongyaiHaotaraipa, HaotaKoipa, Aaronlinampa, YaithingKaorong, and a maiden named Konu. [1] [2]

Legacy

Thawanthaba's reign exemplified the military strength and expansionist ambitions of the Ningthouja dynasty during the late 12th century. His conquests helped consolidate Manipuri control over several hill and valley regions, particularly in conflict-prone areas bordering tribal settlements. [2] [1]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Parratt, Saroj Nalini (2005). The Court Chronicle of the Kings of Manipur: 33-1763 CE. Routledge. ISBN   978-0-415-34430-2.
  2. 1 2 3 4 "History of The PEOPLE of MANIPUR by Hareshwar Goshwami". Scribd. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
  3. 1 2 ""Sing(h) Title" in the Meitei name of Manipur". www.thesangaiexpress.com. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
  4. 1 2 A Glimpse of the State Formation of Manipur (PDF).
  5. ↑ "Retelling the history of Manipur through the narratives of the Puyas", Semantic Scholar, (PDF).
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