King Sentreng
| King Sentreng | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| King of Ancient Kangleipak | |||||
| Spouse | Sandrembi | ||||
| Issue | Nongda Lairen Pakhangba | ||||
| |||||
| Dynasty | Ancient Kangleipak | ||||
| Religion | Sanamahism | ||||
King Sentreng (alias Sentreng Apanba, Sentreng Pakhangba, Lolang Pakhangba) is a semi-legendary king in the early Meitei history. He has widespread myths and folklore especially as the husband of Sandrembi in popular Sandrembi and Chaisra story. Some oral traditions also refer to him as the father of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba who became the first known and historical king of the Ningthouja dynasty coming to power in 33 CE.[1][2]
Sentreng Pakhangba and His Family
Background and Lineage
Sentreng Pakhangba, also referred to as Lolang Pakhangba during his exile, was the father of Nongda Lairen Pakhangba, the first historically recorded king of the Ningthouja dynasty of Manipur.[1] His lineage was that of mytho-historical, where his father had differentiated skills to the two sons: Kuptreng was instructed on how to be an administrator, meanwhile Sentreng was taught leadership skills. This led to Kuptreng being an administrator and Sentreng being a king.[2]
Overthrow by the Khaba Clan
Sentreng was a ruler of Kangla before there was Nongda Lairen Pakhangba. He was later however overthrown by the Khaba clan who seized view of Kangla. After his defeat, Sentreng went away, first of all he hid in Moirang and then at Nongmaijing Hill near the Angom region. In his exile, he adopted the name Lolang Pakhangba or was also referred to as Leinung Lonja Ariba.[2]
Exile and Survival
During his days in exile, Sentreng had built plans to reclaim his throne back to the Khaba but could not do that directly. He travelled to the north disguised, passing the villages of the hills, until he reached Fatlou Laimakon, the fountain-head of the Iril River and dwelt in disguise with his little son, Nongda Lairen Pakhangba.[3]
Regional Conflicts and Alliances
At this time, a war developed between the Khaba and the Angom clan. The Khaba king was killed during a fight with Pureiromba of the Angom clan where the fight started due to a dispute over the river. Khamchingkon Haiheiba, who was a relative of the Khaba king then asked the assistance of the son in-law in law, Thongaren king of Khamnung, in revenge. Thongaren thereupon sent his brother Poireiton to oppose Pureiromba.
Not able to face the strength of Poireiton, Pureiromba went to Fatlou Laimakon and looked to get Nongda Lairen Pakhangba involved in the battle. Pakhangba fought Poireiton. To save his brother Poireiton, Thongaren gave his sister Laisna to Pakhangba as a peace offering.[2]
Restoration of the Throne
After the success, Nongda Lairen Pakhangba went back to Fatlou Laimakon where Sentreng made him the king. Then Pakhangba traveled to Kangla, reaching it through Hanjing Chingmei and Nonghumshang and officially took up the throne.[3]
Role in the Sandrembi and Chaisra Folktale
In Meitei folklore Sentreng is most well known as the husband of Sandrembi, a wise and virtuous woman who in turn became a queen. Sandrembi has a rival in which is her stepsister Chaisra, who is also the offspring of the step-mother.
The story outlines the manner in which Sandrembi is slandered and punished to the extent of becoming a bird at some point. Sentreng is described as just but gullible king who later on comes to realize the true nature of the cruelty of Chaisra and returns Sandrembi to her ranks.[4][5]
This tale has deeper social implications of virtue, deceit, brother-sister rivalries and justice in general and as such it is one of the oldest folktale recorded in Manipur oral tradition.[6]
See also
References
- ^ a b Goshwami, Hareshwar. History of the People of Manipur. p. 194.
- ^ a b c d Indramani, Naoroibam. "Rulers of Kangla and Ethnic Tribes of Manipur – Part 1". E-Pao.
- ^ a b "Puwari Meitei (Chronicles of Meitei)". The Manipur Page.
- ^ "Sandrembi and Chaisra". epao.net.
- ^ Caesar, Thounaojam; Sanasam, Reena (2018-06-28). "The Oral Folk Literature of the Ancient Meiteis of Manipur: An Analysis of its Cultural Significance". Space and Culture, India. 6 (1): 29–37. doi:10.20896/saci.v6i1.307. ISSN 2052-8396.
- ^ "Folk Tales of Manipur". epao.net.