Khong Lanmi

Khong Lanmi (ꯈꯣꯡ ꯂꯥꯟꯃꯤ),^[a] also known as Khongmi Lanmi (ꯈꯣꯡꯃꯤ ꯂꯥꯟꯃꯤ),^[b] refers to the infantry or foot soldiers of the Meitei traditional army. It was one of the three main divisions of the military, along with Sagol Lanmi (cavalry or horsemen) and Hi Lanmi (naval or boat army).^[1][2][3]

The Khong Lanmi were the most numerous and important branch of the Meitei military forces. These infantry soldiers were trained to engage in direct hand-to-hand combat and often faced enemies fearlessly, sometimes fighting against several opponents at once.^[1][2][3]

The Meitei army, including the infantry, was organized using a decimal system, similar to that of the Mughals. The basic unit was a regiment of 1,000 soldiers, originally called Fauji or Doli, later known as Tuli. The entire army was made up of 13 Tulis, each with its own name and command.^[1][2][3]

Each Tuli was divided into several Lups (companies). A Tuli usually had 7 to 17 companies. Each Lup was led by a Lakpa, and below him were various officers including Hidang Hanjaba, Thangsuhanba, Thangsunaha, Tenshuhanba, Tenshunaha, and Meiraba. During the British period, ranks like Captain, Subedar, and Jamadar were also used. The commander of a Tuli was called Lallup Chingba or Tulinaha Major.^[1][2][3]

The Khong Lanmi were recruited through the Lallup system, a type of compulsory military service. All able-bodied Meitei males aged 17 or 18 to 60 years were trained as soldiers. They had to serve the state for 10 days out of every 40 days, ensuring the kingdom had a constant supply of well-trained troops.^[1][2][3]

The infantry used both traditional and modern weapons, especially in different historical periods. Common weapons included^[1][2][3]:

• Thang (sword)

• Ta (spear)

• Langshoi (club or blunt weapon)

• Tapak (broad-tipped spear)

• Oblong shields

• Shingjang (axe)

• Naori (sling)

From the late 16th century, firearms began to be used. King Mungyamba brought guns from Khamral (Burma or China) in 1584 C.E. Later, King Khagemba used guns against enemies in Cachar kingdom and Tripura kingdom. In Pamheiba’s reign (1709–1748), bell metal cannons called Sen Kamran were used. By 1825, Raja Gambhir Singh received 1,500 muskets from the British, indicating further modernization of the army.^[1][2][3]

At various points in history, the infantry had a significant strength:

• King Garibaniwaj had 13,000 well-equipped foot soldiers and an additional 7,000 auxiliary troops.^[1][2][3]

• The Manipuri army had a total of 13 regiments (Tulis), each with about 1,000 soldiers.^[1][2][3]

The thirteen regiments of Khong Lanmi included^[1][2][3]:

1. Tulihal

2. Tuliyaima

3. Tulinaha

4. Bhitna Tuli

5. Vishnu Senahal Tuli

6. Vishnu Naha Tuli

7. Top Tuli

8. Loya Tuli

9. Kang Tuli

10. Kangnao Tuli

11. Oinamlong Tuli

12. Naya Tuli

13. Bamdiyar Tuli

The Khong Lanmi were not just a military force but also an integral part of Meitei society. The Lallup system tied military duty to citizenship, ensuring that military service was both a responsibility and a rite of passage for all Meitei men.^[1][2][3]

• Shamu (Meitei culture)
• Meitei confederacy
• Pana (Meitei culture)
• Meitei martial arts
  • Thang Ta
  • Sarit Sarak
  • Cheibi
• Meitei traditional weapons
• Meitei traditional toys
• Meitei traditional games
• Meitei royal etiquette
• Anglo Manipuri Treaty (1762)
• Manipur Levy
• Anglo Manipuri Treaty (1833)
• Agreement Regarding Compensation for the Kubo (Kabaw) Valley (1834)
• Anglo-Manipur War
• Ahom–Meitei relations
  • Kuranganayani
  • Meitei people in Assam
    • Induprabha
• Burmese–Meitei relations
  • Chakpa Makhao Ngambi
  • Seven Years' Devastation (Chahi Taret Khuntakpa)
  • Meitei people in Myanmar
  • Meitei–Shan relations
• Takhel Ngamba
  • Meitei queens of Tripura
  • Meitei people in Tripura
• Meitei people in Bangladesh